Memory Fragments

In their travels, Yuyo and Yuki encounter key items called “Memory Fragments,” which were written or stored accounts of the former citizens of the Yami Empire. These collective narratives provide the brothers with clues and stories from those who came before, as well as providing insight into how their Empire came to a gruesome end.

**(Found in: Kinfallen Forest):**

## **Fragment 1 (In Unmarked Barrows):**

“Imperial Year 893, day of the Crown Prince’s birthday. This was once a day of celebration, but the Empire is muted, its voices forcibly hushed...or stilled. The corruption has spread. We first thought only those foolish enough to have taken Yami’s magic by force would be affected. But now we have seen that all within close proximity to its evil have succumbed to sickness. As I now am as well, for I have learned through a teary-eyed confession from my wife that she too followed the tempting sacrilege. When my mind will finally fade, I know not.”

## **Fragment 2 (In core of Apex Tree):**

“Imperial Year 894, Second Frost. My wife has completely fallen. It was the hardest choice to make, but I had to end what little life she had remaining. Our son Jorne had helped her to keep some of her sanity, speaking with her daily, but last night she lashed out and attacked him. I weep as I document this, but poor Jorne is dead. As I finished my murderous task, I was stunned to see that my wife’s body continued to move. The humanity behind her eyes was gone, replaced by the ever-prevalent sickly glow of the corruption. I had not realized how completely it had consumed her, now using her corpse to continue its malevolent task. Even in death she cannot escape its poison. Despite my better judgment, I have decided to keep her body contained within our home, if only to study the corruption’s effects...and for the memory of the woman I once loved…”

## **Fragment 3 (In Uncovered Caverns):**

“Imperial Year 894, Mid Year’s Eve: There are no more travelers or traders from the Pasturelands or Empire beyond. In years past, the Imperial streets were flooded with businessmen and merchants from the Imperial City, trading with us loggers in the Timbered Woods. It was from one such trader my wife learned of the practice to forcefully take Yami...Even in more recent months, wanderers leaving the decaying Imperial City would still pass through, warning of the plague upon our Capital. The last traveler I spoke with, while my wife was still of mind, informed me that the Empress had ordered all gates into the city shut, not allowing anyone in to stave off the disease. Or to not allow anyone out...Even within our small forest village of Lumbered, there is nary a voice to be heard. I have not ventured far beyond my home in months now, for fear at what I will find.

My wife, or what was once my wife, has become more lethargic in movement. Her body still moves, but is steadily decaying. I am certain the odor would be unbearable were I not used to it. Surprisingly, she seems to have retained some of her old traits. She appears shameful when nude, covering her entire body in blankets and cloaks. Perhaps she does not wish to see what her body has become. She also hoards trinkets and items from her past, collecting them and storing them, or carrying them on her body. She now is only aggressive should I try to take away her possessions. I pity her undoubtedly painful existence, but I still consider her my wife, or a part of her. Besides, in my own pathetic way, she is now my only companion. I speak to her as I once did, but I never see any recognition. I fear that soon I will join her, as my body grows less and less my own with each passing day.”

**Fragment 4 (In Yami Ritual Site):** “Imperial Year 895, 3rd day of the New Year. My hands shake as I write, but I am driven by an urge to have my thoughts recorded. It would now be the next year of the Imperial calendar, if the Empire still remains. I have no knowledge of the outside world, or even what occurs beyond my door. The animated corpse of my wife is gone; she escaped the night before. I awoke to a broken window, and all of our jewels and silverware were gone silverware gone. I searched for her all day and night, but she vanished into the forest. Worse still, she took my journal with herewith her my journal. I write now on the little remaining parchment within my home. But I care not; Soon I know I will no longer be able to write. Every word is a chore.

The corruption consumes me. I can no longer keep down food, and my vomit shows the sickly color of the impure Yami magic. Sleep is impossible, and I feel an urge to carry out my primal instincts. If this is how my wife felt in her final days of sanity, my heart aches with pity. I can only be thankful there is no one here I may harm.

The symptoms are obvious, as I now can go hours in a trance-like state, and find myself clinging to the little possessions still in the house. I scavenge around the floors, gathering whatever my quivering hands can clutch. I know none shall ever read this, but I will say this to any wanderer through these now-forsaken woods: Do not pity the corpses that still walk within the undergrowth, for we have long since ended our journeys…”

## **Fragment 5 (Underneath old technology by Tree of the Fallen):**

“Journal Log, 3rd day of expedition. For any who may read this in the future, my name is Sothe, a would-be adventurer. I have left the Final City, despite the elders’ warnings and the pleas from my parents. It did not take long to find a growing darkness and evil not present within our city walls. The wildlife here is hostile, and does not take kindly to strangers encroaching on their forest. Kinfallen Forest truly is a place of death and lingering spirits, but I have an irresistible urge to journey forth and see what no Yamite has in a lifetime. I just hope that I might learn and find something to bring peace to this land once more. My first night in the abyssal dark of the forest proved an incredible challenge; were it not for my campfire, I doubt I would have survived. The creatures of the forest seem to fear flame, which I will use to my advantage. Today I made sure to craft a torch in preparation for the setting suns. If only I had the Yami magic of fire, but alas I was deemed unworthy during my ritual so many years ago...

## **Fragment 6 (In Tree of the Fallen):**

**“**Journal Log, 12th day of expedition. I have stumbled across some sort of clearing within the forest, a blackened mound of charred earth and vegetation, all surrounding a tree. I believe this to be the Tree of the Fallen, a monument that nearly predates the Final City. Every child has heard the stories of this tree, and the spirits that are ensnared within, souls of those lost within the great exodus from the Imperial Capital. I have spent three nights here, to build up strength for the next march of my journey, and I have noticed something peculiar. There are thousands of glowing orbs attached to the branches of this tree, in place of leaves. They illuminate each night, but I have noticed that by morning one orb is released from the tree and floats away into the sky. Why is this, and what might it mean? These questions have kept me wondering, and unable to leave the tree. I wonder what might happen when there are no orbs left, and the possibilities fear me.

## **Fragment 7 (Near/Outside Malflessia Boss fight):**

“Journal Log, my last day. There is no use dating this journal entry, as I know I haven’t the strength for another entry. At the heart of Kinfallen Forest, there it lies. A beast of immeasurable strength and ferocity, what I believe to be the center of all maleficence within the woods. I will admit that I underestimated the creature, thinking it to be skittish or easily controlled like the other creatures inhabiting this forest. I was wrong. It overtook me easily; I was barely able to crawl to safety outside of its reach. Thankfully the creature is rooted to the ground, or I know it would have pursued me. My days of adventure have ended, with little to show for it. But I can at least issue a warning, to any Yamites who should wander through these woods. The creature appears to be weakened by fire, as it recoiled from my torch. But it will take more than simple flame to defeat it, as it is cunning and controls minions to aid in its attacks. I as an adventurer have failed, but I know that our people will not remain locked within their city forever; someone will one day grow restless, and wish for a brighter tomorrow. I just hope that by then, it will not be too late.

**(Located within Mudden):**

## **Fragment 1(Discovered upon first entering area):**

“2nd Harvest with Father: Pa finally says I’m ready to take some of the family farmland as my own! That is, should I prove myself in this year’s harvest. Cousin Shetten already has his own parcel and cabin, spite bein’ a year younger. It’s not fair that he can use that fancy magic of his to cut the crops down, while I gotta use my scythe and hoe. It ain’t fair that Yami rejected me when it was my time for the ritual. But my pal Groshe from the fields over, he says that some city-folk were able to get Yami even after being rejected. Once he shows me how, that’ll be my ticket to some land I can call my own.

## **Fragment 2 (Within middle of Mudden, located on ledge):**

“End of Harvest: I’ve done it! You shoulda seen Shetten’s face when I used magic to gather the crops. I accidentally burned a few, but I was still able to harvest twice what he did. Ma and Pa had loads of questions for me, and some choice words, but if the royals themselves are taking the Yami magic by force, why shouldn’t I?”

## **Fragment 3 (Found between two muckmarch in center of Mudden):**

**“**First Harvest on my own: I gotta admit, it is a little sad to be out here in the fields alone. I can barely see Pa on the horizon, but I still can feel his judging eyes on me as I do my work. He always criticised how I tilled, but now I’ll be done weeks before he is. A few slashes of wind slices up the crops, and moving the earth around easily retills the fields. But I can’t shake this feeling I’ve been having. Cold sweats at night, feeling sick throughout the day. Groshe said he had felt that way a few weeks ago too, but that it had passed. Guess it’s an illness going ‘round. I heard there was talks of one spreading in the Imperial City too. So long as it doesn’t affect my harvest.

## **Fragment 4 (Located at the end of Mudden, before Bridge of Stonefast):**

**“**First Frost: Groshe is dead. Or as the Yami Masters say, he is ‘one with Yami now.’ But are ya really able to be when you were rejected by Yami? I spoke with his parents, they said he was acting completely normal, then one day began spacing out during conversations. Before you couldn’t get a word in edgewise when he talked to ya. But they was saying his last few days he barely said a word. Then a few days back, he just up and died in his fields. Fell right over, without a shout or a moan. It couldn’t have to do with taking Yami, right?

## **Fragment 5 (Found upon defeating area boss):**

“First Thaw: My family’s superstitious, the lot of ‘em. Groshe’s body began moving and walking ‘round on its own, spite him being dead. And my parents and siblings are saying he’s ‘cursed’ and ‘punished by the Yami magic.’ Now how can being immortal be a punishment? Sure, when I went to visit him, all he did was grunt and snarl, but that sure beats being dead. But...in all honesty, I am worried. I feel completely fine, which was just how Groshe felt before he died. Well, before his mind died; his body seems to be doing fine. But it can’t be a coincidence that right after he took Yami magic, this happened. I’m glad Groshe is up and about again, but all he does is wander around the fields, never sleeping or eating. And there’s a glow behind his eyes, a glow that seems familiar.

I sure would hate to end up like him, wandering around the fields like an idiot. But at least then my parents couldn’t say my cousin Shetten was always working longer days than me…

**(Dropped by Bridgerunner: Bridge of Stonefast):**

## **Fragment 1 (Located in hidden spot of beginning of bridge):**

**“**Imperial Year 861, First day under General Stonefast. It’s finally happened! After years of applying, I have been accepted into General Stonefast’s private battalion, ‘The Unyielding’. Only the most proven in battle and skill can even hope to be a part of this elite squad, and General Stonefast personally chose me! Perhaps it was from my success in last year’s campaign against the Anti-Imperials... Whatever the case, I will strive to show the General I am worthy of his choice! I will be his most faithful of disciples!

## **Fragment 2 (Found underneath a tilehider enemy):**

**“**Imperial Year 862, 2nd month of battle. Our battalion has finally rooted out the last holdouts from the rebels, hidden deep within their mountain. The General and I are both disgusted by how they still cling to their old, blasphemous religion. To worship a mountain and the portals it contains? Portals are a tool, not something to pray to.

For my actions against the rebel Gate-Watchers, General Stonefast has promoted me to his Second-in-Command, with my own platoon to direct. I doubt there will be much fighting now that the Yami Empire is completely under control of the Imperial crown, but it is a high honor nonetheless. We shall return to the Imperial City as champions, Emperor Kryntollen will surely grant us a home within his Inner Palaces.

## **Fragment 3 (In middle of bridge, protected by two enemies):**

**“**Imperial Year 863, 3rd day of Mourning. I cannot believe the words I write, let alone the reality I am forced to accept. General Stonefast, the bravest and most loyal Imperial citizen...has become one with Yami. How could someone so unshakable in battle, so powerful in his actions and words, still succumb to the mortality of our kind? The Imperial City weeps for their fallen hero, yet I weep for the man I loved so dearly. Stonefast was mighty, yet also gentle. His kind words always lifted me. I am now in command of ‘The Unyielding,’ yet I am tempted to disband them. I do not feel worthy to stand in his place, nor should I tarnish his memory.

Emperor Kryntollen and Empress Vynnev spoke at his funeral, and have declared that the Imperial Bridge to enter our city shall henceforth be named The Bridge of Stonefast. It is a paltry gift for such a man, but it is a kind gesture. The bridge was made by the finest of artisans and architects, and I vowed before all at my eulogy that I would make sure the bridge always remained impeccable. Stonefast’s last words to me were “Defend our Empire, our Imperial City, to your dying breath.” I want to do this, but how can I possibly defend it when its greatest hero is no more? Stonefast was able to summon immense earthquakes and upheavals of rocks with his powerful Yami magic. How can I ever amount to that? I was never accepted by the Yami magic. A royal, a distant cousin to the Emperor, mentioned to me of other ways to gain magic. It would be shameful to do such a thing, but even more so to tarnish Stonefast’s legacy…

## **Fragment 4 (Located underneath a cracked pillar of bridge):**

“Imperial Year 891, 30th anniversary as an Unyielding. Darkness spreads within my beloved Empire. The pureness of Yami, upon which our Empire was formed and developed, has become corrupted and tainted. It affected the royals and Imperial family first; government officials and ministers began receiving strange orders from their superiors. Then, infighting amongst the Emperor and his family. Word came out that the Emperor’s son, Korashibi, and the Empress had both taken Yami forcefully and as such had infected their bodies. There have even been rumors that the two have murdered old Emperor Kryntollen. How has it come to this? I am baffled, for I too share their same burden.

For nearly three decades now I have held Yami forcefully within me, having taken it for myself after General Stonefast’s untimely demise. I was grief-stricken then, and made an unwise decision. But as the years continued on, I only used the magic sparingly, knowing deep down that it was unhealthy to use it frivolously. I am glad I did, for many others who joined me in gaining Yami without acceptance have met their end, or are spiraling into madness. The Empire still remains, but I am unsure for how long. A shadow has fallen upon the Imperial family, a plague upon their citizens. Many have begun to flee the city. The Empress in her madness has declared exiting our city walls punishable by death, but to remain would truly be the death-sentence. I am still the General of the Empire’s forces, but I laugh at the thought of serving the commands from the rotting minds of the Imperials. However, I am still a servant to the people of this land, and I am honor bound to protect them. I have opened the gates to the Bridge of Stonefast, and am using what little power my elderly body now possesses to protect those trying to flee from the soulless fallen within the inner city. I will not fail General Stonefast.

## **Fragment 5(Found after defeating Disciple of Stonefast):**

“Imperial Year 892, General Stonefast’s birthday. I have saved as many as I could. The disease and mindlessness had spread much faster and more rampant than I had thought. With the few soldiers I still have, we have managed to seal all exits from the Inner City, but many of the defiled still prowl within the outskirts of the city. Twisted creatures and entities born from the corruption now flood the streets, and I fear that there are many citizens still within those areas who cannot be saved. I have used the corrupted Yami magic often in the past few months, as it was needed to stave off the diseased. But I feel my mind begin to fade. I know what my fate is; a part of me had thought that perhaps I was immune, for being so long without its effects. But I will remain at my post, standing at the wall to our city upon the steady stone of my beloved General’s bridge. I shall be Stonefast’s greatest disciple.

I will protect any citizens from the evils within, or from any newfound terror from beyond our walls. I will protect...

**(Inner Yami):**

## **Fragment 1 (Located near entrance to Inner Yami):**

”5th year of business. My elderly neighbor is two weeks late to repay his loan. He has already given me his jewelry and finest clothing in payment, but there is only one thing I covet: his corner lot at the marketplace. I agreed to absolve his loan should he trade lots with me. All according to plan. That spot not only has direct access to the main street towards the Imperial Palace, but also provides two front corners to showcase my wares. Soon, I will be the wealthiest merchant in my city quadrant. Perhaps someday I’ll even have a place within the Royal Halls.

## **Fragment 2 (Found in small building in middle of area):**

“3rd week in new location. Sales have been steadily growing since my move to the new corner location. My neighbor has fallen further into debt, this time with another loaner, but he’s not my concern. Sales are promising, but next week will be the Crown Prince, Korashibi’s, birthday. The entire Empire will be abuzz with excitement, especially within the Imperial City. And the citizens will be so caught up in celebration none will think twice of buying my clothes and food I have prepared for the festival. My neighbors and customers cannot wait for the festivities; I cannot wait for all the money I will earn.

## **Fragment 3 (Found on roof of adjacent building from fragment 2):**

“2nd month in new location. I have found myself without the urge to journal for many days now. Prince Korashibi did not come from the Imperial Palace to tour the city on his birthday, as he had every year since his coming-of-age. In fact, the entire celebration for his birth was completely scrapped. Citizens throughout the Outskirts and Inner City were aghast, and many went about lifelessly for days afterwards.

Rumors run through our city as quickly as a flowing river, the latest being that the Crown Prince is gravely ill. And the reason? His body becoming corrupted and diseased by the forcing of Yami magic into him, despite his being rejected by Yami years ago. Many within our city, and our Empire, have done the same, it being the latest trend for anyone unable to channel magic. What fools they all are. If they fall to the same illness, it isn’t anything less than they deserve for defiling our sacred Yami magic. I was rejected in my youth, but unlike them I accepted it. Magic does not build a business, nor gain profits. Should they die, at least there will be less competition for business within my district. Hopefully not too many potential customers die as well.

## **Fragment 4 (Found at the end of Inner Yami area):**

“8th month in new location. Business has been near a standstill. One elderly woman a few days ago looked through my impeccable wares, but only left with my cheapest ring. What need does someone have for a new tunic or jewelry when half their family is sick and dying or they themselves are turning insane? Bless the Empire that I don’t have any family here that may infect me. Still, the streets do grow lonely. I hadn’t realized the comfort I drew from the busy roads, and the chatter of citizens in the back of my mind. Many who are able have begun leaving the Imperial City in throngs, some leaving with little more than the clothing they wear. There have been whispers from the few I am still in contact with, that those sickly who *do* die, do not remain dead for long. What they mean by that, I’m not sure, but those who are leaving seem to be doing so with a haste I’ve never seen. I tried to speak to someone exiting the city about these tales, but they grew defensive and nervous when I brought it up. The former Commanding Officer for old dead Stonefast has been ushering citizens out of the main gates, with almost a panicked pace. I am certain that one knows more about this than they are letting on. The royals and government officials always have kept their secrets, so why should this be different?

I have begun raiding some of the shops nearest mine, as their inhabitants have all either fled or passed on into shadow, and claiming them as my own. I have amassed a large collection of tradeable items, jewels, and have found more than a few hidden caches of money. Once all this distress within the Imperial City dies down, my shop will stretch the entire street!

## **Fragment 5 (Discovered right before area boss location):**

9 Weeks without a sale. “I finally have it all. But it isn’t enough. The wealth I now possess, what purpose does it have if there is no one to impress, no one to fill with jealousy? No other vendors or merchants still remain, and there is no longer anything to buy with my hard-fought money. Yet even so, I cannot seem to stop myself from hoarding any wealth or valuable items I find during my daily walks through the barren streets. Ever since my earliest memories, I have always sought out riches, never sharing what was rightfully mine or rightfully stolen. So I suppose it is fitting that I still cling to those instinctive reactions, despite it now being fruitless.

The past few months now, I have found myself losing track of time and thought. I look up to see that I am a day’s walk from home, yet I don’t remember even leaving. I forget to eat and drink, but do not seem to ache with hunger or emptiness. I simply have a feeling of longing, as if I am late for something very important, or have yet to discover what I must do. This feeling I have, is it from the corruption and tainted air swirling around the city? Or is it simply from my own madness, deep within?

I have always been alone, even with my family growing up. But for the first time, I finally feel lonely. The decaying Imperial City around me is now but a tomb, its residents now fading memories. It is much too late for me now to escape the city as my old neighbors had done months ago. Creatures now lurk the streets, some of their faces familiar. I am unsure what will do me in first: the inevitable corrupted air encircling me, or my own starvation. As I look upon my room filled to the brim with amassed wealth, I know now that all of it cannot save me. But despite everything, seeing it still makes me smile.

**(Found within Imperial Palace)**

## **Fragment 1 (Found in first staircase of Imperial Palace):**

Imperial Year 859, day of my Naming. My writing stylus can barely connect with my recording screen quickly enough to transcribe my thoughts. For 15 years I have gone without my Royal name and title, still being called what our family nursemaid had dubbed me as a babe: Chotten. But in mere hours, the Yami Masters of our palace will perform the Yami Acceptance Ceremony, where I will gain the magic of our Empire. Then, father will present me with the name he and mother have prepared for me, and I will be announced before the Imperial City as their Crown Prince. The name is a secret, but I will be called it with honor. When father is ready to abdicate the Emperorship, I will be the 25th Emperor in a line dating back to the First Wielder. My servants call to me to finish preparations, so I will end my dictation for now.

## **Fragment 2 (Found within Korashibi’s bedroom) :**

859, 1 day Named. I am a failure, nothing now in the eyes of my father. The Yami magic has rejected my body, refusing to be accepted. My father yelled at the Yami Masters, shouting for them to do it again. But it cannot be attempted twice. The Naming came after, but the banquet halls were silent with shock and confusion. My father, Emperor Kryntollen, officially named me ‘Korashibi.’ Mother presented me with the Ring of the Crown Prince, to be worn until I ascend to the throne. I should feel pride and honor today, yet I only feel shame and disgust. All 24 of our former Emperors and Empresses before me were powerful magic users, as were their spouses. Even nearly all within the extended royal family were accepted by Yami. So why not I? When I tried to speak to father this morning, he would not meet my gaze. He even acknowledges his servants and messengers. I must strive to become someone worthy of the throne, despite my lack of magic. I am skilled in combat, as well as the noble arts of music and science. Perhaps father will see that I can properly rule this Empire, in time...

## **Fragment 3 (Found outside of royal throne room):**

Imperial Year 862, 3 years Named. I have heard talks behind closed doors of my father potentially giving the crown to my cousin Yirrah, his sister’s daughter. She is a prodigy of Yami, powerful in elemental and spiritual magic. And today, he asked me to return the Ring of the Crown Prince. I am ashamed to say, but in my anger I have smashed the ring, splintering it into three pieces. But I cannot believe the rumors of the palace. Would he truly denounce me of my birthright simply due to my rejection?

I have spoken to mother many nights since my Naming Day, often ending in tears. She has tried to soothe me, but it is always empty words. Until yesterday evening. She promised me that she would find a way to secure my place next-in-line. Even to provide me with Yami. I tried to ask her how, but she dodged around my questions. I worry now that I put too many of my troubles upon her, for in recent months she has grown bitter to her attendants and other royals, even to father. She locks herself in her study for days on end, only allowing myself or her scribes to enter. I know not what she is concocting for me, but I fear that she is taking my own failures into herself.

## **Fragment 4 (Found within courtyard of Imperial Palace):**

Imperial Year 863, 4 Years Named. Screams have been heard at night coming from my mother’s study. Several servants within the palace have gone missing, all having last been seen entering to serve my mother. To speak against the Empress would be blasphemy amongst the commoners, but all waitstaff within our halls now know to be summoned by her is a death sentence. I have tried to speak to her about this, stop her from whatever evils I know she must be doing, but mother always mumbles something about ‘failed attempts’ and ‘making me strong.’ Even father came to me worried, which surprised me, as he and I hadn’t spoken beyond pleasantries since I was named years ago. He claims that she has gone mad, but that cannot be true. Or have I become blinded to her sanity due to my love for her?

Word has spread throughout the palace of my transformation. Many now look at me as if I were the Yami magic itself come to life. What my mother has accomplished truly is extraordinary, yet I am worried that the practice will spread. Already those within the royal family who were initially rejected by Yami have begun asking about the process. Do not think me vain, yet I do not wish for others to undergo the same thing I did. Not to remain unique, but to avoid the feelings it causes. Many nights have become restless, and sleep often eludes me. I have grown quick to anger, oftentimes irrationally, and I lash out at friends or undeserving servants. After I used the taken Yami, my body has now begun to shake for a few hours afterwards. I use it sparingly now, but its effects have already taken their toll, and appear to worsen regardless of my magic usage. I fear that the gift my mother has given me is now a curse. I pray to Yami that it is a curse that I alone will bear…

## **Fragment 5 (Found within Empress’s bedroom):**

Imperial Year 880, 17 years with Yami magic. I have not transcribed my thoughts in nearly two decades. What could be said? None heeded my warnings, and now the Imperial Palace is wrought with disease of both the mind and flesh. In efforts to quell the fears of the Imperial citizens, my father has barred any ill from exiting the palace, servants and my royal relatives alike. What my mother had thought to be a miraculous cure to being rejected from Yami has come with a terrible cost.

But my father’s commands are not enough, and years too late. Already many within the city and the Empire beyond have begun the seemingly simple and alluring practice of forcing Yami into themselves. For who could resist such a thing, especially after years of being considered lesser to those who had been accepted? I myself was just as easily fooled. And I know now that fooled I was indeed. I was a tool to my mother, an experiment. She claimed to have only been trying to help me, as she still assures to this day, but I have seen her notes and failed experiments she attempts to keep hidden. She wanted more power, and would let nothing stand in her way. Her marriage to my father was one of political reasons, but she knew she couldn’t have the throne to herself alone. She wanted to have power beyond titles and thrones. So in an attempt at power, she devised a plan to take more of the Yami magic into her. But first, she needed to practice on others. I was the first to succeed. But she went one step further, forcefully taking more Yami as well. It seems to have maddened her as well, at least I hope. For I would be revolted at the thought that she has done these things with a clear mind. There is no debate now that my mother rules within the Imperial Palace, my father becoming increasingly sicker. I suspect his illness is not from natural causes. I do not know how much longer either of us will last, but I feel a part of me leave my body with each passing day.

## **Fragment 6 (Found right after boss fight with Prince Korashibit):**

Imperial Year 890, 27 years with Yami magic. Emperor Kryntollen, 24th leader of the Yami Empire, ruler of all known lands from the Misted Seas to the Splintered Mountains, Keeper of the Gateways, my father, has become one with Yami. And there will be no 25th, despite that I still live. For who now would I rule? The mindless, diseased corpses who walk about within the city streets? Those wise enough to have fled for the lands at the edge of our Empire? There are no longer even any ministers or Yami Masters within the palace to perform the Rite of Ascension and crowning. I would be an Emperor of dust, a leader of memories and failed duties.

The Commander of The Unyielding, once led by the brave General Stonefast, has been maintaining our section of the city which still remains, all the while tirelessly aiding in defending those still choosing to flee our city walls. Mother has taken control of the palace in my absence, proclaiming herself the Empress Regent until my ascension that will never occur. She has become completely mad, either from the corruption of Yami that she developed, or from the failings of her own mind. She has commanded that the city gates be shut, and all who are seen leaving to be executed for treason. The Commander has been ignoring her edicts, which I privately support from afar. I feel so helpless now, as my body has withered beyond recognition. My mind is barely now my own, and I must grapple endlessly to maintain control of my thoughts. I cannot save myself, let alone stop my mother. Her body has not aged since she began contorting Yami, for she is truly unique amongst us all. She was accepted by the Yami magic as a young girl, but also took more of it forcefully in an attempt to help me. But I realize now too late that she gave me but a fraction of the power she stole, keeping it within her. I can only imagine the tumultuous storm her body must be, power surging of both corrupt and pure Yami. How it maintains its balance, I do not know. It is because of this I believe the madness she has is only from herself. The Imperial City is now ruled by my mother, although her subjects are dead or wish to be.

I grow bitter and angry as I near the end of my life. Anger at my father, who only ever saw me as an extension of his pride. Anger at my mother for making me into something I never should have been or deserved to be. And above all, anger at myself for failing the Empire I held dear. But the Empire was not the beginning, nor the end. I only hope that those who come next will not judge us too harshly, but will learn from our mistakes.