Apocalyptic Calamity

What are you gonna do?

The place you guys call the "future" is going to end soon.

A calamity is coming.

I wonder if that's the same one Kam saw. He said the whole world would be underwater...

That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid.

Okay, but how do you plan on doing that? Even they couldn't find a way.

You really don't know?

Know what?

Well, that just proves you aren't me. Because if you were, you'd know about our duty. About the visions and the choices that need to be made. But you clearly don't, so...I don't know why you look like me.

What are you talking about?

I'm talking about changing the future from the past.

Wait...

You guys helped me out, so I'll try to minimize the impact on you. Thanks for bringing me to this time, Aldo.

I'll do my best to ensure you're still alive in the new future.

H-Hey! Rem, wait!

So, um... What did she mean by all that?

Ahh! What's happening?!

Sounds like trouble. Let's go check it out!

Wh-What's going on?

Wait! Don't go!

Why is this happening?!

Dammit... I was worried this is what Rem meant.

If you understand, then explain! How do I save my people?!

I'm sorry, but...it's not possible. The only way to save people who were erased by history is to revert the timeline.

We can't do anything from here...

That can't be...

Get everyone inside, quickly! That will keep them safe! I will explain everything later. But for now, we must get everyone to safety!

We should be fine in here for now.

Tell me everything, Aldo. Spare no details. You said my people were erased by history. What does that mean?

It means something in the past changed. In this case, I think it happened because Rem went back in time and did something that affected the demi-humans.

(I know Meryt is upset. There's no way she wouldn't be...) (There has to be a way to turn this around. We just have to find it!)

Say, why is this place safe?

I do not know everything, but... The Astrarium was built with time-resistant materials, which keep it safe from such effects. For that reason, it was said to be used as a shelter when calamity struck in the past.

All I can tell you is that, while you are in here, you will not be affected by the altered history.

If the people will be safe in here... Then we can follow Rem.

I will have her fix history and bring those who disappeared back!

Rem's asterorbs should still be in the Astrolabos. Let's give it a try.

Nothing's happening...

You didn't move the asterorbs around or anything, right?

They haven't moved since Rem put them in there, but nothing's lighting up.

The Astrolabos may be running out of energy.

No...

When we first went to Dhaat, Spiri tried touching a device and it responded, right?

Spiri? I can't see you right now, but I'm guessing you're nearby. Would you mind seeing if you can get the Astrolabos working? I want to try everything we can.

Chelika, would you mind if I hopped in your body again? I can't touch anything right now, and it seems like not everyone can see me either.

S-Sure...

Here goes nothing!

Aaand nothing happened...

(Everyone looks so hopeful. I mean, of course they do. And I don't wanna let 'em down...) (Not after all we've been through together.)

Lemme give it another whirl.

Sorry... It doesn't look like my button mashing worked this time.

Do not apologize. I appreciate you trying.

Now, is there no other way to open that whirlpool?

Oh, I know! Could we try going there with Synth Hydra?

Not unless we know where and when Rem was headed.

So we are at a standstill... What about my people?

We might not know where Rem went, but there is someone we could ask about the Astrolabos.

Could we tell them about Dhaat?

I will permit it. She is now queen, so she has a right to know.

But we already know about Dhaat. We've been there before.

Yes, but have you ever spoken to him?

I do recall hearing a mysterious voice in that facility, but... No, I never did converse with it.

I never did see the man, but you mean to say "Dhaat" is the owner of that voice?

You have already seen him, but you probably did not realize he had a will of his own. I believe I mentioned our being spiritual beings, and Dhaat chose the building to be his vessel.

But why?

I believe Dhaat transplanted his spirit into the building before the bodies we use were ever designed. Although he cannot move, he has been in operation longer than any of us.

Now then, shall we go speak to him?

What do we do if that green light comes back? Will we all...disappear?

I...

I am sorry, but I cannot go with you. I want to be here to keep my people calm.

Yeah, I think I'll stick around too. Maybe a little performance would get their minds off of what happened.

Alright. Let's get moving, then.

What're you gonna do, Chelika? I don't mind vacating...

I'm going too. Isn't it easier for you to have a body, Spiri?

Oh, and while everyone was talking, I made a note of how Rem had those asterorbs arranged.

You've really grown, Chelika. Wish we could celebrate you taking a step forward, but...well, this ain't exactly a time to throw confetti.

I-I don't need confetti... Come on, let's go.

Dhaat, there is something we want to ask you. Please respond.

...Nothing. Perhaps this has something to do with the energy-saving mode it was set to earlier.

Does that mean we can't talk to him?

Perhaps we could in the control room.

I should be able to access it. Please follow me.

I see... So we must use relements to refill the asterorbs with energy, but it will take centuries until they are ready. Meaning we must rely upon the power of time again, just like when my heart was treated.

Though it is frustrating that we cannot go right away, I know we have no other choice. Let us start collecting what we need with the elecuum.

I know how you feel, but you can't, Meryt. If you go outside, you might be affected by the changes in history.

And I don't think the people could survive losing their queen.

So I'll go in your place.

No! I cannot let you expose yourself to such danger alone. You are my dancer. I cannot fathom what would happen to me should you disappear. Do you understand?

Guess that means we're both staying.

Don't worry. Spiri, Chelika, and I will go. Rem said she'd try to keep the effects on us to a minimum, and nothing happened to us earlier when we were outside.

That's why it's probably safest for just us to make the trip.

Yeah, I think so too. I wouldn't want anything to happen to either of you.

Leaving such big tasks to others doesn't sit right with me, but...you have a point.

As both queen and friend...I ask you to fix the asterorbs.

I had a feeling we'd need these, so I took them from the Astrolabos earlier.

Thanks. I appreciate it.

Well, time to get some relements.

Dhaat. If you can hear me, please respond. There is something these people wish to ask you.

Yeah, but...how'd you know that?

Whoa, that's...scary.

Okay, but is there any way to, like...recharge the asterorbs?

So it's like refilling an empty glass of water? That shouldn't be too hard...

Oh...

The dreams of the planet? What's that?

That's a pretty poetic way to put it. Are you by any chance the one who wrote the poems on the star maps?

Wait. Are you telling me that the star maps were modeled after actual stars?

That's pretty cool that they used the stars like a calendar.

Yeah. Thanks for your help.

In that case, we'll come back to talk to you if we ever get the chance.

Alright, let's go tell Meryt and Lovinia what we just heard.

Phew... Everyone's still here.

Yeah, looks like it.

Did something happen? You all look so serious.

Grenfaa! I'm so happy to see you!

Hoho! Do you have some business with this old man?

Yeah, we need help with some asterorbs. Would you mind taking a look?

Not at all. Meet me at my workshop.

This should be enough.

So what next? Off to Grenfaa's?

I feel like we're always asking him for help...

...Oh no.

What is it, Aldo?

I'm worried about the people of Resttin and Aura.

You're right... They all live on this island, so they might've been affected.

(My chest feels tight...and my heart's beating faster. What's going on?) (This is the same thing that happened when I thought Chelika might die...)

I can tell you don't want to lose them, Spiri.

But that never bothered me before. I just kinda accepted that the end was coming. So why...why am I scared now?

It might be because you're not just watching them anymore. You've met them and talked to them. You got closer to them than you ever had before, so you started to care about them.

So that evolution that happened to Farsa and the others...is happening to me too. But if that's true, then I've definitely gotta stop Rem.

Why would she go so far?

Well...

I get that she wants to stop the calamity. It'd be scary if the world actually did get flooded. But to erase all the demi-humans in the process is just...

Uh-oh...

Did history change again?

I'm gonna guess it'll keep changing until Rem reaches the future she wants.

No...

We have to go to Resttin now! We have to make sure everyone's okay!

Will this suffice?

Whoa, that's kinda wild. I've never seen an asterorb shine like that before!

Yeah. Looks like it jumped up several levels on the magnitude scale.

Thanks again, Grenfaa.

It was my pleasure. You folks saved our humble village, after all. I see it as simply returning the favor.

And what are you having Grenfaa make for you this time?

We needed some help with the asterorbs.

Rem is trying to change history, and we're trying to stop her. But to do that, we needed to recharge the orbs we have.

Trying to change history, you say?

Yeah, a couple of demi-humans straight up disappeared. Nothing like that happened here, though, right?

I don't know if it's related, but... I do kinda feel like I lost something.

That's exactly what Mazaa said earlier...

Zestah! Brasah!

What's going on? I'm...

What?!

Wh-What just happened? Where was I...just now?

Is this what you're talking about? The effects of someone changing history?!

If that's the case, then I cannot allow any more changes to be made.

Then I have two favors to ask of you, Guildna.

I need you to keep these asterorbs somewhere safe. They need to sit for hundreds of years until they're ready to use.

We'll go pick them up in the future.

Our culture is exhibited on the island in the future, right?

Alright. I'll find a way to get these asterorbs to you.

And the other favor?

Take all the beastfolk to the Astrarium. We heard they'll be safe from the effects of history changing there. And I know they'll be much more willing to listen to you than to any of us. Would you be able to do that?

Of course. I will be counting on you to handle the rest.

We won't let you down.

Let's head to Aura Resort to pick up the orbs.

I see. So you want those asterorbs that I've been holding on to.

But of course.

Well that was easy.

We found the orbs with a letter from someone named Brasah.

"These asterorbs belong to a man named Aldo." "I'm sure you'll come to trust him someday. And when you do, please hand them over to him." "You don't need to understand what all this means right now, but someday you will. I'm sure of it."

I do indeed understand now. And I shall hand them over to you as asked.

I see... So that's how Brasah did it. Thanks, Oswald. We'll take it from here.

Well, well. I didn't realize you were in town.

You look upset. What happened?

Rem's changing history and it caused some people living in Antiquity to disappear.

But why?

She said she had to, to save the world from being destroyed in the future...

Could she have had the same vision I did? But being able to change the future all on your own is...

We don't know how she's doing it yet. But whatever the reason, it's dangerous to be out and about. So maybe evacuate? Word has it the Astrarium'll keep you safe from all the history-changing going on.

Thank you. I'll let everyone know.

But before that, there is something I should tell you. The vision I had of the submerged world is clearer than before. I can finally see the girl's face...

And she looks just like Spiri and Rem. I don't know what that means, but...just keep it in mind.

...We will.

Spiri. No matter who you are, you have Chelika at your side. It's like me and Amy. That's why I know you'll be okay.

Thanks. Well, back to the Golden City.

Hmm...

There's so many of 'em...

And our attacks don't seem to have much effect either.

Yeaaah, that'll happen with physical attacks.

Alright, guess it's showtime for this clown.

Ta-dah! Your worst nightmare is here!

Hey, aren't you...

Hah! I like that look on your face. Yup, that's right, the villain's true identity is me, Mighty! Oh, but I guess that won't mean much to the people who don't know me.

You look...different.

Yeah, this is my Nightmare form. Mare used her powers to create it, and it matches her outfit too.

Wait. You look like...Mighty.

So you already know my name, huh. Guess you must be friends with the me from this world. Hah! What're the odds of meeting someone from a different era who knows a version of me from a parallel world? Wild stuff.

Now onto introductions.

I'm the dark devourer and Nightmare king, Mighty. And this is my princess, Mare.

Nice to meetcha! You can call me Mare Bear.

N-Nice to meet you, Mare Bear...

Right... Mighty and Mare. So what're you two doing here?

It's MARE BEAR. Get it right!

I heard you guys saying something about the end of the world, so I came to help out. I'm still a member of the Chrono Clan, y'know. Kamlanage told us to save the world and all that.

I needn't even consult the scales to know how lightly he takes all this. Can we really count on someone so frivolous when the lives of my people are at stake?

I think we should take him with us. At the very least, it doesn't seem like he's our enemy.

Whoa, and she thought I took things lightly. Y'know, not all enemies are outright hostile.

Uhh, didn't you come here to join our party? Why're you trying to make us suspicious of you now?

The more suspicious, the more delicious! Nightmares gobble up negative human emotions, so fanning those flames helps cook 'em up juuust right! He's not trying to be mean or anything, so don't take it personally, 'kay?

That is...unfortunate.

A life-form that eats emotions... How strange.

Different strokes for different folks! Some eat meat, others souls, some even take bites outta data. Get it?

I am warning you, Mighty. Do not get in my way. The future of the demi-humans and those who come after them depends on this.

I get it. But since you're in doubt, lemme help ya out.

Hmm... We've gotta go down from here.

What for?

For the nightmares. The girl you're after is probably waaay far down.

You mean in Dhaat, huh. But how do we get there?

Beats me. You'll have to ask someone who knows this place better.

I hear a voice.

Is it...an evil voice?

I cannot say yet if it is friend or foe, but there is no point standing around here. Let's move.

Let's hope this works!

It opened! Now we can go after Rem!

Yes, but...

Oh, Meryt...

I know you want to save the people who disappeared. So why don't you leave this place to me? I'll take good care of everyone while you're out.

But I...

I know it's dangerous to leave this place, which is why I don't want to let you go. And I know the people would feel better having you around.

But I can see how frustrating this is for you. You would rather expose yourself to danger than let any harm befall your people. And standing still never suited you.

She's right, Lady Meryt. We should be able to keep things under control here for a little while. Take too long and the citizens might grow uneasy, but they should be able to handle the length of one of your usual "outings."

Just be sure to return to us. No matter what. For Farsa's sake as well.

You have my word.

I will be accompanying you from now on.

We're glad to have you. There's no telling what's on the other side of that hole, after all.

You should stay here, Chelika.

What? Why?

(Wait. Why would I even ask that?) (Staying here is definitely safer, and I know I won't be of any help even if I do go.) (But at the same time, I can't just do nothing...)

You can live without my help now. So there's no reason to put yourself through danger like this anymore.

Yeah, but...

Huh?

AHHHHHH!

Chelika!

And here we were having a serious moment. No matter. We must go after her!

Ow, ow, ow...

You okay, Chelika?

Y-Yeah, I guess...

Sorry, but you were holding up the line. We had to get it moving somehow.

I recognize you guys!

Been a while. How's it hanging?

I'm, uh... Wait. How'd you get here?

We're Nightmares, so we can just pop in and out of the planet's dreams whenever. Sooo, like, crossing time is really no biggie!

And who is this clown?

He's a member of an organization called the Chrono Clan.

But I never got his name.

Curious, are ya? Weeell, I certainly don't mind letting the cat outta the bag, but... We've got company, and I'd be a bad "clown" not to entertain them.

Sorry to keep you waiting. Have things been alright since we left?

Indeed. Thankfully, nothing has changed.

Hm?

What's wrong?

Nothing... I thought I sensed something, but perhaps it was just my imagination.

Well, time's a-wastin'. Let's get the Astrolabos moving!

It's not working... I wonder what's wrong.

Sorry to bother you, but could we ask you something?

What are humanoid organisms doing here? Does this mean other facilities are having trouble too? That's not good... Time flows outside the coffins. Your life will start ticking away if you're out here like this.

He seems to have mistaken us for someone else, but this is to our advantage. We can get him to talk without raising suspicion.

Hey, I got a question for ya.

When those facilities started malfunctioning, we all must've bumped our heads 'cause our memories are pretty fuzzy. Mind telling us where we are? And, uh, who we are too. Don't skimp on the details either.

To think even the coffins would be having trouble... Spiralina's power is immense, but regrettably unstable.

Spira...lina?

It's impossible for our elemental energy stores to run dry, so perhaps we should make that our main source and...

I apologize. I will explain later, but I must get the facility up and running first.

You just need it to work, right?

Wait. Are you...

You supplied it with power?

I mean, maybe? Whatever the case, it looks like I got the magic touch.

The only ones who can get this place working other than ourselves are those who harbor Spiralina within them.

Hm...

I see. So you used that power to shut down the facility.

No, no! You've got it all wrong. We literally just got here. We didn't shut anything down!

It's your duty to suppress the power of the calamity over the millennia to keep the world going. And in order to buy time for evolution, your compatriots continue to see visions, even at the cost of their own minds.

So why have you decided to leave your water coffin and sabotage the facilities, Rem?!

I am going to hand you over to the management system!

Oh boy. Time to go!

What do we do now? He'll catch us at this rate.

At times like these, you gotta lie low 'til the heat is off.

I think this door is unlocked. We can hide in here!

Whew... Looks like we're safe for now.

We must act quickly, and yet we encounter one problem after the next.

And who might you be?

S-Sorry, we didn't realize anyone was in here. We'll go...

Ah, I see now.

Are you gonna turn us in?

No. I wouldn't want the lab to get damaged. Right now, I must analyze what happens to the cells in the cultivation vat when they encounter the energy from the lowest level.

You said there are cells in there? It looks empty to me...

Hmm... Just as I suspected. The power of the planet changes the helical data...

Are those the evolution bubbles?!

So you're familiar with Spiralina's bubbles.

(There's that name again... Why does it sound so familiar?)

Spiralina. Destroyer of worlds. No one wants you to be born.

Don't say things like that!

(Was that...a memory? I wonder who was talking...)

We've seen them before. But this is the first time we've heard the word "Spiralina."

Spiralina is a name, the calamity's name, to be exact.

What?!

Spiralina produces those bubbles. They're akin to elemental energy. From what I know, Spiralina was originally a large mass of energy. And to put my former statement more accurately, the waveforms it produces take the form of bubbles we can see.

A mass of energy? Are you suggesting the calamity doesn't have a physical form?

That's right. It is an existence from a higher plane. I am not even sure you could classify it as a "living being."

You said the bubbles come from the lowest level, yes? Does that mean...

Yes, we believe Spiralina is down there as well.

So we've been living peaceful lives, unaware of the danger right beneath our feet.

Something powerful enough to destroy the whole world is... It's so close...

Eek!

Wh-What's happening?

My apologies. I will turn it off.

Two double helixes? One is hominid and the other is...

What?

H-Hold on. What does that mean? A match that high almost makes it sound like Spiri and the calamity are...

By my calculations, even if the calamity were to be born, it should not happen for tens of thousands of years. So either Spiralina has come here from the future or...

Sounds about right to me. We do come from at least 20,000 years in the future, after all.

No...!

So was the crisis averted?

Nah, it totally happens. It's been seen in visions and all that.

Is that the reason Remrelia emerged from her water coffin? She failed in her mission to use the Prayer of the Gyre Melody to stop the calamity...

I'm...the calamity?

I...cause the flood? No... There's no way that's true.

Y-Yeah. The machine definitely made a mistake. I mean, the calamity is invisible, right? But you look the same as Rem. So there's no way that's possible.

I dunnooo. I wouldn't be so sure about that. It's possible you just stole that form from Rem, right? When I took a little peek into your memories before, most of 'em were just...dark. Then suddenly they weren't!

Does that mean...I didn't lose my memories? I just never had 'em to begin with? Th-That can't be...

(But the first thing I remember is people watching on Astra Island. Everything before that is...a blank.)

If you have no memories, then there's no point in discussing it further.

But some things may become clear if you get close to the calamity. Similar waveforms are drawn to each other, after all.

......

It seems like things have calmed down outside. You should be safe to leave now. If you say you are not the calamity, then I have no reason to keep you here for my research.

I don't think it's a good idea for Spiri to stick around here. Let's head back to the elevator.

Hmm... What to do?

Hmm... It's not working.

Bummer... Looks like we can't go down.

They might've tightened security after all that commotion earlier.

Guess that means no bottom floor for us, huh... (And thank goodness for that. I don't know if I could handle it right now...)

We need to get our hands on that key card.

Oh...

Hey, Spiri? We don't have to go if you don't want to.

Haha... Guess you could tell I wasn't too excited about all that, on the account of us being connected. Pretty pathetic, huh?

No, not all! Anyone would be scared after hearing something like that about themselves. I remember seeing the way you talked to the beastfolk back on Astra Island, when we first met.

I could tell how much you cared about them. And I think anyone would be shocked to hear someone so kind might be the one to destroy us all.

You really see right through me, don't you?

Whether you are or aren't the calamity, you're still you. So I promise I'll be with you the whole way, just like you were for me in that tank. Even though...I'm not really good at much, nor can I fight.

Don't be silly, Chelika. Those words are worth more than anything anyone else could do for me.

Hm...

What's the matter, darling? Getting attached?

Can't say. I don't feel things like that anymore.

You came here to help that white-haired boy, didn't you?

Yeah, I know... We've got a world to save. I promised Kamlanage, after all.

Wonder where it could be...

Wouldn't it be easier to find that guy from earlier and get the key instead?

I doubt he would hand it over without a fight, but...time is of the essence. We must act quickly.

Mare.

...Oh, right. Preeetty sure I can sense someone over yonder.

Well, you heard her. You two got this, right? Chelika and I will just chillax over here.

What indolence... Very well, we shall go investigate without you.

There they go... (It's a little awkward being here with a practical stranger.)

Umm... Thanks for helping us back in Aura.

Don't mention it. I was just doing a favor for a friend of mine.

You mean Kamlanage and the others? You didn't look like "friends" to me.

Ouch. What's with the scare quotes? I'll have you know we're the best of besties. In fact, we're sooo close he even asked me to save the world on his behalf. That's why...

I'm gonna put you right to sleep before that big, bad power of yours wakes up and ruins everything.

We couldn't do anything back at Aura Resort because we weren't allowed to kill humans, buuut, She's all better now, so I think she'll be just fine and dandy without you! Teehee!

Get back, Chelika.

I'll avenge my world.

There's no one here... Maybe Mare made a mistake.

Tell me, Aldo. Do you trust Mighty?

Honestly, I'm not sure. I don't know where he came from or what he wants. He always seems like he's messing around, but he has come to our rescue, so...I don't think he's a bad guy.

I hope you are right... Now then, let us return.

I can't be killed... No matter what's happened to me, I just can't disappear.

(But if I could die, now might be a good time...)

I know. That's why I'm gonna send you to a land of dreams. That way this world will be safe, and I can keep my promise to Kamlanage.

I'll put you into sleep so deep the future is out of your reach.

Spiri, run!

What do you think you're doing, Mighty?!

Isn't it obvious? I'm putting an end to the calamity.

So that unseen attack just now was meant for Spiri. What right have you to punish someone without a fair trial?

I don't have a right, but I do have a reason. My world was destroyed by the calamity. Don't I deserve revenge?

What do you mean your world was destroyed?

You're from a parallel time layer. A world with a different history than ours.

You're from another world... Like the Hollow Time Layer. A world that's similar, but different to ours.

Yeah, you get the gist of it. I'm from a parallel world that was destroyed by the calamity. I came here to stop the same thing from happening.

And in my world, the calamity looked just like her.

But...that's a different world, isn't it?

I have friends who live different lives, but they're different people. Even though the Spiri from your world destroyed it, there's no guarantee the one here will do the same thing.

He's right. You cannot punish someone for a crime they did not commit.

Hey... How did the Spiri you know destroy your world?

With a flood. There was a powerful energy reaction, then the sky opened up and water started pouring through. Enough to drown the whole world in.

But it wasn't just water. There was something inside of it. We called it the calamity and fought back against the destruction. But we didn't stand a chance. We couldn't even make a scratch. So our world went under.

Then a woman who looked just like Spiri appeared and told us we got evolution wrong.

My best friend said that was the calamity given flesh and told me to help the worlds that could still be saved.

That's why I came here to stop the calamity. To destroy it before it destroys the world.

It was his last request. That's why it's bedtime for you.

I don't think so!

Don't try to stop me. I have a promise to keep!

But Spiri hasn't done anything wrong! And I know this isn't what you want!

You're a nice guy. Really. But I've had about all I can stomach of watching nice guys like you die!

Mighty! Stop!

N-No!

Why did you protect her, even if you didn't stand a chance? You could've died if I hadn't stopped.

Because she's my friend. And she's saved me lots of times before. So I...I...

Your friend, huh...

Hmm...

Ohhh alright. Have it your way. But there's a high chance something happens when Spiri gets close to that calamity, so you better buckle up.

Even if our choices now lead us down a dark path, I promise I won't let the worst happen.

And even if it does, what do I care? This is your home. I'm just a guest! Oh, and before I forget. I got a little present for you...

It's that key card you've been wanting so bad. It should probably fit right into that slot by the elevator.

Thanks for believing in us, Mighty. Now let's head down.

Now we can get to the lowest level.

Yeah... I guess so, huh...

No matter what happens, I'll be with you, Spiri. I still owe you for saving my life, after all...

I know. Thanks, Chelika. To be honest...I'm kinda worried. But if I really am the calamity, then I should be the one to stop Rem.

(That's right. She doesn't need to change the past. What she really needs to do is...)

Spiri?

Whoops, sorry about that. We can't let anything happen, so lemme hop back in for now.

If the calamity is at the bottom of this facility, why would Rem go there?

She wants to change the future, right? If I had to guess, there's probably something down there that'll do just that.

Looks like there aren't many people left even in this era...

The waters of time preserve our bodies, not our minds. Continuously accessing the planet has everyone worn out, in spirit and in memory. Why are you awake, Rem? The plan was to sleep and use the Prayer of the Gyre Melody to render the calamity powerless.

I see... Yeah, I had a feeling that might be it. But I failed. I couldn't save the world.

How do you know?

I just came back from thousands of years in the future. Someone there had the same powers as us, and he also saw the world destroyed by the calamity.

So even though we risked everything, our lives and companions, we still failed. But that doesn't mean it's over.

No... You can't mean to keep peering into the future.

There are countless possibilities out there, and I can't find the perfect one alone. That's why I came looking for everyone, traveling further and further into the past. I actually wanted to go further back, but the asterorbs didn't have enough power.

Alright. I understand. But your actions are going to hurt people down the line, and I know you don't want that.

You're right, but I don't have a choice. That calamity will erase civilization as we know it. All traces of humanity dating back to our time will vanish.

And I can't let that happen! I can't let the fact that we lived just disappear!

I see all that time has worn away at you too...

Let's find a future where humanity survives... until the end of time.

I must get my people back, despite whatever Rem's true purpose may be. And I must do it before the memory of them leaves me.

Right. Rem's gotta know what she changed. She just needs to put it back to the way it was before.

Ooh. It's like an aquarium!

Not more water...

Y'know, I kinda sorta get a baaad feeling about this giant tank.

If the water were to make its way through to our side, we would most certainly drown.

Awesome... Now my brain can't stop imagining the worst case scenario...

Something the matter, Spiri?

Something's there... And it's...calling me...

Is the calamity inside this thing?!

Danger is far scarier when you cannot see it coming.

......

We don't know what to expect up ahead, so just be ready for anything.

What is this place?

It's full of treatment chambers. Perhaps it is an infirmary of sorts?

I guess it's possible...

Hey, is that...

Rem!

But what's she doing in a water coffin?

Rem? Is that you?

Rem, if you are indeed conscious, answer me! Why did you erase my people?!

Just "better," huh? Sounds like you haven't found a future where the calamity doesn't actually happen.

You can see multiple futures and choose the one you want.

Hold on. Are you trying to do what the Visus Embryo did? That's reckless!

Your pity is meaningless! I understand the joy of knowing your legacy lives on, but at the same time... Those are my people you're talking about! Whatever the reason, it isn't good enough!

Hold it! Rem, my true identity is Spiralina. I'm the calamity!

So if you're gonna kill someone, kill me! And leave those innocent demi-humans out of it!

No, Spiri! You can't mean that!

Please, Rem! Listen to me!

I don't think so!

You need this thing to change the future, right? So if I stop it, then...

Terminating the barrier to WHAT?

What is that? It's making my tail hairs stand on end...

Look out! Something's there!

Wh-What is it?!

The calamity.

Spoiler alert: It can't be beat. Can't see it, hear it, or hurt it. By the time it appears, it's already game over.

What?!

Even if we can't beat it, we can still survive it. We just need an opening! Chelika, you help the people in the chambers.

O-Okay. I'll see if I can get them open.

The rest of us'll buy you some time!

No... Something's closing in on us... It's so bright...

Rem. Tell me what to do. How do I open this thing?

Chelika, the light's closing in. Even if it's only you, I...I...!

............ ......... ......

Ungh...

This is...the village west of Unigan... What am I doing here? Do you remember anything, Spiri?

Hey, Spiri... Are you unconscious?

Oh... I guess that means I have to do this on my own.

Aldo!

What's going on?

I remember everything going white, then suddenly I was here and...

Hey, Darunis! Sorry I'm late, I overslept a little.

Aldo? Are you listening?

Hey, Darunis! Sorry I'm late, I overslept a little.

You said that already. Are you okay? Did you hit your head or something?

Hey, Darunis! Sorry I'm late, I overslept a little.

Hm...

What? Aldo's here too.

Coconerica, huh? Okay, let's go find us the perfect branch for the job.

Coconerica, huh? Okay, let's go find us the perfect branch for the job.

Not again...

Coconerica, huh? Okay, let's go find us the perfect branch for the job. Coconerica, huh? Okay, let's go find us the perfect branch...

I don't like this...

Spiri... Wake up... Aldo's acting weird. And something's not right with this place.

I'm...scared.

Huh?

I feel like...I've heard that voice before.

Coconerica, huh? Okay, let's go find us the perfect branch for the job.

So creepy...

Let's get out of here!

More water...

O-Okay...

Ahh! I'm falling!

Wh-What just happened?

Where am I? How did I...

Wait. Is that...

An empty coffin? Was I...inside there?

Then was all that a dream?

Aldo!

And Meryt...

What's going on here? Spiri, please wake up...

Spiri...

Do I have to save Aldo and Meryt on my own?

B-But I can't... I don't know how...

No. This is no time to be complaining. I'm the only one who can help them, so I have to try.

Who said that?!

Oh, right... Of course you'd be here.

If you're okay, could you tell me what that white light was? What happened to us?

I remember that part...

Civilization was...

Sorry. Could you say that again?

(I know what all the words mean, but I just can't wrap my mind around it...)

(So the world was...destroyed?)

(Can it all really be...gone?)

(That...can't be true...)

......

......

O-Of course I am! How can I just accept the world being...being...

No...

This can't be happening...

The world...

It's all...gone.