Shining Tears - Story Notes -
Last Revised: 26th December 2004
Started: 21st December 2004
By: Yamikarasu

I am currently replaying the game and making little notes on the story as I go along. What you will see are some rough notes that I have jotted down; they aren't laid out in a neat and proper story-telling fashion.

My knowledge of Japanese may not be very good, but if I am not sure if something, rest assured that I will not make things up. I will only include parts which I am pretty sure of. However, please be aware that there might be some mistakes abound, too.

I will be doing this at my own leisure and may never finish this, so don't ask me when I will update this.

The US version will eventually get released in 2005, and by then, this would end up being useless. But I am doing it for fun and out of my own curiosity anyway.

*There will be spoilers in my notes. However, I have labeled each section according to the scenarios. Since I am following the flow of the game, I advice everyone to only read up to the point where they are currently at to avoid spoiling the story. *
 

*DISCLAIMER*
 - You may link to this page, but please do not copy my work and redistribute them in any ways, be it on other websites, forums, message boards, mailing lists, etc.
- If you want to reference some of the material here, please do have the courtesy to credit me. Thanks. =)


Contents:

*Able to select partners from here on*

After Starting the Game

*After the opening that introduces the various towns*

The scene opens with Elwing visiting the town of Shildia. It has been quite a while since she has last been here. She suddenly notices someone by the shore. She realizes that it was a youth who is seriously injured. She attempts to take him for immediate treatment, but just as she moves him, a ring drops off the youth and into the river. She did not think much of it, as the person's life was of greater priority for now.

Scene: Hero's Mansion (2nd Storey)

The youth whom Elwing rescued awakes and find himself bed-ridden. Elwing tells him that he has been treated by the local doctor, Pios. It turns out that the youth has forgotten everything about himself and the only thing that he remembers is his name: Xion.

Xion exclaims that the ring on his right hand is missing; he explains that it is similar to the one on his left hand. Elwing informs him that it has dropped into the river. Pios tries to examine the ring. He attempts to remove it, but it seems to be held in place some kind of magic or force.

Pios decides to drop the idea and leaves. Elwing reassures Xion that Pios is a reliable man ("He can be trusted") and tells him to get some rest. Xion agrees.

( A Week(?) Later )

Scene: Lower Bar in Hero's Mansion.

Pios, Elwing and Xion gather around. Pios remarks that Xion looks a lot better than they first found him. However, Elwing replies that he still has not recovered his memory yet.

They proceed to talk about the payment for their lodgings at the inn (*Ed's note: Not too sure about this part, so I will skip it.)

Pios then goes on to talk about the research he has done on Xion's mysterious ring.

- There is a legend known as "The Legend of the Knights of the Twin Dragons".
- The Rings are called the "Twin Dragon's Ring".
- There were two knights and each possessed a ring that granted power to its wearer.
- With it, they defeated all enemies who opposed them.
- However, one of the Knights was overcome by greed and killed the other Knight to claim his ring. He now possessed both rings.
- When he tried them on, he was unable to withstand the power of both rings, and was killed in the process.
 


Scenario 1: Awakened Power


( The Next Day )

Scene: Lower Bar in Hero's Mansion.

Pios requests for Xion and Elwing to run an errand for him as a way to settle their rent at the Inn (Ed's note: Again, I am not very familiar with what was discussed regarding the payment of their rent). He tells them to go and pick some white yuri (herbs) for him at the Regulus region. However, he warns them to watch out for wild monsters which may pose a danger to them.

Scene: Reguslus
Xion and Elwing are in a forest. They get ambushed by some monsters. Having no way out, Elwing proposes to Xion to use the power of the ring. Xion is a little taken aback.

X: "You actually believe that?" (*referring to the legend of the ring)
E: "Try it and we'll find out."

Xion holds up his hand, and the second ring appears on Elwing. (Ed's note: Either the ring mysteriously appeared, or I somehow missed out the fact that Xion managed to recover.)

( Battle Begins )

( After the Battle )

Elwing and Xion return to the Hero's Mansion. They tell Pios that they had a run-in with monsters but managed to fight them off with the power of the ring. Pios is a little worried; he warns them not to use the ring again as it might endanger their lives.

Having said that, Pios makes his way out with the herbs.
 


Scenario 2: Dark Shadow of the Shinobi

Scene: Lower Bar, Hero's Mansion

The master of the inn, Volg explains that the king (Ed's note: not too sure of his title; maybe magistrate?) Bolboa is waiting for his wine (some Bestia brew, 17 years) to be delivered. He assigns the task to Xion and Elwing as a way to compensate for the late payment of their rent.

Scene: The Castle, Garden

It is already night by the time Xion and Elwing were done. Elwing remarks that she is tired. On their way out, they heard cries of "thief", and run into the perpetrator, who is dressed like a ninja. Elwing gets all excited, thinking that they will be handsomely rewarded if they catch this thief. She persuades Xion to use the ring again even though they were told not to. The Thief calls out his band of ninjas.

( Battle Begins )

( After the Battle )

The Thief and his troops escape through a secret passageway.

Elwing suddenly gets a major headache and collapses. Xion quickly rushes her back to the inn.

Scene: Hero's Mansion, Lower bar

Pios treats Elwing. After the two explain what had happened, Pios reprimands them for using the ring again despite his warnings. (Ed's Note: It was very likely that Elwing's headache was caused by the ring.) Elwing apologized and said that she only did it cos' they could ask for a reward if they caught the thief.
 

Scenario 3: Holy Maiden of Fate

Scene: Hero's Mansion, Lower bar

A girl dressed in priestess robes enter and speaks to Volg at the counter.

Girl: Pardon me, where is the Hero-sama? (Ed's note: Not sure if she was referring to one hero, or many heroes.)
Volg: Hero-sama??? (*gives a surprised look* Ed's Note: Gotta love that look! ^^)
Girl: The sign outside; it says this is the Hero's Mansion.
Volg: Sorry, Miss, but that is the name of this inn. There is no 'hero'.
Girl: Ah, really? *disappointed* I was hoping to approach him for help.
Volg: *Sigh* You aren't very well-informed, are you? (Ed's note: He says something along these lines.)

At this point, Pios interrupts the conversation. He asks if the girl is a priestess from the Etwarl Shrines. The priestess is a little surprised and formally introduces herself as Ryuna. Pios says that he recognized her from the staff she carries. Ryuna is surprised that outsiders are familiar with the "Staff of Kadoukeus". She goes on to explain herself.

Ryuna says that the Etwarl Shrines have been attacked by monsters. She wanted to go to the castle for help, but being unfamiliar with the town, she got lost. Volg calls out to Blanc Neige to dispatch the message to the castle.

Ryuna insists on returning to Etwarl as she is worried of her guardian, Razalus, who is fighting off the monsters as they speak. Pios says that it is too dangerous and advises Ryuna to rest upstairs while the castle sends help. Ryuna agrees and goes up.

Pios asks Volg to prepare some soup for Ryuna. (Ed's note: Volg cracks a joke about his soup; I am not too sure of it for now. Might want to read up on it out of my own curiosity.)

The soup is ready and Pios takes it up. To his horror, Ryuna has disappeared. He thinks that she may have sneaked out of the inn unnoticed and returned to Etwarl on her own.

Scene: Field

Xion catches up with Ryuna. She insists on returning to the Etwarl Shrines because she is worried. Xion decides to follow her.

Scene: Etwarl Shrine, outside

Xion and Ryuna reach the shrine, but get surrounded by monsters. They are in a most grave situation. Xion tells Ryuna to run while he hold them off, but she can't just leave him alone. Xion thought of using the ring, but he remembers that it is now with Elwing.

All of a sudden, the ring appears on Ryuna's hand, much to everyone's surprise. Ryuna wonders why she is wearing a ring she has never seen before. Xion replies that it is the Twin Dragon's ring, but he has no time for explanations and tells her to trust him.

( Battle begins )

( After Battle )

Scene: Etwarl Shrine, inside.

Ryuna finds Razalus and the rest of the priests on lying on the ground. She is relieved when she learns that Razalus is okay.

(Ed's Note: Razalus' manner of speech is strage. It's a little chopped up and that's what makes him unique. Well, to me anyway.)

Razalus: Ryuna... fought?
Ryuna: Yes.
Razalus: Ryuna... strong... didn't know.

Ryuna tells Razalus that it is due to the power of the ring, but never mind that. She is just glad that he is unharmed.

Razalus remarks that he has failed to protect the shrine from the monsters, thereby failing in his duty as a guardian.

All of a sudden, Razalus recalls something. The monsters have stolen Ryuna's necklace from her room. He vows to get it back because it is her treasure. Ryuna tells Razalus to forget about the necklace, but he insists on retrieving it. Since Ryuna is unable to stop him, she requests Xion to follow him.

Razalus: Is he strong?
Ryuna: Of course.
Razalus: Alright. We go together.

While Xion and Razalus leave, Ryuna proceeds to tend to the rest of the injured.

Scenario 4: Footsteps of Destruction

Scene: Mountain side.

Razalus tells Xion to use the ring; the one that Ryuna mentioned. Xion does not feel good about it, but uses it anyway.

( Battle beings )
( Battle ends )

Razalus is delighted that they managed to recover the stolen necklace. Xion (in his 'dark version') remarks, "This thing? Which strange shop did you get this from?" Razalus is a little offended and replies that the necklace was not bought. He says that the necklace reminds them of the first time he and Ryuna met (Ed's note: I hope I did make a big mistake here. I didn't quite understand what Razalus said. I am guessing it has sentimental value?)

Just then, Razalus hears footsteps. Both him and Xion move over to the cliff.

They catch sight of a huge army marching. They look like they are ready to invade. Razalus recognized them as the Runehaal army. They decide to warn Ryuna about it.

---

Scene: Back at the shrine.

Ryuna, Xion and Razalus are now aware of the Runehaal army's approach. They have to evacuate immediately. However, they wonder how come such a huge force is sent to attack the Etwarl shrines.

The group feels that the Runehaal army might be planning to attack Shildia instead. They decide to return to Shildia to warn the others.

Before they leave, Ryuna seals off the 'divine body' to ensure that it is not discovered if the shrine falls into the hands of the enemy.


---

Intermission: From the townspeople, you will learn that the Runehaal army has been renamed to "Runegeist" by the 2nd prince of the empire. The town is now in a state of panic because of the invasion.

Scene: Hero's Mansion

Pios returns after gathering some information. It seems that the Runegeist army has set up camp east of Shildia. The enemy will completely surround the town within a couple of days.

Xion asks if Shildia has its own military force to fight off the invasion. Pious replies that it is supposed to be the responsibility of the town's mercenary forces. However, they have grown lazy because of the peaceful life, and once news of the invasion has spread, the mercenaries all fled for their lives.

"That is so pathetic." Volg interrupts at this point. Pios tells Volg to say something about the matter. After all, he is the leader of that mercenary group; the "Weiss Ritter" (or Weiß Ritter; White Knights). Everyone looks at Volg, surprised. In fact, the only member other than himself that remained was Blanc Neige who was sitting across the room.

It turns out that the Hero's Mansion is supposed to be the Weiss Ritter's base of operations. Volg remarks that it is understandable that the others ran away because he heard that Runegeist has the legendary heroes, Asclay and Keiron on their side.

Elwing mentions that she has heard of the legend of the four heroes who fought off evil. Volg says that there are supposed to be 5 heroes (Ed's Note: I think I saw this mentioned), but anyway, they were at a disadvantage since the enemy has 2 of them.

At this point, Ryuna volunteers herself to join the Weiss Ritter. She feels that she cannot allow Runegeist to do as they wish. Razalus volunteers himself, too, after Ryuna, and he says that he hopes to recover the Etwarl shrine. Elwing also wants to join, saying that she has grown to like the town of Shildia.

At this point, Volg turns to Xion. He says that their chances of survival would be higher with the help of his ring. Pios is rather distraught when he hears this, but Volg tells him that they have no choice. Since they are fighting a losing battle, they might as well give it a shot.

"How about it, Xion? Will you join the Weiss Ritter and fight for the sake of Shildia?" (Ed's note: Volg's voice clip from the official site. I kinda like it.)

Xion ponders for a while and agrees.

"But will he be a burden to us?" Blanc Neige remarks at this point. She seems to doubt Xion's ability and thinks that he will run away like the rest when the going gets tough. Everyone is a little unhappy by what she said.

Volg has an idea. He says that they will launch an attack on the enemy's encampment east of Shildia. They will be tired from their journey and it is easier for them to strike in the night.

Volg picks Xion and Blanc Neige for the mission.

Blanc Neige agrees and comments that it will be a good chance to witness the power of the ring.


Scenario 5: Unresolved Heart

Scene: Enemy Encampment

Blanc Neige tells Xion that she is aware of his amnesia. She asks him if he has ever thought of the possibility that he might actually be from Runegeist and going against his people. Xion is a little loss for words.

( after ring transformation )

Xion says that he does not rule out the possibility that he might be one of the enemy, but at the moment, he shall fight for the sake of Shildia and his views shall not be clouded.

( Battle begin )

( battle end )

Scene: Hero's Mansion

The group is happy of their success.

Blanc Neige apologizes for her words earlier. She thought that they were all just like the rest; running off and hiding in times of danger. She is now convinced that they are different.

(Ed's Note: At this point in time, Blanc Neige says something offensive again, though I am not sure what was discussed.)

---

Volg feels that they need more allies for their battle against Runegeist. Pios says that he will speak to the townspeople for help.

Volg calls Xion outside. He says that he wishes to go to the Dwarf Cave. They are good blacksmiths and are worth recruiting for their cause.
 



Scenario 6: Iron Will


(Ed's note: I won't touch on what is discussed during the negotiations.)

Volg fails to persuade the Dwarves to help them. Suddenly, there is news of monsters attacking the cave. The Dwarves are caught by surprised as not many knew how to get in.

Volg and Xion decide to fight off the monsters. As they are about to set off, they catch sight of a figure that disappears shortly after. Xion wonders if it could be an enemy spy and asks if they should give chase. Volg says that they should concentrate on the monsters as their priority.

( battle beings )

( battle ends )

The Dwarves thank Volg and Xion for their help. Volg remarks that everyone should help one another in this very time of need. They then leave the cave and return back to the inn.

---

Scene: Hero's Mansion

Volg tells the rest about the monster attack at the cave. The group wonders how the monsters got in. It could be the work of an enemy spy.

Ryuna suggests approaching the local ruler Bolboa for help. Volg says that Bolboa is selfish and helps no one but himself. It is already evident in the fact that he did not send reinforcements to Etwarl when Ryuna requested for help. However, given that Shildia is in a dire situation right now, it is worth a try.

Scene: Bolboa's Throne Room

The group meets Bolboa, who refuses to provide any support for the Weiss Ritter. He says that Runegeist would not be able to break into Shildia's defenses. After all, Shildia is supposed to be known as the "shishi no tategami" (???). However, he says that he will fortify the castle as precaution.

The group is disgusted that Bolboa only chooses to fortify the castle and protect himself, but not the townspeople.

Bolboa dismisses the group and says that he will give them a reply after he thinks it over.

---

Scene: Hero's Mansion

The group starts pondering about turning to other allies who may help them. Volg suggests approaching the Giant race, but Pious says that they don't like mixing with those who are not of their kind. Volg says that it is worth trying.

Just then, a cat girl enters the room. Volg is surprised. He recognizes her as Mao.

Mao says that she is Bolboa's xxx (Ed's note: Not sure what it is; secretary? housekeeper? errand runner?) and is here to deliver a message from him. Volg wonders why is Mao involved in this and she says that she volunteered herself.

Mao sees Xion and comments that the Weiss Ritter must be really shorthanded to have recruited a guy like him. Xion says nothing and asks Volg who is this girl.

After much talking, Volg gets the letter from Mao. The contents left him infuriated and he passes it on to Pios to read out.

In the letter, Bolboa entrusts all military matters to the Weiss Ritter. They are to use any means to ensure the safety of Shildia, but he will not give them a single cent. He wants them to settle everything themselves.

Volg feels that it is pointless carrying on. He decides that they should just go seek the Giants for help. Mao tags along.
 


Scenario 7: Warmth of the Snow

Volg tries to persuade the Giants to join them. The elder of the Giants, Dango, have indeed heard of the Runegeist invasion, but he feels that it is none of their concern.

Just then, a Giant youth appears, saying that his father has been surrounded by monsters.

The group decides to help out. Mao volunteers to help out and Volg lets her after a little argument. Mao tells Xion to use the ring, but Volg wonders how come she knows about it, too.

( battle begin )

( battle end )

The Giants are pleased with what the Weiss Ritter have done. Dango tells them that he will think it over and get back to them with an answer.

---

Scene: Hero's Mansion

Back at the inn, the group wonders why Mao is still here. Mao insists on staying to help them, even though Volg initially refused.

---

Intermission: Play a few free scenarios.

The Giants have come to visit the Weiss Ritter. They have made up their mind and decided to help out.
 


Scenario 8: Standing in the Way

The group lays an ambush on the mountainside for the enemy. As they approach, the Giants toss boulders down at them, putting the enemy in a state of confusion.

( Battle Begin )

( Boss Battle )

Xion gets confronted by a mysterious tanned youth. The youth says that it is underhanded to drop bounders at others. He despises people who uses sneaky traps instead of fighting it out fairly.

(Ed's note: I missed lot a lot of other things he said.)

( After Battle )

Xion manages to fight off the mysterious youth. He realizes that the enemy has retreated while he was fighting. Was the youth buying time for Runegeist to retreat?

Scenario 9: Flag of the Saint Beasts

Ed's Note: I won't touch on the mission briefing. I found this map not very memorable, so it is going to be brief.

The Runegeist army begin to move in. Pios devices a plan to fight them off by dividing their forces into manageable sizes and picking them off.

(Battle Begin)

(Boss Battle)

Versus Drestan

(After Battle)

The Weiss Ritter is shocked that there are still a large force of enemy troops remaining. (It seems that their strategy has been leaked to the enemy.) Lucky for them, Pios arrives with the Dwarves, who promptly scares away the Runegeist troops.

Back at the inn, Pios explains. It turns out that the Dwarves had agreed to Volg's request earlier on about joining them. However, they decided not to tell anyone about it first as the news may leak out. It will serve to their advantage if the enemy does not know of their alliance, and there is still the possibility that the enemy has a spy in Shildia.

Scenario 10: Forest of Delusion

Mao has some news of the enemy's progress. The empire will be sending reinforcements and they will be making their way through the Forest of Spirits.

Elwing is concerned because that is the home of the elves. She leaves the Hero's Mansion hastily and makes her way to the forest to warn them.

The group finishes up their mission briefing and prepares to head out. They notice that Mao is missing, but she soon appears, saying that she forgot something. Just as they prepare to leave for the Forest of Spirits, Mao stops them. She does not seem to be herself. Eventually, she breaks down and tells them not to go. ("Don't go to the Forest of Spirits! It's a trap by Runegeist!")

Everyone is taken aback. Mao tells them that the Runegeist army plans to burn down the Forest of Spirits, together with the elves and them in it.

The group asks Mao how come she knows all this. Mao finally admits: She is a spy working for Runegeist. She decided to admit because she did not want to see her friends die. She also cannot tolerate Prince Galahad's despicable tactics (it was his plan).

The group returns for another meeting and a change of plans. Pios says that he will lead some men to take out the troops in the forest who are going to set the fire, while the rest storm into the Forest of Spirits and take out all the enemies.

( Battle )

( Boss )

The group learns that Mao chose to become a spy so that she could investigate the whereabouts of her father.

Fight against Galahad.

( End Battle )

*I did not choose to 'chase Elwing'.*

The group learns that Elwing is actually the queen (princess?) of the elves.
 

Scenario 11: Desert of Schemes

The Runegeist army retreats into the Rastaban Desert. The Weiss Ritter decides to give chase.

( Battle )

( Mid-way )

Xion meets the youth with the long sword again. He asks what he is doing here. The youth replies that he is "looking for someone; the mastermind behind everything".

( Boss )

Xion asks the masked man who he is, and he says that he is Asclay. Asclay appears to know Xion and he remarks that he is surprised to see him still alive. Xion asks Asclay what else does he know, and Asclay is amused that Xion has lost his memory ("How sad. It seems like you have forgotten everything.")

( Boss battle begins )

After the battle, Xion thought that they had won. Asclay says that he will finish them off and attempts to cast a powerful spell.

All of a sudden, the youth with the long sword runs out of nowhere and attacks Asclay. In his conversation, the youth referred to Asclay as the "Yami no Kamen" (Mask of Darkness). Asclay warps away, while the youth gives chase.

Scene: Back at Hero's Mansion

The group huddles around for discussion.

They used to think that the youth was an enemy from Runegeist (since their earlier encounter with him), but he attacked Asclay instead.

It was brought up to Pios that the youth referred to Asclay as the "Mask of Darkness". Pios says that he will investigate on the matter.
 

Scenario 12: ???
During the mission briefing, the group learns that the enemies have got reinforcements. This time, they were up against Cheiron, one of the legendary heroes and the commander of the centaur troops. Volg remarks that the centaurs have very high mobility and are very powerful in battle since they are trained by Cheiron. He says that they are at a disadvantage especially since Cheiron's troops are stationed in the plains.

Pios tells the group that he has a plan and not to take any action unless he tells them to. He says that "the sky will be on their side".
 

To be continued...
(When I am free)

This mini-translation FAQ is property of Yamikarasu. All Rights Reserved 2004.
The contents of this FAQ is not to be reproduced or distributed in anyway without permission from the author.
Shining Tears is copyright (C) of Sega 2004.