I Didn't Have the Froggiest!

...And that is how it happened.

With it, I was finally able to avenge King Palsifal, bringing an end to it all.

Congratulations, Cyrus. And I'm glad you were safe.

Although...

Hmm? What is it?

Perhaps it's not the end, at least until you have dispelled the curse cast on you.

My curse...

Yes. I first thought your curse was a permanent one. Because if your body has completely transformed, you should not be able to turn back even if you destroy the curse-binder.

Ah. The old man also said something along those lines.

But you must have been able to resist the curse through sheer will. And that is why even though your appearance has become that of a frog, within, you're still the same Cyrus we know.

Not entirely so. At times I... feel an irresistible urge to jump into a swamp and swim to my heart's content.

Really?!

Well... looking back, you were swimming in a swamp the first time we met...

I suppose that isn't all that big of an issue.

In any case. If you either destroy the curse-binder, or find some other way to dispel this curse, you will return to your original form.

So it seems.

Oh? That wasn't quite the reaction I expected. I thought you'd be happier.

I do not particularly feel the need to return to my original appearance. I am not inconvenienced by this body, after all. My appearance is unimportant. Neither as a fighter of the Enku Jizai-ryuu, nor as a samurai.

I guess, I've really never known you to look any different.

I can't even imagine what you'd look like as a human.

I know, right? Even I've been starting to forget what it is I used to look like. It almost feels as if I've always looked this way.

I've even become popular among kids in the neighborhood, who call me "the Frog Samurai."

Now that you mention it... The children of the Magic Classroom have been doodling Cyrus' face a lot as of late.

So I will consider dispelling the curse. But only when the time comes.

Well, if you say so.

Although it is unfortunate...

Huh? Unfortunate?

I mean, of course Cyrus looks cute and lovable now... But when he was human, he was quite the sharp and rugged samurai...

A very handsome one at that.

Okay, you're really starting to make me curious about what Cyrus used to look like.

Hm, are you now? I guess it might not exactly be the healthiest of things to have that witch's curse on me for too long, right?

Indeed. You never know what affect the curse might have. It's best we dispel it while you still can.

If you insist, Ratchett. Understood.

So what of your curse-binder?

Actually... we are yet to find it yet.

Oh, I see. Then, do you know what it looks like?

The old man seemed to know that his was a doll...

But I have no idea.

Well, according to basic magical principles, the binder is probably something shaped like a frog. It could be a picture, a sculpture, or a plush frog toy.

Is that so? But that seems too broad of a description to start our search.

Yeah. How can we find anything with such a tiny clue?

Finding lost property is not the job of a samura...

Wait. I just remembered! There one place I can think of.

He-heh... Well now.

I may very well be human the next time I see you, Ratchett.

Is that so? Hehe. Then I'll look forward to that, Cyrus.

All right. Let's get a move on, Aldo.

Hang on a minute. Go where, exactly?

To the Charol Plains! There must be some kind of clue over that way.

Hey! Radica!

Oh. Imagine meeting you here. What brings you two around these parts?

I would like for you to perform a reading for me, Radica.

Now I get it. Fortune-telling can help us look for missing items.

Lost items? Sure thing. What would you like me to find for you?

Allow me to give you a brief run-down of the situation. It all began with the Shadow Witch...

...huh, I see. So you would like me to locate Cyrus' curse-binder.

Exactly. Is that possible?

Hmm... So you don't know what it is, and no one's seen it nor touched it?

Well, according to Ratchett, it's supposed to look kind of froggy.

That's not enough to go off of, I'm afraid. Or are you planning on making a list of all frog-like objects in existence?

What? No, not really...

Sounds pretty good to me.

Oh? Well okay then, let's scry away with that.

Wait, you don't need to do all that. Just the curse-binder would be great.

Hmph. Where's the fun in that?...

I guess we can leave the frog-like items for after I've turned back.

(He's not gonna care about those after his curse is gone.)

So your goal is to dispel the curse that turned you into a frog, right? Then let me scry "a clue to dispel your curse" instead of the curse-binder.

Yes, please.

Alright...

Speak to me, my cards... Show me what I seek...

Purple... with light rising up above... A purple twilight... a tower of radiant purple...

A lot of purple everywhere I gather.

Seems So. But I get the feeling we've seen a place like that before.

...Oh, I know!

It must be the Keruri Highroad. I remember it from before.

Oh, that's right!

So there should be a clue to breaking this curse if we head to the Keruri Highroad?

Yes. And I believe this result hits the mark pretty well.

We are in your debt, Radica. Once we've managed to break this curse, please allow me to thank you once more.

Don't mention it, Cyrus.

If you need my powers to dispel your curse, please, just ask. I'm happy to lend a hand.

I pray that you'll manage breaking your curse.

Well then. Let us go, Aldo.

Let's. To the Keruri Highroad then!

So we're here, but I'm not sure how we're meant to find this clue.

Me neither. How about we split up to search around?

Understood.

After a little while, we'll meet back here and compare notes.

I'll go search up ahead.

Then I shall investigate over there.

That's unexpected. Didn't think I'd run into anybody around here.

Let's see what she's up to.

Excuse me. I wanna ask you something, if you don't mind.

Sure. What is the matter?

I'm looking for a clue to remove a curse cast on a friend of mine.

Remove a curse, you say?

Wait, Why did you come and talk to me? Is this just a coincidence?

Well, actually a fortune teller told us that we could find the key to breaking a curse placed on my friend on the Keruri Highroad.

Ah. Then she must have been a very skilled one.

Sure, she's is pretty good as fortune tellers go. But what are were you saying?

I'm a disenchanter. It's my job to help people burdened by curses.

Really?!

Then could you lift the curse from my friend?

Of course. You can count on me.

Thank you so much! Please, they're this way.

We're set to regroup here. Could you wait here for a little while?

Naturally. I could not sleep knowing somebody out there is burdened by a curse. I'm more than happy to help.

So, can you fill me in on the situation? What kind of curse is it?

Well, he's no longer human. An evil witch transformed him into something else.

Hm. They must be a pretty powerful one then. What has he been turned into?

It's kind of crazy actually, now he's a fro...

No luck over here.

Oh? And who might this lady be?

She's a disenchanter. A specialist in breaking curses!

Truly?! Then Radica's scrying really did hit its mark!

Hello. So what did the witch transform...

Form... F...

Frooooooog!

Yes, I am a frog. I am Cyrus, a samurai, dear disenchanter.

Ahhhhhhhhh!

That stings... ...Only slightly...

Wait! He's that friend I was talking about. Didn't you say you were going to help him?

Nope! It's a no from me, frog! I just, just, just... can't deal with frogs!

Can't get close to 'em, can't even look at 'em!

Dear disenchanter. I'm more of the tree frog kind. Rather tiny and unimposing. Does that provide any solace for you?

Nnnope! It don't matter if you're a tree frog or a spotted frog or a toad!

Wow... Well this is a problem... She's not gonna be able to break the curse in a state like this.

It appears that way. I must say, this is the first time I've never felt so inconvenienced since becoming a frog. This curse really must go after all...

To be fair, it's not every day you meet someone this terrified of frogs.

L-Listen! I would love to lift the curse from your friend. But when I see a frog, I just can't handle it! So please change him into something else first! I'll be fine as long as he just looks different!

Is that even possible? I mean, if he doesn't look like a frog, that means the curse is already removed, no?

A chicken or the egg question, is seems.

You do realize we're talking about you, right?

What are we supposed to do, Aldo? It's not like we can make her do it.

That's true, but what other choice do we have?

Say! What if you keep your eyes closed? Or what if Cyrus puts a hood on or something? Surely there is another way.

Ahh! No! The things you can't see are even more terrifying!

Oh boy...

This is the end for us then. Frightening ladies is not something I take pride in.

You're gonna give up just like that?! Let's think about this. If it's the looks that matter, then that means we can use some kind of illusion, right?

An illusion, you say...

If it is just looks, then I may have an idea.

Really?! And what's that?

I've heard word of a monster in Corinda Plains that can change its appearance. They say it uses masks to transform.

I see! So if we get one of those masks...

Precisely.

If this is true...

Hey! We're going to find a way to make him look a less froggy for you! Do you think you can wait for us in the dining hall of Palsifal Palace?

O-Okay! We can do the disenchantment there!

All right then, Aldo. Let us head to Corinda Plains.

So. Where is this shapeshifting monster you mentioned?

I've only heard rumors, so I'm in the dark about the details too.

Okay. Then we'll just have to dig around for clues... Wait.

*Joyous humming*

Is that... a kid? Here?

Hm. Let's ask.

Young man. Would you be willing to speak with us for a moment?

How d'ya do fellow kids? What'cha need?

We heard that there is a shapeshifting monster around these parts. You haven't have seen it around have you?

Actually, I've had m' teeny hands too full doin' kid stuff like lickin' rocks 'n' that to notice.

(Something's definitely off with this kid.)

I see. Of course a monster than can disguise itself would be super rare anyway. No way you'd have seen one yourself! I'm sorry for distracting you from your... activities.

Shapeshiftin' is the best! Reel rare, huh! eh-hem!, I guess...

If such a monster did exist...

Yea?

...Then it would be a particularly sly one.

Wot wuzzat?! Why's'at?!

If it can shapeshift, it probably excels in scheming and backstabbing. A sly and dishonorable way to fight. As a samurai, I could never condone such a thing.

What! I ain't no sl, Uh I mean watch your mouth around a poor, inozent kid!

(Ohhh...so Cyrus noticed it too.) (That's why he's trying to provoke him...)

What is the matter, young man? Why do you look so agitated?

Of course I'm angry! Just coz I'm cool you, ! I-I mean! Forget this!!

I transform coz it's cool un fun, okay! No backstabbin's 'ere!

Were you even trying to hide it?! Even any REAL kid could figure you out!

Nice one, Cyrus! You made it reveal itself.

What?! It's the monster!! I must say! I've been taken by complete surprise!!

...Wow...

An' watt were ya tryin' ta do after ya found me?

Well. I require a mask that allows me to change my appearance. Is there any way you could part with one?

Ya want a mask? After callin' me sly and dishonorabal?!

...... Then I shall apologize.

Hmph. Frog man want mask? Frog man gotta defeet me in battle!

I would be happy to, but are you really going to fight without shifting?

I'll show ya that I'm no sly!

Very well. Then a battle it shall be!

Pretty strongh. Guess ya weren't all talk.

You weren't too shabby yourself. You've proved yourself an honorable warrior.

Ya damn rite! It waz a promise I guess. I'll give ya tha mask.

Looks like we got what we came for.

We finally found it, Cyrus!

Now, how am I meant to use this mask?

Jus' put it on.

I see! Very convenient.

But normolly only I can uze it. So I'll send ya an image of wat to look like.

You do us a great honor.

So, wat d'ya wanna be?

Anything, as long as I'm not a frog.

...Huh.

Sent ya a random one. Put this on, an' your looks'll change. But someone uva than me uses it, it breaks after one time. Don't forget.

Now we can finally have the disenchanter break this curse!

You said it. Let's head to Palsifal Palace!

I've heard what happened from the disenchanter. So, have you found a solution?

Ahhhhhhhhh! You're still a frog?!

P-Please!

I wonder what you'll change into?

Oh, so you don't know either?

Yeah. The monster who gave us the mask said he used something random.

...What the?! C-Cyrus?

Yes, what is it?

So, it is you? I know you're not a frog, but... I don't know if this will work...

What have I turned into? I cannot really tell if anything has changed...

Really??

Ahhhhhhhhhh!

That's... so gross...

Yeah, it was all for naught...

Gross, but oh SO CUTE!

What?!

You look so charming! Oh, now I'm definitely not afraid!

Okay, great. I guess?

Oh, you look cute even up close! Why don't you stay like that?

No, I cannot have that!

Although I have no idea what I look like now...

Um... so, dispel, please.

Aw. That's too bad. But a promise is a promise...

Okay. Let's take a look at how this curse works.

...This is quite a complicated one. It might be difficult to fully remove it. Even for me.

No way...!

But don't worry. I might still be able to turn you back into a human.

Truly?

Yes. I mean I would love to do away with a giant bipedal frog!

......

Could you please tell us how you're going to turn him back, without breaking the cruse?

Well. This curse has two parts. One is a curse to take away one's appearance. The other is to change the appearance into a frog.

I see... So Cyrus' original form was taken away, then sealed within the curse-binder?

Yes. You would still need to destroy the binder to take back the original form. But I can rewrite the curse that changes the form into a frog.

Rewrite?

Does that mean the frog would be replaced by a human?

Precisely.

Now, I don't know what you used to look like, so I want you to imagine your old self. I'll use that image to overwrite on top of the curse's formula.

Understood. I just need to imagine it in my head, then?

Yes. Close your eyes and meditate to block any unnecessary thoughts, and think of what you looked like.

...All right, here we go!

Then I shall meditate while I imagine my former self.

How is it going? Got an idea?

Hurry, though! My magic is about to run out!

Ahhh! I. Can't. Hold... hurry!

Unngh, no more! I'm gonna overwrite it!

There we go! This is it! You should be back to your old self now.

Wait! He's still not human...!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! Fr... Froooo...

Frooooooog!

Hey, wait!

I...guess she's leaving now.

What happened Cyrus? Don't tell me you...

What?! You're kidding?

... If the cursed can't remember himself, then there's really no other way. We'll just have to hope that by some miracle his curse-binder turns up...

...Why am I the one being cheered up here?

But Cyrus. Are you sure you want to stay the way you are?

I guess you're liking that moniker, huh?

(...Yeah, he looks pretty happy)

But to be honest... I'm kind of glad you still look like you do. It felt like you might change from the Cyrus we know if you had changed back.

And occasionally swamp diving, right?

What?!

Uh, yeah, sure... If I get the chance...

(Although...) (I don't really look forward to getting wet...)