Chapter 53: Wicked Meadow: Song of the Destructive Wind

I hear you defeated the mighty specter Mizuchi! You have done well. This should no doubt quiet them down for the time being. I am truly grateful to you all. Now then, I believe you wanted to know more about the Chapel of the Goddess of Time? Very well, I shall grant you special access. Ordinarily, it is forbidden to enter the region as it is considered a sacred place. That being said, would you still like to see it for yourself?

Here is your permit to enter Mahora Lake.

Thank you very much. Do you mind if I ask you one more question? I've heard that it was the Land of Shin's idea to invade the west... But the idea originally came from the chapel.

Indeed you are correct. I received a revelation that to the west lies a road of hope which leads to paradise.

A road to paradise...

You should see it for yourself if you're lucky enough to find this Amato Island where the chapel is built.

Amato Island...? Luckily enough to find? What do you mean by that?

At the southern tip of the continent, beyond Ikarga, lies a mysterious island floating on Mahora Lake. You'll know it when you see it. Hehehe...

However, you guys already handled one of the three specters, Mizuchi! I've underestimated you all. I should expect no less from valiant Heroes of the West! I look forward to working with you personally. It truly is encouraging to have honored warriors such as you in my army.

Although I currently reside here in this village, I used to live in the Wicked Meadow. My country was there... It was where my hometown was.

In the Wicked Meadow, there once was a peaceful little country called the Land of Ro.

The Land of Ro did not take part in the invasion. And as a result, they were attacked by the alliance. Overnight the country was destroyed.

It was also there that half-demons lived in peace amongst their human brothers and sisters.

Most of the demons, together with the citizens of the Land of Ro, were killed.

The people of this village are the survivors of those times, who managed to escape their fate.

......

Take a look. That statue there is what the villagers managed to unearth from the ashes after the fire had taken the town. Every time I look upon that statue, it reminds me of those hard times. Perhaps we're exactly like that statue. We're hurt, cracked and drying out after surviving the flame of war...

......

So, what has brought you to a place like this? Are you here for the Chapel of the Goddess of Time? If that's so, why not take some time to relax in the hot springs in the Wicked Meadows. The water of Mahora Lake contains a unique type of poison. To approach it carelessly would be dangerous. The water from the hot spring in the Wicked Meadow can be used to resist the poison. Amato Island is a truly a mysterious place. I wish you luck on your travels and I pray you can make it to the island.

The hot spring in the Wicked Meadow, huh. We'll certainly pay it a visit!

......

Huh? What's up Tsukiha?

You heard her story didn't you? Once upon a time, a small, peaceful country really existed here.

Hm? isn't that the same person that came with us on the ship? I think her name was Tsukiha.

You are, the ones from the Tenka Muteki Maru... There must have been a reason why we met again. If you don't mind, may I tell you a story? It must be relevant to your interest since it seems you've already met Genshin and Garneli, involved in this Eastern turmoil.

Sure, I don't mind. I'll be happy to listen.

Thank you. Once upon a time, there was a small, peaceful country here.

I was born and raised in that country. I loved it. It was such a beautiful place. The streets were filled with cheerful laughter and singing voices, with peaceful lullabies echoing in the sky as night fell. The only sounds that remains here now are the rustling of the leaves and the howling of the winds. Nothingness was what has remained. Those voices will never be heard again. Those happy days will never return. All has been lost to time...

That country was besieged and destroyed by the allied forces of the Land of Mi and the Land of Shin...

It was us who scouted the Land of Ro and guided the invasion. And for that reason...

No, you're wrong, Tsubame. Please do not blame yourself for what happened. The Land of Ro was already crumbling from the inside because of my specter mother. It was fated to be destructed, which absolutely isn't your fault.

But...

I am the daughter of the king who brought about disaster when he saw my specter mother for the first time.

No, you're wrong, Tsubame. Please do not blame yourself for what happened. The Land of Ro was already crumbling from the inside. It was fated to be destructed, which absolutely isn't your fault.

But...

I'd blame it all on my existence! I was so young, and all I could do was watch and shiver, but that's just an excuse...!

That's why you are all so naive.

Kamome!

Getting worse? What are you talking about?

Genshin is being consumed by doubt. He thinks that you and Garneli are working together now. On the inside, he fears that you and Suzaku will try to take revenge on him. Yet on the outside he acts as if everything is fine, pretending to be confident and all.

Revenge...? On Genshin...? There's no way I would do such a thing!

Don't underestimate him, Tsukiha. The guy would issue an order to kill you without mercy. Yet, if he does... Suzaku will not stay quiet for long.

......

Tsukiha... That man will do all he can to protect you. He'd even move the Mobile Fortress Jiraiya! If that happens, I'll have no choice but to use my family's secret art to stop it. In any case, sooner or later Genshin will start making his next move.

Kamome, did you really come all the way out here to warn us of all this?

No way! When Genshin makes his move, Tsubame, that'll be the end of your life... So before that happens, I just wanted to see your face again.

Well, that's all I got to say. I'll be going now. Farewell Tsubame!

Oh! Kamome!

Kamome...

Tsubame... that secret art you mentioned, the one handed down in your family... What is it?

The secret art passed down by my family is a forbidden jutsu. It can completely drain the lifeforce of the caster. You have to put it all on the line in order to use it.

Forbidden jutsu? Woah...

I hope she didn't come here to see you for one last time, assuming that the worst could happen...

......

So this must be the hot spring! We'll be protected even in Mahora Lake after soaking in this water, huh? Alright, then. Let's spend some time here and enjoy this thing! Oh. Looks like someone else is here already.

What?! No way... Suzaku?! What's he doing in a place like this?

I know you...You're the guy who tormented my underlings at the Temple Ruins. Aldo, right? What am I doing, you ask? Well, obviously I'm bathing in hot spring. It cleanses the soul.

Cleanses the soul...

And you? What are you doing here? Are you planning on visiting the Chapel of the Goddess of Time?

How did you know that?

Hmph. Isn't it obvious? Beyond here lies a small village and something resembling a church. Hmm, it's about time I get out. This was a damn good bath though.

Phew, how refreshing it was. The best time to bathe is right before work! Really fills you with energy.

Listen, I don't know what brought you here from the west, but do not get in our way again. The next time we meet, we'll be enemies and I won't go easy on you. Don't you ever forget it.

......

Besides, you are the ones responsible for both Genshin and Garneli's weird behaviors. Well, since everyone is here now... I guess it's time to finally end this. Let the curtain fall.

It's been a long time, Tsukiha... How are you doing?

Suzaku!

I heard Genshin turned pale when he heard you came back. Something is about to begin Tsukiha. Be careful out there.

Wait, Suzaku!

......

......

Bleeerrrrp.

The water of Mahora Lake contains a unique type of poison. To approach it carelessly would be dangerous.

The water from the hot spring in the Wicked Meadow can be used to resist the poison. Before heading for Mahora Lake, I suggest paying the hot springs in the Wicked Meadow a visit.