The Future Seer

Stop... Please, no more...

Why did you have to change? Why couldn't you all just stay the same? Please... Just go back to who you used to be...

Oh no... It's still the same. Just like yesterday and every day before that...

The future still hasn't changed... That must mean it's not enough. I have to do more...

Nngh...

Wait! Hold on...

If what I just saw does come to pass, then... The future might not be set in stone. It could still change...

Hmm...

I dunno...

Wonder what's wrong with the captain. Looks like she's got something on her mind.

Maybe something happened. Any idea what's going on?

Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe she's just restless 'cause we haven't hunted anything good since that dragon.

Or maybe she's wondering what she did wrong with dinner the other night...

My stomach certainly is.

Hey! I can hear ya, y'know!

It's not like we're whispering.

C'mon... Show a little respect, why don't ya?

We do respect you. After all, our hearts beat as one.

Yeah. We're ready to follow your lead, and put our lives on the line for this.

Yeah, uh... What they said.

Mmh.

At least say it like ya mean it, you two!

Haha! Always nice to see you guys getting along.

You call this gettin' along?!

For sure. You guys can be yourselves around each other, after all.

You got that right, Aldo!

Knew you'd understand.

So tell us, Captain, what's got you so bothered?

Hey! Don't change the subject!

If the source of your troubles involve this organization, then we need to know.

Damn... Always gotta be logical, don't ya?

Well, whatever. No point in worryin' about it alone, I guess. I've been thinkin' about how our exploration's reached a screechin' halt.

It has? I thought everything was going just fine.

Yeah, and that's exactly why it's come to a standstill. We know the plains like the back of our hands, but haven't done much else. We need to get closer to that dragon if we're gonna fight it, so we'll have to find a way to it.

And even if there's nothin' we can do 'cept what we've been doin'...I'm runnin' out of time.

Wryyyz...

Sounds like Sazanca.

I was patching up the members who returned from camp when they told me they've got something to report.

Oh yeah? Well, let's hear it then.

Alright. Brace yourself!

Because behind Terrawing Plateau...we found a way forward!

Y-You did?!

Remember that forest we saw at the dragon's feet? Well, we think it's connected to that. I don't know why we were able to find is all of a sudden, though. I feel like there was nothing there before...

You guys were pretty thorough in your search, too. I find it hard to believe you missed it.

...No. Logically, this is entirely plausible.

It is?

"Posture will define a Slime's outline." Meaning, no living creature stays the same way forever. Recall when the dragon once stood, then laid back down to rest.

Do you think it capable of lying down in the exact same position as before?

Ohh, I get it. The land changed when it moved.

So this isn't an existing path they discovered. It's an entirely new way forward!

Well, whatever the reason, we've got a heading now! Pretty impressive, right?

I'd say so! Thanks!

This is great news. Now we can keep pushin' forward.

I've gotta see it for myself. It might be dangerous, but...if there's even a chance of it leadin' us to that dragon, it's worth the risk.

I've gotta walk that path with my own two feet. So let's see what other secrets this island's hidin'!

Yeaaah!

It's been a while since I've come this far into the woods...

And we're headin' even further in, so you better be ready.

By the way, why didn't Utpalaka come with us? Is he still guarding the base?

Yeah. Not many people wanna be on guard duty, so I'm appreciate him doin' it.

Indeed. After all, he almost certainly has his own reasons for being here. But Flaudia was not the type to ask unnecessary questions, so I haven't the faintest idea what it might be.

I'll admit I'm curious, though, since he definitely ain't human, but...I know for sure he ain't a bad guy.

Yeah, I'm glad to have him on our side.

So, uh...is this the path?

Yeah. You can see the forest up ahead, can't you?

Right. Well, I don't sense any powerful dragons in the area...

Yes, and the tracks I can see belong to smaller breeds. They are few in number as well. I would say the danger ahead is just as great as that behind us.

Thanks. In that case...

Could ya let everyone back at base know that we'll be returnin' late?

You don't waste a second, do you? Guess that's why you're our fearless leader!

We'll hafta do it sooner or later, so why wait?

I won't argue with that. We'll keep up the hunt while you're gone.

Oh no. Don't tell me...

Tell you what?

What else?! That I have to go in there!

'Course ya do. Ya didn't come all this way just to turn back now, did ya?

I thought we were just going to have a look, you know? See what all the hubbub was about, but...

I...I don't want to do this! We might be safe here, but that doesn't mean we won't die in there!

Yeah, and guess what? We're even more likely to die without our medic around!

She's got a point. We'll need you around in case we get into any trouble.

Still...I can't do this. I can't die here! My life's way more important to me than that dragon blood! That's why I...

I have to go! Goodbye, everyone!

H-Hey! What the heck're you doin'?!

Hehehe. Didn't know I could do this, did you?

I see you've been diligent in your studies. I could learn from your example.

Is this really the time?!

Grr...! Sazanca!

You'll never catch me, Wryz! Just give up already!

Aaah!

Wh-What was that?! I hope she didn't crash into a tree...

What'd you say about never catchin' you?

Aww... It looks like there's still room for improvement.

At least you weren't injured too terribly. These wounds could easily be cured by your own magic.

Still...I don't think we should be forcing her to come with us.

It's okay, Aldo. I've accepted it. I do still want that dragon's blood. But just so you know...I will run away if things get hairy in there.

And we'll do our best to protect you so it doesn't come to that.

Alright, now that that's settled, let's get movin'. We've got wilds to explore.

I've never seen plants like these before. Who knew such a place existed on this island?

I gathered a lot of herbs for our food and medicine. All that's left is to test them out!

In moderation, please...

Phew. I think we've got enough food for today.

Did you guys hear that?

Was that...a voice?

Agreed. We may not have enough for tomorrow, but we can deal with that in the morning. For now, we should rest.

You're right. We could even stay and eat here for a bit.

Hold on... Does that mean people were livin' here even before we arrived? And if that's the case, why haven't we ever seen 'em?

Should we talk to 'em?

No. Let us observe a little longer. At the very least, they seem to be from an entirely different culture. It would be unwise to get involved needlessly. They may not be fond of outsiders, after all.

Always the observer, ain't ya? Y'know, sometimes ya gotta talk to people to get answers.

This isn't a dragon we're dealing with. If things take a turn for the worse, we can't simply fight our way out of it. And I imagine it would ill suit your plans to be their unwilling guest.

Tch... Good point. Well, they'll see us if we stay here. Let's find somewhere to hide 'til they're gone.

Finally! There you are!

Ahh!

S-Someone found us! And quickly, too! What do we do now?!

We have no choice but to speak to her. Let us hope she's open to discussion...

Why so serious? You don't have to be scared of li'l ol' me. After all...

I've been waiting for you guys for, like, ever!

Y-You have?

Wait. Melpiphia?! What're you doing here?

Oh, Aldo! I knew you were on a journey, but I didn't think this was on your to-go list!

You know this girl?

Yeah. She's a friend of mine.

Still, seems like this's a surprise to ya both.

And what d'ya mean, you've been waitin' for us? Does that mean ya knew we were comin'?

Did ya say...you were waitin' for us? Does that mean ya knew we were comin'?

Correctomundo! I even knew you'd be playing hide-and-seek out here.

But how could you? We've never even met before.

Well, there's a good reason for that. See, I'm Melpiphia, an elf who lives on this island and... I can see your future.

She's telling the truth.

You can...see the future?

I would like to believe you, Aldo, truly. However, I find the idea rather hard to accept.

You can...see the future?

I find the idea rather hard to accept.

Sorry, but that sounds real fishy to me. You're not workin' with the dark dragons, are ya? I mean, there were some dragons keepin' an eye on us for Veilis, so I wouldn't be surprised.

There's no need for me to do that. Like I said, I can see the future, whether I want to or not. And you...

Oh.

"Oh"?

It's him. He's coming...!

What was that about?

What's happening? Who's coming?

Dammit! Do we really hafta surrender this place too?

You can't mean that, Cap'n! This's our home we're talkin' about!

Ya think I don't know that?! But I'd rather lose this place than any one of ya in it!

What is she doin', havin' a conversation all by herself?!

We should be prepared, should an enemy actually appear.

Right. Keep your eyes peeled, everyone!

Wait a minute. There's probably got a good reason for all this!

...Or, y'know, maybe not. We really should be prepared, just in case.

I can't take it anymore, Cap'n! Lemme at 'em!

No! You're not goin' anywhere, now get that through your thick skull!

I'm sorry, Cap'n, but my skull's just too thick! Looks like this is goodbye...

HYAAAAAAH!

Oh no... Please don't come back. Please don't come back. Please don't come back!

Heeeeeere's Melpi!

AHHHHHH!

Wh-What in the world...?

Yup. I had a feeling this would happen...

Oops, I did it again. I mean, I lost my composure. But I found it, so we're all good now! Nothing to see here, people!

We aren't all good! That hurt!

And we've already seen plenty! Care to explain yourself?!

I promise there's a good reason for all this.

I don't believe you!

Incredible... I have seen many things in my time, but none so illogical as this.

What's with you? There's no way I'd be able to trust anything you say.

Boo! And here I thought we could be besties! After all, you're destined to come to my village.

What about any of this would make us besties?! And we haven't even said a word about your village, so don't go makin' assumptions!

Well, this is a pickle. How ever will I change your mind?

Maybe these sick moves will convince you!

Why would they?!

Because I'm serious here! And these steps are seriously dope.

Let us calm ourselves for a moment. Though it may appear...odd to us, there is a chance it's a sacred dance in her culture.

A little less talky, a little more looky at my weird dance, please!

She admitted it! It's just a weird dance!

Are you not entertained? What a bummer...

Huh?

Oh! No... Not again...

D-Did something happen?

Please listen to me carefully. Within the year, you'll...

Die.

......!?

I know it's a lot to take in, but that's what I saw. And whatever I see comes to pass...

No way... How'd ya know that?

We only just heard about it ourselves. No one outside of our group could have known.

Hm... I figured you'd be surprised, just not about that. Guess the cat's already out of the bag then. Does that mean you're ill or something?

I'm about as alive as I can get right now. But that doesn't mean I'm any less likely to kick the bucket.

I changed my mind. Would ya mind if we went to this girl's village? She managed to sneak up behind us and knows about my fate, so I think it's worth goin' to.

You have a point. It doesn't seem like she means us any harm, but...I have no intention of letting my guard down.

I'd be happy to take you! Now if you'll just follow me...

Ready your appetites and eat hearty, for tonight we dine at my place! Prepare for glory-ous flavors!

Whoa! She ran off!

I know I said I changed my mind, but that girl makes me nervous... We've got no choice but to follow her, though.

Wow... Look! They're going in and out of the trees!

I never could have imagined there were this many people inhabiting the island.

I'm so glad you guys could make it!

Yeah, I'll bet ya are after you deserted us in the woods!

Lady Melpiphia, are these the people you mentioned?

Oh, right... Just because Melpiphia accepts us doesn't mean the others will.

That's right. They're not originally from this island.

Oh my!

I know she said they'd come, but I'm still surprised there are outsiders here.

Their ears are so short. I guess that means they aren't elves. Could they be...human?

It would seem we are as unexpected to them as they are to us. Regardless, I hope we can enter as peaceably as possible...

How fascinating. I never thought I'd see a human.

Me either. I'm sure everyone will be talking about it at dinner.

Huh? It seems like...

They don't mind us being here. I wonder if we have Melpiphia to thank for that.

You might be the first visitors we've ever had, but...being distrustful never suited us. We need to prepare for dinner now, so we'll be heading back. I hope you enjoy it here.

Whew! That went better than expected.

......

Yeah. It was almost...underwhelming.

Better under than over. Personally, I find it more confusing than anything. After all, "When up against the unknown, Hamarn point their spears first."

Sounds like your culture isn't a very trusting one. We're kinda the opposite here. Anyway, we've got a lot to talk about, and I should probably tell you more about this village.

Yeah, that'd be helpful.

And I'd like to know why ya brought us here.

We can talk at my place. Follow me!

......

What's the matter?

We were just expectin' ya to run off like last time. But...guess we didn't need to worry.

I suppose this is just another difference between our cultures. Your expectations are...strange.

We're not the strange ones here!

Of course you're not. Now follow me, please, and no funny business.

There's nothin' funny about this...

You have quite the...unique house. Your furnishings differ greatly from those on the mainland. I find the fact that you live in trees to be particularly interesting. It's almost as if you are in complete harmony with nature.

It's unbelievable that these trees grow large enough to be homes. And this home's bigger than the rest.

The other villagers arranged for me to have this house.

Why's that? You some kind of dignitary or somethin'?

Now that you mention it, they did call you "Lady Melpiphia" earlier.

I suppose I should formally introduce myself. My name is Melpiphia, and I visions of the future. And the visions I have, well...they always happen just as I see them. So the others have taken to calling me an Oracle.

If your visions truly do come to pass, then I can see why your fellow villagers think so highly of you.

To tell the truth, though, I don't enjoy being put on a pedestal like this. That's why...

I'd like you to call me Melpiphi.

Come again?

Is that a nickname? Aren't those supposed to be, y'know...shorter?

You worry too much! Don't sweat the details, Wryzie-pie.

What the?! Why's my nickname longer than my actual name?!

Come to think of it, you all have such cute names. In fact, they're Ceriusly Aldorable!

Don't you agree, Nca?

At least make my nickname cute too!

When you get weird, you really go all the way. Is this some kind of side-effect of your ability?

I promise there's a good reason for all of this.

I don't believe you!

Everyone, calm down. We have more important matters to discuss. The first being how she knew our names without us telling her. Now, would you care to explain why?

I've had visions of you in these woods countless times already. I've seen you say each other's names, too.

Your power's really something else.

I heard our people have lived on this island for generations, going back tens of thousands of years. We've been here even before that giant dragon came. But even before we were here...our people lived on the mainland. Only some of the elves crossed the sea to this isle.

Though word has it that we share a common ancestor with a lot of the elves on the mainland...

And that ancestor had a secret power involving time.

They're nothing but a very, very distant relative now, but...the same blood flows through me.

I've been told that a single Oracle is born in this village every few generations. And in this generation, that Oracle is me. I think being able to see the future is just one of those powers involving time.

Now that I think about it...I've met someone else with a similar power.

So your forefathers had power over time as well, huh... Guess that means you inherited this power from them.

Alright. So what's that got to do with us?

Well, for starters...

Melpi! You home?

Hm? Sounds like you have a visitor.

It's Tiryluna... Come iiin!

Whoa! So it's true! There really are outsiders in the village. Your predictions are spot-on as usual, Melpi. Nice to meet you guys! I'm Tiryluna, and I look after Melpi here.

It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for so kindly allowing us into your village.

Couldn't help but notice you don't call her "Lady Melpiphia" like everyone else. That ain't a problem?

Hee hee. The others call her that out of respect, but...she and I are friends first. So there's no need for formalities.

Hmph. I don't remember agreeing to that. Now show some respect!

I do! Just...in a different way.

I can tell you two are really close.

We are! She can be a bit of a slob, so I've been cleaning up after her for a while now. She usually just lazes around here, but sometimes she just rushes off without saying anything...

Sounds like her odd behavior's nothin' new then...

I don't mind, so long as she's having fun. I just wish she'd let me tag along more. After all, we've only got until next year before darkness takes over and the village is destroyed, right?

W-Wait. Did you say this village is going to be destroyed?

Melpi's words, not mine. And this year'll be over before you know it, so there's no time like the present for us to hang out!

...Right.

Well, I just came to drop off the ingredients for tonight's dinner. I'll come back later to start cooking. See you!

......

Well, I...I certainly wasn't expecting to hear such grim news. I don't even know where to begin...

Is what she said true? Is this village really doomed?

...It is, yes.

That's terrible... And you've seen it happen in your visions?

Now, I've already told you about myself. I'd like to show you around the village next. And after that, I have a favor I want to ask you all.

...Damn. I can't believe this.

Is something wrong, Wryz? You seem upset. Things have certainly taken an...unexpected turn, but you've looked uncomfortable for some time now.

I am. Somethin' just...doesn't feel right.

But let's hear her out first, then decide whether or not we do that "favor" for her.

Alright.

Ah, Lady Melpiphia. Out for another walk? You seem to be out and about more often these days.

Well, you're right. There are so many things I want to try, after all.

Ohoho! To be young and full of life! I heard you've been heading into the forests lately too.

I would do the same if I were still your age. But it's far too dangerous for me now!

Well, I've kept you long enough. Pray take care, wherever you're headed.

Hmm... I think I'm starting to understand now.

Understand what?

The way these people think. It had me stumped at first, but things are becoming clearer now.

Meaning?

Consider this: Melpiphia is their precious Oracle, and yet they don't try to stop her from leaving the safety of the village.

That's true. You'd think they'd wanna protect someone so important.

They also claimed that we were the first outsiders ever to come to their home, and yet they welcomed us without a second thought. And despite living here before the dragon arrived, no one has tried to leave.

All of the above leads me to believe that the elves...do not interfere with others. Am I correct in assuming that this is common practice in your culture?

...You are, yes.

There's only one rule in our village: "Accept things as they are." It's different than just living in harmony with nature. It's more like...accepting what happens as natural. That goes for the dragon, for others, and for yourself as well. Everyone just does whatever they feel like doing. And no matter what happens, we need to accept it. Or at least...that's what we're supposed to do.

...I get it. That's why your friend didn't even bat an eyelash when mentionin' the village gettin' destroyed.

Exactly.

But that begs the question of why the Oracle is so prized in your culture. What purpose does someone who sees the future hold in a village that merely accepts whatever comes its way?

Well, visions give people time to accept their fate.

So even if what you foresee is bad, they won't try to change it.

I don't think I could live like that. It'd feel like giving up. And if I knew my village was in danger, I'd do whatever I could to save it.

I knew it! I knew you'd see things differently.

Sorry, but...no.

No? What do you mean?

I mean we're leavin'. There's nothin' we can do here.

And how did you come to that conclusion?

I know I shouldn't criticize another person's culture, but...I just can't accept this way of life. It's way too different from ours.

I keep fightin' because I'm not ready to accept the fate that others, that the whole world, resigned me to. I came here to take what I want with my own two hands.

I'm guessin' this village is in danger is because of that dragon. And there's nothin' we can do for people who just wanna sit back and let it happen. Sure I wanna help if I can, but we're not fightin' for them, are we?

We're fightin' to make our dreams come true. That's the whole reason we're gonna slay that dragon!

I don't know why you were waitin' for us or what you wanted to ask, but...

Oh, Wryzetti!

Huh? Hold on... Isn't that a different nickname than before?

I'm so, so glad you guys came!

I don't think you understand. I was just sayin'...

You're right. The people here are willing to accept their fate.

But I'm not!

I'm the only one who refuses to just let it happen. I...I can't do it. I don't want to see those awful visions anymore.

It's too painful. I can see what this village will become whenever I close my eyes, and it haunts me. I see the future of anything I lay my eyes upon. I can't just turn it off, so the same vision flashes before me every day without fail! The dark cloud that spews out from that dragon will swallow this village, and everyone will lose their minds. Including Tiryluna!

That's why I've been waiting for you. I knew you'd see things differently than the people here.

So, please... Slay that dragon. And...take me with you.

...I suppose we have no reason to refuse now.

Right. We all want the same thing.

It'll be nice having someone who can see the future with us!

Well, now I feel like a fool for refusin'.

Alright, you can come with us. Welcome to Arcadia.

Thank you.

Before we head out, you should know we don't really know how we're gonna beat that huge lizard. That's why we were explorin' the woods when ya found us. We were hopin' to learn more about it out there.

And there's more to be explored beyond the village. We might just find something helpful.

Well, we won't know for certain until we try. "A Raptor unseen is a Raptor unknown," as they say.

...Sure. Now, let's go. We've gotta find a way to change that future!

Y'know, now that I think about it, we got a lotta answers, but one question still remains.

Oh really? What's that?

Yeah. I'm pretty sure I told you everything I know...

It's you! And why ya start actin' weird all of a sudden!

Oh, right! I don't think my heart could take it if you attacked me again.

Ah, that. Well, you see...

H-Hey!

She suddenly collapsed...

What's goin' on? You okay?! Answer me!

......

She's not responding. Can you help her, Sazanca?

R-Right. Let me check her symptoms first...

......

Huh? This is...

It's what? If there's anything we can do, just say the word.

It's not that.

It's just...strange. She's still breathing, and nothing seems wrong. It's not even like she's unconscious either... It's like she's...awake.

Check again. I'm definitely unconscious.

No you're not!

What the...?

I'm afraid...there's not much I can do in this state... After you slay the wyrm, please...place a dragon dumpling at my grave...

As if we would! Don't tell me this's just another one of your episodes! I don't know if I can take it!

It certainly defies logic...

There's a...good reason...

I don't believe you!

So, uh...if you're really gonna come with us, could ya maybe tone it down a bit? 'Cause if ya don't, I'll have to tie ya up so ya can't cause any more trouble.

Y'know, I'm not sure that's something a leader should be doing...

She's got a point, though. I haven't explained myself yet.

You're sayin' there's actually a reason for all this?

That's what I've been saying! Now, when you think about changing the future, what would you normally do?

Logically speaking, you would consider the circumstances leading up to said future and eliminate the cause. Isn't that what you've been doing, Aldo?

Yeah. That's how I see it.

Well, I see things a little differently. Big things like history and fate aren't so easily changed in my eyes. Even if you try to act logically, the result is the same. The things that can happen will happen.

So what do you do then?

Just the opposite. I do the unexpected.

By doing something completely out of the blue, I can shift the future to one that was never possible. I believe the most important thing in changing the future is a singularity, something entirely unanticipated. And I think your coming to this island is the greatest irregularity of all.

Hold on. So you're tellin' me that the reason you act all looney sometimes is...

Because I'm doing the most unexpected thing that comes to mind.

Maybe you should think it through more! You know, so that people don't get hurt?!

No can do. I need to be completely unpredictable until I change the future! And, to be perfectly honest...it is pretty fun.

For who?!

Well, I appreciate the explanation. Knowing that there is some method to your madness puts me at ease.

I'm not so sure about that...

Anyway, now that story time's over, what say we get a move on?

Ahh! What now?!

Sounded like a dragon... Though it was pretty far away.

It seemed to be coming from this way. Perhaps it's yet another large breed.

There's a cave this way, but... There's supposedly a dragon inside. Although I've never actually heard it before...

Well, ya heard it now, or somethin', at least. I say we go have a look.

Before that...I should mention that entering that cave is actually forbidden. There aren't many things that we forbid since we just accept things as they are... But I heard that whatever's in there would disrupt the way things should be.

Well, that's good news.

How so?

If it's forbidden, then wouldn't us goin' in be something unexpected? And if what Melpiphia said earlier is true, that means it could change the future.

Good point!

Then I guess we've got no choice but to go in. There should be people standing guard, but the rules don't mean much when the village is about to be destroyed. Follow me. I'll show you the way.

We're pretty close to the cave now.

And the dragon's cries grow more frequent. We had best be prepared for whatever awaits us.

In that case, maybe we should take a little break. We've been walking for ages now.

I had a feeling you'd say that... But you've got a point. We don't know what to expect, so we oughta rest up.

Whoa... What was that? Any idea, Melpiphia?

I've never seen anything like it. Not even in my visions...

Wh-What's going on?!

Careful! There's no tellin' what'll happen!

Is that...an egg?

Be on your guard, everyone. This one's mother may be nearby. "There is nothing stronger than a Flame Eater protecting her chick," as they say. We would be wise to keep our distance.

...I think we'll be okay. I don't sense any dark dragons nearby.

Even still, this is unusual. I've never heard of anything like this happening in the village's history.

Nngh...!

Was that...this island's future? But it was so different than everything I've seen before...

You had another vision?

I did. I saw you... I think you were on the plains.

But it was weird. That big dragon was gone, and there was no dark cloud covering the island. And beside you...was a little dragon I've never seen before.

How curious. Though I suppose we can expect little clarity when one sees only the ends and not the means.

But wasn't I dead in the future you saw before?

I don't know the order in which things happen, so it's possible you die after that. But...multiple futures exist at the same time. So it may come to pass that you don't die.

......!

So what you saw just now is the best possible outcome! The big dragon's gone and Wryz is alive, which might mean we beat it!

Yeah, I can't imagine anything better than Wryz making it out alive. Isn't that great?

I...

I guess so.

Hm?

I think it's important you know...that what I saw just now wasn't the future of this island, or anyone on it. It was this egg's future.

That means whatever is born from this...holds the key to Wryz's future.

Ah, I mean...Wryzy-Wryz!

It was fine the first time you said it!

In any case...let's take this egg with us. It's faint, but...I can sense a heavenly energy inside. Like the dragons from my village.

All the other dragons on this island are dark dragons, right? Which would make this the only one of its kind.

A mysterious egg in the hands of outsiders headed for a forbidden cave... I couldn't ask for anything more unexpected. This might just do it... It might change the future.

Then let's get a move on. Somethin's bound to happen when we get there.

Melpiphia was right. There really are guards here.

Well, this is a troubling. I highly doubt they'll let us pass if we ask, considering this cave is forbidden.

Guess we've got no choice but to force our way through. We're here to break some rules anyhow.

B-But these are people we're talking about! Violence is a no-no!

It's not like I'm gonna knock 'em out or anything. We just gotta find a way to chase 'em off. And to be honest, there's somethin' I just can't stomach about the whole thing.

I believe this violates something far greater than the rules.

And that is?

Tradition. And pride.

You have a point. This is a custom in our village. It's meant to be a show of strength, pure and simple. But Wryz tricked her opponent. She's defiled our traditions.

I know rules exist to keep the peace.

But there're some people who just can't blindly accept "tradition." And when people hold what they think is "common sense" over a misfit's head, they hurt 'em. Even if they don't mean to. People who can't be saved by the rules've got no choice but to destroy common sense with their own two hands.

Weighty words, given your history.

Even so, I feel that resorting to force in front of Melpiphia would be...

Fine. Let's do it!

Y-You sure?

Yes, but we'll use something other than brute strength. Mind letting me handle this?

Well, if you've got an idea, you're welcome to try.

Oh my. It's not every day I see you trusting someone else to get a job done. Usually you're too busy charging in head-first!

Is that supposed to be praise...? I'll have ya know I've been doin' a lotta thinkin' since becomin' captain. And Flaudia, well...I know she'd believe in her friends. She wouldn't try to do it all by herself. So that's what I'm gonna do.

...You've truly become a praiseworthy leader.

Y'know, when ya say it like that, it makes me wonder what kinda leader ya thought I was before!

Haha! I guess this means you see Melpiphia as one of your friends too, and that you trust her.

I'll admit, it's a novel feeling... Anyway, I'll go deal with the guards. Wait here.

Halt. Entering the cave is forbidden.

Ah, if it isn't Lady Melpiphia! What brings you all the way out here?

I...I'm cold...

C-Cold?

I can't stop shaking...

Well, we can't have that. Have you fallen ill?

No. There's nothing wrong with me. It's...it's you!

Wh-What do you mean?

I see dead people! Blood and flesh and claws! Vengeful spirits, demons, and fiends! Oh my!

No... Is this a vision of our future?!

N-Now that I think about it...I have been hearing some terrible noises coming from inside the cave.

If you stay on this accursed land any longer, misfortune will find yooou!

Which is precisely why I'm going to purify it first. Now stay right there and don't move a muscle!

O-Of course, Lady Melpiphia.

To infinityyy!

Uwah!

And beyooond!

Gaaah!

That should work for now, but you're still in danger. You had best return to the village as soon as possible. Leave this place to me.

W-Well, if you say so...

I suppose that leaves us with little other choice.

Uh, well... Looks like your plan was a success.

Don't know what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn't that.

My results speak for themselves. It's not easy being perfect!

Uh-huh... So long as we can enter the cave, I've got no complaints. Let's get a move on. There's no tellin' what we'll find inside, so be ready for anything.

There's something very curious about this place.

Indeed. Even the temperature and humidity differ from the outside. How strange.

Hmm...

What's up, Wryz?

I can feel that heavenly energy again. It's strong, too. Can't help wonderin' what it's doin' in a place like this... After all, this is the closest we've ever come to that giant dragon. I'd expect lots of dark energy, not light.

I don't get it either, but...the unexpected should serve us well. Let's keep going, and hope there's something absurd enough ahead to change the future.

Wow, look at how big this place is! It's quiet, too. Perfect for a break!

We encountered some odd creatures along the way, but fortunately I do not sense any of them here.

Yeah. Seems we've got a long road ahead of us, so we should catch our breath here and...

Wh-Whoa!

What's the matter?

The egg! It just suddenly started shaking!

I-It's moving! All on its own!

Maybe it's come to life. There could be something inside, just waiting to be born.

Most eggs need warmth before they're ready to hatch. So you'd best hold on to it, Wryz.

Me? Well, I guess that's what I've been doing, so...

Hey. You've been holding onto that egg for a while now. Why not take a break?

Yeah, I don't think I could hold onto it forever. Would you mind havin' a turn?

You sure that's okay?

I can't believe this... Why'd it have to be me playin' mother hen?

Ahh!

Whoa, I've never seen it move like that!

Perhaps the time has come.

I wonder what's inside!

Maybe it's something delicious...

Melpiphia!

That's a...

Dragon. But its aura is...different than the others.

I knew I sensed heavenly energy from that egg. This little one's a heavenly dragon.

I see... It all makes sense now. In the future where Wryz is alive, I saw a dragon beside her.

And this little one is the exact same color... Although, it was bigger in my vision.

That means this dragon could help us change the future.

I have no qualms with that.

Then I guess we've all gotta...

Take good care of it, Wryz. You're its mama now.

D-Did you say...mama?

We'll help you out, of course, but I think it's best left in your care.

A logical conclusion.

Agreed!

Don't I have a say in this?! I ain't exactly mother material!

But you came from the village of Dragon Summoners, so that makes you the expert here.

Y-Yeah, but...

It's not fair. They're so cool... If I can impress one of those dragons, we can make a contract, and then...then we'll be together forever.

I can't be responsible for a heavenly dragon.

I never managed to impress 'em! Not once! I'm a failure.

But you like dragons. You said so yourself. Which makes you fit for looking after one. At the very least, you're more qualified for the position than the rest of us.

I don't know about this...

Aww... Look! It likes you.

Haha! Seems even the dragon agrees.

Seriously? I honestly never saw this coming, but... I'll give it a try. I can't be responsible for what happens if I fail at parenting, though.

No one's asking you to do that. But, um, a friendly reminder in case you forgot: my village and the lives of everyone in it rests entirely upon your shoulders.

Grr... I didn't forget!

Still, I can't imagine a better pair of shoulders for it to rest upon!

Tch. I just can't catch a break from you guys.

But you won't make my life difficult...will you?

Well, this is fascinating... I never expected they would come this far. How very convenient.

......

We will need their power, that of the heavens. Perhaps it is time we meet them, face to face.

......

I shall have them aim for the four stakes, the ones binding our king. And if they succeed, I shall be one great step closer to the world I desire. The future is nigh... One shrouded in complete and utter darkness.