Chapter 24 - Wood Nexus II

*Lan, Haku, Player, Sven and Grancy walk up a rickety wooden path to the Woods Nexus located in the upper branches of Yggdrasil*
*They are so high up that they are above the mists that carpet the Star Woods*
*Paper cranes decorate the wooden path, some glowing brightly, others with their light dimming*
*After entering the gate to Yggdrasil...*
*You walk around the trunk of the tree and begin to climb the path.*
*The sun begins to set, and is about to fall into the clouds below you.*
**Player**: Phew. It's getting dark. Let's rest here a while.
**Player**: Why are you raising your hands like that, Haku?
**Haku**: (Looks at his hands) I'm meditating, praying.
**Player**: (Imitates Haku) So you just close your eyes and put your palms together like this?
**Haku**: (Shakes head) You also need to get in the right mental state.
**Player**: (Looks at Haku inquisitively)
**Haku**: ...
**Haku**: It means to maintain your original, pure state of mind.
**Haku**: Emotions like fear, annoyance, and anger break your connection with the gods.
**Sven**: (Sits down, wailing) Stop rubbing it, brother! You're gonna rub my kneecap right off!
**Sven**: This path is so long, I think my legs are going to break.
**Grancy**: Oh, your leg hurts? Sit down. Don't move.
*Haku goes over to Sven*
**Haku**: Someone! We need help here!
**Player**: This whole time, and you still haven't gotten to know those two yet.
**Player**: Hmm... These two guys fighting is kind of the antithesis of what you were just saying about meditation.
**Haku**: Antithesis?
**Player**: (Watching passively) One person pretends to be afraid to provoke the other person into getting annoying, and they both end up getting angry!
**Haku**: But what if he really needs...
*Haku checks on Sven's condition*
**Player**: (Looks at hands) Then again, it's when people are in pain that they most want the gods to help them.
**Player**: So why do you say that you're not supposed to have these emotions when you're praying?
*Player notices Haku isn't standing next to him anymore*
**Player**: (Looks over) Huh? Where did he go?
*He sees Haku looking after Sven*
**Player**: Sigh, I'd better go take a look. He is just an innocent child, after all...
**Lan**: Player! Come over here!
*Player finds Lan a little farther ahead on the path*
**Lan**: Look, on this branch!
*A glowing paper crane hangs down from the branch, swaying in the breeze*
**Player**: A glowing blue lantern... A crane lantern?
**Lan**: That's right, it's a crane lantern. It means we've almost at the temple.
**Lan**: (Whispers) Breaking through the mist of the woods and seeing the paper cranes waver violently in the wind...It's just not a dream anymore.
**Lan**: Come take a look.
*Player steps closer to the edge of the path to get a better look at the crane lantern*
*As you approached the edge of the path, you hear a faint voice.*
**Player**: The view here is incredible, but we've been walking for so long, I'm really missing the elevator at the Metal Nexus.
**???**: Humph, that Metal Nexus with his bad temper...
**???**: Can that run-down factory he calls home really compare with my Star Woods? With the top of Yggdrasil?
**Player**: (A child's voice? Haku? Doesn't sound like it...)
**Player**: (The Wheel of Fate is glowing weakly. It must be because of its connection with the Flux Nexus...)
**Wood Nexus**: What? Garuda, you... How dare you call my forest old and desolate?!
**Wood Nexus**: As if you're so cosmopolitan... The temple?
**Wood Nexus**: (Speaking vaguely) All right. Those visitors have no idea what you and Hawke have sealed there...
**Lan**: What's wrong? What are you looking at?
**Player**: Standing next to the crane lantern, I think I could hear the nexus.
**Player**: It mentioned the temple seal, but it didn't finish its sentence.
**Player**: But the personality of the Wood Nexus here at the top of Yggdrasil is a little strange. I thought it'd be more aloof...
*Grancy, Sven and Haku catch up to Lan and Player*
*Grancy holds Radon in its spear form*
**Sven**: Wow, you're making me sit and wait? Even if you don't carry me a while...
**Sven**: You're not going to pick up your weapon and take this opportunity to kill me, are you?
**Grancy**: I'm just moving around a bit to test out my knee and make sure it's okay. Don't worry.
**Sven**: (Making a move) Well, then. If that's how it is, I won't hold back!
*As Grancy dodges, a piece of wood peeks out of his pocket.*
**Sven**: What are you doing over there? Carving wood?!
**Grancy**: (Resisting) What do you mean, wood? This is pine root. Dummy.
**Lan**: It has a faint glow, with a body like a dragon, capable of striking high or low, wide or narrow. Not bad.
**Lan**: But you two had better be careful practicing here - the path is very narrow.
**Sven**: Oh, you're back, Master Lan. We're just messing around.
*Sven shoots Grancy a look of provocation.*
*Grancy gives Sven a soft kick, then puts down his spear.*
**Haku**: (Nodding at you) No broken legs.
**Lan**: What are you talking about, broken legs?
*Radon goes back to its dragon form*
**Sven**: Ahem, I think I just overheard Master Lan say that it's only a little farther to the temple.
**Sven**: Does that place really exist? How did you put it... Something about lanterns and splendor...
**Lan**: "Three thousand lanterns, billions of stars; an immortal splendor, bestowed upon you."
**Lan**: (Nodding) The old man in the Star Woods said that this was a benediction offered by Ka when He put the power of light into the Wood Nexus.
**Lan**: Just after this stretch of road, there are three temples situated amongst the trees.
**Lan**: It was once the residence of Garuda, Guardian of Cranes.
**Lan**: Inside and outside the temple, both above and below the clouds, there are burning lanterns that believers pay worship to, floating lanterns full of fervent prayers.
**Player**: So that's what 'three thousand lanterns' refers to. What about 'billions of stars'?
**Lan**: I have not yet stepped into the nexus at the top of the tree. I have only heard others tell of its splendor.
**Lan**: Some say that because Yggdrasil reaches as high as the heavens, you can see a flowing river of stars at its apex...
**Lan**: Others say that it is not just that, that 'three thousand lanterns' refers to Garuda himself, and 'billions of stars' refers to the Wood Nexus.
**Lan**: Whatever the case, we will find out the truth once we reach the nexus this evening.
**Sven**: We can see the stars together! Now I've got the motivation to keep climbing this tree.
**Player**: Haha, yes. Let's keep going, then.
**Player**: Haku?
**Haku**: (Spacing out) Lanterns, stars.
**Haku**: (Whispering) The sky is an illusion, the earth has form. The Ever Light... the stellar array...
**Grancy**: Huh?
**Haku**: (Looks at Lan) Another passage I just remembered. An incantation... I don't know its use.
**Lan**: (Shakes head) I've never heard it before.
*Player continues to the top of the wooden path*
*It ends at the entrance to a tree tunnel that passes through Yggdrasil, a set of wooden stairs leading to the temples above*
**Player**: Do you want to go into the tree hole and take a look around?
*Choice 1.1 - We've explored the road. Let's go in.*
*Continue to Part 2*
*Choice 1.2 - There's still some stuff left to see out here. Not yet.*
*Player looks around the wooden path one last time before continuing*
*Player finds a crane lantern that seems to be decaying*
**Player**: (Takes a close look) I wonder if this lantern has anything to say?
**Wood Nexus**: Truly, I'm far more pleasing to the eye than Metal Nexus. Come up and see for yourself.
**Wood Nexus**: (Enunciating every word) I...am...just...an...immature...feral...child?!
*It seems like it's started fighting with someone again.*
**Wood Nexus**: You're so anxious to talk about the past. I don't need your protection. If you wish to go, then go.
**Wood Nexus**: Damned crane, Garuda!
**Wood Nexus**: Hey, finish what you were saying. Don't fly away, don't go! You're just bullying me because I don't have legs, aren't you!
*Player finds a crane lantern that looks burnt and smoldering*
**Player**: How do the crane lanterns here change colors?!
**Wood Nexus**: Ahem, Master of the Wheel of Fate, I feel as though I should make something clear.
**Wood Nexus**: Garuda flew away so that he could oversee his subordinates as they bring back my prayer lantern. It's not because I am not good enough for him.
**Wood Nexus**: After all, you mortals depend on me to make your wishes come true.
**Wood Nexus**: Let me take a look at today's prayer.
**Wood Nexus**: A dark red lantern, full of distasteful rage, and no light... Throw it away.
**Wood Nexus**: An ashen green lantern, full of acerbic fear. I don't understand it... Throw it away.
**Wood Nexus**: Finally, a glowing lantern with hints of sweetness and gleaming with light! Let me make your wish come true...
**Player**: This is like what Haku said, only a clear mind...
**Wood Nexus**: Huh? That dark purple one is... A crow?
**Wood Nexus**: Ugh...
*Player talks to Lan*
**Lan**: "The clouds at twilight..."
**Lan**: "For lonely clouds and hearthward birds, home is a short flight away. I miss my own home so, for long have I not returned."
**Lan**: I remember back when I would finish sword practice, there was always someone singing in the shade of the trees. At the time, I didn't understand this sentence.
**Lan**: What about you? You've been here a while. Are you still desperate to return home?
**Player**: You're going to laugh when I say it, because I don't have Master Lan's knack for poetry, but when I saw the twilight and the paper cranes just now...
**Player**: It made me think of a poem: the yellow crane once gone, does not return.
**Lan**: What's the next line?
**Player**: For he spends his days amongst the clouds.
**Player**: No one here would know the next verse.
**Player**: Suddenly, I'm starting to miss Earth and my home.
**Player**: Because I've suddenly remembered that this is not my world, and never has been.
**Lan**: ...I understand.
*Player sees Haku look up at Yggdrasil*
*While in a daze, Haku watches the fireflies in the trees.*
**Haku**: On my birthday, Bergsen said to me: Child, on a clear night, one must put out the lanterns...
**Haku**: That way, your heart can connect with the stars in the sky...
**Haku**: And if the gods see this light, they will make your wish come true...
**Haku**: It's hard to do when you grow up.
**Haku**: Many people's hearts are clouded by resentment, anger, and fear.
**Haku**: Why?
**Player**: Perhaps it is because as one intersects with experiences and people, their emotions become complicated.
**Haku**: Intersections... Like Grancy and Sven?
**Player**: Familial love is just one kind.
*Grancy sees you coming over...*
*He retracts his open hand.*
**Player**: There's no wind on the ground, but high in the sky, it's always blowing in your face.
**Grancy**: Yes. I used to think, there are so many living creatures in the Star Woods. Why does Ka prefer the trees?
**Grancy**: But once I came to Yggdrasil, I found...
**Grancy**: No matter how much the mortal world has changed over thousands of years, it is still here.
**Grancy**: From the darkest depths of the underworld to the auspices of the warm sun, it is all resolutely full of life.
*Player chats with Sven*
**Sven**: How could He enjoy it so much? Standing at the top of such a big tree...
**Sven**: I'm just more suited to the poplar next to our camp, I guess.
**Player**: It's so tall, it's scary, isn't it?
**Sven**: Yes.
**Sven**: Heh, no, that's not it.
**Sven**: The poplar tree is short and soft, while its branches are durable and concentrated.
**Sven**: You can climb up on top and eat food while lying on your side.
**Sven**: If you like to sway back and forth, you can use it as a cradle and hammock.
**Sven**: And there's nothing but freedom as far as the eyes can see. It's not like here - this place is too majestic.
*Player finally makes his way through the tunnel that leads higher into Yggdrasil*
*Continue to Part 2*

### Part 2

*As Player enters the tunnel, the other four gather at the entrance, awed by the sight*
**Sven**: Wow, look at these vines, the fluorescent light, the green and blue grass... This tree hole is very pretty.
**Grancy**: This place is called 'the Crane's Hideaway.' There are legends that depict life in this hole as a kind of hazy dream.
**Lan**: (Nodding) When Garuda retired, he left the temple and moved here.
**Lan**: In the Second Shadow War, after Dracula broke the seal, he saw a great increase in ability...
**Lan**: The flames of war were ignited across the Star Woods. Fighting and fleeing along the way, he left Garuda and the Draconians far behind.
**Lan**: When it passed by this place, it carved out a hole in the trunk of this tree and got stuck.
**Sven**: (Whispers) How big that must have been, to carve out this hole!
**Haku**: Pigbats, big ones. They can even dig through the stones on mountains.
**Lan**: The Guardian was able to catch up and seal the Bat King away.
**Lan**: Once the seal was complete, Garuda left the temple, and hid away at the top of Yggdrasil.
**Grancy**: The seal...
**Grancy**: The place where the Bat King was sealed - the Garuda Altar - you've heard of it, Master Lan?
**Lan**: Strange as it sounds, the two battles with the Bat King have been recorded in the annals, but they never mention the precise location of the Garuda Altar.
**Sven**: (Scratching head in irritation) Tch, I get a headache whenever someone mentions it.
**Sven**: According to the Star Woods' damned rules, Shadowhunters are supposed to stay away from Yggdrasil. There are indigenous people here, it's a holy place, I get it.
**Sven**: But when Grancy and I reported for duty, we discovered that we couldn't even find the altar we were supposed to protect!
**Sven**: Since ancient times, the Ursus Altar has had Ursus Guards and Shadowhunters protecting it, while the Mona Altar's been protected by Shadowhunters and Werewolf Guards.
**Sven**: In the Star Woods, the newly-arrived Shadowhunters didn't have a foundation, they didn't have an altar...
**Lan**: Did you know that, Haku?
**Haku**: (Shakes head)
**Grancy**: It's been kept a tight secret.
**Grancy**: (Touches the ice dragon) No wonder that the last time there was a war, Garuda needed to send people to the Cloudend Isles to ask the Draconians for help.
**Haku**: (Speaking up) Tree Elves, should be stationed here.
**Haku**: I can't sense them.
**Lan**: When we were at the entrance at the bottom of the tree, it should've been the Tree Elves who opened it, right?
**Haku**: (Nodding) Now, they're gone.
**Lan**: There may be something wrong. I'll go in and have a look. You guys stay out here.
**Grancy**: Hey, where's Player?
**Sven**: I don't think he's down below. He was chatting with me on our way here.
**Lan**: He passed by me, too...
**Lan**: (Strides into the tree hole) ...
*Player has stopped a short way beyond the entrance but stands up when he hears Lan come from behind*
**Player**: Hey, Lan. You're just on time. There's something strange about Yggdrasil.
**Player**: I saw that the paper crane at the back had changed colors. I came here to find out why.
*Everyone stares at your foot.*
**Player**: (Stepping back) Uh... I was just squatting here to check out this glowing grass.
**Player**: Why are you staring at my foot?
**Grancy**: You mean...that paper crane?
**Player**: (Turns around and reaches out with hand, but hits a barrier) !
**Player**: The entrance was sealed again!
**Lan**: So there is something strange going on here. I'm glad I came in, too.
**Player**: ... (You shiver as a ghostly fluorescent light and rising fog descends and wraps around you.)
**Lan**: It's okay, the door is sealed, all we need to do is open it.
**Sven**: We're at the entrance. Come on out!
*Player and Lan are trapped in the Crane's Hideaway and have no choice but to go up*
*When they reach the top of the staircase, they're blocked by a barrier that has they symbol of the crane feather on it*
**Lan**: The exit up above also appears to have been sealed.
**Player**: It looks like the ruins entrance's Cranewing Rune...
**Voice Outside the Door**: What did you do to them, you guys?
**Player**: (You and Lan exchange glances) Are they talking about...?
**Tree Elf Outside**: The elders were carrying out the ceremony just now, when suddenly we didn't hear anything from them... It's because of you, isn't it?!
**Tree Elf Outside**: The Tree Elves that were supposed to guard the torches are gone!
**Player**: We didn't see any Tree Elves on our way here.
**Tree Elf Outside**: Then where did they go? You say it wasn't because of you, but nobody else has been here!
**Lan**: (Low voice) The entrance at the bottom of Yggdrasil was already closed when we got here.
**Player**: If the Tree Elves disappeared, then that means we are the only ones here.
**Tree Elf Outside**: You two stay right there. We'll wait for another elder to get here and decide what to do!
**Player**: We're locked in here... The entrance was suddenly sealed up - this couldn't be its fault, right?
**Player**: Now we have to wait for some elder to arrive. Who knows how long we'll be stuck here?
**Lan**: It implied that the Tree Elves disappeared. Let's take a look around - maybe we'll be able to clear things up.
**Player**: All right. Anyway, we're stuck in here with nothing better to do. We might as well look.
**Lan**: (Picks something up) Someone dropped a sachet in this grass.
**Player**: (Sniffing) It's so pungent. It's like medicinal herbs mixed with gunpowder.
**Lan**: It's probably orpiment. The new year just started, and the serpents and insects have come out of hibernation...
**Lan**: In the Star Woods, we wear orpiment like this when we divinate the weather and fortune from the stars.
**Player**: Divinate from the stars?
**Lan**: We observe the movement of the stars, trying to predict whether harvests will be plentiful or sparse, to determine whether our fortune will be good or bad, to see which crops will be favored.
**Lan**: Which is to say, the stars tell us how the year's harvest will go, so that we can plan accordingly.
**Lan**: (Sniffs the sachet again) No, this smell... There's something off about it.
**Player**: The sachet's embroidery pattern is rather unique; it has a six-pointed star in the center, and six small four-pointed stars around it.
**Lan**: It's a Cagestar pattern. It's like a bamboo cage that traps bad luck and drives away evil and illness.
**Player**: A Cagestar... Is this pattern directly related to the stars in the sky?
**Lan**: That's right. It is said that in the skies above the Wood Nexus, there exist six revolving stars that can be connected together to form a triangle.
**Lan**: It is said that crops planted or fences weaved using this kind of spiral pattern will be especially resistant to the wind.
**Player**: Incredible! When I go back, I should do some research - maybe I could use this concept as the basis for a flux array.
*Player takes the sachet*
**Lan**: Look over here. In addition to the sachet, there are some pieces of flowers and grass.
**Player**: Green leaves... Those are pretty easy to identify.
**Player**: After all, that Tree Elf did pull me aside and spend all day telling me about bats and stars...
**Player**: The blue petals over there are Time Blossoms.
**Player**: They floated into the sky faster than we could climb the path.
**Player**: Lan, you mentioned that there was something strange about their whereabouts. It's not normal for someone to suddenly disappear.
**Player**: Why are the Tree Elves outside the door so anxious? You think there's something going on in the tree hole?
**Lan**: The Tree Elves are creatures unique to the Star Woods. They depend on the flux here to live, and they exist in a symbiotic relationship with the flora.
**Lan**: Thus it stands to reason, that wherever you find plants, you will also find Tree Elves. They wouldn't all simply vanish from a place.
**Lan**: The forest may be deep and mysterious, but it is teeming with life, and a large part of that is because of them.
**Player**: They depend on the Flux Nexus? Then if the Wood Nexus is corrupted, will they disappear?
**Lan**: That's right. Haku said that this place seems a little too clean right now. There's nothing here.
**Player**: Could it be that the Flux Nexus has been corrupted? It wouldn't happen that quickly, would it?
**Player**: No. There's a Tree Elf outside. Only the Tree Elves inside the tree hole have disappeared.
**Player**: Then what exactly happened here?
*Player and Lan search the area*
*Fireflies and water droplets continue to descend inside the tree hole.*
**Player**: It's a little chilly, but why do my joints feel more tired than they did when we were climbing the path? I feel like I'm burning...
**Lan**: The fog here seems...
**Player**: This step is so dark. I almost stepped into thin air!
**Player**: Huh? What's up with all those pellets down there?
**Lan**: (Reads the labels) "Serial Number S025, Collection Team Bat Y370..."
**Player**: Don't get too close. I remember there was a Tree Elf who said to be wary of poisonous things.
**Lan**: "Store in a cold environment. Resource name: Phosphate Ore..."
**Lan**: (Grimacing) "White Phosphorus?! Low ignition point. Cannot extinguish until burnt out."
**Player**: Maybe the Tree Elves accidentally set themselves on fire?
*Lan picks up a small pellet and carefully rubs it against a stone.*
**Lan**: It didn't ignite while airborne. Instead, it left behind a powder. The bugs and ants don't seem to want to go near it.
**Lan**: This has got to be orpiment!
**Player**: Like the sachet I picked up?
**Lan**: (Has an epiphany) White phosphorus... The sachet we found earlier, it smelled of white phosphorus.
**Lan**: The two do have their similarities.
**Lan**: In the fog... That's why we had that burning sensation. It was unignited white phosphorus.
**Player**: In other words... Before the ceremony, someone took the orpiment and switched it out with white phosphorus!
**Player**: (Hair stands on end) If they mistook the white phosphorus for orpiment, hung it in sachets, and even rubbed it on their bodies...
**Lan**: In certain lighting conditions, one can be burnt to ash when the ignition point is reached.
**Player**: Bat Y370... Bat... So the pigbats are responsible for collecting these minerals.
**Lan**: And just now, outside the tree hole, Haku did mention that large pigbats are capable of digging through stone.
**Player**: But back in the woods, I saw that most pigbats are quite tame in the presence of tree elves.
**Player**: Suppose they did switch out the orpiment for white phosphorus... To what end?
**Lan**: (Thinks) The tree elf outside said that the tree elves who disappeared were guarding the torches.
*You can see several open boxes with torn seals lying around.*
**Player**: Are those flaming Cagestar patterns engraved on the boxes?
**Lan**: There are not many patterns in the Star Woods related to flames.
**Lan**: (Reads a seal) Controlled strategic supplies inside.
**Player**: It's not canned - why would they prepare fresh fruit for a military operation...
**Player**: Hold on, this is a little familiar. It looks like the Luck Fruit I got after I was defeated by those tree elves.
**Player**: Their faces were familiar. Plus, considering the leaves and flowers just now that they gave Sven to use for his medicine...
**Lan**: Does Luck Fruit have any special effects?
*You think back to your battle.*
*Choice 2.1 - They pacify frenzied Pigbats.*
**Player**: They pacify frenzied Pigbats.
**Player**: After that battle, the pigbat said he used a Luck Fruit to detoxify himself. It wasn't that the tree elf's illness poisoned the fruit.
*Choice 2.2 - They made the tree elves disappear.*
**Player**: They made the tree elves disappear.
**Player**: No, that doesn't seem right...
**Player**: After that battle, the pigbat said he used a Luck Fruit to detoxify himself. It wasn't that the tree elf's illness poisoned the fruit.
*Conversation continues after choices*
**Lan**: So the tree elves were preparing Pigbat food for the military operation...
**Player**: If they come down with some kind of affliction, Luck Fruit is the only thing that can save them.
**Player**: It didn't occur to me then, but now it seems like the manifestation of some kind of addiction.
**Player**: If the pigbats discovered they were being controlled by the Luck Fruit...
**Player**: Then their hatred for the tree elves would be understandable.
**Lan**: So that's the motive behind changing out the sachets, but why the time and place of the ceremony?
**Player**: They're venting their anger at having been controlled.
**Lan**: I'm afraid it isn't that simple. It being related to the pigbats, it makes me think of the mysterious Garuda Altar...
**Player**: What mysterious altar?
**Lan**: The altar is the place where Garuda sealed Bat King Dracula - currently, the Shadowhunters do not know its specific location.
**Player**: No wonder... Instead of having me go to the altar to meet the Shadowhunters, Haku led the way.
**Lan**: (Rubs eyebrows) What a mess... Anyway, the good news is that we've found a possible reason for the tree elves' disappearance.
**Lan**: We just got here and haven't had time to prepare for these ceremonies.
**Player**: So long as we explain everything to the tree elf outside, he should let us out.
*Suddenly, the Cagestar rune appears at the base of the tunnel in a flash of light*
*When the light fades, one large tree elf and some smaller tree elves appear*
**Player**: One six-pointed star, and six four-pointed stars...
**Player**: That was the Cagestar that flashed by just now, right?
**Player**: Seems like there are six more leaves than normal. Overall, nothing's missing.
*The tree elves float over to the center of Crane's Hideaway*
**Player**: (Rubs eyes) Are these tree elves here for the ceremony?
*The edges of Player's vision begins to blur but the center is clear, as if the ceremony demands his attention*
**Tree Elf Elder**: With the eastern wind comes the thaw. With the sun, comes hibernation's end.
**Tree Elf Elder**: As the astrolabe turns, set your heart upon the correct path.
*In front of the tree elf elder, a glowing astrolabe appears*
**Player**: An astrolabe appeared out of nowhere. They're really going to divination.
*You see the tree elf pouring out the contents of the sachet.*
**Player**: Wait! Don't open it!
*One after the other, the tree elves copy the action and untie their sachets...*
*They take the powder out and apply it to the foreheads of their masks.*
**Player**: (They don't seem to hear me...)
**Tree Elf Elder**: Changshien, today we offer the glass flower...in the hopes that the Forest God will aid us in our Celestial ceremony and tell us our fortune.
**Changshien**: (Reaching to the side) Mirsen! The glass flower.
*From the corner comes a faint voice.*
**Mirsen**: (Hiccups drunkenly) The glass... It's been too cold this year. It hasn't bloomed.
**Mirsen**: Translucent blue petals... This is your chance to save the day, Time Blossom.
**Time Blossom**: This smells terrible. Are all the customs of the Star Woods this dumb?
**Mirsen**: We still don't have any petals. Didn't you say you gave several to that person from before?
**Time Blossom**: (Takes out petals with irritation) Fine, here you go.
**Mirsen**: All right... We'll waive the money you owe me for having the elder tell your fortune.
**Time Blossom**: ...I'm leaving.
*After some quick adjustments, the 'Celestial' ceremony begins.*
**Changshien**: Today we offer the glass flower...in the hopes that the Forest God will aid us in our Celestial ceremony and tell us our fortune.
**Player**: Spots of light appeared in the astrolabe as it spun...
*A yellow orb of sparkling light appears on the lower left of the astrolabe*
**Changshien**: The stars tell of gold, of cold...of much death.
**Mirsen**: There will be a cold snap this spring, so stay properly dressed.
*A strange orange orb of fire appears on the right side of the astrolabe*
**Changshien**: (Gradually becoming serious) Half in earth, opposed to fire. Dust...and cover...
**Mirsen**: Sand, perhaps. And be wary of fires. Make sure you are properly protected against the wind.
*A green orb of wind appears on the top of the astrolabe*
**Changshien**: The Star of the Woods is facing the wrong way...
**Changshien**: No, this trigram does not foretell of a disaster from the heavens. It is a disaster from the domain of man...
*Suddenly, dark bats fly from the center of the astrolabe and disappear*
**Changshien**: Wind and fire, flying sand and stone.
**Changshien**: The sun, stained with blood. Brothers fighting brothers.
**Changshien**: The altars annihilated, the Bat King reveals himself.
**Changshien**: House and clan alike will fall. The laws of nature reversed.
**Mirsen**: After... After we disappear, the Star Woods...will fall...
**Troublemaking Tree Elf**: Disappear?! H-how are we gonna d-disappear?!
**Troublemaking Tree Elf**: The Star Woods... Will fall? What...does that mean?
**Troublemaking Tree Elf**: It's not...turning anymore?
**Troublemaking Tree Elf**: What's that? All those colorful lines?
**Changshien**: Ray of light in disordered hues... The rotating astrolabe...
**Changshien**: The one who carries the Wheel of Fate, he who restarted the Light Nexus, is the unknown factor...
*Changshien turns around and looks directly at Player*
**Changshien**: If you hope to avert the calamitous fate of the Star Woods, the last trigram is in your hands.
*The other tree elves look at Player*
**Troublemaking Tree Elf**: Fate... Is in your hands. In your hands. In your hands...
**Changshien**: Remember, complex as your pain may be... You still must find your original state of mind...
**Troublemaking Tree Elf**: Pain, pain... Your own mind...
*The mysterious ritual bursts into flames before your eyes.*
*The bodies of the tree elves dissolve into nothingness*
**Lan**: Wake up, Player!
**Player**: Oh... (Shakes head) I think I just had a vision of the disappearance of the tree elves...
**Lan**: You saw them?!
**Player**: It was a little blurry, but I saw them hold the Celestial ceremony after they'd applied the powder from the sachets.
**Player**: Something about clashing and elements... Gold, fire, stuff like that. I didn't understand any of it.
**Lan**: These sound like special astrological symbols. We can ask Haku later.
**Player**: Oh, and they said that the altar was annihilated, and the Bat King has returned to the world.
**Lan**: The altar?!
**Player**: Will the astrological prophecy really come true?
**Lan**: Before the end of the First Shadow War, it is said that 'meteors filled the sky, competing for the heavens.'
**Lan**: Here, meteors are omens of change. 'Then the Bat King was sealed with an array.'
**Player**: According to the prediction they just made, the Star Woods has some hard times ahead of it.
**Lan**: Go explain the situation to the tree elf standing guard at the entrance, and see how things are on the outside.
*Player speaks to the tree elf on the other side of the barrier at the top of the stairs*
**Player**: Hey, come here. We figured out what happened in the tree hole.
**Tree Elf Outside**: Hold on.
*Through the array at the gate, you could vaguely make out the tree elf patrolling the torch.*
**Tree Elf Outside**: One, two... Six. All here.
*You tell the tree elf outside about the clues you discovered and your theory about what happened.*
**Player**: And that's the long and short of it. The disappearance of the tree elves ought to have been the work of the pigbats.
**Tree Elf Outside**: Damned pigbats!
*The tree elf dispels the barrier*
**Tree Elf Outside**: Come on out. I believe you when you say you're innocent.
**Player**: The celestial prophecy was so horrifying, I wonder what's going on outside.
*Player and Lan exits Crane's Hideaway and reach the base temple structure*
*You don't see any death or destruction outside the entrance.*
*However, there are dark spots on the crane lanterns hanging in the branches, and the feathers are still falling.*
**Lan**: Phew. Looks like things haven't changed too much, thank Ka.
**Lan**: The temples at the bottom, right, and left corners are all still in place.
**Player**: There's one big temple, and two smaller ones?
**Lan**: Yes. It is said there have always been three temples, but afterward, one suddenly grew larger.
**Lan**: Because it was so bizarre, no one believed it. Now even the sound of this torch burning is different.
**Player**: It's too big - it's almost like it's trying to burn itself out.
**Player**: But the situation outside isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be, at least compared to the Flux Nexus destruction I experienced.
**Player**: Truth be told, I originally thought that this temple was the Garuda Altar.
**Player**: The prophecy foretelling of the altar's annihilation made me afraid that I'd see this temple collapse when we came out.
**Lan**: (Crouching down to confirm) But there are no flux waves on the ground here.
**Lan**: Why did you think it was the altar?
**Player**: The Flux Nexus said something before. It said that people visit the temple with no idea what's actually sealed there.
**Player**: It would now appear that the Garuda Altar's specific location really is a mystery.
**Player**: I just hope that nothing's happened there, unlike at the Flux Nexus.
**Lan**: Let's keep heading to the nexus. We'll meet up with Sven and the others first.
**Player**: I'll go inform them what's going on, and check things out along the way.
**Lan**: Go. Take a look around and then meet up with me again here.
*Haku, Grancy and Sven pass through the one-way barrier at the base of Crane's Hideaway and begin to make their way up*
*Haku stops in the middle of the stairway*
**Player**: Haku, you're checking Sven's medicine...
*Choice 3.1 - Is there still enough medicine?*
**Player**: Is there still enough medicine?
**Player**: I found some Luck Fruit and Green Leaves here.
**Player**: As luck would have it, the Pine Roots here are twins, so we should have enough.
**Player**: All you need to do if you want to mix some more medicine is find that flower.
**Haku**: (Nodding) Enough. For now.
**Haku**: (Shakes head) The extra Pine Roots... Grancy won't let me grind them.
**Player**: Grancy won't let you?
**Player**: (Pine Root... I remember the old man who was collecting herbs say that the magical place where Pine Roots come as twins is...)
**Player**: (Wait a second, before Haku said that 'someone can take life force all for themselves'. Isn't that changing fate?!)
**Player**: (No, just because two people share life force, doesn't mean that they must live and die together.)
*"Pine Roots rarely come as twins. In the legends of the Star Woods..."*
*"Life force can be shared by two people, or one can take it all for themselves... Every living thing has its own will, but sometimes it needs to fight for what it wants."*
**Player**: That's strange... Why wouldn't Grancy hand over the Pine Roots?
**Player**: Wanderlight Shards have been exceptionally rare ever since Kaigon's Wanderlight Crystal exploded.
**Player**: Anti-toxin drugs like this are also precious.
**Haku**: (Nodding) I think we can pull this off.
**Player**: (In a low voice) Sure enough, it's got the same effect as a Wanderlight Crystal - the purification of shadow flux.
**Player**: Why would Sven need something like this?
**Haku**: (Shakes head)
**Player**: Haku, you're checking Sven's medicine...
*Choice 3.1.1 - Is there still enough medicine?*
*Go to Choice 3.1*
*Choice 3.1.2 - The celestial prophecy...*
*Go to Choice 3.2*
*Choice 3.1.3 - Nevermind.*
*Go to Choice 3.3*
*Choice 3.2 - The celestial prophecy...*
**Player**: Back in the tree hole, I overheard some kind of celestial prophecy.
*You try your best to relay to Haku everything the tree elf said.*
*Haku waves his hand and looks upwards.*
**Haku**: Is that so?
**Player**: Yes.
**Haku**: I see...
**Player**: And then?
**Haku**: There's something I need... at the great temple.
**Player**: Why?
**Haku**: So I can... turn the tables.
**Haku**: Reality has many appearances. But what the stars reveal... is the truth.
**Player**: Haku, you're checking Sven's medicine...
*Choice 3.2.1 - Is there still enough medicine?*
*Go to Choice 3.1*
*Choice 3.2.2 - The celestial prophecy...*
*Go to Choice 3.2*
*Choice 3.2.3 - Nevermind.*
*Go to Choice 3.3*
*Choice 3.3 - Nevermind.*
*You tell Haku about the meeting point.*
**Haku**: (Nods)
**Haku**: If you hear... this song...
**Haku**: "Demons, begone!"
**Haku**: "What you sow, you reap."
**Player**: It sounds familiar...
**Haku**: Help me take... the medicine bottle... to Grancy.
**Player**: Huh? Why Grancy?
**Haku**: (Silently shakes head) ...
**Player**: (Changing fate, turning the tables, it's all gibberish to me. I should ask Lan about it later.)
*Haku hands you the medicine bottle that contains the four herbs you found earlier*
*Scene continues after choices*
*While Player was talking to Haku, Sven and Grancy went their own ways*
*Player finds Sven*
**Sven**: I heard something may have happened at the Flux Nexus!
**Player**: The situation isn't clear yet. There's no point in panicking.
**Sven**: Who's panicking? Worse comes to worst, we've got a contingency plan. We'll be fine, so long as everyone keeps in contact!
**Player**: ...
*Choice 4.1 - What contingency plan?*
**Sven**: This kind of jungle warfare is perfect for my men. They're all light infantry, after all.
**Sven**: Then Grancy could use the airship to transport the soldiers, and even provide support from the air with its cannons.
**Sven**: It's too bad that there's no altar to use as a stronghold.
**Sven**: Anyway, they can encircle the road and control the high ground. This is a battle we can win!
**Player**: But if the enemy gets the same idea...
**Sven**: I don't think it will be a problem. How many shadowbeasts can actually fly? Portals won't be faster than the airship, anyway.
*Choice 4.1.1 - What contingency plan?*
*Go to Choice 4.1*
*Choice 4.1.2 - Did you contact the camp?*
*Go to Choice 4.2*
*Choice 4.1.3 - Nevermind.*
*Go to Choice 4.3*
*Choice 4.2 - Did you contact the camp?*
**Player**: But you contacted the Shadowhunter camp? Didn't Grancy stop you from doing that before?
**Sven**: He... He thought he was acting in my own best interest. He didn't want me to lose control in front of our subordinates.
**Player**: So now he's not worried that you'll get into trouble?
**Sven**: (Speaking softly) Now? Now, the big picture is what counts.
**Sven**: (Still speaking softly) Besides, we've got medicine. It shouldn't be a problem. The safety of the Star Woods is what's most important.
**Player**: As long as you guys have talked it over...
*Choice 4.2.1 - What contingency plan?*
*Go to Choice 4.1*
*Choice 4.2.2 - Did you contact the camp?*
*Go to Choice 4.2*
*Choice 4.2.3 - Nevermind.*
*Go to Choice 4.3*
*Choice 4.3 - Nevermind.*
**Player**: Master Lan is waiting for you on the right side of the temple. Let them know, Sven.
**Sven**: (Touches empty pocket) Ahem, there is one thing I need you to do. My comm crystal is being used to lure the tree elves away.
**Sven**: I just bumped into Grancy, but I didn't dare say anything to him.
**Player**: Huh? That wasn't a simple voice crystal?... You used an actual comm crystal instead?
**Sven**: Well, Grancy's got enough to spare. You can help me get one later, Player.
**Sven**: Don't be fooled by his tough talk. In fact, he's quite caring, and under the right circumstances, will pour his heart out to you.
*Scene continues after choices*
*Player sees Grancy standing on a deck that looks out over the Star Woods*
**Player**: What are you still doing here?
**Grancy**: The observation deck... has a good view.
**Player**: So?
**Grancy**: It is convenient to send a signal.
**Player**: ...
**Grancy**: (Surprisingly talkative) You mentioned that this whole time you've been trying charging up the Wheel of Fate, the Shadows have been trying to take it from you, right?
**Player**: That's right. The Shadows have been trying to get in my way and take the Wheel of Fate. What are you getting at?
*The Wheel of Fate throbs with a faint heat in your hands.*
*Grancy puts his trembling left hand into his pocket.*
**Player**: Why are you standing so far away from me? Any farther away and you'd fall down.
**Grancy**: (Gravely) The truth is not always what you see on the surface.
**Grancy**: Perhaps you should put some thought into the origin of the Wheel of Fate and why the Shadows want it so badly.
**Grancy**: At least, my guess would be that the Shadows don't want to come into direct contact with it.
**Player**: They don't want to touch it?
**Grancy**: And think about it: before each charge is completed, the Flux Nexus isn't fully corrupted, right?
**Grancy**: They yelled at you, saying they were going to take the Wheel of Fate from you, but they never actually tried to do it, did they?
**Player**: You're right...
**Grancy**: That's wild. One or two times could be a coincidence, but three times? Four times?
**Player**: So you're saying... They can't touch the Wheel of Fate themselves, so they wait at the Flux Nexus and let me charge it for them?!
**Grancy**: Consider this intel your first reward for helping Sven find medicine.
**Player**: The medicine... Sven's been getting better and better since he started taking it. You, on the other hand, have only been getting stranger...
**Grancy**: Really?
*Grancy awkwardly clenches his left pocket.*
*Judging by the outline around the pocket, it seems that the little wooden puppet is inside.*
**Grancy**: Tell Sven something for me...
**Grancy**: His stubbornness may be bone-headed, but it's also a good thing.
**Grancy**: (Sighing) His perception - his intuition - is his gift. It's what makes him trust, just a little bit more than the rest. Yet that trust is enough.
**Player**: Why are you talking about trust all of a sudden?... Anyway, speaking of Sven, he's the one who asked me to come here and borrow a comm crystal from you.
**Grancy**: (Gasps) His... He used his to lure away the angry tree elf?!
**Grancy**: Damn that stubbornness of his - it's not a good thing, after all! He's hopeless.
**Grancy**: Let's go find Sven together.
*Player leads Grancy back to Sven*
**Grancy**: (Throws a comm crystal) I just received a warning: a large number of Shadowbeasts have split up into two teams and are closing in on the Flux Nexus from the sky.
**Sven**: (Catches the comm crystal) They can fly now?!
**Sven**: Let them go to the top of the mountain. Set up some anti-air arcana cannons and prepare for the worst.
**Player**: There's no way they can really be pigbats, right?
**Player**: We originally thought that the pigbats and tree elves were enemies, which is what led to the disappearance of the tree elves in the tree hole.
**Player**: But if they're really headed to the Flux Nexus, once the nexus is fully corrupted, the tree elves will disappear completely.
**Player**: So why go to the extra trouble of making the tree elves at the shrine disappear first?
**Sven**: You want to get revenge, let's get revenge. Perhaps we can follow them to the altar.
**Grancy**: Something's not right. What were the missing tree elves doing? Do you know?
**Player**: I heard the tree elf at the entrance say they were patrolling the temple of the Protective God. It seems that they were specifically responsible for maintaining the Eternal Flames of the torches.
**Grancy**: They disposed of the tree elves at the temple of the Protective God first...
**Grancy**: Then who is going to corrupt the Flux Nexus?
**Player**: This whole situation... I think we can assume it's all Martin's doing.
**Player**: The pigbats allied themselves with Martin and are here to destroy the Wood Nexus, is the gist of it.
**Grancy**: Martin being the Shadow that left home but still saved his brother in Kaigon?
**Player**: That's the one.
**Sven**: Sigh. Which route is your squad taking?
**Sven**: How many seats do you have for my squad on your airship?
**Grancy**: (Glancing at you) With the jungle warfare modifications on the airship, and the fact that the Anti-Shadow council cut their budget by half...
**Grancy**: (Whispers) You just formed an airship squad. I don't recommend you bring them along... They're not battle-hardened yet, it would be too dangerous.
**Player**: (The two of them are discussing military affairs, I'd better not get involved. As for the matter that Haku didn't want to talk about, I can ask Lan.)
**Player**: Ahem, you guys talk it over. When you're finished, come meet up with us at Lan's position.
*Player finds a tree elf in the base temple*
**Ansel Anson**: My name is Ansel Anson. They all went into the tree hole...
**Ansel Anson**: They left me outside to add oil to the temple's lanterns.
*Choice 5.1 - Where did all the tree elves go?*
**Ansel Anson**: I... I don't know...
**Ansel Anson**: The weather normally cools down after sunset, but today it was still too hot. Everyone said it could not continue like this...
**Ansel Anson**: The tree elves who couldn't take the heat and go on their normal patrols hid in the tree hole to take part in the ceremony.
**Ansel Anson**: But a short while later, I discovered that the ones who went in never came out again.
**Ansel Anson**: The last message I got was from Mirsen, who drinks all day and is unreliable...
**Player**: Where is he now?
**Ansel Anson**: Any one of these floating leaves could be him...
**Player**: Has he already disappeared, too? Hmm... Have you met a green tree elf who goes by the name Arnandol?
**Ansel Anson**: Green? Only tree elves who are blue or one of the higher colors are able to enter the Yggdrasil's second level.
*You hand over the Green leaves that you picked out of the box of luck fruit.*
**Ansel Anson**: Oh, no... This kid got too close to the pigbats!
**Ansel Anson**: What a foolish mistake...
*Choice 5.1.1 - Where did all the tree elves go?*
*Go to Choice 5.1*
*Choice 5.1.2 - Who else has been here?*
*Go to Choice 5.2*
*Choice 5.1.3 - How's the situation at the temple?*
*Go to Choice 5.3*
*Choice 5.1.4 - Nevermind.*
*Go to Choice 5.4*
*Choice 5.2 - Who else has been here?*
**Ansel Anson**: There are simply too many people...
**Ansel Anson**: Everyone who comes to the temple talks about their own suffering, crying as they speak.
**Ansel Anson**: All these years I've been listening to them, they always talk about that kind of stuff.
**Ansel Anson**: They talk about human problems... Their regrets about being unable to take care of their elders and their children, personal differences ruining their relationships with relatives and friends, being unable to communicate with those they love...
**Ansel Anson**: They passionately yearn for the ideal career, they maliciously curse the obstacles that stand in their way, and futilely lament the fact of their misfortune and that their journey has come to a dead end...
**Ansel Anson**: But at a certain point, whether they've fully unburdened themselves or not, they get up and leave.
**Ansel Anson**: They go back to the relationships that bring them pain, whether that means continuing to be with that person or starting over on a new journey.
**Ansel Anson**: It's very strange. They're in so much pain, but they're unwilling to let go of the relationship. They persist in their sea of suffering.
**Ansel Anson**: It's not that we don't understand these kinds of emotional prayers. I just don't understand what you humans are thinking.
**Ansel Anson**: Do you know why they do this?
**Player**: Maybe there's more to their relationships than just pain?
**Player**: But in the frenzied emotional state of tearful prayer, they forget that.
**Ansel Anson**: What is there, outside of emotions?
**Player**: This... I don't know.
**Ansel Anson**: You humans are truly complicated.
**Player**: How did we get on this subject? I'm not talking about those kinds of people, I'm talking about the enemy.
**Ansel Anson**: Our enemy, the pigbats... They are irredeemable. Their sins are unforgiveable.
**Ansel Anson**: (Looks at the torch with vicious anger) The elders should have sealed them away for good!
*Choice 5.2.1 - Where did all the tree elves go?*
*Go to Choice 5.1*
*Choice 5.2.2 - Who else has been here?*
*Go to Choice 5.2*
*Choice 5.2.3 - How's the situation at the temple?*
*Go to Choice 5.3*
*Choice 5.2.4 - Nevermind.*
*Go to Choice 5.4*
*Choice 5.3 - How's the situation at the temple?*
**Ansel Anson**: One of the small temples is in trouble...
**Ansel Anson**: I can sense that its torches are burning erratically.
**Ansel Anson**: It is my duty to watch over this temple, so I can't go check on the other one myself.
**Ansel Anson**: I'll let you take care of that.
**Player**: What about the tree elves in charge of watching over that temple?
**Ansel Anson**: They went to perform the ceremony.
*Choice 5.3.1 - Where did all the tree elves go?*
*Go to Choice 5.1*
*Choice 5.3.2 - Who else has been here?*
*Go to Choice 5.2*
*Choice 5.3.3 - How's the situation at the temple?*
*Go to Choice 5.3*
*Choice 5.3.4 - Nevermind.*
*Go to Choice 5.4*
*Choice 5.4 - Nevermind.*
**Ansel Anson**: Actually, before the ceremony, it was one of the elders who told me to stay behind.
**Ansel Anson**: I don't have any special abilities, despite getting through this little episode unscathed. All I can do now is send you to take care of the rest. Here are the worshippers' prayer sticks.
**Ansel Anson**: Pray not with greed or cunning; treat not the temple as a marketplace.
**Ansel Anson**: But proceed with sincerity, and fear not that your prayers will be unanswered.
**Ansel Anson**: Here is Lord Garuda's protection rune.
**Player**: Another Cagestar pattern?
*Scene continues after choices*
*Player receives a Garuda's Charm from the tree elf*
*Player finds a chest amongst the branches*
**Player**: It looks like there's a box out front. Let's see if there's something inside.
**Player**: Just a bunch of fruit pits...
**???**: Who's there?
*Three pigbats ambush Player*
**Red Pigbat**: Green skin weakling, the boss said to be strong, you need to quit eating fruit.
**Green Pigbat**: Don't burn the bridge, you red skin numbskull. It's the path the boss left for his friend.
**Red Pigbat**: Someone's coming out!
**Green Pigbat**: I just ate. Don't have strength to fight...
**Purple Pigbat**: Tsk, this stuff may taste all right, but it's useless otherwise.
**Purple Pigbat**: We were sitting pretty when Lord Dracula was still around. They... they didn't dare raise a finger against us.
**Purple Pigbat**: Now thanks to our new boss, we can... Ah, this damn torch.
**Red Pigbat**: Don't get too close to the temple!
*Player scares the pigbats away*
*After the pigbats fly away, a strange song begins to emanate from the grass...*
**???**: Demons... Begone...
**???**: What you sow... you reap...
**Player**: Are my ears playing tricks on me? Is that...Grancy's voice?
**Player**: Looks like they passed through the tree hole, too.
**Player**: But this voice sounds so strange...
*Player examines a crane lantern covered in dark spots*
**Wood Nexus**: An anti-air arcana cannon?!
**Wood Nexus**: The humans have become too violent. Garuda, come here and take a look at them! These are the people you have chosen to protect?
**Player**: What's the situation at the Flux Nexus?
*Suddenly, a strange singing voice echoes inside your head.*
**Familiar Voice**: The vow you made still fresh in mind, cast away the past and leave it behind.
**Familiar Voice**: Just a little tradition they have in the Star Woods. Interesting, no?
**Wood Nexus**: Garuda... Are you listening to music again? I think... There's something wrong with my flux...
**Wood Nexus**: Ever since I saw that crow...
*Player looks at the torches attached to the walls of the base temple*
*Six torches burn upon a wall with peeling red paint.*
*A statue of a dragon, a statue of a crane, and a couplet eroded by wind and rain are illuminated by their glow.*
**Couplet**: The torches do not serve those evil in deed.
**Couplet**: One needs not faith, only purity of heart.
*Something has been crushed by the fallen temple beams...*
**Player**: Is this... a wooden puppet?
**Player**: Seems a little strange - I'd better not touch anything.
*Player makes his way back to Lan*
**Lan**: So you've finished taking a look around. Shall we go?
**Player**: I took a look around. Everyone's on their way here.
**Player**: (You decide to ask Lan something before the others get here) Lan, are there any legends in the Star Woods about changing fate?
**Lan**: There is one, but it's very dark, and everyone who has heard it avoids talking about it. Why do you ask?
**Player**: It wasn't me...
**Lan**: It's okay, I know I can trust you.
**Lan**: The occult method is to take Pine Roots and carve them into the shapes of people. You then carve names upon them - one for yourself, another for another person.
**Lan**: After offering some of your blood and reciting the song, you put the other person's wooden puppet beneath the temple, and you'll be able to take something from him.
**Lan**: Twin Tree Roots yield the best results.
**Player**: Songs, tree roots, and wooden puppets...
**Player**: (You remember that Grancy had tried to hide something - what was he trying to take from Sven?)
**Grancy**: Wake up.
**Player**: !
**Lan**: Everyone's here. We're ready to move.
**Grancy**: Some Shadow Pigbats have appeared. We might run into some up ahead.
**Player**: All right. I heard the tree elf at the entrance say that there seems to be a problem with the torches at the temple on the highest level.
**Player**: Let's get up there and take a look.
**Haku**: I need to stay behind. The temples are all connected, and this is where it all starts.
**Haku**: Connect the torches to connect the light and sever the darkness. They must not be extinguished.
**Sven**: The torch here is already burning, isn't it?
**Haku**: (Shakes head) It's for the best if I remain here.
**Player**: All right. I'm gonna head out...
*Up above, you hear the sound of wings flapping and then flying away.*
*Grancy reaches out with his hand and catches a falling green leaf.*
**Grancy**: I don't think the path we're taking is all that safe... Why don't we change it up?
**Sven**: There's no time!
**Grancy**: (Thinking) Getting lost is tantamount to getting cold feet before a battle.
**Sven**: Hey, who told you to be such a hard-ass?
**Grancy**: Then... I'll stay at the observation deck and give them directions when the time comes.
**Grancy**: Once all the teams have arrived, we'll come find you.
**Sven**: That won't be necessary. Why does it always feel like you're making excuses on the fly?
**Sven**: Since when did the stone-faced Grancy start caring so much for his men?
**Grancy**: Maybe I'm learning from your example. Is that such a crime?
**Grancy**: (Clenches hands) Besides... What can I do but make excuses?
**Sven**: All right. Stay in contact.
**Grancy**: You too. Make sure everyone's got their comm crystals.
*You and Haku explain how to use them.*
**Player**: (Checking inventory) Crystal, check. Herbs, check. I seem to have forgotten something...
**Lan**: Let's get a move on.
**Player**: Let's go.
*Player, Lan and Sven begin to make their way up to the next temple when Sven suddenly stops*
**Player**: What are you still doing here, Sven?
**Sven**: It feels like something's left my body.
**Sven**: My body feels light, while my heart feels heavy...
**Player**: It's not like you to be so introspective, Sven~
**Player**: Walk carefully, or we're all done for.
**Sven**: There's a steep drop on both sides. We've been climbing for so long, who knows how far you'd fall if you went over...
**Player**: We've got no choice. If there were a wider path, we'd take that one, but...
**Player**: We've got to walk a path that is not only suspended in the air, it's loaded with traps.
**Sven**: Sigh... I just hope these ropes are tied to something sturdy.
*As he speaks, a wind begins to blow from the northwest.*
**Lan**: (Shouting, his words carried away by the wind) Stay focused! This wind...!
**Player**: What did you say?
**Sven**: Bah, this damn wind... It's so strong, I just got a mouthful of sand.
**Haku**: (Emanating from the distance) Opposed to fire. The wind suppresses the fire's strength... Its strength is violent.
*All of a sudden, the branches swing wildly in both directions, rattling.*
*Finally, everything quiets down.*
**Sven**: The wind stopped?
**Player**: Look up there!
*Pigbats begin to swarm the next temple*
**Sven**: Why so many pigbats? Is it because of the wind?
**Player**: The pigbats seem to be able to fly among the trees, but they can't get into the temple.
*The three of you form a line and press forward...*
**Sven**: The Shadowbeasts were getting close to the Flux Nexus, but it turns out they were in a rush for no reason!
**Player**: I think I heard Haku's voice just now...
**Sven**: Let's get to the front of the temple and hide!
**Lan**: (Blocking with his sword) Hah!
**Sven**: Even without the wind, if they attack us from the sky right now, we'll be sitting ducks!
**Sven**: (Looks at the clouds below and gulps) Take my place. I'm going up ahead to clear the way and kill a few of them.
**Sven**: Kolkaz!
*Sven grabs Kolkaz as it transforms into a flaming spear*
**Lan**: (Thinking) Grasses and plants, narrow path, a place like this suits the spear, better than it suits the sword.
**Lan**: Indeed, in this situation, a spear is a much better weapon to have than a sword.
**Lan**: (Looks back) Let's switch spots, Player. I'll pull up the rear.
**Player**: (Muttering) Seems like he's afraid of heights...
**Sven**: Whenever I block their attacks, use the opportunity to plug the gap as you approach.
*Player tries to sneak past the pigbats while Sven distracts them*
**Sven**: (Loudly and majestically) Azure Dragon Claw Strike!
*Sven almost loses his footing*
**Sven**: Don't look down, don't look down...
**Player**: (You feel rubble hit you on the forehead and you rub it) Ow...
**???**: Huh?
**???**: Where did you children come from? Why do you block my wind?
**Haku**: (Coughing)
**???**: I'm looking for someone - stay out of my way!
**Player**: Sven, I think I heard Haku's voice just now...
*The pigbats' attacks become more intense and the wind becomes louder.*
**Sven**: Azure Dragon Tail Swipe-
**Player**: !
*Sven missteps, is lifted up into the wind, and is left hanging among the trees.*
*You are pulled along the ground by the rope tied around your waist, half your body sticking up into the air.*
*Choice 6.1 - (Pull the rope)*
*The sudden turn of events makes your blood go cold.*
*The hand you're using to hold onto the rope begins to slip.*
*Choice 6.2 - (Hold onto the branch)*
*The sudden turn of events makes your blood go cold.*
*With half your body sticking up into the air, you cling to a branch using your limbs.*
*Scene continues after choices*
**Lan**: Hold onto the branch, Player! Stop wiggling, Sven! Find an alcove to hide in!
**Lan**: Hold on tight, everyone. I'm going to pull the rope!
**Sven**: A-aah! I'm trying to hold still, but the wind is too strong!
**Player**: ... (You swipe a branch away from your eye.)
*Lan holds onto the swinging rope and steps back...*
*The wind finally blows in the right direction, as if to help you.*
**Player**: (Wiping blood and dust from his face) Sven, did you scratch your leg on a branch?
**Sven**: I'm fine, I'm fine! Give me a sec, and we'll keep moving!
**Lan**: (Getting serious) There's no need to worry about their attack. Our goal is to get through these branches.
**Lan**: Between blocking, catching, stabbing, and smashing, you excel at the latter. Your spear strike is like that of a dragon, and offense is your strong point.
**Lan**: (Shouting at Sven) But now you need to focus on blocking and catching, so you can deal with the weapons coming at you...
**Sven**: (Scratching head) Defense? That's just not my style. I'll figure out a way to hit them...
**Lan**: Use 'Dragon Rider' and 'Sewing Needle,' and switch your footwork between left and right.
**Lan**: Use 'Pivot' in an emergency, and give 'Demon Banner' a try. Don't use Azure Dragon Claw Strike so often - guard the middle lane.
**Sven**: Usually, I mock him for over-thinking things, but now I have to learn from his example?
**Sven**: ... Hey, I think I'm getting the hang of this!
*As Sven and Lan keep the pigbats occupied, Player sneaks by and reaches the second temple*
**Lan**: I'm almost there. Sven, Player, let's go!
*Sven and Lan run past the pigbats*
**Sven**: Ha, why aren't they coming after us anymore?
**Player**: How's the wound on your leg? How are you still laughing?
**Sven**: We look horrible, but I have a sense of humor.
**Sven**: Lan's clothes are in tatters because of the rope, and you have lines of blood on your forehead.
**Player**: Now that you mention it, the pain that I tried so hard to ignore is back...
**Lan**: Let's regroup here and wait for reinforcements.
*A faint sound comes from one of the crane lanterns nearby*
**Player**: Is it the Wood Nexus?
*Player examines the dimming crane lantern*
*Player'*: How is the Nexus?
**Wood Nexus**: The dark flux is invading... very slowly.
**Wood Nexus**: And time... seems to be waiting for something...
**Player**: (Whispers) What is the person with the crow doing? Setting an array? Seeing their subordinates?
**Wood Nexus**: No, he's reading Garuda's play, and he's asking me how to sing the song. This is creepy.
**Wood Nexus**: Like this one...
**Wood Nexus**: Autumns pass as my loyalty wanes / Bones are scattered all over the mound...
**Player**: Please stop.
**Lan**: How's the Flux Nexus doing?
**Player**: Very strange. The shadow is not corrupting it.
**Lan**: (Nods) If we have time... I seem to have heard Haku's voice just now. Let's check in with him.
**Player**: Haku! That's right!
**Lan**: The connection will be better if we go somewhere empty.
*Player goes to the second temple's observation deck and activates the comm crystal*
**Player**: Haku, we're up here!
**Player**: How's the situation over there?
**Haku**: Are you asking me?
**Sven**: (Hears the voice and rushes over) Yes, how did the wind stop? Were you fighting something?
**Haku**: (Weakened) Ahem, just... trying to keep the torch in the temple going. It's my job...
**Player**: Why are you and the Tree Elf so concerned about the torch?
**Player**: Oh, and we found that Shadow Pigbats can now fly down to the second temple through the one at the top...
**Player**: Is that normal?
**Haku**: (Connection cutting out) Torch... stop...
**Sven**: Why does it always cut out at the important part?!
**Player**: I think he was trying to say that if we connect the torches, we can stop the Pigbats from coming down?
**Sven**: An array for stopping the Shadows? Is the temple the altar that put away Dracula?
**Player**: (Shakes head) I tried it with Lan, there is no array on the ground at the temple.
**Lan**: I'm wondering if the altar is a specific location.
**Lan**: Could it be that no one has seen Garuda's altar... because no one thought about what the big picture looks like?
**Sven**: Do you mean to say that... if it put Dracula away, then it's an altar?
*"All right. Those visitors have no idea what you and Hawke have sealed there..."*
*"The Tree Elf outside is counting the torches."*
*"I need to stay behind. The temples are connected, and this is where it all starts."*
*"Connect the torches to connect the light and sever the darkness. They must not be extinguished."*
**Player**: Each temple has six torches surround the temple, and the temples are in the shape of a triangle.
**Player**: If you look at it from above, it's a cagestar pattern!
**Player**: No wonder there are no arrays on the ground.
**Sven**: Wait, you're talking too fast.
**Sven**: Let me get this right. The Pigbats can't get close to the temples because there are torches.
**Sven**: And the torches of all three temples created an array that put Dracula away.
**Sven**: So we're protecting these torches? Aren't the ones in the temple above already out?
**Lan**: They changed the spices in the cave and killed the Tree Elf that was protecting the torches.
**Lan**: But there's a missing link between the cagestar array and the torches.
**Lan**: We didn't feel the flux when we stood next to the torches.
**Player**: Torches, cagestar.
**Player**: (Whispering) The sky is an illusion, the earth has form. The Ever Light... the stellar array...
*Suddenly, a large cagestar rune glows in the center of the second temple*
**Sven**: Wait a minute!
**Player**: I was not expecting that. Haku said this was an unknown incantation that he randomly remembered.
**Lan**: But the torches up there are out. How is the array?
**Player**: I can't see anything up there. I think Haku only told us about the incantation.
**Sven**: We'll have to cross the bridge to find out.
**Lan**: Is there any news from Grancy? How about those reinforcements?
**Sven**: Let me ask.
*Sven takes out his comm crystal*
**Player**: Well?
**Sven**: I couldn't get in touch with Grancy...
**Player**: Couldn't get in touch?
**Sven**: I tried several times. The signal went through, but no one spoke.
**Sven**: (Furrows brow) I did receive a message about the reinforcements taking another route to avoid being intercepted by Shadowbeasts...
**Player**: If we want to go up, is the bridge the only way?
**Lan**: (Shakes head)
**Sven**: Gloomy and mysterious also mean that it's inconvenient and inaccessible.
**Sven**: (Finally looks at Lan)
**Lan**: (Leans his sword against the temple) You're right.
**Pigbats on the Other Side**: What's the golden circle?
**Pigbats on the Other Side**: It doesn't matter, we're taking down the temple today!
**Pigbats on the Other Side**: A crusade! We're getting rid of this ban! Great job!
**Weak Voice**: I thought the boss asked us to look for someone...
**Sven**: The blasted Pigbats!
**Player**: They don't seem to know anything about the array, and just want to destroy the temple.
**Sven**: We can't wait any longer, or they'll take down the temple.
**Sven**: If this cagestar thing really is the altar that put away the Pigbat King... then it's really dangerous.
**Lan**: Even if we're just speculating, we have to save the temples.
**Player**: (Thinks about the prophecy) Altars annihilated, the King Bat reveals himself...
**Lan**: Check with Haku through the comm crystal.
*Player contacts Haku again and tells him about the cagestar rune*
**Haku**: So the incantation is about this, huh?
**Haku**: And the prophecy, too.
**Sven**: How's the array up there?
**Haku**: The sky is an illusion, the earth has form. The Ever Light... the stellar array...
*You look up and see an array on the third temple that looks like the one that just appeared on the second temple*
**Player**: Is there anything on the array?
**Haku**: "Recklessness brings death. Trapped by fire to split the soul into three."
**Lan**: The Bat King started two wars, so it follows that he's the one that was put away by this.
**Haku**: The seal looks fine, just a little... shaky?
**Haku**: Fix the torches to reinforce the array.
**Sven**: Repair? We're stuck here because of the Pigbats.
**Haku**: (Heavy breathing) I can create wind with Séance to cover your movements with the fog.
**Lan**: Two of you should go. One to look at the seal, and one to fix the torches.
**Lan**: The one remaining... will draw the enemy's attention.
*Choice 7.1 - I'll stay...*
**Player**: I'll stay. Sven is injured, so Lan should be with him.
**Lan**: Alright, be careful.
*Choice 7.2 - Sven, will you stay?*
**Player**: Sven, will you stay? I'll go with Lan.
**Lan**: No, Sven is injured, and probably shouldn't stay.
*Choice 7.3 - Lan should stay.*
**Player**: Lan should stay. I'll go with Sven.
**Lan**: I'll take care of it.
*Conversation continues after choices*
**Sven**: Let's go!
**Player**: (Takes out a bottle of medicine) The wound on your leg is treated. Do you still need medicine or do you not feel the poison anymore?
**Sven**: I've been feeling better since we left the big temple, and I don't get annoyed easily.
**Sven**: But why is the bottle with you? I thought Haku had it?
**Player**: Um... (Haku said to give this to Grancy if I hear a strange song...)
**Player**: (We got separated too fast and I forgot...)
**Sven**: I'll go over first. I can finally pass them!
**Sven**: (Touches his fire dragon) Kolkaz? Why are you so violent today?
*Sven crosses the bridge that connects the second temple to the third temple*
*The fog is blown away by a strong wind.*
*Suddenly, a big pigbat descends on the bridge*
**???**: I can smell the dragons of the Cloudend Isles... You're not going anywhere!
**Player**: What was that?
**Lan**: Sven's over there already. Stall it!
*Lan draws his Sky Breaker*
**Big Pigbat**: Hmm?
*Player and Lan fight the big pigbat while Sven tries to fix the torches on the third temple*
**Sven**: The wind is too strong and the fire is flickering. I can't see the problem!
**Player**: The large Pigbat is up to something...
**Big Pigbat**: Shriek! (Tears up leaves)
**Big Pigbat**: You... bipeds! Why do you look down on us?
**Player**: Nothing! But what about you and Sven?
**Big Pigbat**: (Changes tone suddenly) Why hasn't Garuda's reinforcements changed during all these years?
**Big Pigbat**: What did I... What happened?
*Lan blocks an attack*
**Lan**: These things can't stall him. Look, he's still creating sandstorms to disrupt Sven.
**Player**: (What was the name of the Tree Elf that he cared about?)
*You tossed the green leaves at him.*
*Sven reaches the array when the Bat King stops the sand storms, stunned.*
**Big Pigbat**: He... Arnandol... How is he?
**Player**: (Tricks him) Didn't you burn the temple and change the orpiment?
**Player**: He hid in the cave. What do you think happened?
**Big Pigbat**: I didn't let him! But the others deserved it!
**Big Pigbat**: I hated that about Star Woods. Order everywhere, and everything is divided by your standing...
**Big Pigbat**: I just wanted to go there without having to hide.
**Big Pigbat**: And I didn't want him to sneak out to see me, given his 'standing.'
**Big Pigbat**: Why did it have to be that way?
*The battle continues...*
**Player**: I was looking for medicine for Sven...
*"Someone said to uses dried leaves to constrain his grip. He's a good bat..."*
**Player**: Tree Elf... friend...
**Lan**: Stop thinking! It's almost at Sven!
**Player**: We need to distract it!
*The battle continues...*
**Player**: Hey, were you friends with a Tree Elf?
**Player**: The temple is burning and he can't stay there.
**Player**: We're here to help them!
**Big Pigbat**: Friends?
**Big Pigbat**: Are you talking about the one that...
**Big Pigbat**: Said I was a friend, but then told another that Pigbats are bloodsuckers?
**Big Pigbat**: I guess I'll have to thank you for helping them!
*The Pigbat's attacks on you grow more furious.*
**Player**: Um, I guess that works too?
*The battle continues...*
**Big Pigbat**: (Tries to turn) I don't have time for this!
*You toss a Luck Fruit.*
**Big Pigbat**: (Glares at you) I hate this stuff!
*"Ingram told me to come here, then I hungrily ate one of these fruits..."*
*"Ingram is a bat with long legs..."*
**Player**: You're Ingram, aren't you?
**Big Pigbat**: How do you know my name?
**Big Pigbat**: (Low voice) Ingram, hah.
**Big Pigbat**: My name will be Dracula when I return to my throne.
**Player**: Dracula the Shadow Bat King? I knew it!
**Lan**: But he sounds a little confused.
**Player**: He's Ingram, but somehow Dracula is reviving himself through him?
**Lan**: The torches of the first temple went out...
**Player**: Well, you're still a big pigbat. What difference does it make?
**Lan**: There was no pigbat called Ingram during the Shadow War.
**Lan**: But the condor we sent to the dragons on Cloudend Isles for help... was called Ingram.
**Player**: Looks like Garuda didn't treat the pigbats as enemies after the war. He was hoping for peace.
**Big Pigbat**: Luck Fruit, what a ridiculous name.
**Big Pigbat**: His guardian... The envoy from god.
**Big Pigbat**: He descended from Yggdrasil and came to us.
**Big Pigbat**: He called us children, after we survived the cataclysm.
**Big Pigbat**: But... After he learned the secrets to suppressing our powers...
**Big Pigbat**: He kicked us down the abyss, and we became servants to the Tree Elves.
**Big Pigbat**: This fruit is just poison coated with honey.
*The battle continues...*
**Player**: (Whispers) Is Sven done?
*The malice within the Bat King is subsiding.*
*You toss a Garuda Charm at it.*
**Big Pigbat**: What's a stupid Charm going to do to me? Cage... Prison...
**Big Pigbat**: You think the Star Woods is full of magic, don't you? Fools!
**Big Pigbat**: Your wonderful scenery is nothing but intimidation.
**Big Pigbat**: The lanterns? We're afraid of fire. How about orpiment? We're afraid of poison.
**Big Pigbat**: Your sacred temples almost wiped out our entire tribe.
**Big Pigbat**: If I could, why would I let someone do that to me?
**Big Pigbat**: If this disaster comes from his 'mercy' that didn't kill us...
**Big Pigbat**: Then he cannot be forgiven, but we understand why he had to do it.
**Big Pigbat**: If it came from my rage...
**Big Pigbat**: Then I cannot be forgiven, but I had to do it.
**Big Pigbat**: Whatever. I'm looking for someone, don't bug me.
*The Big Pigbat keeps stepping back, and suddenly turns.*
*The big pigbat almost reaches Sven*
**Big Pigbat**: You're nothing but an immature dragon. Why don't we deal with everything now?
**Lan**: (The blood from the sword seeps into the palm) I, the Bat King...
*Lan makes one final attack on the big pigbat*
**Big Pigbat**: Out of my way!
**Lan**: (Pushes you) Get Sven out of the way!
**Lan**: He can't move that fast with his leg!
**Player**: ...
*Choice 8.1 - (Help Sven dodge the attack)*
*You want to agree, but you're shocked by what happens next.*
*Choice 8.2 - (Fight with Lan)*
*You want to turn around and argue, but you're shocked by what happens next.*
*Scene continues after choices*
*The weapon hits the ground and makes a crisp sound.*
**Player**: (Urgency) You...
**Lan**: Sven! Check on him!
*Player manages to reach Sven*
**Sven**: (Rolls with his back against the Bat King) I'm not ready to die yet.
**Sven**: (Whispers) Where is Grancy?!
**Player**: (Relieved) Sven is fine. I can get back to...
**Big Pigbat**: (Situation changes) There's the seal for this broken altar.
*The big pigbat screams into the sky*
**Big Pigbat**: (Flies into the sky) Didn't I say I'd destroy it?
**Big Pigbat**: I've waited for so long. Time to... break the seal.
**Player**: (He's going for the temple...)
*You and Lan look at each other.*
**Lan**: He's going for the temple!
**Lan**: Repair the array for Sven!
**Lan**: It's the altar for sealing away the Bat King!
**Lan**: Don't come over here!
*Lan continues to distract the big pigbat*
*Choice 9.1 - (Help Sven with the altar)*
*You feel the bridge shaking.*
*Choice 9.2 - (Fight with Lan)*
*You know Lan will shove you back here even if you cross.*
*You feel the bridge shaking.*
*Scene continues after choices*
*The Bat King unleashes a strike, trying to free himself.*
*The big pigbat knocks Lan down*
**Sven**: Where are the blasted reinforcements!
**Player**: (You see nothing but blood and the light from the array) I can't see anything. Is it right?
*On either side of you, blood flows down from Sven's leg and Lan's back...*
*Into the crimson setting sun.*
*A circle of blue fox fire appears above Player and he can hear Haku's voice*
**Haku**: The valley... the blood-stained sun...
**Martin's Voice**: (Lazy) Why are you taking down the house? The stage is ready...
**Martin's Voice**: (Yells) Did you find the actors?
**Big Pigbat**: The poison is not here... I want to boost your strength, my lord...
**Martin's Voice**: Whatever! If it's not this one, then find the right person!
*The pressure from the Bat King's magic is lifted from you instantly.*
*Something seems to have shattered it.*
**Big Pigbat**: (Flies away clumsily) I'll be back...
**Sven**: We did it!
**Sven**: Let's check on Lan.
*Player carefully crosses the bridge to Lan*
**Player**: How did you lose the sword?
**Lan**: I was tired. Pigbats have really thick skin, and it takes a lot of work to pierce through.
**Player**: Let me see your hands.
**Player**: These are all your wounds. I thought the blood came from the pigbat.
*Lan holds onto the swinging rope and steps back...*
*The wind finally blows in the right direction, aiding you.*
**Player**: How can my hands not be hurt? The rope has to hold both of our weights...
**Player**: (Regrets) If only I paid more attention...
**Lan**: Don't... try too hard...
**Player**: We need to stop the bleeding first, but we're out of medicine.
*As if hearing Player's plea, a blue tree elf appears right above him*
*Blue petals fall onto your palms with a melody.*
**Time Blossom**: (Sings) Cagestar, cagestar. When will the bird in the cage escape?
**Time Blossom**: A bloody dusk before snowy nights. The crane and the dragon slipped.
**Time Blossom**: Who is the betrayer?
**Player**: What are you singing about?
**Time Blossom**: Things that are bound to happen.
**Time Blossom**: Take it, don't thank me.
**Time Blossom**: I came by because I had a premonition.
**Time Blossom**: We experience similar seasons, but some wither, some wilt, and some bloom.
**Time Blossom**: You humans have similar fates, but different endings, don't you?
**Player**: Prophecy... Was everything I'm going through destined to happen?
**Player**: Didn't we protect the altar?
**Player**: (Goosebumps) And a betrayer... What's this about a fight from within?
**Lan**: (Takes the crushed petals and adds medicine) Where did Sven go?
**Player**: He said...
*"No more struggle! Our reinforcements are finally here!"*
*"Just over there. I'll go meet them."*
**Sven**: The reinforcements are here.
**Player**: Did you hear something? Or am I hearing things?
**Sven**: Player, Lan, our reinforcements are here!
*There's a commotion up ahead.*
**Player**: I'm going to get more bandages.
*Player begins to search the third temple when Grancy and some Shadowhunters arrive*
**Sven**: Grancy! You're finally here! Send a medic to Lan...
**Grancy**: ... (Looks behind him)
**Sven**: Why are your hands tied?
**Injured Squad Captain**: Sir, please dispose of the traitor now!
**Sven**: (Whispers) Traitor? I smell blood. Are you hurt?
**Grancy**: Ah, I see you're concerned about the traitor.
**Sven**: (Whispers) Stop with that nonsense. What happened?
**Grancy**: I ran into a bit of... trouble. And it was like this when I came to.
**Injured Squad Captain**: (Interrupts loudly) Sir, please dispose of the traitor now!
**Sven**: (Turns to the soldiers) What happened, Captain Angus?
**Injured Squad Captain**: Over here!
*They show Sven the body of a dead Shadowhunter.*
*The wounds are surrounded by the ice from Shadow Flux.*
**Grancy**: (Furrows brow) How come?
**Injured Squad Captain**: Still in denial? Only you can use this arcana!
**Injured Squad Captain**: We received the route that Grancy changed, but we were surrounded by Shadow Pigbats.
**Injured Squad Captain**: That's why it took us so long. We thought it was a coincidence...
**Injured Squad Captain**: But (points at the body) the one sent to meet Grancy was killed!
**Sven**: Changed route? Yes, you said something about safety.
**Grancy**: (Shakes head slowly) I didn't change any routes, and I didn't see this hunter today.
**Injured Squad Captain**: (Rushes forward) He must have seen you making a deal with the Shadow!
**Sven**: (Stops him) Where did you find Grancy?
**Sven**: If he meant to kill, he wouldn't have stayed at the scene and waited for you to bring back evidence.
**Sven**: (Waves at Grancy) Over here.
*Captain Angus begins to lead Grancy over to Sven but Sven stops him*
**Sven**: Not you, Angus.
**Injured Squad Captain**: Sir, you must be fair!
**Sven**: Answer my question. Where did you find Grancy?
**Injured Squad Captain**: Deep in the brushes by the intersection, with lots of pigbats circling above.
**Injured Squad Captain**: We walked in and saw him on the ground with blood on his hands, and the dead body next to him.
**Sven**: Were you ambushed? Or were you trying to collect intelligence?
**Grancy**: (Silence) ...
**Sven**: (With urgency) What were you doing? Just tell me!
**Grancy**: ...No.
**Injured Squad Captain**: I don't think he dares to tell you!
**Injured Squad Captain**: He couldn't have been ambushed! He sent us right into that ambush!
**Grancy**: (Shakes head again) I never sent anything about route changes.
**Injured Squad Captain**: You can't fool us! The communication log shows everything!
**Injured Squad Captain**: We were in grave danger, and had to do everything we could just to get out.
**Injured Squad Captain**: If we didn't have reinforced steel on the pilot's seat, we would have been dead.
**Soldier**: (Interrupts) The steel that Grancy tried to stop the budget for!
*The injured squad captain kneels and begs Sven*
**Injured Squad Captain**: Please bring him to justice for him!
*Captain Angus and the other Shadowhunters also kneel*
**Soldier**: Please bring him to justice for us!
**Grancy**: I already explained the steel situation many times. It was not just your squad...
**Grancy**: Star Woods is a different environment, and we should have prioritized modifications for forests.
**Sven**: Get up!
**Sven**: The Anti-Shadow Council showed you the budget about this before...
**Grancy**: (Annoyed) Wait a minute, isn't your squad in charge of patrol? Why didn't you ask the armed ships to break through the enemy defense?
**Injured Squad Captain**: So our sacrifices were nothing?
**Injured Squad Captain**: (Grief) Our man didn't die on the battlefield with honor, but he was killed by one of his own...
**Injured Squad Captain**: Sir, you can't cover for him because he's your brother. This will come back and haunt all of us if you don't do something about it now!
**Grancy**: What's in it for me to delay you and collude with the Shadows?
**Sven**: Wasn't Grancy the one that proposed contacting the Shadowhunters to reinforce the Wood Nexus?
**Sven**: Maybe the communication was interrupted, or even... forged.
**Sven**: After all, I wasn't able to get in touch with Grancy during that period of time.
**Injured Squad Captain**: He's trying to kill you, so he can take the seat of the Roderick!
**Sven**: Roderick...
**Grancy**: So you're blinded by your own vengeance, and you don't care about being used by the Shadows.
*The situation descends into a stalemate...*
*Until the other team of reinforcements arrives.*
**Squad Captain (Just Arrived)**: Sir, we advanced according to your plans, and found this suspicious item in the first temple.
**Sven**: Ugh... (This unique headache is a sign of the poison surfacing)
**Soldier**: (Raises the item) The wooden puppet looks very strange, and Lord Sven's name is carved on it.
**Grancy**: (Breaks free) Put that down! Give it to me!
*Grancy takes the wooden puppet and puts it under the beam in the temple.*
**Sven**: (The discomfort went away...)
*Another wooden puppet drops from Grancy's pocket.*
**Sven**: (Picks up) And this one... has your name.
**Sven**: Didn't you carve these on the path?
**Injured Squad Captain**: A pair of wooden puppets carved with your names. What are they for?
**Grancy**: (Shakes head) Don't ask.
**Sven**: Do any of you know?
**Grancy**: Don't say it.
**Sven**: You've spent the longest time in Star Woods. Tell me.
**Shadowhunter**: ...
**Sven**: Tell me!
**Shadowhunter**: (Whispers) A curse. Carve a pair of wooden puppets from pine roots, one for self, and one for the other...
**Shadowhunter**: After offering some of your blood and reciting the song, you put the other person's wooden puppet beneath the temple, and you'll be able to take something from him.
**Shadowhunter**: Lord Sven, Grancy is our boss, and we know him.
**Shadowhunter**: I think this is a misunderstanding.
**Other Shadowhunters**: (Whispers) Stop, it's probably got something to do with... the seat.
**Injured Squad Captain**: Take something from him? Like one life for another? If it works, then...
**Injured Squad Captain**: Lord Sven, how's your health lately?
*Sven goes over to Grancy*
*Everyone starts whispering to one another.*
**Talking Soldier A**: I knew he was up to no good. Look!
**Talking Soldier B**: He's really after the big fish, huh? You heard about what happened, right? Takashi dropped out of the election for the Roderick.
**Talking Soldier C**: That means either Sven or Grancy will be the next Roderick.
**Talking Soldier D**: But they're brothers! They wouldn't kill each other, would they?
**Grancy**: (Mocks self) Up to no good, huh?
**Grancy**: Do you think I want to kill you, Sven?
**Sven**: Did you... perform whatever they were talking about?
**Shadowhunter**: The curse...
**Sven**: Yes, you always knew more than me. I've never heard of anything like this.
**Sven**: But I know you... You might be angry at something, but you're not the kind to pull something like this behind your back.
**Sven**: So I don't think you'd do something so dirty where I can't see.
**Injured Squad Captain**: But the evidence speaks for themselves! Do you really know him, Lord Sven?
**Injured Squad Captain**: Does he always tell you the truth?
**Injured Squad Captain**: Are you sure he's not someone else when he's not in front of you?
**Injured Squad Captain**: If we didn't discover these things and foil his plan...
**Sven**: ...
**Injured Squad Captain**: And I'm glad we did...
**Injured Squad Captain**: (Angry) He delayed the reinforcements, he killed the witness, he cursed his brother, and he's after the seat of the Roderick. As if that's not bad enough already.
**Strange Voice**: (There's Shadow Poison on him, but why are they suspecting you?)
**Grancy**: Are you suspecting that I'm plotting to take the seat?
**Sven**: I'll ask you again. Did you perform whatever they were talking about?
**Strange Voice**: (Why are you always the one taking the blame? You've been doing that since you were young.)
**Talking Soldiers**: Lord Sven, please do something about Grancy and bring justice for our man!
**Strange Voice**: (Your hard work was never recognized, because everyone liked your smiling brother better.)
**Strange Voice**: (Join us. We will give you power so that you don't have to feel the pain anymore.)
**Grancy**: Shut up!
**Sven**: Anyway, let me take a look at the wound on your hand.
**Grancy**: (Calm down. Fighting with my brother while a Shadow is talking to me... What a day)
*Is it the Shadow that left home, but saved his brother in Kaigon?*
**Grancy**: (It's him. Making me live through the same thing, with the same choices...)
**Grancy**: (Looks up at the trees) Yes, I did it.
**Talking Soldier B**: Finally coming clean! I bet you did all those other dirty deeds, too!
**Sven**: You...
**Grancy**: (Taunts Sven) Yes, I performed the curse.
**Grancy**: But is it because of my 'dark personality' that led me to this...
**Grancy**: Or is it because none of you ever trusted me?
**Sven**: Where are you going? Don't take those wooden puppets before you explain everything!
**Grancy**: ...
**Sven**: What have you done behind my back? What did you... take from me?
**Grancy**: You don't believe me?
**Sven**: I hate it that you didn't tell me!
**Sven**: Do you think I don't know what's going on what my body?
**Sven**: Why did you do this?
**Grancy**: Why did I have to suffer the consequences of your impulsive actions?
**Sven**: So you're not going to explain anything?
**Grancy**: Explain? I thought you guys already made up your mind.
**Sven**: If you explain, I...
**Grancy**: (Interrupts Sven) Yes, I (emphasizes) am interested in father's seat...
*Grancy taunts Sven again with a gesture.*
**Grancy**: I was going to try to take it from you honorably.
**Grancy**: But your people... Didn't I tell you not to rush when building a new team?
**Grancy**: The ones that are in it for the money? Or the ones that are in it for something else?
**Grancy**: Can you tell them apart?
**Injured Squad Captain**: You're a Shadow traitor! Stop trying to tear us apart!
**Injured Squad Captain**: Lord Sven, I'll test him, then we can punish him!
**Sven**: Do we have to do this? Come back...
**Injured Squad Captain**: If he doesn't have anything to do with Shadows, then he shouldn't be afraid of being tested.
**Sven**: (Hesitates) Shadow... poison...
**Grancy**: You're my brother. You want to test my loyalty with this?
**Sven**: It's not that I don't trust you. But I can't lose what you're trying to take from me.
**Grancy**: Stop trying to be noble. Since the seat of the Roderick was mentioned, you stopped looking at me the same way.
**Grancy**: I'll come clean. I was trying to save you with the ritual.
**Sven**: (Closes eyes) ...
**Injured Squad Captain**: A curse? Saving someone?
**Injured Squad Captain**: It's not just what you say it is.
**Grancy**: See? They think that if they supported you, then you're a savior.
**Grancy**: But if they say that I'm a traitor, then I'm doing work for the Shadows.
**Grancy**: Even without me, you need to be wary of them.
*Grancy takes a few steps back and points to something behind Sven.*
**Injured Squad Captain**: He's trying to escape! Lord Sven!
*The Shadowhunters begin to convers on Grancy*
**Sven**: ... Is this really it?
**Grancy**: (Tilts head) You homeless dogs without an altar...
**Grancy**: Why am I still here when I have a better future elsewhere?
**Sven**: I can't let you go like that!
**Grancy**: Are you going to kill me?
**Grancy**: I see. Only Lord Sven can do the right thing.
**Grancy**: I guess I'm honored?
**Grancy**: I see you've all raised your weapons. But why is no one attacking? Come on!
*Suddenly, a giant pigbat swoops down from the sky*
**Shadowhunters**: Look, the biggest pigbat is protecting him!
**Soldiers**: For our brother!
**Soldiers**: For Lord Sven!
**Sven**: ... (Picks up his spear)
*Kolkaz transforms into a fire dragon, not attacking Grancy.*
**Sven**: (Yells) Transform!
*At Sven's command, Kolkaz transforms into a fiery spear*
**Sven**: ... (Pushes very hard, but can't even gain an inch)
**Grancy**: (Unsure) Are you really going to kill me to satisfy those idiots?
**Grancy**: Or... are you doing this because you want to get rid of me?
**Sven**: Stop with the nonsense! You know why!
**Big Pigbat**: I told you we're on the same side. Come with me.
**Grancy**: Go with you? They're not letting me leave.
**Sven**: (Punches) Don't you dare...
**Grancy**: (Contempt) You talk too much.
**Grancy**: I see you're still trying to blame me for everything else.
*Grancy flashes a creepy smile and suddenly comes up next to you.*
**Grancy**: (Casts a spell) I guess I'll do something that you can see for once.
*Grancy turns Radon into an icy spear and points it at Players neck*
**Player**: Me? Why?
**Grancy**: (Takes you hostage) Player, hand over the Wheel of Fate. I want to have something to show them when I go to the other side.
**Player**: What? (Didn't he say that the Shadows don't want to touch the Wheel of Fate?)
**Player**: (And their attitude toward each other changed way too fast)
**Lan**: ! (Pulls down the bandages)
**Grancy**: Weapons don't know right or wrong. Better stay put, Lan.
**Player**: (I need to find an opportunity to get out of this...)
**Haku**: A fight from within, armed to the teeth...
**Player**: (Right! Haku said to give him the medicine bottle when I hear the song. I forgot about that...)
*You hand Grancy the bottle of medicine behind your back.*
**Grancy**: (Hesitates) ...
**Player**: Now.
*Player and Sven launch an attack on Grancy*
**Grancy**: Don't have mercy on your enemy.
**Sven**: No mercy, huh? Let me send you on your way.
**Grancy**: I must go.
**Sven**: If you have to go... then don't waver.
*The battle continues...*
**Sven**: Switching sides and betraying your people...
**Grancy**: (Spits out blood) I have been punished.
**Grancy**: And we... don't owe each other anything anymore.
*Pigbats join the battle*
**Grancy**: (Body shaking, hands on the ground) I didn't do these things, but...
**Grancy**: I was imprisoned like a monster.
**Grancy**: I was betrayed by my subordinates.
**Grancy**: I was abandoned by my brother.
*Sven tries to explain, but his hoarse voice fails him.*
*He shakes his head.*
**Grancy**: I guess I did make the same choice.
*The battle continues...*
*You didn't see what Sven did.*
*A trail of blood follows the two of them.*
*Sven is crouched, with Grancy in his arms. His wound opens up again.*
**Grancy**: I saw you limping back there. Did you... really break your leg?
**Sven**: (Unable to speak) ...
**Grancy**: No one... is going to carry you home this time.
**Grancy**: After being in Star Woods for so long, I kind of miss home.
**Grancy**: What did you say? I can't hear you.
**Grancy**: My head hurts... Feels like it's going to split in half.
**Grancy**: (Takes a deep breath) Go away. Don't come near me!
**Strange Voice**: Kill him... Kill him to shut him up!
**Grancy**: No! I can't.
**Strange Voice**: He doesn't care about you anymore. What do YOU care?
**Grancy**: No, he was just playing along...
**Strange Voice**: Are you sure he understood your gesture?
**Grancy**: Shut up!
**Soldiers**: Is he out of his mind?
**Soldiers**: He doesn't deserve a simple death!
**Soldiers**: Traitor! Die!
**Soldiers**: Lord Sven, you did the right thing!
**Soldiers**: Woo hoo!
**Grancy**: Shut up!
**Sven**: (Looks at the blood on his fingertips) ...
*You walk up to him and hear what he's repeating to himself.*
**Sven**: That was... too much...
**Sven**: He's not going crazy, I am.
*Sven attempts to attack Grancy but the big pigbat intercepts the blow*
*Soaked in blood, Grancy stands up behind the Bat King.*
**Scattered Soldiers**: How is he not dead yet?
**Grancy**: ... (Turns and covers his mouth, like he just put something in his mouth)
**Grancy**: (Self-mockingly) I am a complete opportunist who evades all responsibilities!
**Grancy**: (Looks at Sven) The distance between two people ultimately depends on their common interests.
**Grancy**: He's right. I was bathed in light, but I fell to the darkness. I might as well bathe in the glory there.
**Grancy**: The temple looks nice when it's on fire. But it's missing a little something...
**Grancy**: The sky is an illusion, the earth has form. The Ever Light... the stellar array...
**Grancy**: That's how the saying goes, right?
*The cagestar rune appears in the middle of the third temple*
**Grancy**: Bingo.
*Grancy attacks the rune with his Water Flux*
*The altar shatters after colliding with ice.*
*The seal that you spilled blood to protect has been broken.*
**Player**: He let the Shadow Bat King out!
**Player**: The altars annihilated, the Bat King reveals himself.
**Player**: It's him!
*It's the one that comforted you before by saying, "You fought the Shadows, so you should not feel guilty."*
*Everyone stands ready, but no Shadowbeasts come out.*
**Haku**: The altars annihilated, the Bat King reveals himself. The spirit...
**Haku**: This is it.
**Reborn Bat King**: (Howls) Tens of thousands of years of hatred. Garuda!
**Reborn Bat King**: Thank you, and you. One found the array for me, and the other destroyed the array for me. What a surprise.
**Grancy**: (Pleased at the panic) Who says ice can only melt when it meets fire? It even shatters fire!
**Grancy**: That was all me.
**Grancy**: Now, Dracula, take me to see Martin.
**Grancy**: The one... behind this body.
**Grancy**: Are you still working together?
**Reborn Bat King**: (Touches the chains on his ankle) Let's go!
*Grancy and the Bat King disappear in a flurry of snow.*
**Sven**: (Tries very hard to talk) Speak... for me.
*Sven can barely talk.*
*He whispers to you, and you say it out loud for everyone else to hear.*
**Player**: Do not stop him, but follow him with Grancy's old squad.
**Player**: Move out now!
**Player**: As for the rest, half of you will guard the altar, and the other half will rendezvous at the Flux Nexus.
**Rejoicing Shadowhunter**: We have an altar?
**Rejoicing Shadowhunter**: The traitor didn't destroy the altar!
**Time Blossom**: (Hums) A bloody dusk before snowy nights. The crane and the dragon slipped.
**Time Blossom**: Who is the betrayer?
**Time Blossom**: So that's what 'ice breaks fire' meant.
**Time Blossom**: That's some fortune.
**Time Blossom**: The altar's seal is broken. You'll have to follow me to the Flux Nexus.
**Player**: ...
**Player**: Is the medic over there? Lan needs bandages.
*Player checks on Lan*
**Player**: How's your wound?
**Lan**: Nothing serious, I just need to rest.
**Medic**: Nothing serious? I almost didn't have to look for bandages for you.
**Medic**: You would have been in a bag.
**Lan**: I think the bandages to the back are loose. Will you take a look for me, Player?
*Choice 10.1 - Sven, Grancy, Mike, and Martin...*
**Player**: Why was there only poison on Grancy? Why didn't he just become a Shadow?
**Player**: I remember Martin's people said that he didn't need his people to believe in Shadows.
**Player**: Nor does he treat them as his men.
**Player**: They're just tools. Resurrected or corrupted, whichever works.
**Lan**: Do you think Sven and Grancy had a similar situation as Mike and Martin?
**Lan**: If I were Martin, I'd want to keep him awake during the whole process.
**Lan**: To see the part where the choice is made.
**Player**: So... Martin created a similar situation to see what Grancy would do?
**Player**: Why did he do that? Just for his own entertainment?
**Lan**: He saved Mike when Kaigon exploded, didn't he?
**Player**: He realizes his actions were different from what he believed in. What was he trying to show?
*Choice 10.1.1 - Sven, Grancy, Mike, and Martin...*
*Go to Choice 10.1*
*Choice 10.1.2 - When should we head out?*
*Go to Choice 10.2*
*Choice 10.1.3 - I have nothing to say.*
*Go to Choice 10.3*
*Choice 10.2 - When should we head out?*
**Lan**: Us? The Flux Nexus would be fully corrupted if we wait until I'm ready.
**Lan**: Go! The Flux Nexus can't charge if the corruption completes.
**Lan**: This is our duty, and you just happened to be caught up in it.
**Player**: (Frowns) But..
**Lan**: (Pushes you) But what? Don't you want to go home? Go!
**Player**: Stop pushing me around!
**Player**: Sorry, I didn't mean to blow up. It's just that at the last temple...
**Lan**: Don't worry about it.
*Choice 10.2.1 - Sven, Grancy, Mike, and Martin...*
*Go to Choice 10.1*
*Choice 10.2.2 - When should we head out?*
*Go to Choice 10.2*
*Choice 10.2.3 - I have nothing to say.*
*Go to Choice 10.3*
*Choice 10.3 - I have nothing to say.*
**Player**: I don't have anything else to ask.
**Lan**: Okay.
**Player**: And?
**Lan**: Stay safe and keep going.
*Scene continues after choices*
*Player sees how Sven is doing*
**Player**: How's your voice?
**Sven**: (Nods) It's fine now. I lost it for a while when I... yelled at him.
**Medic**: The loss was caused by emotional distress...
**Sven**: Shut up.
**Sven**: What is it?
*Choice 11.1 - What are you going to do about Grancy?*
**Sven**: What do I want to do about him?
**Sven**: You once said that...
**Sven**: If there's a choice...
**Sven**: No one would like to take the thorny trail.
**Player**: Do you think there's more to it?
**Sven**: The taunting gesture was something we came up with, when my father used to watch us spar in the morning.
**Sven**: It meant, 'I have things to do, why don't we finish this up? I'll let you win this time.'
**Player**: (Comes to a realization) I knew there was something I forgot.
**Sven**: You made him use it once when you were sparring with Grancy on the path.
**Sven**: Yes. I might not be the smartest man alive, but I know him.
**Sven**: He likes to hold grudges. If he were framed, he would get back at you.
**Player**: Was that a show, then? What happened to the altar?
**Sven**: I think he knows what he's doing.
**Sven**: But... Player, what if he meant some of it?
**Sven**: If he really thought about it...
**Player**: Are you doubting him?
**Sven**: (Shakes head) It would really hurt if he did.
**Sven**: He did have to go through the betrayal and the doubts. And I... I did what I did...
**Sven**: What if he really went over the other side?
**Sven**: Well, if he did... We'll deal with that later. He's still my brother.
**Sven**: It doesn't change the fact that we grew up together.
**Sven**: And I will do everything to make sure that he only falls to me, so that he lives.
**Sven**: I can't watch him die at my hands.
*His true feelings, and his unbearable pain...*
*All gone in the blink of an eye.*
**Player**: "And I will do everything to make sure that he only falls to me, so that he lives."
**Player**: I think I heard Mike say the same thing. Your situations are very similar.
**Sven**: He doesn't have that much faith in humanity.
**Sven**: If it were me... I don't want to think about it.
**Player**: Aren't you worried about him?
**Sven**: I do, but I'm afraid my worries will tie him down.
**Sven**: "When you care about someone else but don't say it out loud, then you're the only one tied down by the worries."
**Sven**: "And I hope you have a bright and free future."
**Sven**: Now I know what it feels like to stand behind someone so... reckless.
**Sven**: I didn't know how much the other person cares when I risked my life and went behind enemy lines.
*Choice 11.1.1 - What are you going to do about Grancy?*
*Go to Choice 11.1*
*Choice 11.1.2 - Do you want to keep going together?*
*Go to Choice 11.2*
*Choice 11.1.3 - Nothing.*
*Go to Choice 11.3*
*Choice 11.2 - Do you want to keep going together?*
**Player**: What will you do now?
**Sven**: I'm going after whoever that tricked my brother.
**Sven**: He was used, he was lied to, and he was forced to make a choice...
**Sven**: That's not for me. I fare a lot better on the battlefield.
**Sven**: Sorry, but I won't be going with you.
**Player**: How are you feeling?
**Sven**: Player, the poison in my body was long gone.
**Sven**: How did it go away?
**Sven**: When we left the big temple and he left behind... I felt it fading away from me.
**Sven**: And I didn't know until I saw the wooden puppets. Who knew a curse could do that?
**Sven**: He thought I didn't know, and he didn't say anything.
**Sven**: But when he did, no one believed him.
*Choice 11.2.1 - What are you going to do about Grancy?*
*Go to Choice 11.1*
*Choice 11.2.2 - Do you want to keep going together?*
*Go to Choice 11.2*
*Choice 11.2.3 - Nothing.*
*Go to Choice 11.3*
*Choice 11.3 - Nothing.*
**Sven**: I have to go after him now. You and Lan take care.
*Scene continues after choices*
*Before talking to the remaining Shadowhunters, Player finds a lone candle on the third temple's observation deck*
*You wipe away the dust and see engravings on the wood by your feet.*
**Stele**: The bones shall return to the lush mountains. Yet I weep when it rains.
**Stele**: I hope we can be brothers again in our next lives.
**Stele**: Hawke
**Words on the Stele**: Well said, and the condors agree! - Ingram
**Player**: Ha, what a reply.
**Player**: But there's fresh blood on the word 'brother'.
*Player sees one of the crane lanterns covered in a dark miasma*
**Voice from the paper crane**: Autumns pass as my loyalty wanes / Bones are scattered all over the mound...
**Voice from the paper crane**: Separated by life and death / Unable to see each other
**Voice from the paper crane**: Unrequited emotions / The never-ending hatred...
*Small chunks of ice fall while the crane sings.*
**Martin's Voice**: Brothers, huh?
**Martin's Voice**: You made the right choice, the only choice... just like I did.
*On the second temple's observation deck, Player finds a lantern*
**Player**: I think a prayer lantern can be placed here.
**Player**: (Remembers) I promised the old lady under the tree to place a lantern for her son.
**Player**: And the pine root was given to me by the soul of her son, the herbalist.
**Player**: I wonder if he was able to let go of the kitten.
**Player**: Three thousand lanterns above the clouds, countless mortals live under the tree.
**Player**: How many wishes are upon those lanterns?
**Player**: Were they hopeful when they made those wishes?
**Player**: I should make one for myself.
*Choice 12.1 - (Charging & going home)*
**Player**: I want to finish my charging soon and go home.
*Choice 12.2 - (Partner & fighting)*
**Player**: I want to fight alongside my partners and defeat the Shadows.
*Scene continues after choices*
**Faint Song**: A hundred days, alone...
**Faint Song**: Endless red temples along the way, with nothing but lanterns...
*Player speaks to one of the Shadowhunters looking out over one of the rope bridges*
**Sad Soldier**: A good tactician doesn't always think the worst of humanity.
**Sad Soldier**: Because someone is doing all they can to give them the light and the hope.
**Sad Soldier**: But a passionate young man doesn't always grow into a gentleman.
**Sad Soldier**: Because there're people giving him advice and protecting him.
**Sad Soldier**: I thought they were good partners. What happened?
**Sad Soldier**: I feel worse than when the temple collapsed.
*Before leaving, Player overhears a conversation with the Shadowhunter squad captain*
**Soldier A**: So glad the boss is taking us somewhere else.
**Squad Captain**: What was that brotherhood stuff anyway? He made us put on an act...
**Squad Captain**: So he could find a new place to start anew.
**Squad Captain**: Shadowhunters don't make a lot of money.
**Squad Captain**: No money means no equipment, and that means no merit, no promotion, no power.
**Soldier B**: Must be nice to have power.
**Soldier B**: I killed so many enemies with my hands...
**Soldier B**: But the merit all went to those in power.
**Soldier C**: Power is good stuff.
**Soldier C**: I just want to avenge my brother, and protect those that I love.
**Soldier C**: If something happens to you, I'm going all out.
**Soldier D**: But Lord Sven... had to kill his own brother.
*Finally, Player asks the blue tree elf, Time Blossom, to lead him to the altar*
**Player**: Sven went after Grancy, and Lan is staying put to nurse his injuries.
**Player**: Haku is guarding the arrays at the temple...
*You walk onto the bridge and see a group of pigbats in your way.*
*You think about your companions, none of which are here...*
**Player**: Get out of my way if you don't want to die.
**Pigbat**: Unable to land, but unable to soar in the sky...
**Pigbat**: Do you know how it feels?
**Pigbat**: We finally have a chance with Lord Dracula.
**Pigbat**: We'll fight you to death for it!
**Player**: After all this, I feel like I've seen a lot.
*Player fights the pigbats*
**Player**: Things just... happen, one after another. Not even a moment to stop and take a breath. I'm so tired, and I don't want to go on.
**Player**: I gave so much, and I sacrificed so much while charging along the way.
**Player**: I never once dared to think about what would happen if I can't return after charging.
*Player defeats one of the pigbats*
**Pigbat**: Do you feel no pain?
**Pigbat**: You can't fight all of us! Why are you still doing this?
**Player**: Why am I doing this? Do I want to keep going?
**Player**: What motivated me to fight in the first place? Why do I fight?
**Martin's Voice**: You stuck your nose in just about everything. Aren't you tired?
*The pigbats disappear as if they were only an illusion*
**Martin's Voice**: You risked your life for your stupid job, but you thought that was fun.
**Martin's Voice**: Maybe it's because you don't really care about any of them.
**Martin's Voice**: They're the ones in pain, and it has nothing to do with you.
**Martin's Voice**: Someone has to suffer. What if it's someone that you care about?
**Player**: Where did you take them?
**Martin's Voice**: Here's your chance to be a savior.
**Martin's Voice**: You can leave them and go charge.
**Martin's Voice**: Or you can keep climbing. You'll find them, but the Flux Nexus will be corrupted.
*The wind from the pigbats' wings seem to never stop.*
*Pain, loneliness and your memories are wearing down your determination.*
**Player**: They have been with me all this time.
**Player**: If I don't do it, Lan will. Haku will, Sven will, and so will Grancy.
**Player**: I can't watch them go into battle and do nothing.
**Player**: I have an opportunity, I have the power, I will save them.
**Martin's Voice**: Are you sure? Even though you're in so much pain?
*A barrier appears around the altar*
**Martin's Voice**: If you have what it takes, then find your way out of this.
**Time Blossom**: Come.
*Player reaches the end of the rope bridge and to the base of the altar's ruins*
**Time Blossom**: (Worried) This looks like the ruins of something big.
**Time Blossom**: You won't be able to find your way out if you can't get your emotions straightened out.
*But you will become exhausted from the long distance.*
*At the end, you feel like you're not supported by your legs, but your power from within.*
**Player**: During the journey, everyone is tortured by their emotions.
**Player**: Fear.
*"Too high. Careful."*
*"Stop the bleeding first!"*
*"Please... don't go."*
**Player**: Anger.
*"Why didn't you tell me about the wound on your hand?"*
*"You're making me do it."*
**Player**: Sorrow.
*"No one will be carrying you home this time."*
*"Greatness at the cost of your health."*
**Player**: Regret.
*"Why didn't I know about this sooner?"*
*"I didn't mean to destroy this place."*
**Player**: Evil.
*"You abandoned me, and..."*
*"Let the darkness embrace you."*
*"Die."*
**Player**: Desire.
*"Power is nice."*
*"Why don't you just leave them behind, charge up and go home by yourself?"*
**Player**: There's no light, I'm stumbling, and I'm tired...
**Player**: But I don't want to let go.
**Player**: Why?
**Time Blossom**: Let's try a breathing exercise.
**Player**: Breathe out.
**Player**: Breathe in.
**Player**: Close your eyes.
**Player**: Palms together.
**Time Blossom**: I'll wait for you at the end.
**Ancient Voice**: You only feel pain and suffering when you forget what motivated you.
**Ancient Voice**: Hold onto me, dust off your emotions, and find your true feelings.
**Ancient Voice**: Those are... your stars.
**Martin's Voice**: Thank you for showing him the way.
**Martin's Voice**: Now I know where you are.
**Wood Nexus**: Garuda!
**Wood Nexus**: Mind your own business!
**Martin's Voice**: You spent too much time with humans.
**Martin's Voice**: What a foolish mistake...
*A cagestar rune appears on the barrier allowing Player to walk through it*
*Once Player crosses the barrier, his vision shifts but he still begins his search through the altar ruins for the Woods Nexus*
*In a dead end, Player finds something interesting*
**Player**: This is a dead end.
**Player**: But there's a butterfly hovering above the torch in the corner, unable to fly away, but also unable to get closer to the fire.
**Time Blossom**: (Scoffs) Trying to get to the lanterns in an illusion trial at the ruins?
**Time Blossom**: Just like those brothers... Stuck between a rock and a hard place.
**Time Blossom**: That's why prayers must be mad with no worries, no fear, and only when your mind is pure.
**Player**: Haku said that as well, but I don't understand. I feel that prayers are needed when I'm in pain.
**Time Blossom**: Let me tell you a story.
**Time Blossom**: Someone's lover died, and they were guarding the body at the temple, not sleeping or resting.
**Time Blossom**: Until the gods answered their prayer, and resurrected their lover in flames.
**Time Blossom**: But before the fire was extinguished, as soon as the body took its first breath...
**Time Blossom**: The person that prayed jumped into the arms of the resurrected.
**Player**: They faced the desperation of death, and toughed it out.
**Player**: But they couldn't wait when it came to the one they loved.
**Time Blossom**: I don't understand humans. You will do anything for love.
**Time Blossom**: You'd rather suffer than to let go. Is it really worth it?
**Player**: ...
**Time Blossom**: Emotions aside, this is a dead end. Try a different path.
**Player**: How about the butterfly?
**Time Blossom**: Once you exit the ruins and the illusions fade, it will be freed.
*Player turns around and goes down another path*
*Farther in the ruins, Player encounters Lan*
**Lan**: Go charge up now.
**Lan**: Go! The Flux Nexus can't charge if the corruption completes.
**Lan**: This is our duty, and you just happened to be caught up in it.
**Player**: You put... so much effort into your duties.
**Player**: Are both you and Haku so reckless?
**Player**: I don't deserve your kindness.
**Player**: Can't you feel pain?
**Player**: You need to tell me when you're hurt!
**Player**: Why do you always assume that you will be abandoned, and that you're disposable?
**Player**: I cherished your companionship, but you don't take it seriously, and now...
**Player**: Has it ever occurred to you that I might regret?
**Player**: It is my fault, after all. A genius priest and a famous swordmaster...
**Player**: Please take care of yourselves, so that the ones that care about you can sleep at night.
*The sounds of a wind chime faintly echo*
**Player**: My regret is... I wish I asked you to take care of yourselves more.
*The image of Lan fades and Player presses on*
*The next test for Player is Grancy*
**Grancy**: The poison I gathered from him slowly enters my body.
**Grancy**: They will travel through my veins and mix with my Flux, where they will grow stronger.
**Grancy**: Bright red blood slowly but surely came out of my body. That was the first time I felt the warmth of life.
**Grancy**: Leaving is not abandoning. It's just a new beginning.
**Player**: What if there was an accident? Aren't you scared?
**Grancy**: Of course. I'm scared of death, and I'm more scared of dying at his hands.
**Grancy**: But my chance of surviving was higher.
**Player**: You're the loyal type, and you're not afraid of death, but now you're wronged and trapped here.
**Grancy**: Wronged, definitely. I was always the logical one, and I was always telling others to calm down.
**Grancy**: But I wanted to keep some of his innocence.
**Grancy**: So that he will never be wronged by others.
*Grancy fades away*
*Player continues to the next test of the ruins: Haku*
**Haku**: The curses and the chants don't always work.
**Haku**: But asking for help from the kind spirits of the world does.
**Haku**: It depends on the heart of the one asking for help.
**Haku**: But if they are...
**Player**: The road ahead is long. What keeps me going...
**Player**: Is that I am not resigned to my fate. Within me, there is hatred, there is rancor, and... there are questions.
**Player**: My emotions and desires.
**Player**: And also my motivation at the beginning. The drive to take something or someone seriously.
**Player**: I get it now. I'm not just in a trial of prayers.
**Player**: I'm traveling back in time to see their true feelings.
*The illusion fades and in Player's hands is a small, green stone - the key to the Woods Nexus*
*Player reaches the end of the altar ruins and sees Time Blossom waiting for him*
**Time Blossom**: Congratulations.
**Time Blossom**: Why has no one seen a Flux Nexus?
**Time Blossom**: Because only those who enter by accident can be teleported through it.
**Player**: Really?
**Time Blossom**: Are you really not going to the Flux Nexus first?
**Player**: Saving the world or saving them... It helps me sleep at night.
**Player**: If I lie to myself and go home, then what big picture is there?
**Time Blossom**: It would be easier if you don't consider them important to you.
**Player**: If I can put it down, it would hurt a lot less.
**Player**: But I'm willing to dive into the sea of pain.
**Player**: Even if that means my body and my mind suffer.
**Player**: After all, we were supposed to look at the stars together at the top.
**Player**: Billions of stars, three thousand lanterns.
**Player**: They didn't keep their promises, so I have to find them.
**Time Blossom**: ...
**Player**: It's not that heavy.
**Player**: I want to take a gamble. It's too much of a coincidence that I was able to charge before the corruption ends each time.
**Player**: The Shadows need me, because they can't touch the Wheel of Fate.
**Time Blossom**: Let's go, then.
*A true heart on the ground, a bright star in the sky.*
*The star shines through the moving clouds.*
*The flame flickers in the lampshade.*
*The lanterns in the sky travels toward the top of the stars...*
*The key activates and Player teleports to the Nexus*
*Continue to Chapter 25*