Stranger in a Strange Land

Stranger in a Strange Land is the seventh part of the Trailblaze Mission chapter Farewell, Penacony. It automatically begins after completing A Thousand Bells at Dawn.
==Steps==
# Speak with Acheron
# Say goodbye to Tiernan and Razalina
# Say goodbye to Micah
# Say goodbye to Gallagher
# Say goodbye to Mikhail
# Return to the Astral Express
#* (Optional) Say goodbye to Acheron
# Talk to the whole Crew
==Dialogue==
===Speak with Acheron===
: Acheron: When I arrived, I happened to see a child holding it. He said the flowers were prepared by Aunt Jessie, for the Watchmaker, and the war comrade he'd missed his whole life.
: Acheron: Mikhail would place two bunches of flowers here year after year. And, after he left, it became three.
: Acheron: Your wishes will always be remembered by someone.
: Acheron: Now, Penacony as you hoped, has welcomed the dawn after a long, dark night. The path forward may not be a bed of roses, but at least people are prepared to step forth towards freedom.
: Acheron: Tiernan, you can now go home.
: Acheron: While the Nameless are also preparing for the next stop of their voyage.
: Himeko: But before leaving, we still have one last thing to do.
: To say goodbye to you.
:: Acheron: It is my honor. I've said many goodbyes. Yet I am glad, that this is the first time I speak those words with a smile.
:: Acheron: But before leaving, I'm sure you all have plenty to say to the Nameless of the past?
: We've come to say goodbye to Gallagher.
:: Acheron: Looks like you've also noticed that history fictionologist is nowhere to be found in Penacony, disappearing just as quietly as when he first showed up.
:: Acheron: I believe he must have come here at the end, to bid farewell to his Nameless friends. Similarly, I'm sure you all have plenty you want to say to them.
: We've come to say goodbye to the old Nameless.
: Acheron: A fitting end to the tale of the departed — one could not ask for a better farewell. Go on, they're all here.
===Say goodbye to Tiernan and Razalina===
;(Talk to Acheron again, optional)
: Acheron: A fitting end to the tale of the departed — one could not ask for a better farewell. Go on, they're all here.
;(Upon bidding farewell to Tiernan and Razalina) 
: March 7th: Honestly, when I heard the conductor's request, I was pretty surprised.
: March 7th: The Nameless — Those who Trailblaze, doing good deeds but never seeking recognition. After all this time, how would we even find those three people in such a vast place like Penacony?
: March 7th: But it seems... in the Land of the Dreams, anything is indeed possible.
: Dan Heng: History may not remember the names of the dead, but the stars will attest to their journeys.
: Dan Heng: The first glimmer of light in the prolonged night often illuminates little, as it is fleeting and the darkness too vast.
: Dan Heng: But because of this, people will remember: As long as something shines in the night sky, then when the first star falls... countless more will follow, streaking across the horizon.
: A toast.
;(If Bitter Dreams / Drowning Sweetness was mixed)
: / 
: Dan Heng: Breukelen Tiernan, Razalina Jane Estella, we raise a toast to you, Trailblazers of the silver rail...
: Dan Heng: ...A toast to history that no longer remains silent, the passionate and courageous pursuit, and a voyage that traverses the stars.
===Say goodbye to Gallagher===
;(Upon bidding farewell to Gallagher) 
: March 7th: That statue... It wasn't here last time.
: Himeko: Looks like this is the last riddle that Mr. Gallagher left for us.
: Himeko: In the end, we still failed to figure out his true identity, or if he was even a "living person."
: March 7th: What should I say... I mean this guy is definitely a history fictionologist all right. I'm suddenly reminded of the time at the theme park when he said he was only thirteen years old. Could that have meant something, too?
: March 7th: Either way, he's an "enigmatic" character for sure.
: March 7th: At least our journey together in Penacony was real enough, and his loyalty and love for this land... must have been real too, right?
: A toast.
;(If Bitter Dreams / Drowning Sweetness was mixed)
: / 
: March 7th: Gallagher, we raise a toast to you, the slumbering Hound...
: March 7th: ...To the festival's invitation, to all lies, and the singular truth...
: March 7th: ...If we ever meet again, please don't talk in riddles.
===Say goodbye to Micah===
;(Upon bidding farewell to Micah) 
: Micah: Is the Astral Express ready to depart Penacony?
: Welt: Apologies, Mr. Micah, that we are only now bidding you farewell.
: Micah: Oh, that's alright. You've all done so much for the Watchmaker, and we are forever indebted. Allow me, as the representative of Dreamflux Reef, to make another toast to all the Nameless.
: Welt: What will the people of Dreamflux Reef do now?
: Micah: Many will continue to live here. Those accustomed to being awake will mostly have a hard time getting used to a life of darkness with their eyes closed. Though the Order has faded, there must be someone to watch over this primal Memory Zone.
: Micah: Penacony's nights are long, and there are many who are still far from a good night's sleep. As for the sweet dream over there...
: Micah: We're still managing without it, aren't we?
: A toast.
;(If Bitter Dreams / Drowning Sweetness was mixed)
: / 
: Welt: Micah, and residents of Dreamflux Reef, we raise a toast to you, watchers of the long dream...
: Welt: ...To your tenacity throughout time, to each sorrowful night, and to the dawn that is finally upon us.
===Say goodbye to Mikhail===
;(Upon bidding farewell to Mikhail) 
: Himeko: In the end, we still came full circle.
: Himeko: This Trailblazing expedition started from the moment (Trailblazer) and a bellboy ran into each other. After going on a journey of many twists and turns, they still ended up where they started.
: Himeko: Just like a clock's hands that turn round and round, the start and end of each day will always land on twelve o'clock — the advent of time moving forward.
: Himeko: There shouldn't be much left to say. This entire adventure started because of you, and should naturally end with you.
: Himeko: And then, a new page will be turned.
: A toast.
;(If Bitter Dreams / Drowning Sweetness was mixed)
: / 
: Himeko: Mikhail Char Legwork, we raise a toast to you, Watchmaker of the Land of the Dreams, Nameless of the Astral Express...
: Himeko: ...To Penacony's past, present, future... and the child's unwavering dream unto death.
----
: March 7th: With that, our duty as Nameless should be complete... right?
: Dan Heng: The Trailblaze can illuminate the way, but ultimately, the future of a world belongs to those who live in it.
: March 7th: ...
: March 7th: ...I still feel that Mr. Mikhail must have really wanted to witness this day himself.
: Himeko: What's on your mind, March?
: March 7th: Just a strange feeling. I had it a few stops ago, but it's super strong this time.
: Welt: Why not talk about it? Maybe everyone's thinking the same thing?
: March 7th: ...I can't help but think that whether it's Mr. Mikhail, Mr. Tiernan, or Madam Razalina, their lives must have been long, and they must have experienced plenty of stories...
: March 7th: They were also young once, stumbling and bumbling around just like us, getting into scraps and mischief, that sort of stuff. Companions, enemies, journeys, adventures, all the sad and happy memories... The "every day" that we're used to, they've lived through them too.
: March 7th: But those things... are all in the past.
: Time will wash everything away... so treasure the present.
:: March 7th: I know, but the thing that I can't get out of my mind... is the present.
: One day, our stories will also be a part of past.
:: March 7th: Yeah, maybe that's the precise thing I can't let go of...
: You're awfully sentimental today...
:: March 7th: It's rare that I'm this serious, can't you just humor me for once? Sheesh!
: March 7th: It'll be easier to understand if I use an analogy: Like when you're reading a book, if one of its characters keeps running into obstacles, and experiences an ending full of regrets, we're bound to feel a bit mixed about it, right?
: I could understand, but I'd feel mixed too.
:: March 7th: Because we've seen every nook and cranny of their lives, we see these people as special.
: No matter what, that's very hard to accept. 
:: March 7th: Because we've seen every nook and cranny of their lives, we see these people as special.
: You won't be affected as long as you don't live vicariously through them.
:: March 7th: To me, it's because we've seen every nook and cranny of their lives, we see these people as special.
: March 7th: So even if there are parts of it that aren't really realistic nor logical, we still hope that their story gets a good ending when it comes.
: March 7th: But what if they... and we... aren't really that special?
: March 7th: When Mr. Mikhail sat in this chair, waiting for the Astral Express to arrive every day, what was he thinking? And if, at the end of his life, he could still firmly say he had no regrets...
: March 7th: Then, what is this regret we feel in our hearts right now...?
: Himeko: I think, each and every one of us is searching for the answer to this very question.
: Himeko: The universe is vast, and our lives are but specks. The Trailblaze never ends, but against the backdrop of the cosmos, the average person's lifelong journey is merely a short stretch.
: Himeko: But it is in this miniscule distance that paths cross, and countless worlds connect. The universe may not remember every person who leaves a tie along the silver rail, but we will.
: Himeko: As long as we remember, their will never end.
: Himeko: And what Mr. Mikhail has left for us is his answer to this very question. It may not be perfect, but it left a smile on this storied, jaded old Nameless' face at the end of his life.
: Himeko: And its meaning will be interpreted by those who come after — us.
: March 7th: It's not the answer that's important, but what we can learn from others' answers... right?
: Himeko: This is what Trailblazing is.
: March 7th: ...Sure.
: March 7th: I'm really sorry for bringing down the vibe! Quick, Dan Heng, tell us a dad joke to lighten the mood!
: Welt: It's never a bad thing to reflect. One day, we'll all have to face our own farewells.
: Dan Heng: But before that, we still have a long way ahead of us together.
: Himeko: So the most important thing right now is to tell the conductor what we saw in Penacony.
: Himeko: Then prepare ourselves for our next Trailblazing destination.
===Return to the Astral Express===
: (Trailblazer): (I should get back to the Express... Or, maybe I could say my final goodbye to Acheron.)
====(Optional) Say goodbye to Acheron====
;(Upon speaking to Acheron) 
: Acheron: Do you still remember when we first arrived in Penacony? Who would have thought our paths would cross in such a way.
: Who exactly are you?
:: Acheron: Come to think of it, I didn't even get a chance to formally introduce myself...
:: Acheron: Simply put, I'm a Self-Annihilator who was cursed by the Nihility. My hometown was destroyed a long time ago, and the whole world was erased beneath shadow.
:: Acheron: In order to fight against the cruel end of self-destruction, I went on a journey, in search of a way to sever the chains of the Nihility. After a long and grueling search, I am convinced that my destination lies within the depths of the Dark Web, where reality and the Nihility are separate.
:: Acheron: In there lurks a secret called "Device IX"... One day, I'll reach it.
: Will we meet again?
:: Acheron: The ocean of stars is vast, and given our destinations, I'm afraid our paths may not cross again.
:: Acheron: But the trailblazing expedition ahead is always full of unknowns, and my blade is sharp enough to sever fate... As long as we maintain our original resolve, I believe there will come a day when we will meet again.
: Have we ever met before? 
:: Acheron: Ah... In that case, I must apologize for my rudeness. Do you remember when we first met? I once said you reminded me of an acquaintance.
:: Acheron: Because of the Self-Annihilator's curse, my memories are stripped away, blurring my past. And after our journey together, what I originally thought were familiar feelings were merely illusions... I believe this was truly our first meeting.
:: What if... that wasn't an illusion?
::: Acheron: What do you mean? It's improbable that you've crossed paths with my past self... What I mean is, there is nothing left to retrace there — only Nihility.
::: I think I might've seen... someone like you.
:::: Acheron: I see... You've also had a similar experience? Then you should know that this me and your memory of me are not the same person.
:::: 
::::: Acheron: ...Haha.
::::: Acheron: ...Long ago, I, too, was like you, with irreplaceable companions. We also embarked on journeys, making the best choices we could whenever we could.
::::: Acheron: Unfortunately, we didn't achieve the outcome we wanted. But moments like this... make me feel like they never even left.
::::: Acheron: In this universe, there exist countless worlds that are similar yet different, and countless people who are alike yet distinct.
::::: Acheron: I, too, have wandered alone, encountering "acquaintances" on strange worlds, seeing their silhouettes overlap with my past.
::::: Acheron: In your opinion, what does this "déjà vu" mean?
::::: Perhaps some sort of emotional attachment.
::::: The wish to return to the past.
::::: A longing for a certain someone.
::::: Acheron: Attachment, desire, longing... They may all be right, but they are all incomplete.
::::: Acheron: I believe it's not something external, but something that originates within us, an emotion that traverses time from a certain moment of our past to reach us.
::::: Acheron: Perhaps it's a source of warmth and happiness, or maybe it brings pain and sorrow. Each time we reminisce on our past, we always seem to notice a tiny, but unforgettable instant that we left behind us, along with certain other things that remain constant throughout...
::::: Acheron: That is a summary of our lives, encapsulating everything about us in these moments... proof of our shared path.
::::: Acheron: Within them, we glimpse our own essence, and thus... we truly "exist."
::::: Acheron: Just like everyone in this story, hurtling onwards along the path of destiny with passion and courage, for the things that breathe meaning into their lives.
:::::
::::: Acheron: Set forth on your voyage without hesitation, Nameless, on the path of the Trailblaze.
::::: Acheron: Even if the ending has been predetermined, that's fine. There are countless things that humans cannot change.
::::: Acheron: But before that, on the road towards the end, there are still many things that we can do.
::::: Acheron: And because of this, the "end" will thus reveal a completely different meaning.
::::: Acheron: This is the meaning of "journey."
::::: Acheron: All those things, beautiful before, are still so now. And I believe...
:::::
::::: Acheron: It will still bloom at the end of the Nihility, until we meet again beneath the sun's rays.
::::;(Teleported to Astral Express)
:::: I understand. It's a feeling of longing.
::::: Acheron: Yes, I understand. Cherish this moment, for it can help you remember the path you've traveled.
::: Regardless of the significance, we live in the present.
:::: Acheron: That is true. Our memories make us who we are, and all memories originate from the "now." As for the future... it's already taking root in the now, isn't it?
:: With this as our first meeting, we can consider our next meeting to be a reunion.
::: Acheron: That's right. What matters more is not who I am but what we have done together. This story... will be forever etched in my heart.
: I should be on my way. 
: Acheron: We both still have our own paths to walk. So let's forge ahead. Hopefully, if we meet again... it'll be beneath clear skies.
====Return to the Astral Express====
;(Approach the Crew on the Astral Express)
: Pom-Pom: *sob*... *sniff*...
: March 7th: There there... Chin up, Pom-Pom! Don't be sad. Don't cry...
: Dan Heng: Wow, your method of consolation is truly unsophisticated.
: March 7th: ...Still better than just standing there like a scarecrow!
: What happened?
:: March 7th: Hey, you're finally back!
: Is March picking on Pom-Pom again?
:: March 7th: How could you say that! Don't be so mean. And while you're here, why don't you help me comfort Pom-Pom!
: March 7th: We told Pom-Pom all about our adventure, and... they suddenly started crying... I've never seen Pom-Pom so sad before...
: Pom-Pom: *sob*... The con... conductor never cries! Pom-Pom... is never sad!
: Pom-Pom: Pom-Pom is just... just...
: Pom-Pom: ...Just angry. Yeah, angry!
: Pom-Pom: No matter where the Express stops, you lot always manage to cause chaos! My well-thought-out timetable? Completely ignored! If you carry on like this, the Express is going to run out of fuel!
: Pom-Pom: That's right. Pom-Pom is just angry... It's not because of Misha, Tiernan, Razalina and the rest...
: Pom-Pom: ...Bwaahhh!
: Himeko: It's okay. Pom-Pom, just let it all out.
: Himeko: Everyone, could you all take a break in the next car? Don't worry, I'll stay here with Pom-Pom.
: March 7th: But...
: Dan Heng: Let's go, March.
;(Talk to Himeko, optional)
: Himeko: It's okay. Pom-Pom, just let it all out.
===Talk to the whole Crew===
;(Upon arriving at the marker)
: March 7th: I never expected Pom-Pom would be so distraught...
: Dan Heng: Those three Nameless must have meant a lot to Pom-Pom.
: Welt: No one knows exactly when Pom-Pom boarded the Express, but one can surmise that their journey has been filled with many hellos and goodbyes, probably more than we can imagine.
: Welt: The fact that they're crying so hard is probably a good sign. It proves that Pom-Pom's emotions haven't become dulled by the grind of time — they still deeply cherish every Nameless who has boarded the Express and value every journey shared with them.
: Welt: Leave it to Himeko. When it comes to comforting, there's no one better on the Express.
: Pom-Pom said we might run out of fuel...
: Welt: Well, they were a little emotional at the time, but... I'm afraid that's not out of the question.
: Welt: Since (Trailblazer) joined us, the Express has stayed longer than anticipated at every stop along the way. And to ensure that everyone always makes it back on board, Pom-Pom has had no choice but to delay the warp jump schedule.
: Dan Heng: I see... No wonder I can regularly hear Pom-Pom pacing anxiously up and down the corridor.
: March 7th: Turns out, Pom-Pom's been silently putting in a lot of work for us, wow...
: Welt: Different from typical vehicles, the Astral Express converts every "Trailblaze" into the energy it needs to run. Ideally, as long as trailblazing expeditions continue without interruption, the Express will receive a constant flow of energy, much like a perpetual motion machine.
: Welt: But because of our previous encounters... fuel is being used up much faster than expected. We can probably only pull off two more warp jumps at most.
: March 7th: Only two more... Isn't that super risky? Ahh! I don't wanna become an ice cube floating around in space again!
: At least you'll be an adorable ice cube.
:: March 7th: When you put it like that, it doesn't actually sound too bad.
:: March 7th: But I don't even wanna become an adorable ice cube floating around in space again!
: Falling leaves must return to their roots.
:: March 7th: ...How about we shove you back in the space station's computer, then?
: Dan Heng: Which also means that we must prudently consider our next destination.
: Welt: Yes. I've already checked the astral charts — the two nearest worlds to us are and .
: Welt: As for which one we're headed to, that still requires a vote...
: ???: ...Or, perhaps you might consider a suggestion.
: Black Swan: Everyone, we meet again.
: March 7th: I-It's you? Why were you just in my room...
: Black Swan: It's a very cute room, Miss March... just like you.
: Black Swan, what are you doing here?
: I knew we were missing someone...
: Welt: Memokeeper... Let's put aside how you managed to sneak past everyone and board the Express for now — you mentioned a suggestion...
: Black Swan: I accidentally overheard how the Express obtains fuel.
: Black Swan: I just wanted to chat with everyone to see if we could work together, but now, it appears my suggestion could be the very lifeline that saves everyone.
: Dan Heng: Please speak candidly. Depending on what you say, we could very well ask you to disembark.
: Black Swan: Ah, the Permanence's descendant... What a charming little dragon, especially with those mired memories of yours.
: Black Swan: But I digress. If the Astral Express is in urgent need of a special trailblazing expedition to recharge its engine...
: Black Swan: Have you all considered this? Perhaps your destination could be a world that even the renowned Akivili never reached...
: Black Swan: Should you be able to lay down a new stretch of silver rail, the Express may never have to worry about energy ever again.
: March 7th: Trailblazing to a world that even Akivili has never been to... Is that possible?
: Welt: Continue, Memokeeper. This destination of which you speak, what sort of world is it?
: Black Swan: A world that many across the universe don't even know exists...
: Black Swan: A world hidden away from outside observation, its presence only revealed by the light from the mirror of the Garden of Recollection...
: Black Swan: A world fettered by three Paths, its destiny hanging in the balance...
: Black Swan: 
----
:...
: Jade: I hope I'm not too late, child.
:
: Sunday: ...I wasn't expecting it to be you.
: Jade: Don't you know how many sentry posts The Family has built, and how hard it is to get you out of here?
: Sunday: Looks like my time's up?
: Jade: What do you mean... What "time?"
: Sunday: Negotiation, interrogation, or death... My fate lies entirely in your hands, Lady Bonajade.
: Sunday: The dance is done. Why bother with the compassionate pretense and give someone who's about to die the chance to talk?
: Jade: Despite your fall from grace, you still look well. I'm very glad to see that you're so full of verve.
: Sunday: Do not insult my pride with half-veiled sarcasm. Have you specially come to see me just to sate your vile vanity?
: Jade: Of course not. I merely came to fulfill your younger sister's wishes. To offer you a generous trade — that is, if you're willing to accept.
: Sunday: Robin...?
: Jade: To build a true haven where everyone can attain peace — that's the oath between you siblings, isn't it?
: Jade: If I told you there was still a chance to realize this vow... would you be willing to talk to me then?
: Sunday: ...
: Jade: I recognize the gravity of this question, which is why you don't have to answer me right now.
: Jade: Go now. You are free — O chosen one, who dared to exceed his bounds. Sever your wings, descend to the mortal realm, and walk their lands. See what this world is truly like.
: Sunday: I will not accept your charity.
: Jade: As I mentioned earlier: It's a trade, and you don't have to give me an answer right now. Rewards are not reaped in a day, and if there's one thing I'm best at, it's waiting. The sweet dream still continues, and the night is still long — you have plenty of time to contemplate your answer.
: Jade: Ah, a word of advice for you before we part ways — a word of warning from someone who's been in your shoes before...
: Jade: Life is too short to miss out on golden opportunities.
----
;(Visitor Verification)
:;(Boothill has become a visitor to the Express. You might come across Boothill when you return to the Express)
:;(Robin has become a visitor to the Express. You might come across Robin when you return to the Express)
:;(Sparkle has become a visitor to the Express. You might come across Sparkle when you return to the Express)
:;(Black Swan has become a visitor to the Express. You might come across Black Swan when you return to the Express)
:;(Argenti has become a visitor to the Express. You might come across Argenti when you return to the Express)
;(Unlock Dreamscape Pass Page 18: Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust and all included stickers)
;(Unlock Achievement Tell Me, O Muse)
===Post-Mission===
:
----
;(Investigate note left by Gallagher on the Astral Express)
::
::To the new generation of Nameless,By the time you read this, I will likely have gone to where Mikhail went.Thank you for everything you have contributed to Penacony. It's a pity that I won't be able to witness its rebirth with my own eyes, but your unwavering determination gives me confidence in the future of the Planet of Festivities.Also, please say sorry to my naughty pet "Sleepie" on my behalf. It suffers from severe separation anxiety, and it must feel terribly lonely without me. Please release it into the Memory Zone, as that's where a meme truly belongs.Life and death are merely parts of the fiction on the road of Enigmata, just like farewells and reunions.I wish you the very best in your future journey. As for me, it's time to depart.Enclosed is a gift for you.To the imperfect tomorrow.Gallagher
;(Obtain )
==Trivia==
* The name of this mission is a reference to 's .
* The soundtrack that plays in the optional cutscene when Acheron bids farewell to the Trailblazer is Pendant from .
==Other Languages==
==Change History==
==Navigation==
ru:Чужак в чужой стране