Yggdrasill Key

This is it. We have arrived. You all
worked hard to get here.

At this, the root of the World-Tree
Yggdrasill, we can now perform
the Rite of Opening.

The Rite of Opening...

Yes, but you need not worry.
I will perform the rite.

As long as I have mortals who have
asked me for my help, I can perform
the Rite of Opening for them.

You are welcome to rest and
recover as you please.

Is there no way we can—

Lord Askr, although the power at my
disposal is very little next to yours,
please allow me to help you.

Your kind wish to join me is more
than enough, Ash. If you joined me,
the rite would cost you your power.

Besides, you have your own role
to play, no? Protect the Order of
Heroes in my stead.

U-understood, Lord Askr...

With that, I will get started. Although
such stuffy rituals are not my favorite,
it is work that must be done.

By the power of opening, I, Askr,
bestow a gift upon the people.

In my name, the name of the people,
and for the good of the nine realms...

I grant this key so that the mortals
may use it to free themselves from
the dark enclosure...

With that, I present...the World-Key
of Yggdrasill. Take it, Alfonse.

It's...a fruit?

That's right. Those who have fallen
under Embla's control need only eat
of this fruit.

If such a person truly wishes for
their freedom...Yggdrasill will grant
them that wish as they die.

Instead, their bodies will recover,
fully healed, and their hearts will be
lifted from Embla's grip.

And if Embla refuses to release her
hold, she will perish instead.

Like the darkness of Embla was
like a poison to me, the light of
Yggdrasill will drive out the dark.

Using this, then, it's possible to both
stop her from possessing others and
deliver a final blow at the same time.

Yes. And Midgard—your world—will
be rid of the darkness that plagues
it as well.

I will leave the choice of how to wield
it in your hands.

Thank you, Lord Askr...

...Zacharias?

Eating of this fruit is enough to free
one from Embla's control...

This is a power I have been seeking
for a very long time. I never imagined
I would ever find it...

With this, I can now see the light at
the end of Embla's long darkness.

As can I. We must use the fact that
she does not know of this key to
our advantage.

I'm sure we can come up with a
plan if we work together—you, me,
and 【Summoner】.

Excuse me... Please forgive my
interruption, but I sense a dark
presence coming this way...

I believe Embla's retainer will arrive
here momentarily. Although, I admit
that I cannot be entirely certain...

Well, well... And just what is it you
lot think you're doing? Scheming?

I suppose you refuse to tell me...
No matter—you'll all be dead
soon enough!

With Embla's retainer defeated,
he will be forced to retreat, which
means we must go on the offensive.

If we follow him, he is sure to lead
us to Embla. I will open the way
forward she has closed.

Let's hurry after him! If we don't,
we'll lose line of sight on him!

I wish I could join you, but I must
remain here for now. The rite has
exhausted me, and I need to rest.

Of course. Thank you for everything,
Lord Askr. We will not let you down.

The thought that you might had not
even crossed my mind. Now, get
after him—and good luck!

Right! Let's go, everyone!

...They've gone. The best of luck
to you, Heroes.

As for me, it seems my time has
grown rather short...

Lord Askr?

Ah, Ash... You should hurry along
with the others, or you will be left
behind. We can't have that...

Though I am but your retainer, and
am not worthy of what you have
done for me...I must speak.

I can sense the power of the light
within your heart.

But now...it feels...

Do not worry, Ash. From the moment
I stepped into Embla's darkness, this
moment became inevitable.

I do not fare well in darkness. I have
always preferred the open air, the
light, and the joy they bring...

But every meeting must one day
beget a parting.

No, Lord Askr...

Ash... Since you are here, I do have
one favor to ask of you.

Y-yes... Of course, Lord Askr!
I will do whatever is within my
ability—whatever you ask.

Seeing Alfonse and the others, I kept
reflecting on how beautiful the bonds
between mortals are.

The way they care for each other
is something to cherish.

Their friendship...camaraderie...
They are a family.

You are my family, Ash. You...are
my only daughter, whom I love.

So I was hoping...you would indulge
me one last request... Will you...
remember me like a father?

B-but...surely to think of myself
as your daughter would be a
dishonor to you, and I would not—

Ash. You do not dishonor me.
I am proud of you...my daughter.

No... I-it is too...too...

...

...Father? Is that...all right?

Yes, Ash. It is all right. Thank you.
But you may refer to me however
you wish—as would any daughter.

Fathers wish only for their children
to be happy...

I want you to be happy, Ash.
Keep the light in your heart.

It is what I hope to always see...
from where I now...must go...

...

...

F-Father... *sob*