#dissidia secretum

Cloud escaped into Cornelia Plains and hide on the tree like John did before. He is surprised Sephiroth didn’t realize at all but just when Cloud attack him, Sephiroth dodge it.

Cloud : What’s your purpose ? Why are you after John ? Sephiroth : Didn’t you heard it from the goddess ? That man is hiding a powerful resources. Cloud : John is hiding it ? Sephiroth : You sure don’t know anything, huh ? That train crashed here because it’s after the man’s power. Just like me. Cloud : Then it’s obvious. Whoever John is, I will not hand him over to you Sephiroth : Oh.. Cloud : We are a team ! It’s time ! finish him !

"The wind suddenly blew and it was a coincidence. But Sephiroth responded to my instruction as i was determined because i have a friend."

Sephiroth : You insolent ! Cloud : I am not alone afterall. You’re the one who proved it ! Sephiroth : Foolish ! Cloud : Let’s go ! Sephiroth !!

——————————————————-

ACT 5

Meanwhile, Tidus is inside Phantom Train. He is surprised it’s different then the one he knew (The Sending) and it makes him trembling. He tried to call “the old man he know” and something that looked like a pyreflies transform into the man with sunglasses and appear in front of him. Tidus asked Auron if he board this train but answered he heard that the phantom train derailed and he saw Tidus when he tried to send his thoughts. (Okay i don't know the right translation for this one. I'll explain later)

seriously, didn’t expect to see Auron as ‘cameo’ in this live reading and Ishikawa-san wear sunglasses  *badass*

Tidus think Phantom Train carries the dead like The Sending in Spira. Auron asked him to persuade the souls for not leaving the train because the souls boarded this train is in unstable state. If they held a grudge and leave the train , they will turns into a monster. Why the souls wanted to leave the train so badly because normally, the dead boarded the phantom train must accept their death but this time, one of the souls escaped carrying a the treasure that will revive the dead and the souls think if they have it, they will be revived.

Tidus realized John is probably the one Auron mentioned since he lost his memories and is looking for summon but doesn’t know if John really has the treasure. Auron added no one knows if the treasure is really exist and even if they have it, doesn’t mean it will grant their wish to be revived. The commotion is getting worse so Auron told him they can’t ignored this.

Tidus : If they wait here, The Phantom Train will depart, right ? Auron : Right. but it’ll take some time. Tidus : Okay. I’ll do it. Auron : Speak as you like. They hear your voice. I’ll stop them if someone trying to talk with you. Tidus : O...Okay.

“Listen to me ! Please don’t be panic ! We don’t know if the treasure is really exist or not but if you force yourself searching for it, turn into a monster and start rampaging, It means the end for you. Maybe it’s fine if you turn into monster only in this world but what will happen to you if you return to your own world as it is ? It sounds selfish if you said it’s better if you leave yourself here but you want your living family and friends to do whatever they want and keep smiling but because of your fault, it’ll hurt them more. Leave the one who escaped this train to me . Everyone.. Let’s finish your story for once ! I don’t know anything about the Phantom Train but there was a similar ritual like this in the world I knew. I am a little scared but I think it’s important. If they end it, I don’t know when but I’m sure someday you’ll meet them again in the real world . I’ll prove it to you soon so just wait and see !"

After his speech, Auron gave an applause and praise him for his wonderful speech. Tidus decided to go back to his friend and bring John here before he turn into monster while Auron stayed at the train to make sure nothing bad happened. Tidus ran and leave the train while seeing him off, Auron laughed “I got a great story to share.“

——————————————————-

ACT 6

It started with John’s monologue

“All of sudden, the voices of lament resounded in my head. it was painful and feels like my head is going to explode. But that voices were a part of my memories. A long time ago, I couldn’t protect the woman I love. She lost her memories due to an accident and I was rejected because I made her parents sad. But a year after I left, the village was attacked by enemy country and killed her. It seems she regain her memories and call my name before she died. I don’t care what people say but I shouldn’t leave her that time. I want to meet and talk with her once again. With that determination, I keep continue searching for a legendary treasure that will bring the dead back to life. The treasure was hidden in a cave which is under enemy country’s control. I keep walking through trackless path, avoid myself from the monster, I don’t know how many times I was about to die. I clunged into the rock that seemed to collapse and climb it. At last.. I finally found a glowing stone. That’s right, It’s not over ! I found what I’m looking for. And now, It’s time to wake up from this weird dream !”

Meanwhile, after running away from Sephiroth, Squall is walking while carrying unconscious John on his back. It reminds him with “that time”

“I’m tired. He is heavy.. It’s just like that time. I carried her and walking, keep walking, worried.

Rinoa, Wait for me..”

Squall didn’t realize John is awake until he heard his laugh.

John : hehehe.. Squall : HAH ?! John : Hehe.. Sorry for letting you carry an unpretty guy, Squall. Squall : When did you wake up ? John : Who knows～. Joking aside, Sorry for troubling you. I’m Okay. (John get off from Squall) Squall : ...Let’s go back. John : Yeah..

——————————————————-

ACT 7

Cloud : Ukh.. It’s not over Sephiroth : It’s enough.. Cloud : What ? Sephiroth : The treasure has arrived.. (John and Squall return to aid Cloud) John : Sorry to kept you waiting ! Cloud : John ! Squall ! Squall : I’ll back you up ! John : Me too ! Cloud : No, you can’t, John !! John : Eh ? Woahh !! (Sephiroth attack John) Sephiroth : Useless effort... Squall : Do not underestimate us !! Cloud : John, step back ! John : So you wanted the legendary treasure, huh ? Sephiroth : Oh.. John : I see.. Sephiroth : Give it to me.  (Squall and Cloud keep attacking Sephiroth) That’s too bad. Tidus : TAKE THIS ! (Tidus attacked Sephiroth but he dodge it) I made it !! John, you have the treasure, right ? John : Maybe yes ? Tidus : Are you sure ? You sure you have it ?  Woaahh !! (Sephiroth suddenly attack Tidus)   Squall : Stay focus !!! John : Okay. Leave the rest to me. Cloud : What’s happened with you ? John : All i must do is give this man the treasure, right ? Tidus : John.. John : Come on, niisan. Sephiroth : It’s over.. Tidus : Watch out ! John : FLAME OF REBIRTH, PHOENIX !!

John summoned the immortal bird, Phoenix. The summonstone on John’s chest shined brightly and Sephiroth saw the summonstone was damaged, and left the scene, completely gave up the summon. And Tidus's monologue start.

"The Summon, Phoenix's summonstone. It was the treasure's true form. The fire bird flying while scattering its warm light. It's the first time i saw this but i feel relieved. Phoenix flew toward the Phantom Train and the train, now bathed in flames and sparkling, flew to the sky while carrying a lot of souls. for them to be reincarnate someday”

Cloud asked when did John found the summonstone and John answered he had the stone but completely forgot about it which prove he regained his memories. Tidus realize John should board the train before he turn into monster but since the phoenix save him, he was revived. They see the summonstone filled with cracks. Squall assumed they can’t use it and Tidus thought Materia will complain. Cloud suggest to report and tell Materia the truth and the four returned to Materia’s tower.

——————————————————-

ACT 8 (EPILOGUE)

John : Thank you, I owe you a lot. Squall : Yeah, you caused a lot of trouble. John : (chuckle) What a cocky. Cloud : Thanks for your help. It will be tough if you didn’t summon Phoenix. John : No problem. But I will be dead for sure, if you didn’t help me that time. Tidus : Well.. It’s fun going on a journey with you, John. John : Yup ! Well, see y- Squall : Wait ! At least tell us your name. John : Haha.. Sorry. I got used with the name “John” so I think it’s okay if you keep call me with that name. Tidus : Right ? Since you got your memories back, we haven’t heard your real name. By the way, you are a thief, aren’t you ? John : T-H-I-E-F ? call me Treasure Hunter” . My name is Locke. LOCKE COLE !

-----------------------END----------------------- 

there are something I haven’t mentioned yet and I think it’s important.

In case, you missed. The gods didn’t summon Locke. He escaped the Phantom Train while the train was in the rift and he fell to World B. Since he is in this train, I think he died after he got the magicite in Phoenix Cave and before reunite with others in FFVI. Phoenix revived him but i dont know why he lost his memories. Squall, Tidus and Cloud found him. That’s where Locke’s journey in dissidia NT started.

Kujiraoka said on June 2018’s livestream that Secretum happened after the last battle.

It was mentioned on the script which is included in premium edition also famitsu interview with Kujiraoka, that the man in black cloak is actually SEPHIROTH’S CLONE. Kinda makes sense since I wondered how did Sephiroth ended up in Phantom Train. Also the tone Morikawa-san use when he act as Sephiroth's copy is different than the usual Sephiroth.

There is a small chance Phoenix appear as summon in NT since the summonstone filled with cracks. This is also Kujiraoka’s answer from the interview.

IMO I don’t think Auron will come to NT which is SaaaaaaD because first, he was in the phantom train and the train leave World B after that. Second, Auron has same Japanese VA with Squall (also Cait Sith from VII and Qator from Type-0) so even if he comes to NT, maybe not in next season pass. (if the datamine "leak" is true). Not sure about that though.

And some things I don’t really understand :

How Sephiroth know about Phoenix, and what Sephiroth is going to do with it.(At first i thought just like Materia with the weather trio, he knew it from Spiritus but i doubt it since most of Spiritus's warriors are like "i don't care with this war. I have my own ambition.")

It’s about Sephiroth’s copy. Why his copy is in the Phantom Train ? Did Sephiroth control it ? or what ?

Okay actually I don’t really understand how Auron ended  up in Phantom Train. Here is the dialogue.

Tidus : アンタも、この列車に乗ってたのか？(You board this train too ?) Auron : いや、魔列車が脱線したと聞いてな、厄介事かと思念を飛ばしたら、お前の姿が見えたということだ。(No, I heard the Phantom Train derailed. I thought something bad happened and I saw you when i tried to send my thoughts. Tidus : 魔列車ね…(Phantom Train, huh…)

According to my Japanese friend, 思念を飛ばす is something like telepathy. Like, communicating with someone but we only hear their voice and we can't see their real form. The sfx when Auron greet Tidus sounds like he is transforming from pyreflies to his physical form. I understand this idiom but doesn't know how to translate this one to English. anyone here have an idea for the right translation ?

Also for Squall’s “Whatever” , He is actually said 「別に/Betsu ni」. It’s one of his catchphrase along with 「悪かったな../Warukatta na」in the Japanese version of FFVIII. Even though the translation of “Betsu ni” doesn’t always mean “Whatever” in English, I decided to translated it all to “Whatever”.

-------------------THOUGHTS-------------------

In this live reading, I got to see a different side from the characters. I was surprised to see Squall yelled “Johhhhnnnnnnnn!!!” when Locke asked him for nickname also being such a “jerk” to protect his friend. Cloud stopped the quarrel between Squall and Tidus also Squall and Locke is something I never see before. Even though we all know Cloud and Squall are both the 'silent' type, Squall interact a lot with Tidus and Locke but Cloud is the calm, helpful also “the neutral one” in this live reading and he care and trust his friend. Maybe people will think it’s kind of OOC and tbh that's what I thought at first but I think it as “different or new side” we didn’t get to see after the ending of their game.

I personally love seeing how they interact with each other, especially the four and it kinda remind me a little with Braska (Cloud), Auron (Squall) and Jecht (Tidus and Locke). I don’t say they have same personality, It’s just their interaction and role here reminds me with ossan trio from FFX.

But I'm dissapointed because Cloud, doesn't interact much like Squall and Tidus. His spotlight is during his battle with Sephiroth even though I have had enough seeing this two fight ==" . (sorry to FFVII fans especially Cloud or Sephiroth’s fans :p ). And even though secretum story is about Locke, Auron came as 'guest' was a big surprise. Kudos for Ishikawa-san to play as two character at the same time.

Didn't expect it's too long. Good story with favorite casts, favorite seiyuu, some things that will bring your memories back to series related and what i love is they used the original tracks for the BGM in most of the scene like Vivi's theme during Tidus and Locke's scene in Alexandria, Blue Fields during Squall's monologue, Forever Rachel during Locke's monologue in Act 6, etc. The aftertalk is full of laugh. The casts teased Producer Hazama (who was the host for this event) a lot. Nomura also came and as usual, as the voice from heaven (XD). They even talk a bit about Kingdom Hearts.

I’m glad to see Locke, Rinoa and Yuna scene in Dissidia NT have some reference to secretum, at least in the Japanese version. 

It’s the first Final Fantasy live reading and I hope they hold another in the future. Even Ishikawa-san wished Square Enix will hold another dissidia live reading but with all casts and PLEASE COUNT ME IN FOR FULL CASTS OF DISSIDIA LIVE READING.

Tidus : But aren't you excited to pick up the shooting star ? Squall & Cloud : Whatever.. // Not interested (in the same time) Tidus : Oh okay... (silence) Tidus : What is this ?! a moment of silence ?! or a trial ? ... Hey, Cloud- Cloud : It seems we are closer to the fading point Tidus : Is that so ? Squall : Yeah, If the goddess's words are true, It's must not that far. Cloud : I'm happy for you, Tidus. the 'trial' will be over. Tidus : You sure have a good ear Squall : It's on the east. Let's go. Cloud : Yeah. Tidus : Roger.

And Squall's first monologue start.

“We all are not from this world. Because our origins are different, Cloud and Tidus are actually not the people whom i supposed to meet. At first we were forcibly summoned, forced to fight, couldn’t even escape and it was the worst situation. But as we keep continue fighting, I started to think I’m glad to be involved in this war with them and I can’t believe we meet again. This is not bad at all.”

Tidus asked the true form of the mysterious light. Cloud assumed since Materia said the light is a powerful source, it is probably a Summon while Squall doesn’t really care about it .When they reach their destination, They didn’t see anything or even feel a summon’s presence so Cloud thought Materia gave the wrong directions and just when they are going to return, they heard someone’s voice and what they found is a man.

Tidus : Ew.. He is dead.. Squall : A corpse won't speak Tidus : So he is just sleeping. Hey !! Are you okay ? The man : Ugh.. Squall : does he has any injury ? Tidus : No, it doesn't Cloud : Looks like it's not a summon Tidus : But isn't amazing ? falling from the sky and uninjured. The man : Sum...mon... Tidus : Oh, he woke up. The man : Where am i ? Tidus : Hmm.. I don't know how to explain.. Cloud : Perhaps this is not the world where you lived. The man : Huh ?

They asked the man's about his origin but the man doesn’t remember anything including his name so they came up with conclusion he has amnesia just like what happened in previous war. (Cosmos & Chaos war)

Tidus told him when the first time they were summoned to this world (he mean during cosmos-chaos war), their memories were hazzy and the man shouldn’t be worry because they are his allies, but Squall refused the call him “ally” because a warrior can’t fall from the sky and Materia wouldn’t say it as the powerful resource. Tidus and Squall start debating but Cloud stopped them. The amnesiac man thanked Tidus for his welcoming but also understand why Squall being so cautious. He want to know who is he and then ask Cloud what he should do and Cloud suggested to bring him and report to Materia. Cloud monologue’s start.

“We brought the man to the goddess’s tower and explained we found him instead of the mysterious light but our investigation is not over unless we bring back the powerful resources she sought and prove if there is abnormal thing or not. And we know nothing about this man’s identity. She said “i didn’t summon him”. Materia, the goddess who summoned us to this world is a novice god and not reliable.” 

The four back to their starting point. The man ask the weather trio if he can join them and Tidus is happily accept him because he need someone he can talk with. The man promised to Squall he is not going to slow them down. Squall replied “whatever” and again, Squall’s inner monologue start.

“I want to think he is not our enemy but i have bad feeling since the goddess doesn’t know at all about him. Moreover, if a greater power is approaching, there is a possibility he is the one who summoned it. 'You must imagine the worst possible scenario'. That's what they taught to me.”

———————————————————————

Since this man has an amnesia, Tidus suggested to give him a nickname. He told the man some of their allies has a nickname like horned helmet (warrior of light) and onion kid (onion knight). Cloud stopped Tidus for coming up with weird nickname and The man thought a nickname based on their characteristic doesn’t suit him.

Tidus : You’ll understand when you see them ! But your clothes looks normal.. The man : Okay.. Sounds risky if i leave this to you. so, Squall, Have any idea ? Squall : ... <- (thinking) The man : Squall ? Squall : ... The man : SQUALL ?! HEY SQUALL ?! You have an idea, right ? Squall : ... The man : Squall ? Squall !! Squall !! Squa--!! Squall : JOOOHHHHHHNNNNNNN !! The man : Eh ? Huh ? Squall : John...

Squall explained he heard “John” is a name that used as an alias and the man is okay with that so they decided to call him John until he remember his name. The four then continue their investigation and again.. Squall’s inner monologue start.

“John Doe, It is a name given to unidentified corpse. It was written on the book i read before. If i abbreviate it to ‘John’, I am sure he will never know the real meaning”.

——————————————————-

ACT 2

The four now is in Alexandria. John asked why he didn't see people at all and Tidus explained it looks like the real one but this place is created by the gods and used somewhat as an “arena” for the conflict so nobody lives here yet .

John : A conflict and a match, huh ? Is Materia run an arena ? Tidus : Yeah ! And we fight on her place. John : eh ? with who? Tidus : with other warriors. I also fight Cloud and Squall. John : Are they the enemy ? Tidus : Hmm.. I think they 'turned into enemy side' a lot lately. John : Huh ? What about the audience ? Tidus : No, everyone participate in this conflict. John : And what's the point of doing that? Tidus : Hmm.. If they fight here, this world will be lively. John : But no one is watching, right ? Tidus : That's not what I mean 'lively' . John : Huh?? Hmm.. I'm confused Tidus : Yeah, me too.

Squall and Cloud who are done with their investigation join them. John commented they sure went through a lot fighting in the battle between the gods but Squall think it’s a part of mission and while Cloud think as an easy job which left Tidus surprised since he really enjoyed it. John thought they are willing to participate in the battle that probably risk their life and Tidus replied the battle looks more like a sports match (he actually wanted to said blitzball) and assured John could fight with the knife in his waist like one of ‘thief’ friend, Zidane. John then explained when the first time he look at this place, he said there is so much blind spot to hide which left Tidus wonder who John is.

They decided to go to another place. Tidus asked why Squall being unfriendly with John and He replied they know nothing about John and advised not to be so friendly but Tidus doesn’t care with that because he can’t leave him alone. Squall let out a sigh and told him to do whatever he want and then Tidus’s monologue start. 

“It’s a story about my homeworld. When i came from Zanarkand to Spira, i was puzzled and feeling anxious. But I am very happy when they treated me with kindness that time. That’s why i cant leave John alone.”

———————————————————————

They arrived in Cornelia Plains and fight some of manikins there. Squall asked where John is and Tidus answered he told John to hide under the hill to watch them fight but he is nowhere to be seen and suddenly John who is on a tree called and told them it’s a best place to hide and see how the battle progress. John asked if that zombie-like creature is their enemy and a part of the abnormal things but Tidus replied its’ an enemy from the previous war but they didn’t appear as much as before. Squall offered to investigate alone. John jokes Squall doesn’t trust him but Squall replied it “It’ll be a trouble if you hide your presence like before.”

Tidus and Cloud then explained the abnormal things they look for is something more powerful than manikins and they assumed it's a summon which something like a mythical beast, spirit or guardian deity of this world. John feels like he heard about summon before and trying to remember it but no luck and that time Squall is back and reported he didn’t find anything.

John : You sure you didn’t see anything ? Squall : What do you mean ? John : You didn’t let me to investigate alone because you’re hiding about summon, right ? Please. Tell me truth ! I’m sure It’s important to me. Squall : Who is hiding it ? Tidus : Squall, please... Squall : You’re not the only one who came here recently but Y’shtola and Noctis remember everything about their origins. Tidus : Ah ?! John : Again.. another name I never heard. Squall : I see… I don’t know where you got the info but the warriors suffering from amnesia is happened a long time ago. John : You think I pretending I have an amnesia ? For what ? Squall : It’ll be easy for you to collect information. Cloud : Stop it ! There is no end for this argument. Squall & John : ... Cloud : Let’s go to the other place

John decided to leave the party to find the clues about his memories because what Squall said make sense and since he doesn’t have his memories there is a possibility he is their enemy. Tidus tried to stop him and assured he is not an enemy and doesn’t look like it, like the arrogant man with golden armor (Emperor Mateus) or the one who seek the power of void (Exdeath). John thanked Tidus and left. Tidus then confront Squall and he answered if he is enemy’s spy, he would not leave them and explained..

Squall : Up till now, I don't have a proof he is not our enemy. But we will be killed if he suddenly attack us while hiding his presence like before. That's why I can't lower my guard. Tidus : Oh.. You're worried about us ? ...Sorry for thinking you're stubborn and troublesome. Squall : Stubborn ?! Tidus : Sorry.. Cloud : Let's continue our investigation Tidus : But I'm worried about John. Cloud : Are you going to find him ? Tidus : I want him to rejoin the party because i trust him. Are you okay with that, Squall ? Squall : Yeah... Tidus : Okay ! LET'S GO !

———————————————————————

Some time passed after John left the party and now he is in the Floating Continent . He saw a lot of manikins roaming around the meadow but since he is not familiar with this area, walking alone will be tough. The fog is getting thicker and the manikins doesn’t even leave the area which left him with no choice to fight but just when he is ready to attack, Cloud and Squall come to help him. John wondered why the two are here and Tidus come and said it’s obvious they are coming to help their friend and encouraged him to fight together.

Cloud : Glad we made it. John : You’re coming to run after me ? Tidus : Yeah ! We all wanted to go together. John : We all ? Tidus : Right, Squall ? Squall : …For now John : (chuckle) For now, huh..

Tidus said even their objective are different, he want the four as a party and John replied he is okay with that since going alone to find the clues is difficult. John thanked Squall for helping him and Squall said “Whatever..”. Cloud then encouraged him “If you don’t know who you are, You can believe on yourself.” the four continue their journey and the scene switch to John’s inner monologue.

“Even though I have no clues about who I am, I started to feel that I’m different with them. When my memories returned and know my true identity, I hope I’m not their enemy. That’s what I believe for now.”

———————————————————————

Meanwhile, there was a commotion in the Phantom Train after one of the soul escaped. While the souls are talking about this, a man in black cloak is sitting alone at the corner, looking at where the soul fall which is dissidia world from the train’s window. And then this man started to lament.

“Aah… The treasure I keep is gone. The one who escaped this train stole it. If I have the treasure, I can take you all to the paradise. Please.. lend me your hand. Shake the Phantom Train and make it fall into the real world. Take the treasure back from the insolent thief.”

“If we have the treasure, we can go to the ‘paradise’ “ . Those words are enough to instigate the souls scared with the hell. The souls believe those words and made the Phantom Train derailed and go to dissidia world instead. While the souls were absorbed with the treasure to revive the dead which is unknown if it is really exist or not, No one realize the man in black cloak is nowhere to be seen.

——————————————————-

ACT 3

The four had check every place but they found nothing. Tidus complained Materia fooled them but Cloud and Squall sense something bad and they saw a train in the sky.

Tidus : WOAAAH !! The train is coming here !! Cloud : It won’t crashed here. Tidus : Why are you so calm ? We will be died if it crashed here. (The train crashed) Squall : Calm down. Tidus : DON’T SAY AFTER IT CRASHED !

They wondered if it’s a part of the abnormal thing and the area is suddenly surrounded by the smoke. John suddenly felt a pain, said he heard a voices which make his head hurts and passed out after that. The trio wondered if the smoke affect him since they don’t feel anything.

Tidus : The voices John has heard.. Who is it ? .. Huh ? Cloud : It’ll be dangerous if we get close to it. Squall : Yeah.. Let’s go back to previous place Cloud : Right. We need to let John rest. Tidus : Yeah.. yeah. Wait ! Wait a minute. Squall : What ? Tidus : No.. it’s nothing. Nevermind. Squall : What do you mean ? Tidus : Hehe.. Your voices are similiar Squall : Huh?

"What I heard is a song to soothe the souls of the dead in my world and a voice of the old man i know. I kinda get a clue what the train is so I am not scared anymore when i noticed it. Well, because I'm kinda similiar to them."

Tidus laughed, enough to make Squall confused and asked if he look like with someone. Tidus then decided to investigate the train alone but stopped by Cloud and Squall. He assured it will be quick and told them he is not ‘alone’. Just when Cloud and Squall is going to carry John back to the previous place, “One winged Angel” plays and Sephiroth came, told them to hand John to him or die instead . Cloud refused but Sephiroth explained John is the man who escaped the train carrying the dead and got revived. Cloud fight him and told Squall to escape and take John somewhere.

"Is it John who caused this ? or Sephiroth’s plotted it ? What did Tidus noticed ? I don’t know but my role is obvious. I’ll stop Sephiroth !"