The Beast Within

Kidnapped?!

By who?

Well, it seems like Brasah and some of the other beasts are involved...

I still can't believe it. There has to be some mistake...

Still, we have to find Brasah and that baby!

Then we should split up and search the village for clues. I don't believe they would head for the woods. It's too dangerous. They might be hiding somewhere. And if they did leave the village, someone may have seen where they've gone.

Good idea. Let's move!

We've searched high and low, but still no sight of Brasah or the baby...

Maybe they left the village.

Oh no... I never should've given her to Brasah!

But Mazaa was in trouble, wasn't she? I probably would've done the same thing if I were in your shoes. He didn't strike me as the type to kidnap a baby.

On the contrary, he would have been the first to join a search party for her.

It's unfortunate, but the only thing we can do now is find them.

Uhh... J-Just an idea, but...why not search the woods?

If they're not in the village, they've got to be outside. And the forest is dangerous, so you'd probably want to hurry...

I don't think Brasah's out there.

Oh? What makes you so certain?

I heard that the beastmen who were chasing Mazaa said something about a "blessing."

I kept an eye out for them while we searched the village, but didn't see them anywhere. Others were missing too. If their objective is the same and they all want to "bless" that baby, then there's probably only one place they could be.

You mean the ruins?!

Exactly. I think it's our most likely bet.

It's where we offer our prayers and wish for miracles.

Then I have to go there right away!

Wait. We'll go together.

Then let's go to the ruins!

Master Guildna, if we find Brasah, please ask him to explain what's going on. He's not the type of person to kidnap a child. I'm sure he's got a reason. And if he's going to tell anyone what that is, it's you for sure.

Since you'll be joining us, you should know: there's a chance the meteorite that fell has crashed into the ruins.

What?

I will explain the rest along the way, but know that we saw as much while deep in the woods.

I...I see...

I wonder if that little girl's okay... Why would Brasah do something like this?

At this point, it's anyone's guess. I just know him as a little crybaby.

Someone who bawled his eyes out after getting teased for being weak...

In any case, I gotta say I was surprised to hear you say somethin' to Guildna and the others. You've grown.

I mean...that little baby is defenseless. We can't let anything happen to her.

Anyone would worry, so saying something like that really isn't that impressive!

You think?

Anyway, we should get going! We don't want to lose sight of Aldo and the others.

Right. To the ruins, then.

Please! Won't anyone come with me?!

It's not that simple...

There are strong monsters near the ruins. We don't stand a chance against them.

Is that Mazaa?

What's going on here?

Master Guildna!

W-Well, someone saw a bunch of young beastfolk taking Mazaa's daughter toward the ruins. She wants to go after them, but she can't fight the monsters herself, so she wants someone to go with her.

We have our hands full beating back the ones that come after the village. We don't have anyone to spare to go to the ruins. We figured the young'uns could make it if they banded together, but...they're nowhere to be seen.

They're the very ones who took that baby to the ruins.

But if we don't do something...she'll be killed!

K-Killed?!

Brasah would never!

And neither would the beastmen who went with him! They're not like that! It's true we don't know what their goal is, and I want to get that baby back as bad as the rest of you, but...they wouldn't kill her!

What is all the commotion?!

We were just talking about the baby that's been kidnapped... Mazaa thinks Brasah and the others are going to kill her.

What?!

I see... So that's what they meant by "blessing," then... Do you know where they went?

It looked like they were headed to the ruins.

Very well. Then Mazaa and I will go...

No you won't! There are rampaging monsters on the loose!

...It seems both you and Mazaa are under the impression that her little girl will be murdered. I understand your concern, not knowing what Brasah and the others are up to, but...

I get the feeling you have reason to suspect they would do her such great harm.

Well, you see...

Father!

......

We have to tell them the truth if we want their help. You see...

She was born without a beastfire.

What...?

But how would you know that? Isn't she too young to even transform?

We told you about the chief's special power, did we not?

Oh, that's right!

I can see the fire burning within our people. Under normal circumstances, beastfolk transform when they are older, proving they have that inner fire. But my eyes can discern even a newborn's fire, whether it be strong, weak, or not there at all.

When my granddaughter was born, the chief told us there was no fire within her...

Even if she grows, she won't be able to transform. It was the first time I'd ever seen a baby like that.

I see. That's why you were so insistent on having the ceremony.

Yes. If we did that, I figured she would at least be accepted as one of us.

Zestah and Brasah were the only ones who knew her secret.

I am so sorry. Allow me to apologize on behalf of my grandchildren...

Hold on! We don't know for sure that they're going to kill her! I'm sure Brasah just wants to...

His fire was weak too, wasn't it?

He knows just how painful it can be... If he's with them, then he might think it a mercy to end her life...

How dare you even suggest that when you're the ones who made his life painful by looking down on him!

L-Looking down on him? That was a long time ago! Things are different now...

Right. You had a change of heart because Master Guildna got mad at you, and he's stronger.

Hmph. Strength's important to us! What's so wrong with listening to what the strong say?!

But having no fire is still...

That doesn't change who she is! She's still one of us!

H-Hey now, I haven't said anything yet.

Still, I've never heard of someone being born without it...

Everyone's shaken by Mazaa's daughter not having a beastfire...

Yeah, it seems even more important than that baby going missing. Is it really that big of a deal?

I mean, sure seems that way. Pretty interesting to think about. Are humans like that too? They wanna get rid of anyone who doesn't fit in?

W-Well...

No beastfire...

Please... Won't anyone save my daughter?

L-Let's talk about this first...

Silence!

My comrades and I will rescue that baby. And I refuse to hear anything else on the matter.

I will prove to you once and for all that one can still be strong, even without their fire!

Let's move.

This is precisely why you're the Beast King, sire!

We'll bring your baby back, Mazaa. I promise!

Leave it to us!

I'm going too!

I hope she's okay...

We'll see for ourselves at the ruins.

Oh, Master Guildna... Thank you! Please, save her!

I suppose all we can do now is pray for their safe return.

That was incredible... Master Guildna really is a force to be reckoned with.

Yeah. He might've lost his fire, but that was seriously impressive.

......

Whoa... This place is even more impressive up close.

We've never actually been inside. We normally face the ruins from here and pray.

This is our birthplace, which is why it's sacred to us.

We beastfolk are born here, then live in harmony with the planet. And when we die, we're taken to heaven by the angels...

Or so the legends go.

I can see why it's so important to everyone.

It looks like Brasah and the others aren't here, though.

Even if my brother hadn't kidnapped that baby, Master Guildna still would've come here to inspect the hole, wouldn't he?

Yes. Is there a problem with that?

No. It just...occurred to me. Why don't we go look at the hole then? Brasah and the others might've used it to get inside the ruins.

Indeed. But be sure to keep your distance from the bubbles.

You're strong, Master Guildna. I bet you'll be okay even if you did touch them!

I'm not so sure.

It's better to be safe than sorry, especially if they are connected to Chaos Prisma.

Bubbles do not seem to be coming out at the moment.

It looks like there's a floor beneath us...but we'll have to jump down to get there. What do you want to do, Master Guildna?

Go in, of course.

What about you two? Are you coming?

Pshaw, like we'd miss this! Life's an adventure...

N-No it's not!

I'm sure there's some safe, secure, non-life- threatening way of getting down there that is NOT an adventure. And we should find it.

You guys know I want to save that baby, but my body was NOT made for heights like these!

In that case, I'll help you get down!

I'll hold on reaaal tight and we'll hop through the hole together!

Oh...!

Myrus. If you change forms so suddenly, Chelika will...

What an adorable, fluffy bunny!

I'm glad you think so!

...I see I worried for nothing.

We're heading in.

Let's save that baby! And Brasah too!

You sure about that?

I mean, I don't really know what he's planning, but...there's gotta be a reason. After all, I can't imagine any friend of mine doing this willy-nilly. I'm sure Var-var and Zestah agree.

I remember Brasah crying after being teased for having a weak beastfire. It makes me wonder just what kinda "blessing" he wants to give a baby without one at all...

We'll find out in the ruins.

Oh, right. If you scream while we're falling, it tends to make things a little less scary!

Hehe. Then I'll scream as loud as these lungs can manage, for Chelika's sake.

I've got a bad feeling about this...

Here we gooo!

Right, then... One, two, and...

AHHHHHHHHHHHH! Nonononono, I hate this, I hate this! This suuuuuucks!

Aaand we're here!

Whizzing through the air like that was pretty crazy... Honestly, I wouldn't mind trying that again...

That was some scream. Are you guys okay?

...... Oh, I thought Chelika would have something to say. But I guess not.

Is she all right?!

Yeah. I mean, probably. I think she's just passed out. But now one thing's for sure: we can still operate even if one of us is out cold.

Meaning, if one's awake, we can still move. That might help us out in a pinch.

I'll try to make sure the need never arises.

So this is what the ruins look like on the inside...

I can't believe it...

It's quite a strange feeling, having only ever seen this place from the outside...

It looks like this place goes pretty deep. But I don't think jumping down any further is a good idea...

Hey, look! Doesn't that door seem a little suspicious to you? That's the only place that isn't covered in dust!

Wh-What? It won't open!

But why?

Let me give it a try.

Indeed, it won't budge. And there are footprints all around.

They must belong to Brasah and the others. Perhaps they are the ones who are keeping the door shut.

Wh-What are they thinking?! They can't stop us here!

Master Guildna came all this way! Why can't we go any further?!

Zestah! Please, calm down!

Oh...

I...I'm so sorry. I just felt so...frustrated...

It doesn't seem like we can open it by force.

Then we'll just have to find a way around. Thankfully this doesn't seem to be the only path forward.

I can hardly believe this is how we come to enter the sacred ruins of our people...

I think I heard a sound from the door over there.

It appears the mechanisms in these ruins still work.

Hey, there are other hollows we can fill.

There might be other cubes like the one already in it. We should try putting them in if we find any.

This kinda looks like the cube in that pedestal.

But it's broken.

We might find the other half elsewhere. Let's keep an eye out for it.

This kinda looks like that thing we saw in the hollow earlier.

Ooh, if we combine it with that other part we found earlier, it might just fit!

Let's give it a try.

These two fragments really do look like the things here in the floor. I wonder if putting them in will do anything.

Nothing happened... Guess we'll have to fix them first.

Any idea how to do that, Var-var?

No one has ever set foot inside these ruins before. I doubt anyone knows how to fix a cube found within.

Ah, but now that I think about it... There is one person who has been in here countless times in the past.

......

You mean me?

Yes, seeing as no one else fits the criteria.

Oh, right. Spiri came in here back when she was just a spirit, like...floating around...

That's true. But I could pass through walls and stuff, so I never had to worry about contraptions like these.

Fair point.

Indeed...

But the...the rocks here might be related somehow.

Rocks?

Yeah. The shiny, glowy ones on the island... I can kinda feel, like...the same energy coming from those cubes.

Don't you remember? Aldo found one in the forest cave.

I think I saw them in the forest cave. Although I don't remember exactly where...

Ruins... Rocks... Hmm...

Oh!

What is it?

I think Brasah mentioned some kind of special ore you might be able to get on the island.

We beastfolk have no use for it, but he said it may have been used long ago in the ruins.

And how would he have known this without coming into the ruins himself?

He read it in some ancient text. His fire was weak, so he strengthened his knowledge of the island and our people instead. He even went to the archives in the Beast King's castle countless times. He combined all that knowledge with the texts passed down in the village to create some documents of his own.

Did he now? I don't recall hearing anything of the sort.

Sorry. No one had ever entered the ruins before, so we all thought they were just fairy tales at best.

If we go back to our house, you can take a look at his work!

...Then I suppose we have little choice but to return to Resttin for now.

Hrmm... I wonder how I knew something was up with those rocks.

You really have no idea?

Nope. None whatsoever. Oh, and welcome back? Didn't even realize you were awake.

Thanks...I guess? Anyway, you're a ghost, right? Maybe you're the spirit of someone who lived in these ruins before! Do you have any other memories?

Nada one. It's all really...hazy.

Is something the matter? You two have been whispering to each other for a while.

Nope, it's no biggie. We're heading back to the village, right?

Yeah. I hope we can find out how to use the rocks there.

No. We're going to the forest cave to get some of those rocks you were talking about. We'll head to the village after we find it.

These must be the rocks Spiri mentioned. Now all we have to do is get back to the village and find out how to fix the cube.

Spiri said she saw those rocks in the forest cave.

I cannot help but wonder what sort of blessing they can give to a baby born without a fire. But pondering will get us nowhere. For now, we must pray for that child's safety. ......

Master Guildna!

Is she with you?!

I'm afraid you'll have to wait a little longer. Now we know for certain that Brasah and the others headed to the ruins.

We would like to speak to the chief on that matter.

Would you come, too, Grenfaa? We could use your crafting expertise.

Very well. Let us speak at my house.

I see... So those shining ores are the key to advancing through the ruins.

Yeah. I happen to have one with me.

Hmm...

These are the fragments we want you to put together.

I see... Hmm, how fascinating.

Do you think you could fix it using Brasah's notes?

If it's a simple enough method, it should be no problem. I'll need to have a look at the documents first.

Thanks. I don't mean to rush you, but we do need it as soon as possible.

Let me show you where Brasah keeps his stuff!

I can scarcely imagine what Brasah and the others want in those ruins...

We'd like to think that he wouldn't harm that baby, but... There's really no telling what sort of "blessing" they're trying to give her.

It does beg the question as to why they are so fixated on her not having a fire. I understand that having one is important to our people, but...

I cannot imagine it is so vital they would need to separate a mother and her baby.

I'm sure it all depends on whatever principles guide you.

The sacred birthplace of our people. The guardian deities at the heart of our village. The customs from the days of old... Whenever we feel lost, we want something stable to hold on to. And the undeniable strength of the Beast King was one of those things.

You mean to say people can live their lives untroubled by obeying me?

Precisely. You are a pillar they can hold fast to in turbulent times. But if that pillar wavers, what is left to keep them steady?

There are some who can easily adapt to change, and others who cannot. And those who struggle will find themselves adrift... I see. I suppose I may have been too narrow-minded.

But that is because I always understood Master Guildna's greatness, regardless of how he has changed.

I feel the same. And I think that's probably the standard in Konium too.

This island is sacred to our people. Perhaps that is why we have an even greater respect for the ways of old.

I am sure...the same goes for both my grandchildren.

(Huh? Both of them?)

We found it! It turns out Brasah did write about the ore and how to use it in his notes.

In fact, that was the only part that was easy enough to understand.

I need to give the text a more thorough read, but after that, I think I can fix those fragments for you. Come to my workshop when you're done here.

Phew. Glad that worked out.

Still, I can't believe Brasah. He kidnapped that baby just to block the road. I'm sure he wanted you to go after him, Master Guildna, and yet... I don't know what he's thinking.

Did he not block the road because he didn't want me to catch him?

There's no way that's possible! No... I guess there's no way to be sure what he's thinking now.

......

Sorry about that. Why don't we head to the workshop?

Zestah.

Yeah?

I remember you getting upset and looking for some sort of solution when Brasah was weak. He knew it too, which is why he is so attached to you and has so much faith in you.

What are you trying to say, Vares?

What I mean is, I do not think your brother would do anything to upset you. So there must be a reason he took that baby away.

Ah... You're trying to cheer me up, I see. But I'm fine. I can't tell what he's thinking, but I believe in Brasah. He would never betray me, and I would never betray him either.

Indeed.

All I can do now is have faith in him and help get Master Guildna through the ruins.

Hehe. You know, I can tell you feel the same way about Myrus. You're very close to her and believe in her.

While I will not deny it, it is a bit...embarrassing to be told as much so frankly.

I know Myrus believes in you too. You're very important to her and she cares a lot about you.

I'm a twin too, so I can tell!

She's fast asleep...

Master Guildna sure is taking a while to get here. Do you think he hasn't noticed we're here?

That's not possible. We knew he'd come looking if we took the baby, and he'd eventually reach the depths of the ruins. We even made sure enough people saw us coming this way.

Still, it sure wasn't easy getting here ourselves with all those berserk monsters around...

Especially because we had to keep that baby safe too.

It's not like we could let her get hurt.

Yeah. It's hard work, but we're just doing what's right for the future of our people.

I think I'll go see what's keeping Master Guildna.

No!

I mean...the whole plan falls apart if he sees us. Besides, he'll get here eventually. We took precautions to make sure that happens.

Yeah, I guess you're right. And I wouldn't want to upset our leader by deviating from the plan... Guess we just have to wait, then.

I don't get it, though. He could just use that weird device to warp here, so what's the hold up?

There's no way he didn't see it, right?

Hey, why don't we have an arm-wrestling competition over there while we wait?

Be serious! We're not on vacation here.

I'll keep an eye on the baby, so you guys can take a break.

Well, if you're sure.

Sorry, everyone... But I had to block the entrance to that transport device. So Master Guildna and the others either had to force the door open or find a way around. I couldn't have them getting here right away. I still need time for myself...

I need time to decide...if I really want to go through with this or not.

If I leave the ruins now, Master Guildna won't have to come here. I can still turn back...

Sorry for bringing you all the way here and then having second thoughts. But I just...don't know what to do.

This is our sacred birthplace. If something happens here, it's because of the Prayer of the Gyre Melody. And if I understood our texts correctly, that something...is evolution. For beasts, evolving means getting stronger. That's the way things should be for us. But, y'know...Master Guildna looked even stronger than I thought he would, despite losing the beast inside of him...

This is perfect. It should fit into that pedestal now!

All thanks to Brasah's notes. He read all sorts of books to compile that information.

I can probably help with other things from those ruins, so long as they aren't too complicated.

That's pretty impressive.

I remember him showing me old texts passed down in the village, but the wording was so archaic I could not understand them. Deciphering all that takes patience.

You don't have to tell me that. I know my brother is impressive! A lot of people just didn't realize it.

They said I was biased because I'm his sister. They just kind of looked at me like they didn't really care...

Aren't you biased, though? Even just a little?

I mean...yeah, I guess.

It's weird. When I think of myself as an older sister, I can't help but find my brother adorable...

I know what you mean. I feel the same about my little sister. Is that how you feel about Altena, Guildna?

...Hmph.

My... This is awkward.

Do you think Myrus is cute, Vares?

You would ask me that in front of her?

I think Var-var is super cute! And super cool too!

Do either of you have siblings?

I don't remember. How 'bout you, Chelika?

I'm an only child...

I see... ......

What's wrong?

It's just...difficult to get a conversation going with normal humans.

Let's head back to the ruins. We should be able to get further in with this.

Let's see if that does the trick...

Great. Now we can keep going.

To think these sacred ruins contained such a mechanism... I was entirely unprepared for this.

I read some old texts in the castle's archives long ago. Most of it was too archaic for me to understand, but it did mention this being a very mysterious place.

You said it's the birthplace of your people, right?

It's not like we suddenly appeared out of thin air. I believe it might be a metaphor for something, but...no one has ever looked into it.

Brasah thinks the living things on this island evolved into beastfolk, which is why this land is considered sacred. Those living things gradually changed to look like us over long months and years.

And after they became beastfolk, they scattered to every corner of the world...

So this is like the first home of the beastfolk, then!

I wonder if they built these ruins all those years ago. Were you a spirit back then too, Spiri?

Couldn't tell ya. I dunno when or how I died. I don't know how long I've been here either. I mean, I don't know anything really. One day, everyone was just kinda...there. In Resttin. That's why I watched them.

I tried talking to them at first. I mean, I even did a little jig.

You are...a very free spirit.

But no one batted an eyelash, so I decided to just...watch.

And now I've got this fleshy body around me and can talk to everyone. Life, and death, sure is strange.

Yeah, you're telling me.

This looks like part of another cube for those hollows in the ground.

I still can't get over a little thing like that being able to open a door. It's sooo mysterious!

The technology used within these walls never made it to present day. It makes me wonder what our people would be like if it had survived.

The technology was lost for some reason. Either that, or it was purposely abandoned. Even then, our ancestors were sure to have their reasons.

We beastfolk live in harmony with the planet. We accept whatever happens and persevere here on the earth... That connects the past to where we are in the present.

(And into the future as well.)

It sounds so simple when you say it like that, but it's pretty profound. That's the strength of the beastfolk, I guess.

It sounds so simple when you say it like that, but it's pretty profound. That's the strength of the beastfolk, I guess.

...Perhaps.

Maybe we got that beastfire to help us survive, come what may.

Meaning, it's proof that we're beasts, strong enough to go on living.

Oh, I'm so sorry. It seems I just can't separate beastfolk from their fire...

It just sort of...popped into my head...

The people on this island think that fire is something special. I think we're all conscious of the fact that this is where we as people were born.

Having a beastfire is part of who we are as beastfolk. And it comes as no surprise that it would be even more important here, in such a sacred place.

Some people in the village even say you've regressed because you lost your fire, Master Guildna...

If those views were to change, perhaps that could be considered true "evolution."

I like the sound of that, Var-var! I can get behind that kind of evolution!

In that case, evolution might've already begun. I feel like the people here don't care as much about that whole "beastfire" thing as they used to.

What do you mean?

I mean, I've been around so long, I'm basically a grandma. That's why I know what things were like here a long time ago. Grenfaa's an old man now, but compared to when he was a baby, people're making less noise about that stuff.

I'm willing to bet that a large part of that was due to Master Guildna back before he was reborn.

Yeah, he scolded all those beasts who were mean to Brasah!

Indeed. He said that those with a weak constitution shouldn't feel discouraged. They should train to show their strength.

Did I now?

I suppose it doesn't feel unlike me to say something like that. In fact...I might say the same thing even now. Though perhaps not exactly the same.

That's fine. The most important parts of you haven't changed, after all.

That's why we're sticking with you, Master Guildna!

I like the way I am now, without my fire. That is why I want to make the best choices I can now for the future of our people.

I know you can do it, Guildna.

Interesting to think a change in values being "evolution."

Oh, speaking of which, I wonder if you've got room to grow, Chelika.

I'm just a normal person. I really don't think I've got anything to do with something so...big.

(You might like yourself better that way, but I think beastfolk should have a beastfire, Master Guildna...)

Another cube... And it's broken too.

Who would drop a fragmented cube in a place like this?

Maybe the old inhabitants did it. Maybe the monsters did it. Who knows? You could always investigate.

I will refrain. I am no scholar.

I'm sure Brasah would've been happy to look into it.

Let's keep an eye out for any other pieces.

Hey, Brasah. How's the baby?

She's asleep.

I feel for the poor thing, being born without a fire. I know yours was weak, but at least you had one. That's something you should be grateful for.

The only reason I was able to come this far, even being as weak as I was, was because of the Beast King. (It's thanks to him I can get along with everyone like this too...) (And the reason I didn't lose my way...)

How can he be so weak? He's the chief's grandson.

Seems his sister's the stronger between them. Maybe someday, he'll even get kicked off the island.

I won't ever let that happen!

You were listening?

Aww, would ya look at that? Brasah hiding behind his big sister AGAIN.

I...

Hmph. Let's go, Brasah!

Good! Get outta here! Aren't you tired of having a bossy older sister like that, Brasah?

N-Not really...

What was that?!

M-Maybe...a little...

Oh...

What's this? Zestah isn't with you? What a disgrace... To think someone so weak is from the same village as us.

I...I'm sorry...

What's your problem?! It's not like our fire's the only thing that makes us beasts!

Hmph. I heard your brother's pretty weak too. I don't think we can really count them as one of us.

Is making fun of the weak your way of showing how strong you are?

Y-Your Majesty?! N-No, that's not...

Then show me what you think real strength is.

I expect you two to do the same, if you are one of us.

Y-Yes, sire!

I knew you were amazing, Master Guildna, No, Your Majesty.

Long live the Beast King!

Hm? What's got you so excited...?

Zestah!

What's up?

I want to apologize... I didn't defend you against those adults who said those mean things...

But I'm going to do it next time, I swear! 'Cause Master Guildna told me to show him what real strength is.

I heard he scolded you and a few others. Everyone's talking about it.

About what?

I'm going to get stronger, Master Guildna! Just like you told me to! You're stronger than everyone, Your Majesty. So I know I'll be fine, so long as I listen to you!

It's fine to start that way. But someday, you have to find your own path.

But my path IS the one you tell me to walk!

......

(He was strong. That's why I was able to obey him without question. And now...)

H-Hey, I was thinking... Doesn't Master Guildna still seem pretty strong? Even without his fire? (If that's the case, then we don't have to go through with this...)

Yeah... But I think he was even stronger before.

If he's going to lead us, I want him to be as strong as he can be! I mean, getting stronger means we're evolving. And getting weaker means we're regressing. Right?

In so many words, I guess... When you put it that way, it makes sense...

(It's almost like I'm a kid again... Letting other people's words sway me...) (I just don't know what's right...)

......

Something the matter?

I was just thinking about Brasah and the others. Imagining what I would do if I were the old me and we came face-to-face.

Even if I knew the answer, I wouldn't act on it, though.

I think you should do whatever the current you thinks is right.

And I will.

These two pieces look like they're a perfect fit.

Then let's have 'em repaired and put them back where they belong!

Yeah. We might finally make it to Brasah and the others.

We gotta get this broken cube fixed at the workshop first.

What's this?

It might take us further!

Zestah!

Let's go after her.

This is...

Hey! I can hear voices coming from the other side of this door. It's gotta be Brasah and the others.

Found you! You won't get away this time!

Master Guildna?! What's he doing over there?

Didn't realize there were other ways in...

Brasah! Is the baby okay?

She's fine. We never intended to harm her.

But it looks like you guys got here before I could make up my mind. I really am indecisive...

Just what are you trying to do here? You separated a mother and her child. I hope you're prepared for the consequences.

We're prepared, all right, For you, that is!

What do you mean?

It's going to happen here... We just know it!

Stand back! Those bubbles are dangerous!

Yeah, they're what's turning those monsters berserk!

We know. Because that's what it means for them to evolve!

Isn't that right, Brasah?

The ruins are where we were born.

There's a mysterious power coming from this place. You could call it...the power of evolution. It can even change us beastfolk. I know that, without a doubt.

These bubbles should be able to transform our people into true beasts, even if they don't have a fire. At least, that's our theory.

We want you to be the first to test it, Master Guildna. Touch the bubbles! Reclaim your fire!

Are you telling me you kidnapped that baby to lure me in here?!

No. She's here for a reason too! She doesn't have a fire. But if all goes well, we can change that. We can light a flame within her!

How dare you kidnap a poor baby for your experiment!

Did she say she wants a beastfire?! Did Master Guildna ever say he wants his back?! No, they didn't!

They never said it because they never knew it was possible! I'm sure if this baby grows up, she'll want one. There's no doubt in my mind!

And you know that better than anyone, don't you, Brasah?!

Yeah. If I were stronger, the others wouldn't have made fun of me. I wouldn't have been such a burden on Grandma and Zestah.

But... I don't know if this is right...

What are you saying? You've come all this way!

Y-Yeah, but...seeing Master Guildna, I just don't know anymore...

Bold words for someone who kidnapped a baby.

......!

I...I'm sorry. My fire is so weak, I can't even make decisions on my own... I don't know what's right...

Enough excuses!

Your fire has nothing to do with this! And there is no "right" answer! You make a decision, then follow through! If you can't do that, then you shouldn't have started this! You must keep walking the path you choose, no matter how difficult it is!

......

You never cease to impress, Your Majesty.

You tell him, Master Guildna!

Phew. I felt that one in my bones.

You mean MY bones. That hit a little too close to home...

Are you sure you should be encouraging them? They are our enemy...

Though I'll admit, I felt it too...

Hmph. They'll need all the encouragement they can get against me. Anyone at the mercy of their fire isn't strong. They're the very epitome of weakness!

A-Anyway, you guys better give that baby back right now! Don't you dare tell me you're planning on trading her for Master Guildna either!

......! Oh, r-right!

If you agree to touch the bubbles, we'll give this baby back! It's either her or you, Master Guildna. Your call!

I'm sure you'll want your fire back once you see this baby get hers!

Hold on just a second! Do you think touching those bubbles will immediately turn someone into their beastform?!

A baby's body can't withstand that kind of change. No ordinary beast could, until they're older!

But you've seen it happen too, haven't you?! When monsters touch the bubbles, they gain a power they never had before! And if it can grant monsters that kind of strength, it can definitely turn a baby into a beast!

You have to stop! It's too dangerous!

So what'll it be, Master Guildna? What's your choice?!

What choice do I have? Give the baby back. I will touch the bubbles.

Your Majesty!

I cannot let any harm befall this child.

But no harm should come to you either!

We don't have time to find a peaceful solution.

You made up your mind so quickly. You really are the Beast King...

Give the baby to Myrus and the others. Unless you plan on betraying your friends? If you come here now, you can still turn back.

I...

What're you hesitating for?!

Now make your choice and follow through. You can do it. Pay no mind to what is "right." Decide the path you want to take, then take it!

......!

Brasah! You can do it! For us!

(I...) (I want to help my family fulfill their mission...)

I've made up my mind. I...I want you to get your beastfire back!

I'll return the baby. But then you have to touch the bubbles, Master Guildna.

Very well. But you must stand and face whatever consequences come afterward.

I will.

I don't want any of you to get involved.

But sire!

You heard me! This is something I have to do.

I swear I haven't done anything to her.

Mmh. She looks so relaxed. She's even smiling a little.

I'll take her somewhere safe. Myrus, please look after Master Guildna...

Of course. Even if something does happen, Var-var and I will be here to help.

So now we wait for the bubbles?

Here they come!

Guildna!

Even if I regain my beast form, I will remain unchanged! I will show you how I live as a beastman reborn, walking along humans... And I will show you how our people can live, even without their fire!

It seems the bubbles have no effect on a beast without his fire.

N-No...

Why do you want me to have my beast form so badly? What you want isn't the form, but the absolute power that comes with it...

In that case, I'll show you just how powerful I can be! Come at me, all of you at once! Let us speak with brute strength, like true beasts!

Dammit... There's no turning back now!

Your Majesty, please!

Stay where you are. This is MY fight!

Don't forget! You might not be able to transform, but we still can!

You won't get any mercy from us, Beast King!

Hmph.

I will show you what it is you seek in a king, absolute, overwhelming power! Now come!

We'll take you on!

You really are...the Beast King...

Were we wrong...? Even without his fire...he's still so strong...

Master Guildna...

Come.

I lost...

Yes, you did.

(I wonder if this means they can finally turn the page on all this. All these beastfolk...) (And Guildna too.)

Zestah, let's give it up already. Master Guildna is strong enough...

Z-Zestah?

Yeah. It was her plan to begin with...

Wait. Where is she?

H-Help! Someone, heeeeeelp!

Spiri? No... Chelika!

Aldo, over there!

What's going on?!

Let's go!

What're you doing?!

I was helping her take the baby somewhere safe, but then... She started saying she would go by herself.

Go where?

......

Spiri tried to stop her, but Zestah shook her off. She must've fell in a bad way, 'cause now she's unconscious. But I couldn't let her get away with the baby!

Th-There's something not right about her!

That's mean. It's not like I'm going to hurt the baby or anything. I just wanted to keep her as a hostage.

Zestah...

Something must've gone wrong! I'm sure Master Guildna will be back to his old self if he just touches a couple more bubbles!

And here I thought you accepted the Beast King as he is.

Because I believed he'd get his fire back someday!

How dare you... Did you not see what just happened?! Master Guildna proved how strong he is in that battle.

And he is ready to show our people the way, whether that flame burns within him or not! Why can't you understand that?!

Because the heavens said he's going to get his fire back! That's why!

The heavens? Who told you that?

No one. But the meteorite fell, and then the bubbles...

Enough, Zestah. Stop this already! We were WRONG!

I can't give up. I mean, we have proof. Proof that we're right...

I told you about evolution before we came here, didn't I? That losing your fire means regressing. That's really what I think.

Then what do you think "evolving" is?

Heh heh... I'll show you. Just watch!

Did she turn into a berserk beast?!

Is that really Zestah?

That form...

The night the meteorite fell... I touched the bubbles. And I gained this form. That's how I know both you and that baby can turn into beasts if you do the same!

Protect the baby!

Guildna!

Grhh...

Brasah! Chelika! Look after the baby! We're gonna go after them!

O Ruins, hear me... Grant Master Guildna strength!

Stop, Zestah! Guildna!

......

He's unconscious! Zestah, leave him alone!

Don't you dare...get in my way...

Do you think we'd just turn and leave?! Give His Majesty back to us!

Please stop, Zestah! This is wrong! This isn't what Master Guildna wants!

The ruins will decide what is right or wrong!

Stop!

We have to follow them!

If we use this device...

It doesn't seem to be working. Or perhaps it's broken?

It seemed to be acting a bit unusual earlier. Perhaps because of something Zestah did in her haste.

Oh no! How are we going to catch up to Master Guildna now?!

Usually one would repair the device to get it working again, but...

Everyone okay?

Spiri! How's the baby?

She's fine.

I rushed over 'cause it suddenly got real bright down here and I was worried about you guys. I mean, I was out cold so I'm not super caught up yet, but Guildna's been kidnapped, right?

Where is he now?

Zestah's got him. She took him somewhere using that device.

But now it's broken, so we can't go after them.

The Astrolabos... So it worked.

You know what this thing is, Brasah?!

Only what I've read in the old texts. But I'd have to look at my documents back in the village to know how it works...

WAAAAAAH!

Whoa, that's one heck of a scream.

There, there...

We've gotta get this baby back to her family. I'm sure they're worried about her. And those beastfolk upstairs could probably use some help too.

...Then I guess we have no choice but to go back to Resttin.

You sure?

In truth, I would rather go after His Majesty more than anything.

But...that is not what he would want. And so long as that device remains broken, there is nothing we can do here.

I ask that you keep both the bubbles and Guildna's kidnapping a secret. Make sure your friends know as well. If anyone finds out, it would only invite further confusion and worsen the fighting. People may even get hurt.

I-I understand.

Then let us head back to the village.

Master Guildna...

Oh, thank goodness! You brought her back safe and sound!

What a relief...

I am so sorry. I cannot apologize enough for what my grandchildren have done...

I'm really, really sorry. The others said they'll come by later to apologize too. I'm willing to do anything to make up for it, so please...

...I can't say I don't understand why you did it. You wanted to help her find her fire, didn't you? That's why you took her to the ruins.

Y-Yeah. But Master Guildna set us straight, which is why we came back here.

I was wondering myself if there wasn't a way to help her. I event went to the ruins to pray. Which is why I...I can't blame you for that.

But kidnapping her is inexcusable! That's why I...I just felt so confused.

It'll take time to process everything that happened. You don't have to accept their apology right away.

I suppose you're right...

You're kidding! All that happened while I was passed out in the ruins? I can't believe you faced off against a beastwoman who is, like, a million times stronger than you even in her human form!

I can't believe I missed it! Why did I have to be unconscious?!

Please don't make fun of me. I was just desperate to stop her!

I'm not making fun of you, Chelika. I'm surprised, no, impressed.

I knew it was possible for intelligent beings to do some irrational things. I guess even a coward can be courageous when you put them in that kind of situation. Even you, Chelika.

Oh! Could it be...you're evolving?!

Rude! There's got to be a nicer way to say that!

Thanks to you, I can learn sooo much about intelligent beings. They do and think fascinating things that I can't...

They've got so much going on that you really can't understand just by looking...

But, y'know...when you saved me, Spiri...

...No. Nevermind.

I've explained what happened in the ruins to the chief. We should be able to keep Master Guildna's kidnapping secret for a while longer.

In the meantime, Brasah, would you explain to us what you and Zestah were doing? And how she came into that form...

It all happened the night the meteorite fell. Zestah and I had secretly gone to the ruins to pray, Pray for Master Guildna to get his fire back.

I can see how badly you guys wanted to make that happen.

We owed the Beast King so much. He was our hero. People took whatever he said as true because he was so powerful.

Even if your fire was weak or you were frail because of some illness, you could go on living.

He treated everyone equally, whether they were weak or strong. And those views influenced the other beastfolk.

There were others who wanted Master Guildna to regain his fire, so Zestah started getting them together in secret. She was worried that people would consider it an act of rebellion against him if she did it out in the open.

But she didn't really know what to do after that. So we went to the ruins to pray.

Then the meteorite, I mean, Chaos Prisma, fell from the sky.

We thought it was the heavens giving us an answer, so we went inside the ruins. We entered the door next to us and were hurled into the depths. We hadn't yet got our bearings when we saw the bubbles. They touched Zestah, which is when she took on that terrifying form.

She claimed that form was a type of "evolution."

Yeah, because of me. I suggested it was the next step for us, since the ruins was where we beastfolk came from. There was no way anything that came from such a sacred place could be bad. At least... that's what I thought.

So you decided to have Master Guildna touch the bubbles.

You didn't touch them yourself?

I was so surprised by what happened to Zestah, I didn't have the chance at first. But after that, she stopped me. She said it might be too strong for anyone with a beastfire.

That's why she cautioned the others not to touch the bubbles, saying it was too dangerous for us. But we didn't really know what the danger was. She looked like she was in pain at times, but...she wouldn't explain.

Hey, Chaos Prisma has the power to rob beasts of their sanity and make them go berserk, right? If that's the case, then maybe those bubbles...

Yeah, they might have the power to mess with people's minds a bit.

Now that I think about it, Zestah was acting unusually aggressive at times.

You think that's why she kidnapped Master Guildna?!

We can't say just yet. It seems she still had enough sense to give commands and make plans... There's a chance she didn't want other transformed beasts to get in the way of her plans too.

We were trying to think of a way to get Master Guildna to the ruins. But before we could make a plan, the village was attacked by monsters.

And Master Guildna came to the island himself.

I see. So we must be vigilant of both Zestah's power and the bubbles while we get His Majesty back.

And we need to fix that device.

Speaking of which, why don't you come by my house later? If we look over my notes, I think we can find a way to fix it.

I want to do whatever I can to help both Master Guildna and Zestah.

We'll be counting on you, then.

In that case, I'll head home and start looking!

Oh. We probably should have just gone with him. Oh well...

I understand how he feels. I want to get Master Guildna back as soon as possible too.

......

Myrus?

I'm so sorry... I failed... I was right there, but still couldn't protect Master Guildna...

Me either...

Myrus. Vares... I was there too, and still couldn't do a thing.

But there's no point in standing around here moping. We have to keep moving.

You're right. We haven't time to wallow in our sorrows.

Master Guildna, please hold on. We will be at your side soon.

Master Guildna... Zestah... We'll get you both back, I promise!

Yeah!

Whew! That's enough doom and gloom! Let's go after Brasah and ask him about those ruins!

Yes. To the chief's house!