Homecoming Wardance

Homecoming Wardance is the first part of the Trailblaze Continuance chapter Finest Duel Under the Pristine Blue (I). It begins after completing Obsequies Performed, A Long Road Ahead and receiving the message from the Xianzhou Luofu in the Parlor Car.
==Steps==
# Receive comms from the Xianzhou
# Discuss travel plans with March 7th and Dan Heng
#* (Optional) Discuss the travel plan with the other members of the Express Crew
# Look for Yanqing in the crowd
# Meet Yanqing again
# Ask Yanqing about the situation
# Accompany Yanqing and ask about the situation from the Cloud Knights present
==Dialogue==
===Receive comms from the Xianzhou===
;(Upon teleporting to the Parlor Car)
:System: You have an interstellar message. Please check it promptly.
;(Investigate the screen)
:System: You have an interstellar message. Please check it promptly.
: Pom-Pom: Hmm? Whew...
: Himeko: What's up, Pom-Pom?
: Pom-Pom: Just got a message from the Xianzhou Luofu. Looks like it'll conflict with our original schedule.
: Jing Yuan: It's been a while, my friends on the Astral Express. How's your trailblazing expedition going?
: Jing Yuan: Soon, the Xianzhou Luofu will be holding the Luminary Wardance. Those who have aided the Luofu in overcoming the crisis are cherished allies of the Xianzhou, thus, on behalf of the Seat of Divine Foresight, I'm extending an invitation to attend the ceremony. Your presence would be greatly appreciated.
----
: Himeko: Well, things are getting lively. We've barely recovered from The Family's Charmony Festival, and we're already being invited to another special event.
: Trailblazing is all about having fun.
:: March 7th: Why not think about it this way. Our trailblazing expeditions are turning into "blast expeditions," where we eat, drink, and play wherever we go.
:: Pom-Pom: Blast... expedition?
:: March 7th: Yeah, wherever we go, we eat, play, and have a blast!
: I'm still recovering from the trauma caused by the last "festivity."
:: March 7th: Yeah, me too!
:: March 7th: But wait, won't it look unprofessional if we attend two ceremonies in a row? Aren't we supposed to be focused on restoring astral charts and doing some serious scientific exploration?
: Dan Heng: So, we should leave March behind to take care of the Express?
: March 7th: H-hey! That's not what I meant! I'm all for some fun... I just hope there won't be any surprise party crashers like Friday or Saturday.
: Welt: The Xianzhou Luofu has recently overcome a crisis. By holding the Wardance, they're demonstrating to everyone that they've returned to a state of peace and safety.
: March 7th: But that's what everyone said before we went to Penacony! "You'll be totally safe under The Family's protection!"
: Dan Heng: No need to worry. The Wardance is not like the Charmony Festival with all its hidden secrets. It's just a festival to honor the Reignbow Arbiter and the Cloud Knights who fought against the Abominations of Abundance and protected the Xianzhou ships.
: Dan Heng: Aside from starskiff performances, it's mostly martial contests, nothing too different from the Taikiyan Roboball contest we've seen before.
: Welt: What do you think, Himeko? Since we've accepted Miss Black Swan's proposal, we should probably head to Amphoreus for refueling.
: Himeko: Mm, there's certainly no rush. This trailblazing expedition is quite unique, and the Express needs to be fully stocked and prepared before moving on to the next stop.
: Himeko: With Madam Herta's help, I was planning to deliver some Leviathan fossils from Calenga Abyss to Ruan Mei, member #81 of the Genius Society. It could earn us some favors before we set off. However, it may take a few weeks.
: March 7th: Ah, so that means... we're not going to the Luofu.
: Himeko: Being an adult means maintaining relationships, whether we like it or not, March. Since we've been invited, it's only right for the Astral Express to attend the ceremony.
: Himeko: So, here's the plan: Pom-Pom will take everyone to the Xianzhou Luofu. Mr. Yang and I will meet up with Ruan Mei and fulfill our promise. Meanwhile, (Trailblazer), March, and Dan Heng will represent the Express and attend the Wardance.
: Welt: What do you two think, (Trailblazer) and Dan Heng?
: Sounds great. Let's split into groups!
:: Welt: I don't hear any objections.
: I want to play with Leviathan fossils, too!
:: March 7th: Himeko and Mr. Yang will be busy with serious research. Besides, fossils can't compete with martial contests when it comes to fun, right?
:: March 7th: Plus, you're the only one with so many friends on the Luofu. I'll be lost if you don't come along! You've got to lead the way.
: Pom-Pom: Now that everyone's on board with the plan, it's time to warp to the Xianzhou Luofu.
===Discuss travel plans with March 7th and Dan Heng===
====(Optional) Discuss the travel plan with the other members of the Express Crew====
;(Talk to Welt Yang, optional)
: Welt: Calenga Abyss... what does she expect to find there? Current research on Leviathan merely proves how little we know about such life forms...
: Himeko: That's why geniuses are interested in that field. Science is all about uncovering the unknown...
:
: Have a safe trip, you two.
: Come back soon.
: Himeko: Don't miss us too much, (Trailblazer). If I stumble upon some cool Leviathan fossils, I'll bring a few back as souvenirs for you.
----
;(Talk to March 7th and Dan Heng)
: March 7th: Himeko really knows how to convince people. Hehe, between Leviathan fossils and the Wardance, the latter definitely sounds more fun.
: March 7th: By the way, Dan Heng... this time, you'll be taking a stroll with us on the Luofu, right?
: Dan Heng: Just let you and (Trailblazer) wander around aimlessly on the Luofu by yourselves? I don't think so.
: Dan Heng: Plus, Mr. Yang is right. The Ambrosial Arbor Crisis just ended, and both the long-life and short-life species are still feeling uneasy. And that's why Jing Yuan wants to organize the Wardance, to show that the Xianzhou Luofu is stable and safe.
: Dan Heng: Since he has extended an invitation, it's only right that I visit my old friend.
----
: March 7th: Coming back to this place brings back so many memories, you know...
: So, here's something for all of you, a poem by March 7th...
:: March 7th: Hey, I'm not actually gonna recite a poem! I was just thinking about all the twists and turns we went through when we first arrived on the Xianzhou...
: What memories? Care to spill the details?
:: March 7th: Well, it's nothing too poetic. I was just thinking about all the twists and turns we went through when we first arrived at the Xianzhou ship...
: March 7th: This time, we're not being forced or enticed, or chasing after wanted criminals. And we didn't have to sneak in through the cargo dock. This trip has been incredibly smooth...
: March 7th: Quite unusual, I must say!
: Definitely unusual!
:: Dan Heng: I agree.
: We're so easily pleased. I actually feel sorry for us...
:: March 7th: Such is the fate of us Nameless, I suppose.
: Oh, come on, don't jinx us...
:: March 7th: Haha, I'm just hoping for the best! You're the one jinxing us!
----
:
===Look for Yanqing in the crowd===
: March 7th: Is the Starskiff Haven always this crowded? There are so many people here! I can barely hear anything!
: (Trailblazer): Yanqing said General Jing Yuan sent him to welcome us, but where is he?
: Dan Heng: Let's wait for him in front of the loom. It's the most prominent landmark on the dock.
----
;(Approach marked location)
: Pepeshi Tourist: Hey, you guys! Hold on a moment!
: March 7th: Did they just call us? Look at their outfits... they're from Penacony, right?
: Pepeshi Tourist: Are you familiar with the Xianzhou Luofu?
: Dan Heng: We know a little bit about it. What do you need?
: Intellitron Tourist: We're from Penacony, maybe you've heard of it? We came to this ship to gather interesting materials for making dream bubbles.
: March 7th: We just left there. Talk about coincidence.
: Intellitron Tourist: That's great! Do you know any must-see attractions on the Luofu?
: You've come to the right people!
:: March 7th: Exactly! We're Xianzhou experts!
: Why don't you ask the locals?
:: Pepeshi Tourist: We did! But the locals were all like, "Come on, there's nothing worth seeing on the Luofu! It's so boring here!"
:: Intellitron Tourist: Can't blame them. If someone asked me, "What's there to see on Penacony?" I'd probably struggle to answer too.
:: Pepeshi Tourist: That's why we're asking fellow tourists!
: March 7th: Most of the tourists around at the moment are here to attend the Wardance, and that's why we're here too.
: Pepeshi Tourist: Yeah, we know about that ceremony, but isn't the fighting ring still closed?
: Intellitron Tourist: I've heard the ring was actually converted from a huge decommissioned Luofu fighter jet.
: So, it's even larger than a regular starskiff?
:: Intellitron Tourist: No doubt about it! It's a massive fighter jet! It's got to be larger than a civilian starskiff!
: So, it's even bigger than the Radiant Feldspar?
:: Intellitron Tourist: The Radiant Feldspar is bigger, I guess!
: Pepeshi Tourist: But for now, all we can do is wait until the Wardance starts in a few weeks before we can board it. We've still got work to do, so we can't just sit around waiting for it to start, that's why we're asking you about some must-see attractions.
: Intellitron Tourist: We're looking for unique experiences that you won't find on Penacony. Our clients love these kinds of dream bubbles the most.
: March 7th: You're the expert here, (Trailblazer). Give them some suggestions!
: Why not visit Aurum Alley?
:: Dan Heng: Hmm, good idea. The everyday vibe of the Aurum Alley is a rare find on the Planet of Festivities.
:: Pepeshi Tourist: Everyday vibe... Yeah, our clients have had their fair share of adrenaline-pumping Dreamscapes. Maybe something down-to-earth would touch their hearts.
:: Intellitron Tourist: Thanks for the suggestion. We'll head to the Aurum Alley to gather materials. Maybe we'll run into each other there in a couple of days.
: Why not visit Fyxestroll Garden?
:: March 7th: Oh, yeah! Fyxestroll Garden! It's famous for supernatural stuff, with those mischievous heliobi floating around! It's pretty fascinating!
:: Intellitron Tourist: Supernatural? I don't really like scary things... but our clients will love it.
:: Pepeshi Tourist: It does sound interesting. Let's go check out Fyxestroll Garden! Maybe we'll bump into each other there!
: Why not visit Scalegorge Waterscape?
:: Dan Heng: That's indeed a good idea. While the Dreamscape on Penacony is all artificial, Scalegorge Waterscape is a celebration of nature's resurgence. It has some remarkable scenery.
:: Intellitron Tourist: Awesome. I love being out there in nature. Let's go to Scalegorge Waterscape first.
:: Pepeshi Tourist: I'm a bit worried that nature-themed dream bubbles might be outdated... but hey, let's go check it out anyway.
:: Intellitron Tourist: See you later. Maybe we'll run into each other there in a few days.
: Why not climb to the top of the Ambrosial Arbor?
:: March 7th: Hey! That's a terrible idea! You'll get them arrested!
:: Intellitron Tourist: Haha... you're just joking, right? How about giving us some more practical suggestions?
:: Pepeshi Tourist: ...Wait a sec. Maybe it's not such a terrible idea after all? No risk, no reward! Come on, let's go climb that tree!
:: Intellitron Tourist: Slow down a bit. Wait for me.
:: March 7th: Hey, wait! Just think about what you're doing! And... don't mention our names if something goes wrong! Ugh, I hope they don't get into trouble... This is nerve-wracking.
: Dan Heng: Look, Yanqing's here.
: March 7th: Really! Let's go catch up with him!
===Meet Yanqing again===
: Yanqing: There you are! Everyone, this way!
----
;(Approach Yanqing)
: Yanqing: Hey, everyone! It's been a while!
: March 7th: Doesn't feel like it's been that long since we last saw you, but Yanqing, are you...?
: Yanqing: What's up, Miss March?
: March 7th: They say kids grow up really fast. Yanqing, are you a little bit taller than before?
: Dan Heng: We've only been away for a few months.
: Long time no see, Yanqing!
:: March 7th: Long time no see!
:: Dan Heng: It's been a while.
:: Yanqing: Oh, you've come along, too, Mr. Dan Heng.
:: Yanqing: Sorry for the delay. With the upcoming Wardance, and the Starskiff Haven being so busy, things are a little hectic.
: Yeah, you're definitely taller!
:: Yanqing: Really? The General is always worried I won't grow much taller, but I keep telling him not to worry about it.
:: Yanqing: Sorry for the delay. With the upcoming Wardance, and the Starskiff Haven being so busy, things are a little hectic.
: (Cautiously pinch Yanqing's cheek)
:: Yanqing: Huh? What are you doing, (Trailblazer)?
:: (Trailblazer): Sorry, but after our previous adventures, I've become suspicious of whoever greets us first.
:: Yanqing: Do you have to be suspicious around me, too?
:: (Trailblazer): You know, the last time we came to the Xianzhou, the first person who greeted us was...
:: Yanqing: I get it. Better safe than sorry.
----
: March 7th: Seriously, I've never seen the Luofu so lively before.
: Dan Heng: I was a bit worried that holding the Wardance right after the Ambrosial Arbor crisis might be too soon, but seeing the bustling Starskiff Haven, I understand why General Jing Yuan chose this timing.
: Yanqing: Yep, there's people from other delves and travelers like you three who've come from afar.
: Yanqing: With the Wardance coming up, there's a huge number of visitors pouring into the Starskiff Haven. The Cloud Knights are working hard to keep the security tight.
: Yanqing: The General said this ceremony would help the Xianzhou Luofu recover from the crisis.
: Yanqing: It's a way to showcase our martial spirit, reassure people, boost morale, and attract visitors from other planets to promote trade and peace.
: Yanqing: By the way, the Xianzhou Alliance places great importance on this ceremony, too. The Xianzhou ships the Zhuming and the Yaoqing have both sent messengers to offer their blessings!
: The Xianzhou Zhuming?
:: Yanqing: Yeah, I wonder if you've heard of it, (Trailblazer). It's known as the "Starforge" and is responsible for providing more than half of the Cloud Knights' armaments.
:: Yanqing: The Xianzhou Zhuming boasts skilled craftsmasters, and General Huaiyan is a top-notch craftsman himself. Ah... if only I could get a sword forged by him! I'd be on cloud nine.
: The Xianzhou Yaoqing?
:: Yanqing: Yeah, the Xianzhou Yaoqing is a major force in hunting down abominations and is always engaged in conflicts across the cosmos. Although it's a member of the Xianzhou Alliance, I don't know much about it.
:: Yanqing: But Madam Yukong from the Sky-Faring Commission mentioned that the Yaoqing always sends back reports of great victories, which is quite impressive.
:: Yanqing: I heard General Feixiao of the Yaoqing is a young and dauntless lady. My peers say that she's like a goddess of war, capable of crushing dozens of abominations with a single punch... I wonder if it's true.
:: Yanqing: ...If only I could witness her prowess with my own eyes.
: March 7th: By the way, Yanqing, where are we headed next?
: Yanqing: Ah, I'm sorry for talking your ear off. The General wants to catch up with you at the Palace of Astrum. He's been eager to hear about how the Express has been doing.
: March 7th: Hehe, it's funny how he tries to act all mature, but whenever it comes to something he's interested in, you can really see his childish side.
: Well, you're pretty much the same in that regard.
:: Dan Heng: I agree.
: Yeah, he's adorable.
:: March 7th: I agree.
----
: ???: (frantic roars)
: Cloud Knights Soldier: All units, assemble quickly! Get ready to protect the crowd!
: Yanqing: I just mentioned security, and now all of a sudden something's gone wrong. Excuse me, I need to go check out the situation.
: It's like whatever you fear will happen, happens.
: You're just as jinxed as March.
:: March 7th: Hey, what's that supposed to mean?!
: Dan Heng: We'll go with you.
----
;(Cutscene plays)
::Yanqing: Protect the civilians. I'll deal with him.
----
;(Begin battle against )
;(Open Moon Rage Tutorial)
:: Yanqing: Borisin?
:: Yanqing: Why are there borisin here?
:: Yanqing: This ends now!
----
;(Cutscene plays)
::Yanqing: Not good!
::Yanqing: Uh... Thanks for the help.
::???: Sorry, no time to chat...
::Yanqing: Could you give me back my...
;(Cutscene ends)
===Ask Yanqing about the situation===
: Yanqing: Wait, my sword!
: Yanqing: Let's just get down to business first.
----
;(Approach Yanqing)
: Yanqing: I'm sorry, but I'm afraid we'll have to put our plans on hold for now. I need to find out what's going on.
===Accompany Yanqing and ask about the situation from the Cloud Knights present===
;(Approach Cloud Knight Soldier and IPC Worker)
: IPC Worker: While we appreciate your rescue, my Xianzhou friends, don't you think it's a bit too much to detain us and our cargo?
: Cloud Knight Soldier: Sorry, but we've been ordered to detain you and your cargo for inspection until we figure out the source of the attack.
: Cloud Knight Soldier: Once we're done with the formalities, we'll let you and your cargo go.
: IPC Worker: But this shipment isn't even meant for the Luofu! And it's IPC's patented technology. Who do you think you are to conduct an "inspection?"
: Cloud Knight Soldier: According to the protocol, all cargo arriving on the Luofu must go through inspection.
: IPC Worker: But we didn't officially enter your dock at all! We just sought refuge in your dock because we were attacked by the borisin!
: Yanqing: Looks like this argument could go on forever. Let's not get involved in a heated dispute that won't lead to a resolution.
;(Idle quotes)
: IPC Worker: How dare you detain our ship? Who do you think you are?
: Cloud Knight Soldier: We're just following the rules.
----
;(Approach Cloud Knights)
: Yanqing: Who's in charge here? I need some answers.
: Cloud Knight Captain: It's my fault... we let our guard down for a moment. I take full responsibility.
: Yanqing: With the Wardance approaching, safety should be a top priority. Now, tell me, how did borisin prisoners end up in Starskiff Haven?
: Yanqing: According to the protocol, borisin prisoners should be held on a starskiff and taken directly to The Shackling Prison under strict supervision without ever touching the ground. Who allowed a prisoner transport ship to dock at the passenger terminal?
: ???: Please don't blame this captain. This incident involves the Zhuming's diplomatic vessel.
: Yanqing: Who are you?
: ???: I'm Lujun, an officer of the patrol defense squad. Thank you for your help, Lieutenant Yanqing. The situation unfolded rapidly, and it shouldn't be held against the captain.
: Lujun: Here's what happened. An IPC transport ship was attacked by the borisin just before arriving, and the Zhuming's diplomatic vessel came to the rescue. They fought off the borisin pirates and imprisoned them on their ship.
: Yanqing: So, an IPC ship was attacked by the borisin near the Luofu, and the Zhuming envoys saved them? This sounds complicated...
: Lujun: Honestly, it gives me a headache too. The Zhuming diplomatic ship, adhering to standard procedure, docked at the passenger terminal to hand these criminals over to the Luofu.
: Lujun: You know, with all the outsiders flooding onto the Luofu, the starskiff lanes are under immense pressure. The borisin desperadoes decided to put up a fight before the prisoner transport starskiff could get there, and that's what you just witnessed.
: Cloud Knight Captain: We'll make sure these prisoners are sent to The Shackling Prison as soon as possible.
: Yanqing: I see, it's an unusual situation indeed. I'll report it to the Security Department of the Realm-Keeping Commission and ask for their cooperation in handling the aftermath.
: Yanqing: (Maybe I should gather more details from others so that the Seat of Divine Foresight can have a better understanding of the situation.)
:
: March 7th: You look much maturer now, Yanqing.
: Yanqing: Please don't tease me, Miss March. The situation on the Xianzhou before the Wardance is like a calm lake that can be disturbed by even the smallest pebble — capable of generating far-reaching ripples with even the slightest disturbance.
: March 7th: What are those people... I mean, those "monsters" we just dealt with?
: I know! They're Kobolds, right?
:: Yanqing: Those werewolf monsters are known as "borisin." They are Abominations of Abundance, and we've been fighting them for a very long time.
: Did you call them "the borisin"?
:: Yanqing: Yeah, those werewolf monsters are known as "borisin." They are Abominations of Abundance, and we've been fighting them for a very long time.
: Yanqing: The borisin have been a powerful force for a long time, plundering and enslaving many worlds. The threat they pose is just as terrible as the Swarm Disaster, and the Alliance even had a fierce war with them three decades ago.
: Yanqing: Their presence has faded over the years, but who would have thought...
: Dan Heng: According to that officer, they attacked an IPC ship near the Xianzhou Luofu. Such a brazen attack seems quite unusual to me.
: Yanqing: Yeah, that's what I find strange, too. It seems like the IPC and the borisin have some serious grudges.
: Yanqing: Well, enough with the chitchat. The general wants me to take you to the Palace of Astrum.
: Yanqing: I'd love to a little longer, but there are some things that can't be left unchecked...
: March 7th: Hmm? Is it a serious matter? Maybe you'll... need our help in hunting down the borisin?
: Yanqing: Thank you, but it's no big deal.
: Yanqing: By the way... that young lady who just appeared... she took my sword. I'm thinking of filing a lost property report at the Realm-Keeping Commission to see if I can get it back...
: March 7th: Hahaha, I doubt she did it on purpose!
: So when Cloud Knights get into trouble, they have to call the emergency services too?
:: March 7th: Perhaps she's around here somewhere? Shouldn't we take a look?
: You go file the report, and I go fetch the popcorn. It's gonna be quite the show...
:: Yanqing: Don't remind me. I just zoned out for a moment, that's all.
: Yanqing: Alright, let's not keep the general waiting.
: Dan Heng: Don't worry. There aren't many people out there with that kind of talent. It shouldn't be too hard to find her.
;(Yanqing, Trailblazer, March 7th, and Dan Heng leave)
: Lujun: There sure are a lot of troublemakers around...
;(Mission completed)
;(Talk to Lujun, optional)
: Lujun: We'll see to it that these criminals are sent to The Shackling Prison as soon as possible. The cleanup operation is already underway, Lieutenant Yanqing, so there's no need to worry about anything.
: Yanqing: Thanks. By the way, you're... an officer of the patrol defense squad, right? I don't remember meeting you before...
: Lujun: Well, I'm just a junior officer. I recently returned to the Luofu from the front lines and was temporarily assigned here for security duty before the ceremony.
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