The Devil in Velvet

The Devil in Velvet is the first part of the Trailblaze Mission chapter Cat Among Pigeons. It automatically begins after completing Whodunit.
==Steps==
# Talk to Aventurine
# Speak with Black Swan
# Follow Black Swan out of the hotel
# Wait for the Express Crew near the Clockie Statue
# Watch the memory
==Dialogue==
===Talk to Aventurine===
;(Talk to Aventurine)
: Aventurine: ...Ah, friend. My expression wasn't much better than yours when I first saw this.
: Aventurine: Your eyes aren't deceiving you — it's her, the famous singer Robin.
: But... how is that possible?
: Could Robin actually...
: Aventurine: First of all, can I just say that this had nothing to do with me. I'm just an unlucky bystander here. The Family can testify for me. If you don't believe me, just ask anyone in the Bloodhound Family — they hate me, and they hate the IPC, so they'd never lie.
: Aventurine: This is not where the crime happened. What I showed to you was a "memory" — the most basic Light Cone manifesting tech, authorized by the Garden of Recollection and owned by the IPC.
: Aventurine: Did you really think the Galaxy Ranger was an outsider this whole time?
: Aventurine: Penacony has made a solemn commitment to protect the safety of anyone inside a Family dream. Any person in distress will be forcibly awakened and safely returned to reality.
: Aventurine: What gives them the confidence to make such conclusive statements? Because behind this promise is the Harmony: The Family's Dreamweavers link up their minds together to construct an unbreakable defensive line.
: Aventurine: Breaking through this line of defense to create "Death" in the dreamscape... Not even a Memokeeper could do that without The Family's permission.
: Aventurine: Who could have done it? Friend, the only one is her, the girl who calls herself a Galaxy Ranger... An imposter, an unsought guest, an Emanator who hides her true identity...
: Aventurine: Ifrit's death was a foregone conclusion, and Robin... her misfortune was staring right at her. Who will be the next to die?
: This really is... hard to take in.
: That's just one side of the story.
: If that's the case, I can't trust anyone.
: Aventurine: It's fine. Listen to your gut. Building trust always takes time, and I'm willing to wait.
: Aventurine: I just hope you realize that wherever that legacy is concerned... covert plans are already underway throughout Penacony. Everyone's got their own agenda.
: Aventurine: Careful you don't get stuck on the wrong side. If I were you, I'd keep my distance from Acheron. After all, any schemes out in the open are always going to be better than a monster in the shadows... right?
: Black Swan: Who's to say there isn't an even deeper conspiracy lurking beneath the surface?
: Aventurine: ...Memokeeper, I think our little deal is finished.
----
: Black Swan: Aventurine is telling the truth. This "memory" is a real one, and there's no sign of any distortion grafting on.
: Aventurine: The IPC is not the Garden, and there are real limits to what they can actually do. But you know all this.
: Aventurine: Friend, let's not beat around the bush here — the thing is, 
: Aventurine: I told you, I'm just not interested in scrambling for "the Legacy." I just came to Penacony for work. I'm here to retrieve some lost property for the IPC, if you catch my drift... I'm talking ownership of this "frontier prison."
: Aventurine: This has all become a bad debt thanks to the . The IPC has tried sitting down for negotiations time and again, but The Family wouldn't even take our calls.
: Aventurine: You have no idea how difficult these people are to deal with. Put it this way — they've hushed up the existence of "Death" before, so they can definitely cover up any news about Robin's death.
: Aventurine: It'll just quietly float off like a bubble and pop, nobody ever being the wiser...
: Aventurine: That's not fair, right? So then, friend, I need your help.
: What kind of help?
: I've got something on right now.
:: Aventurine: That's fine. I'm not forcing you.
:: Aventurine: But I'm really not asking for much, so why don't you at least hear me out, okay?
: I can't trust you.
:: Aventurine: That's fine. I'm not forcing you.
:: Aventurine: But I'm really not asking for much, so why don't you at least hear me out, okay?
: Aventurine: I have but only one goal: The Family's front door is like a high wall, and to tear the whole thing down I'll have to dig out a few chunks first. Once I find a weak point, the IPC will have plenty of means.
: Aventurine: Now we have our chance. So long as we can , we can have justice for Robin while also gaining a valuable bargaining chip for bringing The Family to the table.
: Aventurine: Truly a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity... I've been investigating and making lots of friends all over Penacony precisely for this very moment.
: Aventurine: This tragic news would be extremely bad for The Family, so they'll be doing everything they can to stop it leaking — especially to the IPC.
: Aventurine: But I trust there are still a few factions that remain exceptions, and that's why I need you all. The reputation of the Astral Express precedes you, and the Harmony will give you the fairest of appraisals.
: Aventurine: You get to find out really what happened and seek justice, and I get to put it toward completing my mission for the IPC... It's what you call a win-win situation.
: You want to take advantage of The Family's trust in us?
: The Nameless would never associate with the IPC.
: A decision like this is way above my pay grade...
: Aventurine: Don't worry. Just head back and talk things over with your companions.
: Aventurine: That navigator is really smart. She must understand the value of this deal. Look, here's my contact details. If you come to any conclusions, call me.
: Aventurine: Oh, and... take this! A thorough investigation can always use a little more funding. Don't mention it!
: Aventurine: So long, friend. I really am looking forward to uncovering the truth about "Death" with everyone.
----
: (Trailblazer): (Aventurine just sauntered off... He really doesn't mean to force it, but something still seems off...)
: Black Swan: ...What now? What are your plans?
: (Trailblazer): (Black Swan... What is she thinking?)
;(Obtain )
===Speak with Black Swan===
;(Talk to Black Swan)
: Black Swan: On the surface, this doesn't look like a bad deal for you. But Aventurine is a shrewd merchant whose scheme won't just be as simple as it appears to be.
: Black Swan: He doesn't know about Miss Firefly yet — but judging by your reaction, he may have noticed something going on and deliberately shifted topics to the "Truth of Death" to try and pull you in line with his way of thinking.
: Black Swan: That's quick thinking, and very sound logic. Aventurine is no fool. And working with him definitely has its dangers.
: The Nameless cannot turn a blind eye to evil.
:: Black Swan: But you're talking about REAL evil.
: For Firefly's sake, we must get to the bottom of all this.
:: Black Swan: That... is something I agree on.
: Playing it safe seems to be the smarter move.
:: Black Swan: Insofar as things are presently concerned, yes. But what about the long-term?
: Can I toss a die to let it decide for me?
:: Black Swan: Leaving it up to fate? It's just how that gambler thinks.
: Black Swan: Anyway, be careful out there. There's more than one way to blaze a trail. In a dark forest beset by wolves ensuring your own escape to safety should be your primary concern.
: Black Swan: As for the other questions...
: Did "Death" kill Robin?
:: Black Swan: I'm not sure the two cases were committed by the same culprit, but that massive wound... looked like its winged blade. We've all witnessed it in action before.
:: Black Swan: Plus... it seems unlikely that there would be two lethal entities loose in the dreamscape.
: Do you think this is connected to Acheron?
:: Black Swan: Sorry, I can't answer that question. That ranger is shrouded in mystery. I'm afraid no one is capable of providing an answer.
:: Black Swan: But without a doubt... she is the most "special" guest at this banquet. It's like Aventurine said just then. It's best to keep your distance from her.
: Have you noticed anything else unusual?
:: Black Swan: Two victims appearing one after the other in a very short time span... In and of itself, that's very unusual.
:: Black Swan: Two possibilities: The collapse of Penacony's Dreamscape has started speeding up, making "Death" extremely agitated and weakening The Family's protections. Or, everything has been planned out and executed by someone.
:: Black Swan: If someone has chosen these victims deliberately... First a stowaway, then a Family celebrity... Then this murderer's motives are worth thoroughly chewing over.
: I don't have any other questions.
: Black Swan: It's all happened so quickly I can only make conjecture. After leaving here, go have a chat with your companions. I hope you can clarify the source of this confusion.
:
===Follow Black Swan out of the hotel===
: Black Swan: Come, this way — it's a short walk. Don't get lost.
----
;(Approach Black Swan)
: Black Swan: This way... This is where we part ways. All of this is like... a nightmare.
: Black Swan: Unfortunately, the Remembrance doesn't lie... What we just saw is the "reality" that happened — and it won't fade from our minds just because we wake up.
: Black Swan: But follow your heart and don't be afraid. We all walk through this world casting shadows of different lengths, and ultimately... all we leave behind are precious memories.
: Black Swan: ...Ah, hold on just a sec.
:
: Black Swan: There you go, a small parting gift. If one day, you unfortunately fall into the deep waters of the Memory Zone and there's no Memokeeper to join you — hopefully it can guide you on my behalf.
: Black Swan: I also pay great attention to the ways of the world... Just think of this as an apology from me for hiding something from you.
: Thank you.
: That's it?
: Black Swan: Then... I've something private to take care of regarding that Galaxy Ranger. Let's leave things there, shall we?
: Black Swan: What fascinating memories will you bring for me next time we meet...? I sincerely look forward to them.
----
:
;(Obtain )
===Wait for the Express Crew near the Clockie Statue===
: (Trailblazer): (A Family rep... Is Himeko okay...)
----
;(Approach Clockie Statue)
: (Trailblazer): (So much has happened... I should take a moment to gather my thoughts, and wait for everyone to arrive...)
===Watch the memory===
:
;(Cutscene plays)
::Sam: Better unsheathe that blade now.
::Sam: Ranger.
::Acheron: ...Do you still dream, hunter
::Acheron: of those slain by your hand?
;(Cutscene ends)
----
:
:
: Duke Inferno: ...
: Duke Inferno: ...It appears the outcome has already been determined.
: Acheron: They're still alive, as are you.
: Acheron: You still have room to make a choice. Leave the music box behind, and then go.
: Duke Inferno: Choice? The bloody trail of the Destruction leaves no room for hesitation.
: Acheron: Fetora's fire demon... Even if you sacrifice your life for that Aeon, you won't get special treatment.
: Duke Inferno: Ranger, you tread the narrow Path of The Hunt. You could never understand.
: Duke Inferno: We come from the fire, and are born bathed in fire. We spread, burn, and destroy until all the kindling has burned out, and we leave only ashes on the ground.
: Duke Inferno: Burning forms the entire life of a fire demon, from the beginning to the end. We are born to die, just to put into practice a profile of another universal truth: All things are created for the Destruction.
: Acheron: Your companions don't seem to think so. They fight for your chance at survival.
: Duke Inferno: They are my children and, just as I was, they are flames that have yet to burn white-hot. They're still young and I don't blame them.
: Duke Inferno: But my flames are faint and time is running out. Can you see the Planet of Festivities in the distance? I plan to bring purgatory with me there — and before that, I must surpass you.
: Acheron: Why?
: Duke Inferno: Because on the path THEY have forged, you have traveled farther than I have...
: Duke Inferno: ..."Emanator."
: Acheron: ...
: Duke Inferno: You cannot hide your true identity. Draw that sword, for we shall indeed remain here, bound to fight a decisive battle to the death, for I choose this.
: Duke Inferno: Destruction is intense but brief. To cravenly cling to life is to endure an endlessly prolonged existence.
: Acheron: Even if the answer... turns out to be your own destruction?
: Duke Inferno: What's important is not the answer, but that it exists — just as you exist. Everything exists to be destroyed — Emanators are no different.
: Duke Inferno: Just as even may be born of the void, the so-called impossible is merely something that has yet to happen.
: Acheron: ...
: Acheron: ...Alright. I accept.
: Duke Inferno: You shall witness the most brilliant and intense fire in existence. May this flame illuminate the farthest reaches of your bottomless dream.
: Acheron: A bottomless dream... Yes, that's right. But you've made one small mistake.
: Acheron: This blade remains in its scabbard not out of pity or scorn. It's a personal secret that I don't want to disclose, but perhaps out of reciprocity...
:She says this as her hand gently rests on the hilt of the sword.
: Acheron: ...I'll reveal the truth to you.
: Acheron: The Hunt... is not the path I truly follow.
:...
: Acheron: May death be the end of your boundless dream...
: Acheron: ...guiding you back to the waking world.
----
;(Cutscene plays)
::Acheron: ...I still see them in my dreams.
::Acheron: Hold it. Your time hasn't come yet.
;(Cutscene ends)
----
: Sam: ..."My time"?
: Acheron: I've seen many clever disguises that can conceal appearances, but they can never cover up who a person really is. And you're no different.
: Acheron: You had no desire to kill (Trailblazer). You only did what you did to drive me and the Memokeeper away... but why?
: Sam: ...
: Acheron: Did Destiny's Slave make you do it?
: Sam: You know Elio.
: Acheron: I thought this is just the kind of thing that'd get written into your "script."
: Sam: My "script" has always been brief. Other than that. Anything beyond that is unnecessary.
: Sam: He knows my nature: There is but a single destiny, from which no one can escape... And until then, I hold the privilege of choice.
: Sam: However, you appear to be ignorant of this, so it's time for me to inquire: Who exactly are you?
: Acheron: Not your enemy, perhaps.
: Sam: That's not what I asked.
: Acheron: I don't deserve your curiosity. Loners wandering the cosmos always have their secrets. Take me. I've also been wanted by the IPC, so it's little wonder I know something about the Stellaron Hunters... that's all.
: Acheron: Maybe I can help.
: Sam: What reason would you have for doing that?
: Acheron: I tend to forget things — which is why, rather than memories, I'm accustomed to using my emotions to capture what I normally wouldn't otherwise. So...
: Acheron: ...I know who is inside that cold armor.
: Sam: ...
: Acheron: How about it? Ready to take off that armor and sit down for a talk?
: Sam: It's not yet time.
: Sam: I don't need help, but I can give you a suggestion that would make things better for you and me.
: Sam: If your goal is the Watchmaker's Legacy, then go look into The Family. Not only are they covering up the existence of "Death," but they're burying the past and the truth about what happens inside the Dreamscape.
: Acheron: Already on it.
: Sam: ...and the Astral Express is no enemy of yours.
: Acheron: I know that... I just never expected to hear you say it.
: Acheron: What's next, then? (Trailblazer)'s been taken by Black Swan. Will you go look for ?
: Sam: No need for that... No harm in mentioning that Elio's only given me one instruction: "Get all of the Astral Express to track down the grand legacy."
: Sam: I tried settling this in an easier and more direct way, but as you can see, here I am, confronting you: I failed. Can't ever go against "the script."
: Acheron: "The so-called impossible is merely something that has yet to happen"...
: Acheron: ...That's it. Before we split, can I ask you one more thing?
: Acheron: Is there anything else in your "script" about me? I'd like to know what kind of footnote get to leave in that future foreseen by destiny?
: Sam: Unfortunately, not a thing came up.
: Acheron: ...I knew it.
: Sam: Hang on...
: Sam: I don't.
: Acheron: Don't what?
: Sam: Your first question was: "Do you still have dreams about everyone who died because of you?"
: Sam: I don't. Never have.
: Sam: I was born without the ability to "dream." I live for this cold harsh reality, for a little light, and to burn... to keep on burning, until I turn to ash.
: Sam: So, I really envy you.
: Acheron: Is that so...
: Acheron: Then you're already living in the waking world.
==Trivia==
*The name of this mission is a reference to 's .
==Gallery==
 
Trailblaze Mission The Devil in Velvet - Acheron vs Sam 
Trailblaze Mission The Devil in Velvet - Acheron's Decision
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