There Lies Not Void

There Lies Not Void is a sub-mission of Envision a Rose Forthcoming in Penacony.
==Steps==
# Pursue Cocona
# Relive Cocona's first memory
# Continue to witness Cocona's memories
# Touch the gift box and unveil the future
# Pursue Cocona
# Relive Cocona's second memory
# Chat to the colleague
# Talk to the supervisor
# Handle the occupational crisis
# Touch the ice cream and enter the memory
# Relive Cocona's third memory
# Make the final preparations before departure
# Retrieve what Pound wants to give to her (0/2)
# Meet with Pound as promised
# Meet up with the person who has been waiting
# Discard the things that induce heartbreak
# Catch up with Cocona
==Gameplay Notes==
* This sub-mission is considered a challenge, and pressing Esc offers the option to "Pause and Save" or "Quit Completely" to exit. If "Quit Completely" is selected, the sub-mission may be restarted after talking with Cocona.
* During the mission, control will switch between the player's selected party and Cocona.
** While playing as Cocona, the player can sprint and access the Navigation map. The Mission, Tutorial, Warp, and Inventory menus cannot be accessed.
* The choice made during step 17 will influence the ending of Envision a Rose Forthcoming:
** If the player chooses to continuously "Grab Cocona's hand", Cocona will remain on Penacony.
** If the player chooses to "Let go" at any time, Cocona will disappear from Penacony, and be replaced by Prezzo.
==Dialogue==
===Pursue Cocona===
:(Trailblazer): (This is the world of Cocona's heart? Swaying buildings on the verge of collapse, and such dizzying heights...)
:(Trailblazer): (Cocona is up ahead. Gotta catch up to her.)
===Relive Cocona's first memory===
;(Approach Cocona)
:
:A young girl's singing faintly echoes across the area. It lingers for a long while as if longing for something... And then, a memory rises from the sweet epilogue.
:Teacher: Cocona, that's amazing! Be it pitch, rhythm, or emotion, your vocal performance far surpasses those in your age group. You have a superb understanding of music, and can quickly capture the spirit that's being conveyed in a song... You are a rare talent!
:Teacher: And your timbre — It is smooth as satin, and from low to high pitches, you've managed to keep your timbres steady to a considerable degree. You have a rare and precious gift...
:Cocona: I truly appreciate your guidance, sir! I've never dreamed that such beautiful songs could be produced from my voice...
:Teacher: Don't thank me. Thank your own talent and hard work. If you wish to become a one-in-a-million singer... You must find a better teacher and embark on even more arduous training.
:Teacher: The competition in this industry is brutal. Only a fair few can stand under the limelight and bask in applause.
:Cocona: I... haven't thought that far yet. For now, I just simply love to sing.
:Teacher: Are you not ready yet? I understand... But you will have to make a choice one day.
:Teacher: I missed many golden opportunities when I was your age... Listen to your teacher this once, Cocona. Treasure your talent, and don't make a choice you will regret.
:Cocona: Sir...
:Teacher: Having a dream is a childish, cruel thing — If it is not attained, the pain from a shattered dream may utterly destroy a person.
:Teacher: Work hard and walk forth, child... and don't look back. You belong to a grander, more magnificent stage.
:Cocona: I... I understand, sir! I will do my best.
:Teacher: This is your final lesson, Cocona. I will teach you everything I know... I will hold nothing back.
===Continue to witness Cocona's memories===
;(Interact with the Piano)
:Cocona: This piano is like my friend. Joy or sorrow, it will always share them with me and bring me comfort.
:Cocona: Each time the piano plays, I will feel myself transported to another world. Old friend, will you sing with me this time as well?
: Play a string of chords.
: Play a melody.
:Cocona: Hmm... I've suddenly thought of a good motif. If we expand on it just a little, perhaps we can even pen a nice melody?
:Cocona: What name should I give it...
;(Interact with the Piano again, optional)
:Cocona: Hmm... I've suddenly thought of a good motif. If we expand on it just a little, perhaps we can even pen a nice melody?
:Cocona: What name should I give it...
;(Talk to the Friend)
:Friend: Cocona, you're about to graduate soon. Have you decided on what you want to do in the future?
: Ah, me?
::Friend: Yeah... There are only the two of us here, aren't there?
: I... I haven't decided.
:Friend: Don't be shy. How about I tell you what I want to do first, then you tell me?
:Friend: I've no grand ambition, no desire to become some financial elite — I only hope to get a decent job at the Gilded Hour and live out a comfy life.
:Friend: But our mysterious Cocona, beautiful Cocona, smart Cocona, she's definitely different from me... Let me guess, you want to become a singer?
: Yes, I'd like to work in something related to music.
:Friend: I knew you were different, Cocona! When you hold a concert at the Penacony Theater, I'm going to show off to everyone: "Look, that's my best friend!"
:Friend: You're so smart, and you'll succeed in anything you do. I can't wait for the day I'll be able to wave glowsticks and cheer for you on stage... I bet you'll be so gorgeous when that time comes.
: I'll work hard to become that image in your mind.
:Friend: Cocona, have you been working hard recently? You're always in a daze in class — you must be writing a new song again, aren't you?
: How did you even guess...
: I've only written an opening so far...
:Friend: Come on. Let me take a peak... Even just a name will do fine.
: The name is from my favorite poet...
: ..."Envision a Rose Forthcoming".
:Friend: A wonderfully poetic name... I'm certain it'll be a great song, judging just from its name! You have to show it to me when you're done!
:Friend: Wait till you're performing this song on the stage. Your dream will shine as bright as Penacony's Twelve Hours... I'm impressed just thinking about it!
;(Talk to the Friend again, optional)
:Friend: I knew my Cocona is incredible! When you organize a concert at the Penacony Theater, I'm going to show off to everyone: "Look, that's my best friend!"
:Friend: Wait till you're performing this song on the stage. Your dream will shine as bright as Penacony's Twelve Hours... I'm impressed just thinking about it!
;(Talk to the Parents)
:Father: Cocona, you're all grown up now. Have you thought about how you want to live your life yet?
:Mother: Cocona, why do you keep refusing to tell us your plans for the future? I hear your classmates have all found their places in life, and we're getting antsy too...
:Father: *sigh* This girl... She's always been an odd one since young. I wonder who she takes after.
:Mother: And what gives you the right to say that? Have you ever cared about her one bit? Useless bum!
: Please don't fight...
::Mother: It's all because of you! We're worried to death...
: You know what? Keep fighting.
::Mother: You... you're just like your father, always making me mad! You have no idea how much I've worried for this family...
:Father: All right. Stop it! Stop screaming! Cocona, tell us. What are your plans for the future?
: I'd like to work in something related to music.
:Father: ...What? Say that again. I don't think I heard you right.
:Mother: I knew it... We shouldn't have let her join that student choir!
: I'd like to work in something related to music.
:Father: Music... singing... Cocona, is it because you've been so tired recently that you're having such naive thoughts?
:Mother: You're not even classically trained, and you're not exactly pretty, and your voice is ordinary at best... Cocona, let's think of something more practical, shall we?
: My teacher said I could walk this path...
::Mother: And you believe what anyone tells you? You're not young anymore. Stop acting like a naive child...
: I want to go out and learn, and work hard for a scholarship...
::Mother: Learn... How many more years do you want to study? You're not young anymore. Stop acting like a naive child...
:Father: Have you been mislead by that music teacher again? Is that why you're having such strange thoughts? He just thinks you're naive and easy to fool, and is trying to scam you into paying more tuition!
:Mother: Cocona, you must remember that we're different from The Family and those wealthy Dreamchasers... We're Penaconian natives — compared to those rich folk, we don't have many choices laid out for us.
:Mother: Listen to your parents. We've worked a long time at the hotel, and have some connections with The Family. I heard that there's a luxury goods store at the Golden Hour that's hiring. Why not give that a try?
: But singing is my dream.
:Father: Kid, why are you so stubborn? Mouthing off the word "dream" in Penacony... do you not think yourself strange?
:Father: When you accept this job, you'll be so immersed in dreams all day that you won't ever want to wake up. What's there to gripe about?
:Mother: Cocona... Mom knows that you love singing, but hobbies are just that — hobbies. They aren't meant to be a means of living. You should face reality and then make a proper decision.
:Father: For once, I agree with your mother. You should choose carefully. Do not disappoint us.
: Work at the luxury goods store.
: No, I wish to work in something related to music.
::Mother: ...Choose carefully. Do not disappoint us.
:: Work at the luxury goods store.
:: No, I wish to work in something related to music.
:::Father: ...Choose carefully. Do not disappoint us.
::: Your only choice is to work at the luxury goods store.
:Father: Right. That's our girl. When you officially start work, we'll help save up your wages for you first. When you're ready to get married, we'll return them to you.
:Mother: You don't know the first thing about managing your expenses. It's better that you safekeep your wages with us.
:
:
===Touch the gift box and unveil the future===
;(Touch the box)
:
:(Trailblazer): (Cocona is just up ahead... What memories will I encounter this time?)
:(Trailblazer): (Maybe I have to see this through to the end to reach the depths of her heart.)
===Pursue Cocona===
===Relive Cocona's second memory===
;(Approach Cocona)
:
:An old lady who is dressed to the nines stands outside the luxury store, as if waiting for someone to arrive.
:Cocona: Mrs. Gerwin, you're here. What would you like to look at today?
:Gerwin: Cocona, you're finally here. I've waited for you for so long.
:Cocona: My apologies, I was... taking stock. Were you satisfied with the long coat the other time?
:Gerwin: Of course! Everyone complimented me when I wore it out, as if I looked ten years younger.
:Gerwin: Finding clothing that suits you is as difficult as finding a soulmate — it's all thanks to your recommendation that I've been able to find quite a few "soulmates."
:Cocona: That's great... You're especially suited for cooler tones — it matches your skin tone and body shape.
:Gerwin: Your voice is ever so melodious. If I recall correctly, you love to sing, right? My son studies music too, and you two should talk when you're free.
:Cocona: I... I'm afraid you've recalled wrongly. I've never studied music before.
:Gerwin: Ha, I was just joking. You know how people ramble on at my age... Accompany me around the store. I haven't heard your voice in a while, and I do miss it.
:Cocona: Yes, please follow me.
:That day, Mrs. Gerwin had a fruitful haul.
:The capable and down-to-earth Cocona did not take long to become the store's star employee.
===Chat to the colleague===
;(Idle quotes)
:Coworker: Why's her EQ so low?
:Coworker: She's a local. It's normal.
:Coworker: What a show-off.
:Coworker: She's just trying to move up in this world.
;(Talk to the Coworkers)
:Coworker: Congrats, Cocona. I've heard that Mrs. Gerwin and Mr. Rilke are both infamously tough customers, picky and rude.
:Coworker: If only I had a beautiful voice like yours... I'd surely mesmerize those fat cats into emptying their pockets on their own.
: They aren't like that.
::Coworker: You've only been here for a little while. How would you know what kind of people they are?
: I'm only being sincere to the guests.
::Coworker: Are you saying our attitude isn't sincere?
:Coworker: We all know... Someone even ran into you having a meal with Mrs. Gerwin's son the other time. I heard you two were getting quite cozy too. So how far into the relationship are you? Beware of those rich folk. They're all masters at manipulating people's feelings.
:Coworker: Oh, there was another time you were in the boss' office for a long time, chatting and laughing... I bet you got quite the windfall in customer leads, didn't you?
: It's not what you think...
: Please hear me out...
:Coworker: C'mon, it's fine... You're still young, and it's perfectly normal to be showy about these things. You think the more senior staff don't think about using relationships to skip ahead? They just don't have the means for it...
:Coworker: You Penacony natives sure put everything on the line, willing to go the whole lenght just to rise through the ranks... Oh right, I hear you also got this job through connections?
:Coworker: A word of advice from someone who's been around the block: These parlor tricks are enough for you to find a decent job, but to knock on the door of the elite with such moves? You're better off giving up right now...
:Coworker: Huh? Oh don't cry... It's all my fault. I shouldn't have said all this in front of everyone.
:Coworker: It's getting late. I'm clocking out. I'll leave the next system hour's shift schedule and that report to you. Thanks.
: ...Sure.
: ...I see.
:Amidst low snickers and jealous stares, Cocona returns to reality, dreading the next day's arrival.
;(Talk to the Coworkers again, optional)
:Coworker: C'mon, it's fine... You're still young, and it's perfectly normal to be showy about these things. You think the more senior staff don't think about using relationships to skip ahead? They just don't have the means for it...
:Coworker: It's getting late. I'm clocking out. I'll leave the next system hour's shift schedule and that report to you. Thanks.
: ...Sure.
: ...I see.
===Talk to the supervisor===
;(Idle quotes)
:Coworker: Shopkeeper, let me tell you...
:Coworker: I'm not trying to be a tattle-tale, but Cocona...
:Supervisor: Yeah... I've heard.
:Supervisor: Let me settle this.
;(Talk to the Supervisor)
:Supervisor: Cocona... What's wrong with you recently? If you keep this up, I'm going to start wondering whether I should renew your work contract.
: There's a problem with this recent batch of goods...
: I can't scam our loyal customers...
:Supervisor: Who told you there was a problem with these? Cocona, you best remember — In the Golden Hour, those wealthy customers don't care about product quality, but branding!
:Supervisor: As long as there's a brand and a story, they'll gladly buy even a torn hemp pouch! The rich care not if a purchased pair of shoes is easily worn, because they've never had to rely on their own feet to walk. Do you get it now?
: But it's still lying...
::Supervisor: If lying is cause for punishment, you think those indolent rich folk would still be alive now?
: This is unfair to the customers...
::Supervisor: If this world was fair, those indolent rich folk should never have existed in the first place!
:Supervisor: Speaking of lies, isn't this entire Dreamscape a beautiful lie spun by The Family? Wake up. No one cares if what you say is truth, as long as you can get people to foot the bill.
:Supervisor: Also, I've already received more than one complaint these past few days from other emplyees that you maliciously stole away their loyal customers and damaged out work culture. To be honest, I'm quite disappointed in you...
:Supervisor: Your family's not wealthy, right? Then stop posing like you can afford to maintain so-called virtues. You really think Penacony is some beautiful dream? Let me tell you — the reason it burns so bright is because of "fuel" like us!
:Supervisor: I'll give you a deadline of five system hours — if you can't get your performance up to par by the end of it, just go home.
: But I'm not in the wrong...
::Supervisor: Then who is? Me?
: How can I do better?
::Supervisor: That's not a problem for me, is it? You should think about it yourself.
:Supervisor: You should absolutely rid yourself of your bad habits and learn from your coworkers.
;(Talk to the Supervisor again, optional)
:Supervisor: Speaking of lies, isn't this entire Dreamscape a beautiful lie spun by The Family? Wake up. No one cares if what you say is truth, as long as you can get people to foot the bill.
:Supervisor: Also, I've already received more than one complaint these past few days from other emplyees that you maliciously stole away their loyal customers and damaged out work culture. To be honest, I'm quite disappointed in you...
:Supervisor: I'll give you a deadline of five system hours — if you can't get your performance up to par by the end of it, just go home.
===Handle the occupational crisis===
;(Approach the marked location)
:Cocona: (I may never be able to hold my own in the Dreamscape...)
:Cocona: (I've been a caged bird since birth. I should've realized that... But... But...)
:Cocona: (Be more strict on yourself... Cocona, you carry the wishes of so many people on your shoulders... Perhaps these are the rules of the game in the adult world.)
:Ego: Who are you? You look just like me, but I don't recognize you.
: I am Cocona.
::Ego: You wish to replace me... But you're not me.
: I don't know who I am either.
::Ego: I don't blame you — many are the same in this world.
::Ego: Cocona... You can lie to everyone, but you can't lie to yourself.
:Ego: You haven't come to find me for a long time... And yet, you're here now... What do you want? What do you desire?
: I need a new me.
:Ego: Do you remember? When you were young, you once made yourself a promise — no matter what happened, you would always smile. But now? You've entirely forgotten...
:Ego: What cruel punishment will you mete upon me? You will Will you sever it in two in a heartbeat... or tortuously grind it down with time?
:Ego: After you kill me... what will you have gained? What else can you leave for yourself?
: I'm sorry. I had no choice.
:Ego: I already know I am not your match. All virtues are shattered with a single touch before the inescapable and ugly truth.
:Ego: But I will give my all to resist you — because I am your innocence, kindness, honesty, and principles.
:Ego: No matter what, I still hope to leave behind a seed, a bloom... of a future's rose.
;(Begin battle against , , , 
;(At start of battle)
:Cocona... vanquish your innocence, kindness, honesty and principles, and then embrace your victory.
;(After battle)
:Ego: You won... Cocona...
:Ego: Remember... to leave a seed for yourself... to leave a blooming... of a future's rose...
===Touch the ice cream and enter the memory===
;(Touch the ice cream)
:Cocona: I don't need that version of "myself" anymore. She only brings me harm.
:Cocona: From today, I'll start learning how to live again. I'll integrate myself into their world... I'll free myself from this sadness.
:Cocona: I still remember, the only hint of sweetness in my life...
:
===Relive Cocona's third memory===
:(Trailblazer): (What will the final memory have in store?)
;(Approach Cocona)
:
:Pound: I've thought it through. I do not wish to continue living like this.
:Pound: After winning this match, we will earn enough money to leave Penacony.
:Pound: Still remember that planet we talked about? Blanketed in azure seas, it has distinct seasons and is a place where we can truly live. We would be with each other, and we could pursue our own dreams.
:Cocona: It's too dangerous... Do you have to compete?
:Pound: Cocona... We'll have no problem supporting ourselves temporarily with your income... But you and I know that this isn't the life we want. We clamor to be birds soaring through the skies... This life shackled in dust does not belong to us.
:Cocona: But...
:Pound: Cheer up, Cocona... I'm a pro at Roboball! Look...
:Cocona's lover poses comically, eliciting a laugh from her. They embrace and cuddle up against each other yet again.
:Cocona: I'm noticing for the first time... that Penacony looks quite pretty in reality as well. The neon lights of the Dreamscape... makes me think of the unfathomable sea. I feel lost all the time.
:Cocona: The people who built Penacony, what intentions did they bear... Did they think that, one day, there'd be someone foolish enough to flee this haven that they built?
:Pound: Penacony is a wondrous dreamy illusion to outsiders' eyes, but only we know its true nature, Cocona.
:Cocona: Mh... You're right. Buried are the numerous remnants of people's dreams beneath the Golden Hour.
:Cocona: Ah... Inspiration has suddenly struck me.
:Pound: Envision a Rose Forthcoming...
:Cocona: Yes... I know how to end this song.
:Pound: I've also made up my mind.
:Cocona: ...Huh?
:Pound: The ending is, in ten days, we will board the shapeship departing Penacony and wake up from the dream, embracing our real lives.
:Pound: Before that, I have to train hard and reach my best state to bring back the trophy for you. Cocona... Are you really not coming to see me?
:Cocona: Pound, I get nervous too easily. And you won't feel relaxed either if I'm watching the match... I should also take this time to hand over my work.
:Pound: All right. It's decided then. Await my triumphant return, Cocona! When the time comes, we will meet at our old haunt...
===Make the final preparations before departure===
;(Investigate the Dream Jigsaw)
:Before leaving Penacony, there are still some things to collect...
===Retrieve what Pound wants to give to her (0/2)===
;(Collect the first puzzle piece)
:Lover: Cocona, close your eyes...
:You feel something made from a soft, smooth, and solid material sliding into your palm, the warmth of another person lingering on its surface.
:Lover: Guess what this is.
: A record?
: A concert ticket?
: A harmonica?
:Lover: Woah, such a simple question, and you still didn't get it right!
:Lover: The answer is: A ship ticket! A ticket departing in ten days. I even bought two window seats... We can enjoy the stars together that way.
:Lover: ...Cocona? Why are you crying, Cocona... We should be happy...
:The palm-sized ticket rests in her hands — so light, yet so heavy, as if it possesses a power to drag the future along with it.
;(Collect the second puzzle piece)
:Lover: Cocona, I'm going to Taikiyan and joining the competition. I'll come back and look for you when it's over — we'll meet at our old haunt.
:Lover: In case I forget, I'm leaving my file and papers with you.
: You can count on me to keep them safe. 
: Don't get too stressed out.
:Lover: Me, stressed? Don't worry. I'm the only one who can beat me!
:Lover: Don't worry. I'll hurry back first thing. Speaking of which, Cocona... Is there something you're forgetting to give me?
:Cocona: ...
:
:Lover: ...With this kiss, I'll never ever lose! Don't forget "Envision a Rose Forthcoming" — I will be the first person to hear it!
===Meet with Pound as promised===
;(Solve the Dream Jigsaw)
===Meet up with the person who has been waiting===
;(Approach the person)
:Cocona: Pound, I'm here! Did you have to wait long...? I was worried sick, since you didn't contact me after the competition ended...
:Cocona: (Huh? That isn't Pound...)
:Stranger: ...Miss Cocona?
:Cocona: That's me... And you are?
:Stranger: Ah... A pleasure. I'm Pound's friend. I'm here to deliver a message in his stead.
:Cocona: In his stead... Why? He promised to meet me here, and then we would leave together...
:Stranger: ...I'm afraid the circumstances have changed, Miss Cocona. I'm guessing that the reason Pound had me deliver his message to you, is because... Ahem, it's because he probably won't be returning to Penacony.
: ...
:Stranger: ...Are you all right? Miss Cocona?
:Cocona: Ah...
:Stranger: I understand... It's just regretful. But Pound hoped that I would tell you the whole truth. He believed that it would make you feel better.
:Stranger: In order to achieve his promise to you, Pound... borrowed a sum of money from The Family — an inordinate amount.
:Stranger: He used all this money on a bet — he bet that he would become champion in the amateur bracket of the Roboball competition.
:Stranger: Alas... Pound's technique was superb, but competition always has its unpredictability. Pound only lost the championship by a hair's breadth, but that also means...
:Stranger: ...Err, I think you know what it means, Miss Cocona.
: ...
: Is he... safe?
::Stranger: Truthfully, Miss Cocona, I don't know... And I don't think I want to know.
:Stranger: This news may be hard to swallow, I understand. But you should understand... Pound really cared for you greatly, and hoped that he could trade himself to fulfill your wishes. Otherwise, he would not have undertaken such a great risk...
:Stranger: ...Oh right, Pound wanted me to give you this — it's two expired tickets for the Roboball competition. I'm guessing it was a match you both watched back then.
: Receive the tickets with trembling fingers.
:Cocona: ...
:Stranger: Then... that's all I have to deliver, Miss Cocona. I wish you a happier life down the road...
===Discard the things that induce heartbreak===
:Cocona: Tickets, music...
:Cocona: I don't need them — I don't need any of them anymore.
;(Interact with the Flower Bed)
:Cocona stares blankly at the plant before her, as if her soul had been buried in that blackened soil.
: Throw Pound's tickets away.
::The tickets disappear among verdant leaves, making nary a sound.
::Just like her heart shattering mutely among splintered pearls and jade.
: Throw away the record.
::She hurls the record into the flowerbed, and it emits a dull echo as it hits the edge.
::As if that sound marks the end of a sentence, she is also a prisoner in this web of tragedy.
===Catch up with Cocona===
:(Trailblazer): (This place, it should be the destination of Cocona's memories, right?
:(Trailblazer): (Cocona... where are you?)
;(Approach Cocona)
:Cocona is standing at the edge of the rooftop, a silent wind breezing against her silken hair.
:A single teardrop is carried by the wind towards you, grazing your cheek — it's still boiling hot.
:(Trailblazer): (Cocona...)
:(Trailblazer): (Cocona... I must calm her down.)
:(Trailblazer): (This may be my last chance... )
: Cocona, it's me.
:Cocona: ...
:Cocona: Please let me leave... I've heard it all by now. It's all pointless no matter how much effort I put in.
: Cocona, do you remember your song?
: ..."Envision a Rose Forthcoming."
:Cocona: That song... Hah, it probably can't be called a complete song... It's nothing but a third-rate defective piece of work.
:Cocona: ...Just like what I am now. To survive in this world, I have kept cutting off pieces of my own soul and discarding them... Until finally, there's nothing left but an empty shell that detests life.
:Cocona: On the path to becoming a shop owner, I discovered many inner qualities that made me hate myself. I betrayed myself time and again... in exchange for what is so-called success in the eyes of others.
:Cocona: But I was unable to change totally. Guilt always caught up to me, inevitably interrogating my conscience. I was too twisted, and it was too painful — this dream had no place for me.
: As long as there's life left, everthing is worth saving.
::Cocona: ...Saving? You don't understand... This is how I will save myself, and this is my salvation.
: No matter what happens, don't give up on yourself.
::Cocona: ...Give up? No... This is my salvation.
:Cocona: Thank you for your compassion, but I'm afraid you won't understand... For someone like me, this choice isn't up to me. The voice within guides me — I have no freedom, and I am only to be led by them.
:Cocona: It's all right to respond to it, even just once. It agrees... As long as I follow it, all bad things will disappear.
: Please talk to me, Cocona...
::Cocona: Your life, I bet it was fulfilling and lively, no?
::Cocona: That's why you think all hardships can be overcomed through talking. Talking to your closest friends about your most innermost truths.
: Life has its ups and downs, Cocona.
::Cocona: You really are an optimistic person... I truly envy you.
::Cocona: I'm guessing you've got plenty of people around you who can put a smile on your face? That's why you're so enthusiastic and sunny about everything.
:Cocona: I've tried it before... many times. Sometimes it's begging, sometimes it's a struggle, and other times I'm drowned by its black tide.
:Cocona: No matter how hard I try, the outcome stays the same. 
:Cocona: ...Listen, it's here — it's finally taking me away from this place of sorrow.
:;(Floating words)
::Come with me, Cocona.
::Leave this place. Leave all your troubles behind.
: Grab Cocona's hand.
::You grab Cocona's hand in one sweeping motion. The touch of icy cold shoots a pain up your arm, the warmth seemingly draining from your grasp with each passing second.
::Cocona: ...?
::;(Floating words)
:::Who... are you?
:::You shouldn't have interfered... You have no right...
::Cocona: ...Do you wish for me to stay? To stay in this world with nothing but desolation, to continue bearing suffering?
::Cocona: I can't take this anymore. This is my limit... Let me go...
::;(Floating words)
:::Let go... Let go...
::Cocona: Please...
:: Grab Cocona's hand.
:::(Trailblazer): I'm sorry, Cocona.
:::(Trailblazer): I can't just stand by and watch and let you... fall.
:::Your grip remains tightened over Cocona's hand, trying your utmost to transfer your warmth to her.
:::Cocona: Do you think... that you're helping me?
:::;(Floating words)
::::You're hurting her... You hurt her.
:::Cocona: Don't you think others have tried... You think I've never met people like you?
:::Cocona: ...They're all just trying to do something in the spur of the moment to feel good about themselves. None of you can understand. You're not helping me... No...
:::;(Floating words)
::::Let go... Let go...
:::Cocona: Let me... be free.
::: Grab Cocona's hand.
::::(Trailblazer): I'm sure I don't understand, Cocona...
::::(Trailblazer): But I know... as long as there's life... there are possibilities.
::::The surface of her cold skin appears to have grown hooks... Sharp, searing pain pierces into your palm.
::::But you refuse to let go.
::::;(Floating words)
:::::Idiot... Idiot...
:::::Dont believe in promises again... Don't be fooled again...
::::Cocona: I've had enough... I've had enough! All of you keep showing up in my life one after another, giving me false hope time and again...
::::Cocona: ...And then abandoning me halfway, leaving me to pick up the pieces... Leaving them to grow on me like parasites, decaying, spreading...
::::Cocona: I can't bear it any longer... I've had enough of playing the tragic support role in all these stories. All that suffering... Please, let it end...
::::;(Floating words)
:::::Let go... Let go...
::::Cocona: I don't want to... struggle any longer.
:::: Grab Cocona's hand.
:::::(Trailblazer): I'm not your family... your mentor... not even a doctor.
:::::(Trailblazer): All I know is... it's absolutely not the time to let go right now.
:::::You lose almost all the feeling in your hand from the cold and pain, but you still hang on even more tightly.
:::::;(Floating words)
::::::...
:::::You see the sadness on Cocona's face, her loneliness and rage slowly subsiding... Replaced by a sliver of puzzlement.
::::: I will always hold on to you...
::::: ...Till this Dreamscape disintegrates...
::::: ...Even if I have to force you to stay here.
:::::Cocona: ...
:::::Cocona: Do you know that... this thing you're fighting against, it isn't a real person? It's a disease, a nightmare... and an unseen enemy that can't be touched.
:::::Cocona: I know you're very strong... but no matter how powerful you are, you will never be able to defeat a formless enemy.
::::: Even if it's pointless, I still have to challenge it.
::::: If it means that you'll stay, I have to give it a try.
:::::Cocona: ...
:::::Cocona: , you really are a strange one.
:::::Cocona: That voice... It's gone now. It will be back, that I'm sure of. But at least for now, in this very moment, I am not being wielded by it.
:::::Cocona: Thank you. Thank you for not giving up on me... even if just for a fleeting moment. But you've at least let me understand now... that someone still cares — that someone believes in my resolve to fight it.
:::::Cocona: I also have one last request, ...
::::: I'll listen to every single word.
::::: Say it, and I'll do my utmost to grant it.
::::: As long as it doesn't hurt you.
:::::A smile breaks out on Cocona's face — you are certain the smile is coming from the bottom of her heart, unmarred by emotional complications.
:::::Cocona: Could you please... loosen your grip a little? It kind of hurts.
::::;(Proceed to Envision a Rose Forthcoming)
:::: Let go.
:::::You release her.
::::;(Same dialogue as "You watch Cocona leave.")
::: Let go.
::::You release her.
:::;(Same dialogue as "You watch Cocona leave.")
:: Let go.
:::You release her.
::;(Same dialogue as "You watch Cocona leave.")
: You watch Cocona leave.
::Cocona turns her head, giving you one last glance. Her eyes are brimming with sorrow, loneliness, and... gratitude.
::Cocona: Thank you. Thank you for respecting my wishes.
::;(Floating words)
:::It's time to go, Cocona.
:::Come with me... We're leaving.
::Cocona: I can see it... That rose has bloomed.
::Cocona turns back, facing the curtain of void in the distance. You think you can see the corners of her mouth curl slighly.
::Cocona: ...This is the happiest day of my life.
:;(Proceed to Envision a Rose Forthcoming)
==Trivia==
*The enemies in step 9 are named after the qualities Cocona's Ego represent.
**The Dreamjolt Troupe's Birdskull's name is "Cocona's Honesty". Its story reads: "A soul of honesty, who that once believed that sincerity given would be sincerity returned."
**The Dreamjolt Troupe's Mr. Domescreen's name is "Cocona's Purity". Its story reads: "A kind heart that once believed that no matter how much suffering was in this world, the ending would always be a happy one."
**The Dreamjolt Troupe's Bubble Hound's name is "Cocona's Principles". Its story reads: "A firm heart that once believed there were lines that could not be crossed."
**The Dreamjolt Troupe's Spring Loader's name is "Cocona's Kindness". Its story reads: "A kind heart that once believed that everyone is good by nature."
*During step 17, the visuals are in black-and-white. Every time the player chooses to "Grab Cocona's hand", they gradually become more colorized.
==Other Languages==
==Change History==