doroth

So you're saying you don't mind being a pawn. You're not afraid of being used, of suffering damages?

By suffering damages... do you mean getting put behind bars?

That could very well happen...

Yes, I'm aware. It happened to Loken Williams... I've seen my share of scientists who've made enough mistakes for the government to abandon them.

However, I do know there are quite a few people who get themselves thrown in prison just to look for Loken, to ask for his advice and assistance on their research, as I once did.

Ahem. That is to say, you've made your own terrible decisions.

That road I've walked... is how I managed to get a leg up on the competition. It's essentially how Columbia functions.

How else could the daughter of a Pioneer become a Director of Rhine Lab?

Who would've thought... you've even thought through these things? But... you may not care if you're being used, sure. How about the Pioneers?

Ferdinand and the others may see you as an equal, but when it comes to the Pioneers, they might as well be plastic bags littered out in the wilderness after they're no longer useful, huh?

Well... they will eventually pay their dues.

Even if I can't see things through now, I will eventually. It's my responsibility, after my mistakes.

That was... the biggest mistake I've ever made.

Mr. Feline!

Mr. Feline? What are you standing there for? We need to go!

I'm not a Vulpo or a Feline. I'm an Aslan.

Miss, this is the last time I'll correct you. If it happens again, you'll see the back of my sharp molars instead.

Alright, Mr. Aslan. Come along with us now.

You go on ahead, I've already found my home.

Your home? Where is it...?

Look up.

An upside-down house hangs above Dorothy's head, floating in the vast sky.

Dorothy finally realizes why Mr. 'Aslan' said he could never return home.

I made an irreversible mistake, with only my own pride to blame, and now I have left my home for good.

Mr. 'Aslan,' there must be a way to get you back. We just have to put our heads together!

You go ahead, I'll stay here. This is the punishment I deserve.

Floating... in the sky...

I've got it!

Mr. 'Aslan!' We still have Golosse's balloon!

Balloon...? You're going to float me up with that?

I'll try... I think it's working, my feet are off the ground! I just need to lose some more weight!

Oh my! Mr. 'Aslan,' what are you doing...? Is this... water?

There's so much... Why is it coming out of your ears?

Heheh... I gulped down all that water just to make myself look stronger.

It's like my brain has been bobbing up and down in my head this whole time... Look at me! I'm flying!

The 'Aslan' rises slowly up into the air with the balloon—he is screaming, but it is unclear if from panic or excitement.

For just a moment, Dorothy gets a look at his back molars—they aren't sharp at all. In fact, they're round and cute.

For some unknown reason, Dorothy sheds a tear.

What do you know about Kristen Wright's plans?

Nothing at all.

You may not believe it, but it's the truth.

I'm sorry to say, I'm probably the most out-of-touch person in all of Rhine Lab.

Do you know where she might be right now?

I'm very sorry, but I really don't.

All I know is that she's an idealist. And a very ambitious one.

When she invited me to join Rhine, I saw the same kind of idealistic 'lightning bolt' that I have in her.

Lightning bolt?

An unusual figure appears in the skies above Trimounts.

A pillar of light pierces the sky, and at the moment the truth behind the azure blue pours out for only a moment.

What... is that...?

What's happening in the sky over Trimounts?!

Is... is that Kristen's 'ambitious target?!'

Director Franks.

Director? Are... are you crying?

So that's the truth behind the sky... It's beautiful.

I'm sorry, I just can't hold back my tears.

I expected nothing less from Kristen... She really did it.

Director, you just said you didn't know what Kristen's plans were?

This definitely looks like something she would do.

And... I'm feeling something genuine.

What are you talking about?

It's my 'Transmitter.'

I can feel it through the 'Transmitter'... They've gone to the other side of the sky—

The river of stars does not hide from its impulse to rush into my mind...

'Transmitter', huh?

That sounds like the product of the experiments at Site 359.

I am curious... since you're so closely linked with this creation, did exposure to it result in any negative effects?

Like a side effect?

You could put it that way.

I haven't experienced any particularly noticeable symptoms so far.

If you really press me on it, I do seem to dream a lot more.

Sometimes I can't tell if I'm awake or asleep... or I suddenly feel...

Feel what?

Director Franks. Director Franks?

Oh... Sorry about that, the feeling just came by again.

Like I'm in a hot, arid, deserted wasteland.

Hot...

So hot...

Veggie... slow down a little...

Dorothy, I've reached my stop. This place here's my home.

Huh? Here...? But it's so hot... too hot for anything to ever grow.

Where's the wheat field you talked about? The beautiful new brick house... and your friend who's been waiting for you in the fields?

Uh... my friend, isn't he right next to us?

Here? Oh...are you talking about this raggedy scarecrow?

Yeah, hehe, it's been so long. I didn't expect him to change this much...

And my home too... it's much bigger.

Veggie...

Why don't you come with me? You can live with me!

Dorothy, you've come such a long way with us.

Golosse, Mr. 'Aslan,' and me... we all appreciate you keeping us company on our journey.

But now is the time to say goodbye.

B-But, I'm just worried...

It's alright, Dorothy. I've decided to stay here.

Even if it has changed a lot... this place is still my home. My friend... he's been here the whole time.

I'll stay with him and rebuild our home together.

A breeze blows, and the scarecrow sways with the wind.

Dorothy bids farewell to her last remaining friend.

The desert spans far and wide, but where lies the silver house from her memories?

Kristen has lost her goddamned mind...

Just what kind of monsters has she gathered in Rhine Lab...?