Gyre Memory

This is...the Age of the Gods?

It's hard to think deities are just walking around... There's so much that I don't get. I feel like my head's going to explode.

Still, it's a very pretty place. I've traveled all around, but I've never seen anything quite like this before!

But floating in the air like this does remind me of the future a bit.

We've crossed plates on our tours before, but the sky's never looked so strange in my memory.

I don't recall anything like this in ours or the Hollow Time Layer.

An unknown land to both Aldo and Kam, is it? Then we ought to be extra careful. There may be endemic diseases that we aren't immune to or different customs that may cause trouble for us.

I am very curious about this place, but we need to prioritize our safety.

Alright, I think that's enough hide-and-seek. You can come out now.

I wasn't really hiding...

Rem?!

Whoa, you know my nickname? And here I was ready to rattle off a whole self-introduction.

Are you Rem from the past?

Guess it's best to at least introduce myself properly to guests. I'll keep it short, though.

My name's Remrelia. And I'm a dreamancer at the observatory.

A dream...mancer?

You haven't heard of us? So you didn't come here with our power, then.

If that's the case...

Is it a fight you want? Very well. I much prefer it to a cozy welcome party.

Hehehe...

Dun-dunun-nuuun! Welcome, survivors, one and all to Sephira Observatory!

It's been so long since we've had guests!

Yeah. It's nice knowing there are still people alive out there.

Hm...

You okay? I hope we didn't scare you! I mean, it'd be pretty awful if you kicked the bucket after coming all this way.

Though she may be a past version of the Rem we know... She is quite different.

Yeah. I'd say she's more like Spiri than anything...

Really...? I mean, I guess it might be true if you think so, Chelika...

Spiri... (She's obviously still upset about what happened earlier. I know there's nothing I can do about it, but still...)

I'll take you to the observatory. Just follow me!

What do we do? Remrelia doesn't seem to mean us harm.

Agreed. We don't have anything to go on either, so we might as well go with her.

I have no objections. But we are enemies in the future, so we must remain vigilant.

Are you guys gonna stay here? 'Cause then I'll head back on my own...

Sorry, we'll follow you.

C'mon, hurry! The observatory's just up ahead!

Remrelia's so excited, and I...I can't keep up. Not to mention...

Whoa, you really aren't from here! Where'd you come from? Boreas? Or maybe Konos?

Never seen clothes like that before. Are you from space? I mean, we saw a weird craft the other day. Is the moon made of cheese?

Hehe. Everyone's so welcoming!

Yeah, sorry if it's overwhelming at all. They just love having guests. And I can't blame 'em, what with the time flood destroying the world and all that. We haven't seen any new faces since then.

The time flood already happened?!

So we're too late...

We can't be certain just yet. You said the calamity awoke after you chased Rem into the past, yes? So if we suppose this is a past version of Rem, it wouldn't make sense chronologically for the calamity to have already happened.

But what if the time flood doesn't happen just once? The flood she's talking about might be the one depicted on the mural.

Does that mean the Prayer of the Gyre Melody is here?

I can't say for sure, but...the world I saw in my vision was destroyed because people didn't evolve the right way. And if that's the case, then we might have a chance of winning against the calamity if we find it now.

......

Curious about that hole, huh? Yeah, can't blame you. It's a total EYEsore.

Something about it feels familiar. What is it?

It's the Celestial Eye. That's where the calamity showed up and washed away the world. Don't you remember?

You know how the gods up north have been fighting for centuries? That caused the planet so much pain, it started crying. And all those tears washed time away here. Those wounds still haven't healed, so the tears just keep flowing.

That is quiet a poetic way of putting it.

Poetic? Nah, that's exactly what happened. But you must've come from pretty far not to know about the planet's tears or the Celestial Eye.

Maybe somewhere like...the future?

How could you tell?

Huh? Oh, well...I guess you don't know what dreamancers are either, then. Dreamancers have visions of possibilities through the dreams of the planet. We use that power to choose a path that'll keep the world alive.

So there are others with the same powers as Kam.

(I'd always wondered about my roots, and now I've finally found them.)

(I'm also connected to this world... and someone in it.)

I can see waaay far into the future, and there are people dressed kinda like you. So I just figured that must be it.

They're from the future? That's incredible!

Then you must know that the calamity appears in our time too.

Yup. The floating cities fall from the sky and sink into the sea. Even this observatory plummets aaall the way down and shatters to pieces.

I wanna stop the calamity. No matter what it takes.

Y'know, now that I think about it...

You look just like me!

You're just noticing now?!

I was so excited to see you guys that it completely slipped my mind.

Besides, the more beauties there are, the better! We make the world a much brighter place.

This isn't the time for jokes. I'm serious. I don't want the world to be destroyed.

Hm...

I understand. Then let me speak to you as a dreamancer.

Oh, she's in work mode now! Guess we better split.

Good luck, Remrelia. If you guys have time later, come hang out in town!

As the keeper of Sephira Observatory, I welcome you. Now please, come inside.

This is the lowest level.

You might not be able to see the calamity, but it is over there.

How do I work this thing?!

H-Hey, Spiri!

That hooded guy said they were using energy from the calamity, right? Then we just have to use it all up! Run it dry!

But if that could solve the problem... don't you think someone would have done it already?

I know! I know that, but...I have to try!

I have to destroy myself somehow!

That's enough, Spiri! Calm down!

Calm down? Calm down?! How can I possibly calm down?! If I don't do something, I'm gonna end up killing Chelika! I'm gonna drown the whole damn world and everyone in it!

There'll be nothing left. No past, no future... No one... Nothing...

*sob* How can I possibly...be calm...?

I apologize. I should not have brought you here without fully understanding the circumstances. Your name's Spiri, right? Why don't you tell me what's going on?

Hmm... So you were born from the calamity, and to save your friends, you want to destroy yourself?

Yeah. I felt it when we were in Dhaat. The thing inside that tank...was me.

I'm the one who kills everyone. That thing can't be allowed to exist.

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

Remrelia! Don't say things like that!

I have to wonder if there are things out there that shouldn't be allowed to exist, as you say. After all, everything in this world was born from the planet.

And as a dreamancer, someone who sees the planet's dreams, I don't consider a calamity to be any different than you or me. Life is life, even if it destroys civilizations. There is no life in this world that shouldn't exist...or so I think.

......

Besides, if the calamity should not exist, then neither should I, as someone who absorbed it.

Wait. What do you mean by that?

The calamity fell from the Celestial Eye like a waterfall, splish, splash, and all that. I was right beneath it, so I took a direct hit and nearly drowned.

That's terrible...

Then I used my psychic resonance to absorb part of the calamity's soul, and here I am now! That was a day.

Y-You make it seem like nothing...

Well, there's not much I can do about it now.

And now that I've met you, I get it. The soul I took into me is a good one.

What's that supposed to mean?

Hehe... You'll get it someday.

Well then, let's head back up. We won't solve anything standing around here.

It looks like the others aren't back yet. Maybe we should take a little break.

Hey, Spiri... Why don't we go for a walk outside? It might be good to get some fresh air.

This room looks just like the Astrarium, but...there's no Astrolabos.

What do you mean? It's right over there.

Oh! The Astrolabos in this era is so tiny!

Right, then. Ahem! You came to Sephira Observatory to find a way to save the world. Is that correct?

We fought the calamity in the future, but didn't stand a chance. We couldn't even land a single hit. So we used the Astrolabos to come to a time before the time flood and ended up here, in the Age of the Gods.

We wanna stop the calamity, but we don't know how. How can we win against an opponent we can't even fight?

Whoa, you wanna fight that thing? That is WILD. I don't even know how you come up with this stuff.

Your speech is slipping.

Back when we were in Dhaat, I found out I was somehow related to the calamity. Do you know anything about that?

Dhaat? You mean that giant building that came down from the sky? He tried to contain the calamity. Can you believe that guy? As punishment, he's gotta help protect the place now.

Is the calamity here too?

Mmhmm. In the lowest level.

Take us there.

You've got an urgent look in your eyes. Like if you don't go there right now, you'll fall apart...

I understand. But I don't want to provoke it, so only a few of you are permitted to come with me.

Then let it be Aldo and Spiri. Their ties to the calamity run deeper than ours.

Just the two of them, then. Understood. In the meantime, please feel free to explore the observatory and the surrounding areas.

Now then, I will activate the teleportation device. Please head to the furthest room.

Spiri... There's so much I want to say to you.

(Like "thanks" and "are you okay" and "I'm worried about you" and "tell me how you're feeling" and...and...!)

Chelika, could you calm down a little? Your thoughts are making our head swirl.

Oh, sorry!

I guess I'll just say the thing I want to most, then! And that's...thank you. For saving me.

You've been keeping me safe ever since we met.

You just speak your mind, which has caused us to fight a couple of times, but...

You've helped me over and over again since our paths crossed, even though I can't contribute anything. So I'm grateful.

But I...I'm...

It doesn't matter what you are, Spiri. You saved my life, and that's all that matters to me.

And to be totally honest...I really can't wrap my mind around you being a calamity. It's not like I'm doubting it or anything... It just doesn't register with me, I guess.

Whoa, you've got no survival instincts. You wouldn't last one day in the wild.

W-Well, I don't live in the wild! I live in a town!

What I mean is... You're my friend, Spiri. Isn't that enough?

And that's...all I have to say about that.

Chelika...

It crossed my mind before, but you don't have much of a vocabulary, do you?

Why are you telling me this now?

Good question. Guess I just can't help it. Talking with you makes me feel like I can be myself.

It's nice having meaningless conversations like this. I can forget all about it...and just enjoy the here and now...

It's a real treat.

Thanks for cheering me up, Chelika. Let's get back to the observatory. The others might be back by now.

Wh-What's that sound?!

It seems as though there might be some trouble down below.

Remrelia and the others versed in Dhaat's workings have gone to the lowest level. They do not know what the problem is yet.

Oh...

Yeaaah, I think I know what went wrong. C'mon, Chelika. We can get down from the back room.

Remrelia!

What happened?!

I dunno. The equipment was already outta control when we got here. Remrelia used her power to try and fix it, but then these guys suddenly appeared.

And if my eyes were not mistaken, they emerged from the tank.

You mean they're related to the calamity somehow?

I have never faced off against the calamity before, but their strength makes me think you might be right.

You okay, Remrelia? You're not dead, are ya?

Haha... I just used too much of my psychic resonance, so I'm a little groggy, but I haven't bought the farm just yet.

I apologize for asking when you're tired, but who was it you were resonating with?

I kinda lost myself in all the action, but I accessed the calamity in hopes of doing something. I tried to calm it down, tell it that everything was fine despite all the noise.

Then its...friends, I guess, materialized and everything just went off the rails.

They...materialized?

Hey, do you think you could use that power on the calamity?

I dunno. Like I said, I was kinda in a trance when it happened.

Oh, hold on a sec. Could this be what it means to "bring it down to our level"?

Dhaat said the calamity is kinda like a concept. That's why we can't reach it. So if we give it a touch of reality, then maybe it becomes three-dimensional. Or else we could raise ourselves to its level and become a single life-form...and then...

Uhh...

As you can probably tell, I don't really get what's going on! Maybe, like, half of it at most!

What do you mean "half"?! You look so confident...

Haha! You're fun. A dash of chaos makes everything more exciting! I mean, it might sound difficult when you put it that way, but it's actually pretty simple if you ask me. One of us has to evolve. Either we go to its level or it comes to ours. That's all there is to it.

Wow, Mighty. I can't believe you got all that.

Guess I'm just used to it. My friend had a kinda confusing way of putting things, so I learned how to read between the lines.

Confusing, huh...

Can you remember any other times you used your powers?

Hmm... I've used the power of the stars with this Astrolabos before. After that, my stomach started getting all warm and...

Sounds like I'm running on empty...

I almost applaud you for thinking of food at a time like this.

Oh, c'mon. A lot just happened! And I don't think I'll remember much right now, so why don't we take a little break?

Yeah. At least now we know we might have a way to fight back. Should we head back to the observatory?

I'll unlock the rooms for you, so use 'em if you need 'em. Oh, and I totally recommend doing some stargazing. You can see them reaaally well from here.

That sounds nice...

Then let's go have a look. And this time, I'll be with you.

Thanks. Let's go!

Wow... The stars are so pretty.

They feel even closer now than they did in other eras.

And I only ever would've seen them in my time if I hadn't met everyone. A lot has happened since then, but...I'm glad I can at least look at the night sky while it's happening.

The view's amaaazing, right?

Did you come to see the stars too?

Yup! Part of my daily regimen.

I brought some lavendulla tea too. Helps calm the nerves so you sleep like a log at night. Want some?

Yes, please. It smells lovely.

Have as much as you like! Thanks to Dhaat, we don't have to worry about food even at the end of the world.

I'm impressed you can be so cheerful when the world is...well, you know.

Of course! I mean, it's not like things can get worse than this, right?

Guess that's one way of looking at it. The glass may be broken, but it's still half-full.

Hee hee. Since I'm in such a good mood, I'll tell you girls a little secret!

The light we see in the night sky right now is actually light from the past! Like, suuuper far in the past!

(I don't have the heart to tell her I already know that...)

Which means that our light will shine hundreds of thousands of years into the future.

No, wait. We have ways of traveling into the past, so maybe there's light that can go backwards in time too.

Anyway, for however natural it might be, I think it's miraculous. And it makes me wanna leave only good things like hope behind.

You're so strong. If I were you, I'd in my room, crying my eyes out right now.

That's only 'cause I have the stars to guide me.

Is that some kinda special dreamancer power of yours?

It doesn't belong just to me, no way, no how!

I mean, just look at the night sky. There are so many stars, we'd never be able to count 'em all. I don't know which ones're leading the way for us, but their light shines on everyone.

Even ordinary nobodies like me?

Yup! And someday, you'll find a star that shines just for you. It might be today, tomorrow, or ten years from now. It might even take until the day you die.

But its light will find you. Its guidance will change you, awaken a part of you that you never knew existed. And you'll be even better than you were before.

Whew... That's good to know. But now I'm feeling...a little sleepy...

That must be the tea. Maybe I steeped it for too long...

Sweet dreams, Chelika.

Hunh? Where'd Remrelia go?

She went back to the observatory a looong time ago. You were passed out cold, though.

S-Sorry. I hope you didn't wait long.

Haha. Not at all! Anyway, Remrelia said she has something to tell us, so let's head to the observatory too.

On behalf of everyone at the observatory, allow me to extend my thanks for your heroic efforts. As a dreamancer, I would like to offer you a divine message to show my gratitude.

A divine message?

Yup. She said it'll help us defeat the calamity!

The incident on the lowest level proved that my powers can bring the calamity to our dimension. Unfortunately, it will take time, seeing as the calamity was a type of energy mass born from the planet. That is to say...it cannot be struck down here and now.

Does that mean it can be beat, just in another era?

That's right. But first I need to evolve it into a living thing, just like us.

Hmm... Does that mean the Prayer of the Gyre Melody is here?

I've never heard of that before, but...I kinda dig it! Why don't we make that our strategy name?

Uhh... Now where was I? Ahem! My suggestion is thus. I plan to resonate with the fragment of the calamity's soul within me and gradually evolve it. I'm going to introduce the information engraved in the spirals of my soul to the calamity's soul and make it more human. The soul will want to reunite with the whole, so I can leverage that to affect the calamity itself.

And then...we can beat the living daylights out of it!

That's an A+ for using the phrase I taught ya! You're a quick study.

You taught someone in the Age of the Gods modern slang? I pity future linguists...

In any case, it will take hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of years until the calamity becomes a physical being. And that brings me to the heart of the matter: the divine message. Tell me, are you prepared to become servants to destiny in order to defeat the calamity?

How dare you suggest the Beast King being anyone's servant, even if it is destiny!

It bothers me not. Continue.

In order to arrive at a future wherein the calamity is given flesh...

We must make certain that you arrive here on your journey. That means, after you are born, you must walk exactly the same paths you have until this point in your lives.

You must accept the painful truths you have learned and the deaths of those you have lost.

You must endure the tragedies of your people and the humiliation of defeat.

You must bear the weight of a dream that never comes true.

You must travel a long road fraught with loss and bid farewell to those you love dearly.

The choices people make shape the future. But your choices have already been made, and agreeing to this means you can never change them.

Hmph... Is that all? I have no intention of running from my past. I am here now because I have already accepted it.

There are things that I would like to change, but to do so would besmirch the memory of the man who gave me this heart.

We look for the Prayer of the Gyre Melody to keep humanity alive. So long as it lives on, nothing else matters.

I'll keep doing whatever I can to help, be it now or in the future. So this changes nothing for me.

Then I, Dreamancer Remrelia, take your oaths to heart.

Bring me the Hypnosian Oracle.

I will now send a divine message to the future, to tell you to do exactly as you have done.

O Beast King trembling in rage... When the moon waxes full, head to the dark forest illuminated by celestial light.

O lonely child from a distant land... Walk a path of righteousness, no matter how much it pains you.

O daughter of the lioness who fears her life draining away... If you see a blue light, walk toward it without hesitation.

O fated traveler toyed with by fate... Push ever forward, come what may.

O human girl, ordinary as can be... Remain true to who you are.

That's it?! That's all I get?!

What do you expect me to say? You haven't found your guiding star yet! That's why I can't be more specific.

But I promise you that's a good thing! It means your next step hasn't been defined yet. It's exciting, right? When the stars illuminate you, you get to decide what you will, and won't, be.

......

Well, the message has been sent, sooo... I guess that's a wrap?

Now the path we take in the future is set, right?

Yup. The rest is up to time itself. And if that doesn't solve it, well...it's been fun, guys.

Spiri. You remember what we talked about last night, right?

Yeah... I do.

I'm gonna prep a little gift for y'all too, a little something just in case, y'know. You should be able to pick it up here way, way, waaay in the future.

Aaand with that said, it's probably time for you guys to go home. I'll use the Astrolabos to send you on your way.

Thank you, Remrelia! It's thanks to you that we have a chance. We'll save the future, we promise!

Thanks. I'm counting on you guys.

What's this? Another divine message...

"O Maiden Remrelia who swallowed the calamity... Hold fast to the Prayer of the Gyre Melody and rest in a coffin of water." "At the end of your long slumber, happiness shall leave and hatred is all that will remain."

Hah... Yeah, that makes sense. Guess I'd better be a good Dreamancer and take my own advice about fate and all that...

You okay, Remrelia?

Yeah, but that's not a great note to end things on. So lemme just tack on a prophecy for fun! "However, the happiness that leaves you shall not disappear, but take a new form, one with a life of its own."

Isn't that right...Spiri?

Did we make it back?

Let's take a look-see outside!

It's bright... The world... It's still here.

Thank goodness... That means Macminal must be okay too.

I'm sure he is! After all, the world is practically glowing now. Everyone's gotta be back to normal!

I can imagine that means you want to return to Resttin right away.

You know me so well!

Oh, Master Guildna!

Is something the matter?

No. It's more like...Zestah really wanted to see you.

Of course I did. It's time for the Dawning Ceremony! And since Master Guildna is here, it'd be an honor if he could attend.

The Dawning Ceremony, you say?

Did something change while we were on our way back?

That would be rather unfortunate, if it were the case.

Yeah. Because that'd mean Remrelia's amazing plan failed.

Is something wrong? I hope the invitation didn't come at a bad time...

We are simply unfamiliar with the ceremony. We have nothing like it in Konium. We would like to attend, if it isn't too much trouble.

I'm sure everyone would be more than happy for you to join the festivities!

Then let's head back to Resttin.

You're late, Guildna.

I didn't realize you would be attending too.

They invited me and the other beastfolk in Konium.

They even asked Dunarith to come, but he said no.

I do not expect him to participate in ceremonies like these.

Now then, let us offer up our prayers anew this year with flowers for the guardian deity.

I know we haven't met just yet, but we pray for your good health.

We'll sing lots of songs to help wake you up.

I hope we can meet soon! After you're born, let's race! I'll show you how fast I can run!

Please come into the world before it sinks to the bottom of the waters of time...

Can you tell us more about the ceremony?

We have several guardian deities on this island, but one of them is not yet with us, so we come to pray for its birth. We tell it all sorts of stories and wait for the day it dreams of being born.

So that deity can be born of its own will?

Yes, that's right. We do not know when or by whom this custom was started, but it's a fairy tale that has been with us since time immemorial. It is said that the deity was born from calamity and will awaken to save the world from ruin.

Y-You don't say...

The guardian's name is Spiralina. It reminds me of your name, Spiri.

I...

Could this be the gift that Remrelia was talking about? The birth of Spiri?

Remrelia...

Whew... That's good to know. But now I'm feeling...a little sleepy...

That must be the tea. Maybe I steeped it for too long...

Sweet dreams, Chelika.

Don't play dumb. I know you did it on purpose.

That obvious, huh? Well, I had to talk to you.

Do you hate the fact that you're the calamity? Or the fact that you wash away all civilization?

I always got the feeling that I wasn't human. But I never thought I'd be some...thing that brought an end to Chelika's world. To say I'm not a fan would be an understatement.

Is that why you tried to destroy yourself?

I crossed time and space and met lots of people in this journey. They didn't always do the right thing, but they were trying their best, fighting for someone or something.

And that's when I realized it. Humans can't just stand by and do nothing. They wanna help each other. They care about one another. They're weak and kind, and I want their history and their feelings to continue on into the future for as long as possible.

Uh-huh, I see! So you're not wishing for a certain someone to survive, but for humanity to go on living. It's such a beautiful wish, I think even the stars wanna make it come true. I know I do.

So...why not give it a try? Wish upon the stars?

It wouldn't change anything.

No, it totally would. Even if you were part of the calamity, you're still a living being, A fragment of the soul inside of me.

You mean...I'm what's inside you?

Yup. I knew for sure when we were talking and my belly started getting all warm.

So basically...I'm your mom!

Spiri, I want you to wish for what you want. I want you to dream of becoming who you wanna be.

Let me tell you a fairy tale, and stop me if you've heard it. The originator, the very first life-form, looked up at the stars from the bottom of the deep, dark sea. It wanted to be closer to those dazzling, far- off lights, so it grew a body, arms, even feet. It's dreams like those that enable us to grow and evolve.

Dreams, huh...

What I'm saying is...leave it to me! The stars and I will make your dreams come true!

She really did it... I can't believe it...

Everyone's prayers brought you to life, Spiri.

Remrelia said that giving the calamity a touch of reality would mean we can fight it, right? So is Spiri becoming real...the key to defeating the calamity?

Even if it is, Spiri has not yet attained a physical form. So it's likely the calamity is still in the process of evolving.

So it needs to progress even more, then.

If I'm an incarnation of the calamity, then I should have the same waveform. Which means I might be able to resonate and force it to evolve.

Whatever the case, we need to go and see it first. I could do worse for an opponent than a calamity that swallowed the planet.

It sounds like you'll be heading off again, Guildna. Just be careful out there, okay? And if you need me, let me know.

There should be no need for that. You and Feinne have been busy traveling around, trying to improve relations between humans and beastfolk, yes? Since you have come to Resttin, why not take a moment to catch your breath?

Alright, then. Off to see the calamity.

That tank should be in the lowest level of the ruins, yes?

But how do we get there?

You leave the Astrarium, then take the lift that goes to Dhaat. That should get us to the lowest level.

So this is where the calamity is contained. It looks like an ordinary tank to me.

I expected to see some sort of extinct animal in there, so this is rather...anticlimactic.

Aldo, you guys know what the calamity was like before. Does anything seem different to you?

No. It looks the same to me. Notice anything different, Spiri?

The feeling's stronger now... I can tell for sure there's something there. But I just can't make out its shape. It's like trying to find someone in the fog.

I'll try to use my waveform to make it appear.

What was that noise?

D-Do you think the equipment's gonna go haywire again?!

I'm not sure, but...that noise sounded more cute than anything to me.

Is someone there? If you are, please say something.

I can hardly believe it... Is that you, Dhaat? I thought you were to cease functioning sooner than this.

The energy here's from the calamity, right? That means it can keep drawing on that power forever and forever.

Maybe that means the calamity's gotten weaker and isn't a threat anymore.

So it requires sustenance now?

Then that means it's alive! And we can beat the living daylights out of it!

I cannot say for sure yet, but it is possible.

Bold words.

Whoa, you two are totally in sync! But let's not start a fight, shall we? And Dhaat, I would appreciate it if you didn't talk down to us like that.

We've traveled a long road just to be here and now, to fight the calamity.

People that I've never met before and people I'll never get to meet prayed for my birth.

I decided that I'm gonna stop the calamity. I'm gonna save the world, for them too.

Dhaat? You okay?

We won't let the world be destroyed. So please, don't try and stop us.

Thank you for believing in us.

Then let's put our plan into action.

Ungh...

Spiri? Are you okay?

I'm fine... But it feels like my mind is being pulled to the other side of the glass. I can tell things are different than last time... I know something's definitely there. If I keep using my powers, I'm sure I can make it appear.

C'mon, show yourself already!

What's THAT?!

I-It keeps getting bigger!

Careful, everyone! We're...

Everyone okay?

Yup! I'm fine!

I'm a little dizzy, but nothing too bad!

How are you doing, Var-var? It didn't give you motion sickness or anything, did it?

I ask you to refrain from mentioning... any kind of sickness around me... for the moment...

Sorry to hear that, man...

Whoa! What happened to you guys?!

I should be asking you the same. I can see right through you.

Is it possible that odd whirlpool earlier sucked the souls from their bodies?

Though I am not a fan of occult superstition...I cannot deny the possibility, given what they look like.

You make it sound like you're some sort of exception. I assure you, you aren't.

Let me see if I've got this right: We look like ghosts to you guys, right, Aldo?

Yeah. Everyone besides Myrus and Lovinia are see-through.

That checks out. We might all seem like we're in the same place, but apparently we're not. Though I can't tell whether it's time or space that's separating us.

Could it be...both?

You see the waterfall over there? I can feel the calamity in the water. I think that might be the water that causes the time flood.

So that's why we're split up like this? I really don't get it...

We exist on different layers, separated by a boundary of time. Essentially, we're parallel to each other.

That was beautiful, Kamlanage. But let's give someone else a turn, shall we? You can spout off all the fancy poems you want once everyone's got a handle on the situation.

I mean, basically, we look like we're in the same space, but we're not. Isn't that it?

Ding ding ding! Thaaat's right!

Spiri, is the calamity here?

Yeah, I can feel it coming from deeper within. Gotta wonder if the calamity created this place as a last-ditch effort to save itself.

We forced it to evolve, which made us a threat. I see no point in letting up now.

Good point. We won't solve anything by standing around here.

Alright, then. Let's keep pushing forward and hope we meet up somewhere!

They just keep coming!

That probably means the calamity's desperate. But I guess we should've known that since it trapped us in here.

There's all sorts of stuff floating around here. I wonder what these jars are used for.

It's just a normal jar! Some people put fruits inside and use it to make vinegar.

Hey, we do that in my time too!

Really? We sometimes call it vine-GAH because it's so sour, it makes your face scrunch up! Do you call it that too?

Nope! Ours is sweet, like a healthy juice!

So the recipe got refined over 20,000 years. That's fascinating!

Because of my travels, I've seen how recipes and tools and all sorts of stuff change over time. They get more delicious or easier to use thanks to all the people improving on them through the years.

I think it's wonderful how, even after we die, our dreams live on, even if they take a different shape.

Agreed. Our thoughts and feelings keep going forward, even when we can't anymore.

But that's exactly why we have to stop the calamity. We can't let everyone's hopes and dreams be washed away!

Hmph. They have number, but not much else.

Indeed. If the calamity thinks we will be stopped by such a paltry force, it is gravely mistaken.

Oh...

You've been awfully quiet since we arrived here. Are you still ill from the warp? If you are, perhaps you shouldn't push yourself so hard during battle.

You misunderstand.

I am not ill, just the opposite. I am overjoyed at being in the presence of not one, but two Master Guildnas.

Feel free to ignore him, Clughorn. He is an excellent retainer, but tends to be blinded by his admiration for me, and anyone similar to me, apparently.

Hah... I think it adorable. You ought to cherish such a loyal subordinate! But if that's too embarrassing for you, I could always write it into our family motto.

Don't waste your time. I would abolish such a practice regardless of who ordained it.

Come, Vares. We still have a ways to go.

Yes, sir!

Well, well. That was awfully sweet of him. As expected of my descendant. Yes... I must press on, so that there is a future for them and all that come after.

Yaaawn... Are we there yet? This place is boring me to tears.

I'm tired... Will you carry me, darling?

Uh... Isn't the fate of the whole world sort of hanging in the balance right now? Are you not...worried about that? At all?

Why would I be? No matter how hard we try, what's gonna happen will happen. This isn't some feel-good story where it's guaranteed the hero slays the big bad. The world just doesn't work like that.

So what's the point in worrying about it? Why not have some fun before the big finale?

Haha... I'm sure this is what brought you and that best friend of yours together in the first place.

Now that I think about it, I never asked you why you want to save the world. Surely you aren't about to risk your life simply because "the death of the world is too tragic to not lend a hand"?

Whoever said I was risking my life? Mare and I are fully intent on making it through this.

Even if you guys go down with the ship, we can just find another one. So fight like your lives depend on it, 'cause they do!

Ugh...

I see... Well, if we lose, I hope you'll remember us and this world.

C'mon, that's not fair...

But I fully intend to win this fight, so hopefully you won't have to shoulder that burden.

Yeah. I won't let this world be erased. I won't let everything everyone worked so hard for be wiped away. We're gonna win and make sure this world and Chelika and everyone else lives on into the future!

I wasn't sure we would converge like this after we lost sight of everyone.

It looks like we all made it in one piece.

Yes, and I made sure to save more than enough strength to dispose of that calamity.

The rest of me is just up ahead...

It's not you, Spiri. It's an enemy that wants to bring an end to the world. I imagine this'll be tougher than any battle we've fought so far. You guys ready?

Yeah!

A dead end?

But Spiri said the calamity should be somewhere around here.

It certainly doesn't look that way, though.

Oh no! Everyone, get back!

So that's it. The calamity.

It finally shows itself. And it looks rather weak, if you ask me.

Still, I get a terrible feeling just looking at it.

I see. The rest of us cannot properly perceive its power from where and when we stand.

It seems we will not be able to aid you in this battle, Myrus. Do not let your guard down.

I won't! I can already tell how strong this thing is... It's sending shivers down my spine!

Same here. Let's give it all we got. We're gonna bring an end to this with our own hands!

How's that?!

Huff... Huff... I'm so tired... I can't move another a muscle...

You fought well, Myrus. Once we return, I will make your favorite, Dorge La Bola.

Woohoo! You're the best, Var-var!

Something's wrong... Why is it getting stronger?

What just happened? It looks different than before.

Can you still fight?

Not really, but... It's not like we have much of a choice...

Yeah, I'm...I'm fine. My weapon is...it's, um, you know...so I'm not as hurt as everyone else. I'm sorry, Calamity! But I can't let you get near Meryt and the others!

Ahhh!

Lovinia!

She's strong, Meryt. So I'm sure she... she's okay. W-We're gonna protect her... I promise...

Can one so injured as you truly keep that promise?!

Come on, Ogre Rancorem... We have to save everyone...

Ungh...

......

Lovinia. Aldo. You must live. You cannot even THINK about dying until I give you permission!

(Right now...I think I'm the only one who can still move...)

This...this isn't over yet! I won't let you take the future away from...Master Guildna and Var-var...! Taaake THIS!

I'm sorry...Var...var...

Myrus!

Myrus! Open your eyes, Myrus! Please!

On your feet, Vares. It comes.

But...

We are separated by time and space. There is nothing we can do right now.

Yes... We must rid this world of the calamity first.

I can't! Not when Myrus is on the verge of death... She's my sister! And yet I...I can do nothing for her...

It seems Aldo has fallen. But I cannot have him dying here... So I will lend you my power.

Look up, Vares. Look at them.

How dare you harm Lovinia! You will pay dearly for that!

......

They hurt just like you do. But they are doing what they must. You are wise, Vares. Surely you understand.

I apologize... I'm certain my sister would laugh at me for losing my composure.

No one would laugh at you. Everyone fears losing those important to them. Even me.

And we must prevail if your future and your precious friends are to survive. To arms, Clughorn!

This is our fight now. And once we emerge victorious, we shall hasten to the sides of those we love!

The beast is not so easily beat. Do not let your guard down until it is completely gone!

I see it still had room left to grow. Did it truly think so little of us?

But it grows desperate. Perhaps that means the end is near.

Yes, but I don't think we have much fight left in us either. I'm not sure how much longer we will last...

I have one final attack in me... And what about you, O descendant mine?

Do I look like someone to be outdone by his own ancestors?

Hah... Well forgive me my foolishness.

Clughorn. When I give the signal, dispel the barrier. Meryt and I will deal it a heavy blow. Though I would like to finish it off with my own hands, I need to give the others a chance to shine, lest they resent me.

I'm disappointed you see me that way. I pride myself in being very forgiving.

Hah... Is that so? Once our turn ends, yours will begin. Do not mess this up.

We won't, Guildna. We'll put an end to the calamity. Don't push yourself too hard, Clughorn. The Chrono Clan wishes for the salvation of all mankind, and that includes you.

(Yes, I understand... But I must do what I can to weaken the calamity and lessen the burden for my friends who come after!)

......

Now, Clughorn!

HRAAAH!

......

Oof, can't say I'm lovin' this. I wanna show off my stuff as bad as the next guy, but aren't the stakes just a little too high?

It sounds like you have energy enough for all three of us. Shall we take a seat and let you fight on our behalves?

Aww, but I don't wanna work! Her Adorable Highness wasn't made for physical labor!

Oh, yes. I almost forgot about you. I stand corrected. Three and half, then.

Hey, it's still easier to shoulder than an entire world.

You'll have to forgive me. I'm pretty upset at you for hurting my friends.

I don't think I'll be able to show any mercy.

I can feel it. It's reached its final form. We should be able to defeat it now.

Even more reason for me to go all out. I won't hold back against something that tries to erase not only me, but those I hold dear.

You heard the lady! And hey, I'm pretty tired of running. So maybe I'll stand and fight for a change.

Time for the grand finale. Everyone risked their lives to keep the song moving forward, connecting one verse to the next. Now it's time we put an end to the ode. The curtain falls here and now!

Spiri, it's up to you to land the final blow. We'll help.

I'm gonna use everything I have, my emotions, my memories, to drag you down to reality! We'll become one, a single life-form. And that'll be the last thing you ever do!

Engrave every last one of our prayers... into the Gyre Melody!

I can feel it getting weaker...

And thanks to that, it looks like we're all actually in the same place again.

Whew... Did you beat it?

Yeah. Now all that's left is to take it back to where it belongs. But...

What's the matter, Spiri?

(Becoming one with the calamity means I'll have to leave Chelika and the others behind...forever.)

I was just thinking...of how to say goodbye.

G-Goodbye?!

I said we'd become a single life-form, didn't I? The calamity and I. Right now, it's just a body. It doesn't have any thoughts or memories.

If I leave it that way, it'll just keep going crazy. It won't be able to go back to the planet. But that's where I come in. (And I have to help the earth heal.)

I guess this really is goodbye, then.

O guardian of Astra Island... The beastfolk of Resttin are strong. You can go in peace.

Thank you, Spiri. Humanity can live on because you came into the world.

Hah... We may not have known each other long, but you made for an excellent subordinate. Thank you, truly.

(Even if I asked her not to go away... I don't think it'd change anything.)

Oh, enough with the long face. I'm going back as Spiralina. And I'll light the way for you as a bright, shining star.

O-Okay... *sniffle*

What was that?

Wh-What is that? What just...happened?

Dhaat? But why?

But I thought you wanted to keep humanity and its history safe.

Oh... (Remrelia did say that Dhaat tried to contain the calamity.)

You really think I'd just agree to that?

Ack... Hnnngh...!

Ugh... Ah...

Chelikaaa!

Wh-Where am I?

Did I...die? Did the others...?

Nononono. I'm sure they're fine... They have to be...

Should I go back...? Even if I did, there's nothing I can do to help. Where even is back? Or forward? There's nothing here...

But I'm sure Aldo and the others...wouldn't give up...

Is that...starlight? Is it...showing me the way?

I have to keep moving forward...just like the others would...

Did I make it out?

Whew... Thank goodness we made it...

Spiri?! If you were there, you should've said something!

Believe me, I wanted to. But I didn't have the strength... I used everything I had to light up the dark and get you outta there...

But why?

Y'know, this isn't actually me. It's just what's left of my power...

Wh-What?

I'm actually fighting with Dhaat to get my body back. But I wanted to make sure you got out alright. So I left just a teeny-tiny bit of my powers inside of you to help you escape. But I'm at my limit...

Wh-What does that mean?

Haha... I had a great time.

Stop it, Spiri... Why are you saying all this? Why are you...smiling? It's like you're looking back on our journey. Like...you're about to leave me.

Oh yeah, now that I think about it...this is my first time saying goodbye to a friend.

Does it always hurt this much, Chelika? There's a horrible pain in my chest... But that pain makes me realize how important you are to me. It's pretty sad. But...it's beautiful too.

E-Enough already, Spiri...

I just wish...we had a little more time together...

Stop it, Spiri! Don't leave me!

I love you, Chelika. I was able to live because of you. Now you have to live on for the both of us, okay?

No... Spiri! Don't go! Say something, please...!

*sniffle* Spiri... Come baaack!

Hm? What's that? Did Spiri drop it...?

An asterorb?

That's right... The Astrolabos... If I can get it working, then... Hang in there, Spiri! I'm coming!

The Astrarium...

Let's see... Maybe like this?

I won't give up...

I'll keep trying, as many times as it takes!

Why? Why won't it work?! My friend's fighting for her life! I need to help her! I need...to save Spiri... Please... You have to work!

Am I not good enough? Do the stars not care about someone like me?

Yup! And someday, you'll find a star that shines just for you. It might be today, tomorrow, or ten years from now. It might even take until the day you die.

But its light will find you. Its guidance will change you, awaken a part of you that you never knew existed. And you'll be even better than you were before.

If there really is a star out there just for me... Now's the time. I need you now! Right now!

You have to shine! Shine bright for me, not for anyone else! Just me, please! Help me!

What happened? I wonder if what was left of Spiri's power went from that asterorb...into me.

But...this is who I want to be. Not just Chelika, but Spiri too. Together.

Wh-What now?

Wait. This is Remrelia's...

I'm gonna prep a little gift for y'all too, a little something just in case, y'know. You should be able to pick it up here way, way, waaay in the future.

So is the gift she was talking about... I promise to take good care of it.

Oh, there's a piece of paper inside the little Astrolabos... Is this a star map?

Judging by the constellations...this is a map of the stars centered on the calamity seen in the Age of the Gods.

And since Spiri was born from the calamity, if I recreate this map, then I can go to where she is! Then I can save everyone!

It worked! Please, stars. Shine on the others!

I can't even see the stars from here. I hope the others are okay.

I do not think they would die so easily. We cannot keep them waiting, lest they complain. Let us find our way out of here.

But...how?

I will keep you safe, Lovinia. So stay close to me.

Then I'll keep you safe in return, Meryt. We'll find our way out of here together.

Don't look so down, Var-var. I'm perfectly fine! See?

But I was so scared. I thought I'd lose you...

Please promise me that you will refrain from such recklessness in the future.

I promise. Whatever happens from here on out, we'll face it together! Now let's get outta here!

How long do you plan on ignoring me? We need to work together if we're to get out of here.

I'll ignore you for as long as I please. I'm upset at nearly losing something important to me, all thanks to your stupidity.

I did not think you saw so much value in me...

If you keep that up, you'll be on my bad side for the rest of your life.

I apologize. But I must admit...this is not an unwelcome surprise.

Just the two of us again. But it's so quiet... I don't like it.

That's just what happens when you get used to being in bright places. Dark places look even deeper and darker than usual. Kinda makes me miss the light.

It's dark. I wonder which way the others are.

Is that...a star?

That's a relief. I get the feeling I'll find my way if I just follow the light. Even the tiniest star shines so bright in the darkness. It's nice.

Okay, okay. I know I wanted to go help the others, but isn't this a little too much for one person to handle?!

Ugh. My pathetic words are echoing off the walls. It feels so much worse hearing them the second time...

I don't think you're pathetic at all, Chelika.

You're all here! Oh, thank goodness... So what happened after Dhaat showed up?

I don't remember it very clearly, but...

So what're you gonna do now that you have that body?

That's it? That's you reason for doing all this?

You took over the calamity's body just to sate your curiosity?! Everyone risked their lives to save the world and you took that away from them for your own selfish reason?!

Huh...

You wanna know everything about the world, do ya? Well, let me show you a special place where you can do just that. Could I interest you in a trip through the dreams of the planet?

Let me into the calamity, then I'll take you there.

(No... Spiri... Don't do it...)

Then the corridor of water collapsed and everything went dark. I just kept pushing forward, even though I didn't know where I was going. Then I saw a light and...now I'm here.

You used the Astrolabos to bring us here, didn't you? Thank you, Chelika. You saved us.

If you don't mind my asking, why is it you look that way? I thought Spiri was already gone.

Well, she... She might not be here right now, but she's still protecting me like she always has.

I think it suits you perfectly, Chelika! You even look a little cheerier than I remember.

Oh, you're totally right! I feel like you used to look down at your feet at all the time, but now you're standing tall! Hehe!

I-I don't know about that, but...

Remrelia said that the stars guide her, that their light shines on everyone. I don't have a big dream or some goal I want to fulfill. But people like me still have to keep moving forward regardless.

So why not look up at the stars while we do it? I mean, they're so pretty!

I liked you better when you were all doom and gloom, but humans have their ups and downs, sooo... Guess I'll just wait until you hit that decline again!

Why would you say something like that? Not that you're wrong or anything... People don't just change overnight...

So? What next?

W-Well, we could...

(No... If I ask for their help, I'd be putting their lives in danger again.)

(But they're always pushing forward, even if they're afraid that they or someone they care about might get hurt...)

(They're so strong. I don't know if I can handle all this responsibility more than once...)

I have a request. I want to save Spiri, but I know I can't do it alone.

So would you help me? Please...!

You needn't look so serious.

Of course we're gonna help you, Chelika.

Thank you... All of you.

Spiri's our friend. So let's go rescue her together.

And we must do something about Dhaat. He isn't like us. There is no telling what he might do if left to his own devices.

Mighty. Spiri mentioned the dreams of the planet. Do you know where she might be headed?

I mean, let's not ignore the elephant in the room, or in this case, the giant gaping hole.

Now that you mention it, no one's come out of that portal. And if Chelika guided the rest of us here, then maybe...

Maybe Spiri's on the other side. But there's really no way to tell unless we go there. Are you guys still willing to come with me...?

Of course.

There's nowhere to go but forward, right?

Right!

I can see a light. We don't know what we'll find once we're out of here, so let's be prepared for anything.

The Age of the Gods? How did we get back here?

The calamity can interfere with time, so it's probably no trouble for it to cross eras like this. But I think what's more important than how is why.

What now? I think there's no mistaking where we're meant to go next.

But Myrus and I are not winged beasts. We cannot carry everyone up there.

And I no longer possess a beastfire with which to transform.

I suppose we could try and take everyone there with our powers, but...there's no guarantee it will work.

You're all thinking waaay too hard. Why don't we just walk there?

Just walk? But...

WH-WH-WHAAAT?!

So there is an unseen path.

I admire your courage for taking the first step.

Maybe the stars are showing us the way here too. Let's go.

What is this place? It's completely different than the outside... But something about it feels...strangely familiar.

I know what you mean. I can feel Spiri's energy all around us. It's like she's watching over us...

So these are the dreams of the planet? I wonder if everyone's dreams get mixed together here.

Quite the romantic notion. I might ask you to regale with bedtime stories once this is through.

I'd be happy to! Once I start talking about my travels, I could keep going until the sun rises.

(There's so much I want to tell you too, Spiri.) (Like about my childhood and how I got into stargazing, about all the times Macminal got scammed. Even about myself now...) (I want to share it all with you. So we definitely, definitely have to see each other again!)

What is that thing?

A Microlabos? I actually have the one I got from Remrelia too.

What's going on?

It might be asking us to get it working.

But you need to rearrange stars to get an Astrolabos moving...

Does the sky look a little weird to you? I don't recognize any of the constellations, and there are lots of places that don't have any stars at all.

There's gotta be a reason for that. Why don't we take a look around?

Wh-What's happening?! The Microlabos is glowing! Do you think it's gonna explode?!

KABOOOOOOM!

Ahhh!

Haha! You never disappoint.

You've got nothing to worry about. It's just a dream someone somewhere left in the asterorb. It's a little prayer for happiness. Listen closely and you'll hear it.

Sure is dark in here... Don't you think so, Calamity?

The silent treatment, huh. Well, that's okay. I'll get you to warm up to me eventually! I just have to talk to you eeevery siiingle day!

Y'know, this world is a wonderful place!

If you're ever born on this planet, you'll be able to meet lots of super fun people.

If you have eyes, you can see all the beauty around you. If you have ears, you can hear all the sounds of life.

If you have a body, you can feel the wind against your skin.

And if you need my emotions or my memories, you're welcome to take them with you. So please don't give up. I want you to be born. And even after that, don't give up. Because living things can't give up on living so long as they're alive.

Oh. Finally got a response!

After you're born...go out there and have a great time. And know that I'll always, always, always love you.

Could this be Spiri's memory? Before she was born?

Remrelia was protecting Spiri from inside that chamber.

Remrelia... I'll get Spiri back. I promise.

Another memory?

I wonder who we will see this time.

ΦΩΦΨΦΔΦ

Yet another failure in materializing the calamity. I took over the mission from a former generation, but I do not understand why we do this...

Master Aurcanist! Our little blessing has finally opened her eyes!

What is it that has you so excited? We already knew that the baby wasn't premature.

How could I not be excited?! This means our little girl is growing up!

We're so happy she came into our lives!

Hmm... What a curious thing to say. I wonder if the fragment from that calamity could ever be received with such joy.

Now that I think about it, the information I received said that giving it "love" is extremely important. Even though we don't understand what "love" is, we might be able to create a custom for the demi-humans to follow. Perhaps we could create a legend... "A god from the garden of heaven bestowed us with a guardian deity. Its birth will save us from the calamity."

You don't understand what "love" is? Hmph. What a liar.

It looks like there's another memory in here.

Hehe. Maybe we'll finally get to see some beastfolk!

I wonder what era we will see this time.

Hey, Guardian. How do you like the bouquet? Smells good, right? It's made of geolas blooms! The whole cliff is covered with 'em! I can't wait to show it to you once you're born.

When do you think the guardian will be born? Is it soon?

No one knows. But I think we are all very eager to meet it. That is why we must continue to pray like this, to let it know just how wonderful the world is in hopes that it comes sooner.

Is it possible it's already been born? Guess there's no harm in still praying, even if it was.

We will await the day you are born, whenever it may be.

Wow... So many people were looking forward to Spiri coming into the world.

Celebrating a birth is a custom of many cultures around the world, but this may be the most celebrated life I have ever seen.

Spiri, please...be okay. I want you to know just how many people are out there, waiting to meet you.

It's that light again. It's so warm...

We're closing in on my era. Do you think we'll see Spiri soon?

Yeah, I get the feeling she's close.

H-Help me! Please! I'm drowning!

I don't really know how to help you, but I'll give it my best shot, okay? So no dying on me!

Listen up! I could really use a miracle right now! I'm trying to save a life here!

Spiri... Were you waiting for me since the Age of the Gods? For an ordinary...nobody like me?

Is this what Remrelia meant about setting our destinies in stone? I don't know which came first, but...

You and Spiri meeting is like a spiral, winding together to create the present.

I can't believe those two... Why would they make a nobody like me such a big part of their destiny?

You may think you're ordinary, but you made it all this way. I think they weren't wrong to choose you.

Then I guess I can't go disappointing them now... Let's go, Aldo. Spiri must be waiting for us up ahead.

Guess that wraps up this job.

Oh, right. I think I'll go check in on Macminal.

Spiri left this asterorb behind, and that power, Spiri's power, is still inside of me. The power of the stars. The light guided me. If you can hear my voice, take me to Spiri! Please!

Well this is a surprise. How'd you find me? I've lost pretty much all of my starry glow at this point.

You say that, but you managed to find me drowning in a dark ocean.

C'mon, Spiri. Let's go back.

No... I'm staying. I never intended to leave. I was gonna weaken the calamity, take control of the body, then return to the planet. That way I can give back all the elemental energy stored inside Spiralina's body.

But I wasn't strong enough to do it on my own.

Is that why you let Dhaat have the body? So that we could destroy you?

...Yeah.

But... But we came to save you, Spiri. We want you to come back with us.

I know. 'Cause you guys are nice like that. I had a feeling you'd come sooner or later. And when you showed up, I was so happy. I felt so warm inside, I started to wonder if I was doing the right thing.

So why won't you come back?

I told you. I wanna return Spiralina's power to the planet. This world's been in pain for a long time. It's crying for help. And I wanna heal it.

But I don't want you to die for it! It was the people of the world who hurt it. So I think we should all be responsible for helping it. Right?

Sorry, Chelika. It's not about who's responsible. I just wanna help.

Do you remember all the people we met since you came to Astra Island?

Of course. We helped people, got dragged in to all sorts of fights... Said some goodbyes too.

But everyone was just trying to live their life and didn't think twice about it.

The lived each moment to the fullest. They were shining so bright.

They were so far away, I knew I could never reach them, but seeing them sparkle made me wanna try. They were like stars to me.

You'll reach them, Spiri. I'll hold your hand. I might just be a tiny little star, but together...

Thanks, Chelika. No one shines brighter than you in my sky.

But I wanna protect you guys. So that you and everyone else can keep living just a little longer. Even if it's just one day. I mean, think of what could happen in that time. Just look at how much you've grown! Intelligent beings are capable of so much.

In one day, you could make great memories. Smile and laugh together. Say goodbye. It's beautiful.

That's why this is the end of the road for me. I'm going back to the planet.

No! You can't go! You wanted a little more time together, right? Right?!

I do too! If I had just one day left to smile and laugh and say goodbye to someone... I'd want it to be you, Spiri!

Stay with me...please...

Chelika...

(If I could have just one wish...) (I'd want whatever little is left of me here and now...to stay with Chelika.)

I can hear music... It's the song of the planet...

Spiri!

There you are! Why'd you go off alone like that?! We were all so worried about you. Come on. Let's get out of here.

......

Wh-What?

But...why? Why would she do that?

So we were...too late? No, that can't be... We came all this way to get her...

Did you say...dull? Spiri was fighting for all of us and you call that dull?!

You're wrong. She didn't give up! She put her faith in us. She believed we could stop you, even in the calamity's body.

So have you given up on preserving life?

Y-You can't do that!

Spiri gave me this power so that we could keep going forward. But if you cause a time flood, then path ahead of us, and the one behind us, will disappear.

I must ensure that the world exists for both my people and those who come after!

I will not let you so easily erase everything our ancestors have given us!

We didn't get this far on our own. It was thanks to everyone who came before us! And I won't let you break that spiral!

Even if you could, there would be no point. It didn't just happen. There was a long road that led us here. And if we hadn't walked every step, we wouldn't be here now.

If I hadn't chosen to be brave for Macminal, I never would have left Unigan. And Aldo wouldn't have needed to come find me.

And he would not have come to Konium in his search, had Feinne not saved the Beast King's life.

And we never would have set foot in the ruins if Zestah had never made that plan.

We never would have met and reunited with Aldo, had we not taken a certain relic in a desperate attempt to save humanity.

In that sense, perhaps we could not have done without the Chrono Clan's quarrel over evolution.

And the Golden City never would have been saved if people hadn't been inspired by the actions of others.

And I wouldn't be in this world right now if mine hadn't been destroyed.

So, you see, we didn't get here alone. It took countless years and people to pray for Spiri's birth, which would bring an end to the calamity.

And this change didn't happen just because of one special person. It was passed down from one generation to the next, connecting the past to the present and the future through the centuries.

(He's...jealous?)

(I guess...we're not the only ones who have changed. Even Dhaat has over the years.) (He was always looking in from the outside, even with his colleagues. He's been lonely... That's why he wants to evolve so badly.)

Y'know, Dhaat...I don't think we could've defeated the calamity without your help too.

Yeah. After we lost to the calamity the first time, you protected us. If you hadn't done that, we wouldn't be standing here right now.

H-Hey! Wait! What do you mean by that?!

Spiri wanted us to destroy her?! I don't understand... Spiri, please... Come back and explain all this...

We came here to get you, Spiri...

So why...

Whoa, look at that!

Look up, Chelika. Look at the stars you love so much.

Wow... That reminds me. Remrelia said that when the stars' light finds someone...it awakens them. So if that light reaches Spiri, then maybe... just maybe...

*sniffle* Oh me... Oh my...

M-Macminal? What happened? Don't tell me you got scammed again...

WAAAAAAH! It's Chelika! CHELIKAAA!

Wh-What happened to Chelika?!

Sh-She...she's grown up so much!

I just finished reading her letter and...and...! *sniffle* *sob* *cough* *hack* *blows nose* Just read it, will you?!

Wow... She wrote all about our adventure.

Ahaha...

It's so peaceful here.

So this is the world we saved, huh? Guess that makes us heroes.

I don't know about that. I feel like...saving the world just kind of happened while we were out helping other people.

Ugh... This sucks. Why'd my parents have to be bakers?

Got a problem with baking, kid?

Who're you?

I'm Spirika. Just an ordinary girl and calamity that saved the world.

Is that some kind of pen name? I don't remember agreeing to that...

C'mon, what's the big deal? It's cute!

I mean, I guess...?

Even if you don't love it, I know I do! Because it's exactly who I wanna be.

Spiri...

So? What's your gripe with baking?

A traveling bard visited town the other day and said some super strong hero defeated the Beast King. Isn't that awesome?! He saved the world! I can't even imagine doing something like that...

Hm... You know, it's possible you're saving the world as we speak.

Even the most ordinary person living their ordinary life can be a hero. Miracles like that are happening, like, all the time. We just don't realize it.

I know what it's like to look around and think everyone's better than you. It's not fun. And it might not be possible to just stop comparing yourself to others. But when you're feeling down, just remember... You're important to someone out there.

So chin up. You're better than you think.

And you might be a hero in the making! Hehe. See ya!

That was weird...

Wow. Look at the stars! They're so pretty!

Hehe. I guess they're not too shabby! But they can't hold a candle to a certain someone I waited thousands of years for.

C'mon, Spiri... I'm not that amazing. Besides, there are so many brighter stars out there.

What are you talking about? You ARE amazing! Because you shine just for me. Trust me. I was born from the intertwining prayers of people throughout the ages. So it's kinda like humanity itself saying it's true.

Th-That's way too heavy for me to handle...

Hehe. You're so much fun, Chelika.

Hey, so...I guess I'm a little confused. What exactly was the Prayer of the Gyre Melody?

Well... I think it's the waveforms that this planet gives off. But you can't see them or feel them, even though they're all around us. So no one even notices they're there. When I was in that little boat and I heard that familiar melody, that's when I realized it.

But wouldn't that mean the Prayer of the Gyre Melody is nothing special?

If the waveforms of evolution were rare or something, then intelligent beings would still be in their original forms.

So then why was the Chrono Clan looking for... Oh. Oh no...

Is it because of what we said in the Age of the Gods? So people down the line mistook it for a melody of evolution?! Ohhh, I can't believe this. Those poor archaeologists and linguists... I'm so sorry!

Don't be so dramatic. It needed to happen so that we could arrive at this point in time.

Anyway, why don't we say a little prayer? For that boy earlier and everyone else who needs a guiding star.

Good idea!

For those who live for their friends and the bonds they share...

For those who fight back against the dark and despair to keep hope alive...

For those who bear a heavy burden but keep pressing forward for the sake of love...

And for the ordinary people just like me.

If you're ever feeling lost, don't look down. Look up at the stars.

Know that you're not alone. There's a star out there shining just for you. So don't be afraid to keep moving forward.

Even if it's dark... Even if it's scary... You'll be okay. Because that star's glow will cross time and space to light your way.