LUNAR STROLLING SCHOOL CHAPTER 6: ISLAND OF THE ARTS, SHELL Narration: Iyen's students have come to Shell, island of the arts, in order to learn a little art appreciation... [In a sumptuous manor, Steel, Eleonora, and Brown meet with a man richly dressed in red with brown hair and a moustache.] Man: A hearty welcome to you all. My apologies for the wait. Steel: It's been a while, Court! You're a great help this year, as always. Court: And, as always, we have many masterpieces on hand this year for you to peruse! Please, let your hearts and minds drink their fill of the arts during your stay. Brown: Yes, well, I've seen many...er...unusual exhibits on display. Court: This year's theme is monsters - and we've had so many submissions that we've had to construct an underground gallery to hold them all! We've run into a few problems, but things should proceed just swimmingly from here on in! Steel [confused]: Monsters...? Are they the source of your problem, then? Court: Ahh, put your mind at ease. It's really a negligible problem at best - nothing to fret about. Ha, ha, ha! [Suddenly, a bulbous yellow creature walks into the room. Eleonora turns to see it.] Eleonora: OH! Who are YOU?! [Eleonora apporaches the...thing.] Eleonora: ? You look like a sculpture, but... "Sculpture": chomp [The sculpture eats Eleonora and takes off.] Brown: AAAAAAAA--that--THING ate Eleonora?! Court: Oh, my. The artwork is STILL finding a way to break in. Steel: Is THAT your "negligible" problem?! [Aaaaannndd back to Elie, Rena, and Senia.] ~Chit-chat~ -lab behind Dadis's house- NPC blocking door: No, no, NO! You are NOT allowed in here! -Iason's dojo- [The girls talk to Iason.] Iason: To become a strong man, you need magic training! I'll teach you a new spell. Narration: Elie learned "Flaze"! Iason: I personally think that a warrior's battle cry is the highest form of art...don't you agree? ~Chit-chat~ Iason [subsequent occasions]: To become a strong man, you need magic training! Return when you've gained more strength. I personally think that a warrior's battle cry is the highest form of art...don't you agree? -Tereina's school- Tereina: All the pupils went to Shell to study the arts! -Dorm, 1st floor- Stella: Everyone went off to see Shell Island and left me...it's so sad. -Dorm, 4th floor, right tower- Reheater: Today's the day for the field trip to Shell! That's why no one is here! -Offices, 1st floor- [The girls talk to Emma.] Emma: Recovery magic, hm? It's important to maintain one's spiritual balance! Well, then, I'll teach you a spell! Narration: Rena learned "Resurrect"! Senia learned "Calm"! Emma: Nearly all the students have gone off to Shell. ~Chit-chat~ Emma [subsequent occasions]: Recovery magic, hm? It's important to maintain one's spiritual balance! When you get a little stronger, come on back! I'll teach you some magic! Nearly all the students have gone off to Shell. -Aruba's shop- Aruba: Shell...I haven't seen it for so long. Maybe I should go. -Brune's greenhouse- Shopkeep: [entering] Welcome. [exiting] Master Brune's herbs are always fresh-picked! NPC: "Shell"? What's that? Brune: I know nothing of the arts... -Ralph's library- NPC: "Shell"? What's that? Ralph: ...Shell. I've little interest in Shell Island. -Robe shop- Shopkeep: [entering] Welcome! Our robes are famous for their quality and durability! [exiting] We'll be getting some new robes in soon! NPC: The "arts"? What're they? Cool, I'll bet... -At the town square/flower circle- NPC: I wonder if I should go, too? NPC: What's an "artwork"? NPC: The master of the art gallery has such keen fashion sense! NPC: Wonder what Shell has on display this time? NPC: All of Shell's citizens are weirdos. -Various houses- Gray-haired NPC: I made a piece of artwork for Shell long ago. Faux-Shopkeep NPC: Shell Island's here? I wonder if they're still churning out all that bizarre stuff... NPC: They say that Shell's here! NPC: I wonder if I should go see Shell as well? [The gals travel to Shell...] ~Chit-chat~ -Various houses in Shell- NPC next to vase on pedestal: What IS that up there? I frankly don't get it. Ant: Coooolll... I don't GET any of it, but - cooolll... Kule: This is way over my head. Rick: There's nothin' but weird stuff here! NPC: Have you seen my work? It doesn't compare to Henner's, though... -Court's manor- NPC: Henner lives in the "Special Exhibition Hall" in the center of town. NPC: This year's theme is monsters, so we're all a bit on edge... NPC: What on earth was the artist trying to say here? NPC: My art just can't compare to Henner's. NPC: I don't get artists. NPC: Have you seen my work? It doesn't compare to Henner's, though... NPC: Have you seen Henner's gallery? It's splendid! -Around town- Man by large statue: Huh? Who's this statue of? The artist? [The party approaches one of the artwork pedestals in the center of town.] Artwork Placard: Title: "Stone and Fish" The title is taken from the harmony between the flawless stone and the fish that swims above it. [Water spurts from the platform, and a fish jumps up from the pedestal.] Rena: Oh! That startled me! Senia: Watch me! I'm gonna catch it next time it pops up! Rena: Why do you want to do THAT? Senia: This's why? [The fish jumps up again, but Senia catches it.] Senia: Heh, heh! Got it! Rena: Hey, wait...you're not supposed to do that! Senia: Don't worry! Fish are for eating, right? Bon appetit! [Senia bites into the fish...] Senia: AAAAA--owowowOW!! What the--it's made of stone!! Rena: Not so simple after all, eh, Senia? ~Chit-chat~ Artwork Placard [subsequent occasions]: Title: "Stone and Fish" The title is taken from the harmony between the flawless stone and the fish that swims above it. [Water spurts from the platform, and a fish jumps up from the pedestal.] [The girls approach another artwork - a large mirror.] Senia [presumably reading placard]: A "lying mirror"?? How can a mirror lie?! He-HEY! I don't look weird like THAT! What the-- Elie: The mirror doesn't show what you really look like. That must be why it's called a lying mirror. Rena: Heh - look at me! Wow! I must've really grown some recently! Senia: Renaaa...that's just another of the lying mirror's tricks! Rena: I don't really want to hear that now, Senia. [The girls move on to another artwork featuring a pig.] Artwork Placard: Title: "Dancing Monster" This work demonstrates that monsters can actually be cheerful and gentle, too! [The pig dances on the platform.] Rena: I wonder if this kind of exhibit's really a good idea... Elie: It's cute, but... ~Chit-chat~ Artwork Placard [subsequent occasions]: Title: "Dancing Monster" This work demonstrates that monsters can actually be cheerful and gentle, too! [The pig dances on the platform.] [The girls check out an artwork that looks like a pair of jugs, one up in the air and upside-down, one semi-sitting upright on the floor. Water flows back and forth in a continual stream between the two.] Artwork Placard: Title: "Emptying Jug, Filling Jug" In this work, the flow of water seems perpetual; the jugs are at once poured from and replenished. [Um...anyhow, the girls finally go to the entrance of a large building in the very center of town, around which all the other exhibits are arranged.] Rena: Oh, this's TOO cool! It's so cool, it's BEYOND cool! Don't you think it's cool?! I don't even UNDERSTAND it, it's so cool!! Senia: I understand the artwork around here just about as much as I understand what Rena said just now - meaning, not at all. Rena: Hey, what's that - an entrance? Senia: "Special Exhibition Hall", it says. Shall we go in and look around? Rena: Oh, it should be interesting! Let's go! [The girls do so. A little way in the museum, however, the monster/artwork that gulped down Eleonora enters the hall as well and starts to come up on them from behind.] Senia: Did you hear a voice? Rena: I heard something coming from behind us... [The artwork/monster appears right behind the girls, who promptly get out of its way.] Eleonora [from inside the monster]: S-someone help me! Get me out of here! [The monster walks away, further into the gallery.] Rena: Wasn't that Eleonora's voice just now? Senia: She was shouting, "Help me"; you don't think that thing just now could've EATEN her, do you? Rena: Brilliant deduction, Senia. This's no time to stand around! Quick, let's go save her! [Suddenly, Brown, Steel, and Court walk into the gallery.] Brown [sweatdropping]: Oh--Elie! What're you doing in a place like this? Elie: We WERE looking at the exhibits, but-- Rena: It looks like something made off with Eleonora just now! What happened? Brown: I'd like to talk at length with you about it, but my hands are full right now! The fellow who invited us all here insisted that he come along! Senia: You can't say one little thing? Rena [angry]: What's HAPPENED to Eleonora?! Steel: I'll handle this. The truth is, all of the island's exhibits have broken loose - just like the "artwork" that seized Eleonora. This has the potential for catastrophe. Senia: Hold on! WHAT?! All the exhibits have "escaped" like that monster-- Court: Let ME speak! There's a simple explanation for all this! That which we call "artwork" is the manifestation of what dwells in one's soul. This year's theme was "monsters". Thus, these artworks can move and act just like the real things. That's not so strange, is it? Senia: What!! You mean, you actually went ahead and created such things KNOWING that they were this dangerous?! Good grief! Steel: It would appear so...right, Court? Court: You're not LISTENING!! The monsters are good-hearted, just like the artists who created them! Rena: So Eleonora's unharmed? Steel: YES!! Are you satisfied?! We have other monsters to contend with now! Rena: Understood. [The three men leave.] ~Chit-chat~ -Various houses in Shell- NPC: What? What? What's happened? NPC: All of a sudden, the artwork... -Court's manor- NPC: That our heart-felt work could come to life - how splendid! NPC: The theme is "monsters", but all the art's walked away. NPC: AAAAAAAAAAHHHH! NPC: What? What? What's happened? NPC: Oh, are you artworks too? NPC: The theme is "monsters", but all the art's walked away. NPC: That our heart-felt work could come to life - how splendid! -Around town- Man by large statue: Huh? Who's this statue of? The artist? [The girls trudge back down into the depths of the Special Exhibition Hall and eventually encounter something that looks like...brown, dancing hair?] Senia: What's that there?! Rena: Another art-monster, eh? Wonder where its exhibit is? Senia: It's coming! [The animated hair - actually something called the Ultimate Hair - attacks the group. Upon defeating it, the girls receive an "Ultimate Hair" item.] Narration: Got the Ultimate Hair! Senia: What WAS that? Rena: Whatever it was, it sure was cross. [The girls continue further into the gallery and encounter a giant eyeball on a stalk.] Rena: What's THAT, now? Senia: Whatever it is, it sure is...gross. Rena: It...it's a giant eyeball! Senia: And it's headed this way! [The Ultimate Eye attacks. As with the Hair, the girls receive the Eye as an item when they defeat it.] Narration: Got Ultimate Eye! [The girls press on and encounter yet another monster - a kinda goofy, blobby-lookin' thing.] Senia: Another monster! Let's get it! [Senia rushes forth and whaps the thing, revealing the monster to be... Ant.] Senia: A-ha! You again! [Rick and Kule follow behind Ant.] Rena: Huh--YOU guys?! No way! Rick: Stay with us, Ant! Kule: This's awful! He's hurt even worse than before! Senia: ....... What'll we do? Rena: Ha, ha, ha... (sweatdrop) Let me heal him. [Rena does so.] Ant: D-dammit! I won't forget this! Rick & Kule: Um...Ant...what'll we do?! [The three boys run like heck...from a set of giant...arms?] Senia: So this's what hurt Ant! Rena: So that's his foe, eh? Elie: ... (sweatdrop) [The Ultimate Arms attack; once again, when defeated...] Narration: Got Ultimate Arms! [The girls continue to the center of the labyrinth to find the monster that ate Eleonora in front of a gray-haired, crazed-looking artist - the "Henner" of which the artists in Court's manor spoke.] Henner: Oh, my God! What on earth do you MEAN?! My love! Are you telling me that our two hearts no longer beat as one?! Please! I've...I've never beheld such style in anyone else! I BEG of you, darling! Open your heart to me! Senia: Old guy's a little bonkers, ain't he? [The girls go in and confront the artist and his work.] Rena: Hey, you! Release Eleonora immediately! Artwork: SCREEEEEE-- [The artwork, known as "Squeeze", attacks and is defeated. It releases Eleonora.] Eleonora: Ohhh...you saved me! Thank you very much! Rena: Oh, we only did what anyone would! Senia: Well, we'd at least better let this guy have it... Senia [angry, to Henner]: Hey, YOU!! Whaddaya think you're DOING, making something so dangerous?! Henner: Nonnnnsense! My objet d'art was not created with any evil intent! NONE, I tell you! Senia: No evil INTENTIONS?! Well, your "objet" made off with Eleonora anyway! Henner: Ohhhh...my poor objet...who was it that tricked you, my sweet? I created my objet with love and affection...it's true! Senia: With love and affection... (sweatdrop) Rena: If that's true, then who was manipulating that artwork? Henner: Ohhhh...my POOR little objet...to think that your beautiful self is now fit for naught but scrap...! Senia: ...Well...it DOES look kinda cute and helpless now... Say, sir? We were wrong after all. Maybe these will help make amends. Narration: Gave Henner the Ultimate Parts! Henner: Ohhh....how magnificent! ......! Ah! An inspiration! You! You beautiful, red-haired goddess! YOU shall be my model! Elie: Me...model? Henner: Yesss!! You!! Only YOU can be the model for my "Ultimate Theme"! Elie: But.... Henner: Your fighting style has provided me with great inspiration! I IMPLORE you, lass! Yield to the entreaties of my burning heart! Elie: ....... (sweatdrop) Rena: ...Well, maybe later. Let's go back first. Everyone's worried about Eleonora! [Everyone goes back to Court's manor and meets up with Court, Steel, Brown, and various artists.] Eleonora [to Steel]: So sorry for giving you such grief, sir. Elie and her friends graciously came to my rescue. Steel: I'm glad you're safe, Eleonora; your safety is paramount to us. But we were also worried about you three... Now, what I'm about to say is very important. Listen up. Elie, Rena, & Senia [all smiles]: ......... Steel: Through our inspections, we've learned that one of the artworks is emitting a dark aura. This piece that's possessed by the spirit causing all this seems to be influencing the others. That's probably why the art's acting up. Elie: Then we'll go destroy the statue that's causing all this! Steel: Then please be careful. Rena: All right! Let's get going! ~Chit-chat~ -Various houses in Shell- NPC: What? What? What's happened? [The girls confront the statue of a man with a cane and a snake draped around his shoulders on the outskirts of town.] Rena: It's this one, isn't it? Let's smash it! [Suddenly...] Voice: Wah, ha, ha, ha! Oh, are you three little girls going to beat me up? Don't make me laugh! Here, now; let me send you home! [The statue attacks. The girls, however, do indeed manage to beat it up real good...] Voice/Statue: M...my...my bo...body!! [The statue is defeated.] Henner [just arrived]: Oh...very nice! What a nice body! Please let me have it! Rena: Ummm...OK, but-- Henner: Oh...thank you! This'll surely yield a great and gorgeous objet d'art! Now then, Elie - PLEASE model for me! [Time presumably passes...] Narration Placard: Henner's artwork is finished, and Elie's come to see it... [We see the three girls and Henner gathered in Shell's town square... before a giant, Cyclops-looking statue.] Henner: Hey, Elie! How do you like it? My objet d'art, into which I've poured all the power of love! Elie [sweatdropping]: ......... Rena: Elie? You OK? Senia: Hey, Elie! You've been immortalized in stone! [The scene fades to black, except for Henner...] Henner: Ha, ha, ha! That's just a conceptual model for the REAL statue...! When I finish the actual work, it will reflect the TRUE nature of my dear Elie!! Ha, ha, ha, ha!! END CHAPTER 6 Lunar, Lunar Strolling School, et al. are the property of Game Arts and Working Designs; this document is not affiliated with either. Translation by RACapowski@sceneryrecalled.com; please do not repost this document without permission.