Dream and Nightmare

Looks like that's all you owe me, Dunarith.

Gotta say, never thought I'd see the day the famous freeloading bard would settle his debts.

Stop trying to make that a thing. If anything you should call me "Dependable Dunarith" cause I always repay my debts! ...If I have the scratch, that is.

I don't think that word means what you think it means. Pretty sure dependable people don't rack up debts everywhere they go.

C'mon, Aldo... Why you gotta do me like that?

Hah! Well, at any rate, maybe think twice before starting a tab next time? Seems like your friend here's already got a pretty low opinion of you. Hate to see it go any lower! Haha!

Ahhh, feels good to do good, does it not, my good friend? The sky looks a little bluer, My heart feels a little lighter, And my purse feels a lot emptier.

Wait, you used all of your money?!

Yup. I'm afraid your ol' pal Dunarith will be sleeping under the stars for the foreseeable future.

...Where I'm sure to meet my untimely demise to a pack of hungry monsters, no doubt.

But do not worry, even if they do find my ravaged body in the maw of some rotten night stalker... I just wanted you to know that it will have had nothing to do with you forcing me to pay my debts. Not even in the slightest.

...FINE. You can stay with me. But just this once! And I expect you to pay your half eventually!

Oh, Aldo, you are a hero AND a saint. I wouldn't expect any less from my best, best, bestest friend.

I can't believe you.

Anyway, I was a bit shocked to hear you're from this time layer.

Surely not as shocked as I am that you actually followed me here just to make sure I paid my debts.

I had to make sure you didn't end up creating any more along the way, you know? What are friends for?

I'm honestly still worried about leaving you here all alone.

You are a gentle soul indeed, I'll give you that.

But, you need not worry about me. This time layer may not be the safest for a beast like me, but I know how to blend in. As long as I wear this hat, no one will ever know.

I knew I recognized that voice...

Zeviro?

I see you brought a friend...

Strange, you never took me as the city-dwelling type, Zeviro?

I wouldn't be here if I didn't have to be, but unfortunately, "you know who" has business here.

Ah yes, the little mistress of house Zeviro.

You take to this whole big brother thing much better than I ever did. As far as big brothers go, I was the worst.

(Huh, the Dunarith in my time layer lost his sister. I wonder if it's the same here?)

Something the matter, Aldo? Drop your wallet somewhere, perhaps?

Nah, just thinking about something...

About how the Dunarith from your time layer also lost his little sister, perhaps?

Huh?!

You're terrible at keeping secrets, you know? I can read you like a book.

You have any brothers or sisters, Dunarith?

I "had" a sister, yes. She died a long time ago.

Ah, gosh. I'm sorry. Didn't mean to bring back any bad memories...

It was ages ago, Aldo. I've moved on.

Since I've got you here Dunarith, I have something I need to ask of you.

One of my partners went to this other world and I've been having such a hard time finding them, you see...

Oh... Yes, well, uh, how dare...they?

Indeed. It's unbelievable.

Soo...What do you want from me?

I've got a problem I need to deal with over in the Rippling Forest and I need your help reaping a few souls.

I owe you and I always repay my debts, but also I am bound by contract to help, so show me the way.

Reaping souls, huh...

Yes! More specifically, showing lost souls the way to Purgatory. It's as proper as any job can get, and I help Zeviro do it.

Feel free to lay on the praise, but I would prefer a free drink or two...

I've asked my junior to fill you in on the details once you get to the Rippling Forest.

You don't mean...

All right, I gotta go. Happy reaping.

Ugh... This is going to be torture if it's just the two of us...

...Say, Aldo. How would you like a chance to get to know the "real" Dunarith?

You want me to help you do the job.

A hero, a saint, AND a telepath?! Soon enough we might be finishing each other's sentences, Aldo. Maybe we could start with a joint bank account?

You know what, maybe I'll sit this one out.

Aldo, I'm KIDDING...mostly.

All right, all right. Let's head over to the Rippling Forest, then.

What to do...

Hey Mazrika, looking fabulous as always, I see.

Excuse me...

What, didn't recognize me with this hat on? It's me, Dunarith.

Yes. Any idiot with eyeballs can see that. What I want to know is why you are here.

And what is with your friend...

Oh, me? I'm Aldo. Dunarith's a friend of mine.

I'm Mazrika. Apologies for not properly introducing myself the first time we met.

And why is Aldo...

Zeviro asked us to come down here and help you out.

...He did?

Hmm... Well, thank you. To be honest I am in a bit of a bind here, so I could use the help.

That's why we're here! Just say the word, and your older, wiser brother will do as you wish.

First of all, I have no brother.

Second of all, purgatorians don't have siblings? You should know that.

...Yes, I forgot... Well then, what is it you need?

I need you to guide me to a soul that resides somewhere in this forest.

So, you're lost?

As embarrassing as it is to say...yes. The problem is, I keep finding it, but as soon as I try to approach it... It disappears and reappears somewhere else.

My guess is that the mushrooms that grow in this forest are your problem.

They have this effect on people. Confuse the senses in a way. Make you see things that aren't truly there.

...Say, Mazrika, what happened to your arm?

The bruise? I'm not exactly sure, to be honest.

At any rate, it's fine. Barely hurts at all.

......

...Damn!

Dunarith? What's the matter?

That is no bruise. That is the hunter's mark. A soul-eating monster that lives in these woods puts it on its prey.

...So you know of it, too.

The monster is coming for you, Mazrika. We must leave here at once.

I am a purgatorian, Dunarith. There is a soul lost in these woods and I cannot leave until I guide it to its new home.

Hah... Just as stubborn as you were before your reincarnation.

Hm? If you have something to say, say it loud enough for me to hear it.

Apologies. Pay no mind to my utterances. They are of little import. But if you have to stay here, I will stay here to help. Let's just try and avoid any dangerous looking creatures, okay?

I'll be on the lookout for anyone or anything that looks like it might be on the hunt.

Thank you, Aldo. Now, where is our lost little friend, then?

Just up ahead. Follow me.

Starting to feel a little light-headed... Is that the mushrooms?

Urgh...

The feeling you get from the mushrooms will make you feel a little sick to the stomach. You get used to it, but if you're not... Let me go on ahead and search. You two stay here and take a rest, okay?

You sure you're going to be okay? I didn't take you to be the foresting type.

I'll be fine, don't worry!

Now where has that little soul gone off to...

Ah, the ol' show em' their final moments song and dance, is it?

And you are...

A bard, just traveling through the woods. Is this your home?

What are you? You don't look human... You an elf? Beastfolk?

You might not believe me without the horns, but I'm a beast, just like you.

Oh, how about I sing you a song? I always say, meeting new friends is always worth a song. It'll only be a moment.

I know this song. It's the one they use to ask the angels to take lost souls to the garden of heaven...

Why that song? You couldn't sing something happier?

Because that's why I'm here. To help you all pass on... Look around you. Look well. Are these your homes? Is your whole family here with you?

What do you mean? Of course...they're...

They're not here... We all got killed by those scary knights...

(An all too familiar story...) (I only turned from Reliath for a moment...)

That's right... When the humans found this place I was out on the hunt...

When I came back, all I saw were flames... There was no one left...

Seems you've finally woken up, friend. I feel bad for taking you from such a dream, but it had to be done...

If not, you would have surely died in your sleep.

Do you see the mark on your wrist there?

Why...Why did you wake me up?

I do not care if I die. Everything I love is already dead. What value does my life have?

LEAVE ME ALONE!

Sigh... Running will do you no good. Reality always catches up in the end...

Don't worry. I'll make sure he's safe, okay?

Do you mind doing me a favor? There's a human with a funny-looking sword over that way. Can you tell him to come here for me? There's a very scary monster in these woods, and I do not think I can take it on by myself.

He went deeper into the forest. I should hurry, before it's too late.

Please, just one last time... Let me dream that dream one last...

I don't think that's a good idea, you know.

I deal in selling dreams and fantasies. It's a fun escape, but not at the expense of the real.

What do you mean by "real."

I saw my mother cleaved in two. I saw my sister burn alive and turned to ash. I've SEEN ENOUGH!

Of course you did. You wouldn't dare divert your eyes in your sister's final moments. We can lose our loved ones in what may seem like the blink of an eye. A blink that we'd spend an eternity to take back...

What the hell do you know?!

You broke your horns! Why? To blend in with humans? Is that why you threw away your pride as a beast?! I've heard about you, you know! And with that white skin of yours, you must blend in real good with the humans.

My horns...

I'm sorry, Dunny... We did this to protect you. If you tell them you're an elf, the humans will believe you. Do not tell them who you truly are. Blend in. Become one of them. This is your chance to live the life we will never have. Please. Protect your sister, and go!

...I did my best, father. You know me. I was always good with words, could carry a tune... It didn't take much to get humans to like me. I just had to turn away from her... It was only for a moment...

What, just because you lost someone you think you have the right to tell ME what to do?!

...I actually do not care what you do at all.

Then what the hell is your problem?!

Your sister. She's worried about you. So worried in fact, she chooses to stay here and watch over you instead of continuing on to the afterlife...

I don't believe that for a second. She probably hates me for all that's happened.

Stabbed, burnt, all the pain she must have felt...

And where was I, huh? Not where she needed me. Not anywhere close. If I could just be with her now...

Urgh... Argh... What...is happening...to me...

Not since your friends killed my sister have I seen someone such as you. So plump and fat from feeding on the souls of others...

What...is this...thing...

A monster that feasts on the souls of the living. It hid behind the effects of the mushrooms and turned this forest into a feeding ground. The mark you bear belongs to him.

Now step back, lest you want to be eaten.

Dunarith!

Perfect timing as always, my dear Aldo.

I was just about to settle an old grudge. I could use the extra sword.

Hm. Get behind me. On my word as a purgatorian, I will protect you.

Your arm must be aching now that we're this close to him. Mazrika, take care of the souls. Aldo and I will handle this monster.

I don't know what your connection to this thing is, Dunarith, but I heard all I needed to from the souls back there. Let's take this thing out and save that boy.

...Now that's settled, you gluttonous bastard. Prepare to feel wrath the likes you have NEVER seen.

Time to finish this gig...

NO! DON'T YOU COME ANY CLOSER!

I don't like singing this song because it uses up my magic, but eh, as far as causes go, I couldn't think of a better one. This spellsong was passed down from generation to generation in my family, so consider yourself special that you get to hear it.

Why...do I know this? It feels so familiar...but like a memory that feels more like a distant dream...

Are you going to be okay? Do you need my help?

...I'm fine. It's my brother's favorite song...

He may seem lazy and hard to depend on, but when you need him most, he's there. I think he's the coolest in the whole wide world!

...Mazrika?

...Phew. That should do it.

It's...gone?

Haha! See that, my friend? The pen may be mightier than swords, but the words written are nothing without a voice to sing them.

...Sasha?

Sorry for not being there when you needed me... Sorry for letting you die...alone...

Do allow our little soul the chance to hear her brother's words, would you Mazrika?

...Huh? I feel like I just remembered something very important...

Come on, sleepy head. We need you.

...I-I wasn't sleeping! Make her appear in her physical form, yes? Easy.

...Sasha...

It's okay. You don't need to apologize for anything. In the end, you DID save me.

I was so full of anger, and that anger burned so hot within me that it turned me into something evil...

But then I saw you cry for me, and all the anger stopped...

Souls that die with resentment in their hearts eventually turn into monsters. But your love for her saved her from the brink.

Thank you for saving me...

......

The evil has been slain, its hunting mark erased. A brother and sister torn asunder meet again before her eternal slumber. The end of our story, I believe. Now shall we take our leave?

Before you go... Can you put in a good word for Sasha? With the folks up above, I mean.

I'll do you one better. How about the mourning song of our people?

You think whenever I make it up there, I'll be able to see her again?

Of course. Souls are drawn to each other by nature.

Thank you...

And you're welcome. By the way, if you're feeling like you owe me one, I do accept cash, but a few rounds at the tavern works, too.

Someday...

Now why'd you have to go and tell him that? You know there's no such thing as heaven.

Because sometimes a little hope is all the soul needs to be saved. Think about it. What is better than a vision where your sister is still by your side? One where she lives out eternity in peace.

No matter how desperate the situation, hope is all you need to push through.

Hm. Well I need to report back. So, if you don't mind, I will take my leave.

Before you go... How are you feeling? Does it still hurt?

I feel perfectly fine.

I see, good to know. Just let Zeviro know how much of a huge help I was in this whole thing, okay? "We couldn't have done it without him!"

I'll let him know you actually did something for a change. Now, I thank you both for your assistance. Good day.

...And there she goes...

We should head back to town too, huh?

Absolutely. I've used so much magic I think I...perhaps...used...too much...

Dunarith?

You're...gonna have to...carry me...

DUNARITH?! Crap...I dunno what to do. Maybe someone back in Unigan can help!

Don't worry, just a little rest and he should be right as rain.

That's good to hear...

Send for me if his situation changes, otherwise take care.

I'm Sorry... Reli...ath...

You up, Dunarith?

Ah...looks like he's just dreaming... Hope it's a good one, buddy...

Sorry Reliath!

A fan brought me a coqrico sandwich, I thought we could share it!

Hello? Don't worry, it's just me out here!

Reliath!

Wake up! Come on... Open those big beautiful eyes of yours...

Why....

I gave up my home, my friends, my horns... I gave up everything! WAS THAT NOT ENOUGH?! Take me, take my future, take everything! YOU CAN HAVE IT!

Just...please...don't take her...

What the...

Get away from her!

...I feel...my power...leaving...

I'm sorry...but maybe now... we can go to heaven...together...

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no "heaven."

Who...

I'm Zeviro. It's my job to guide souls to purgatory.

...Purgatory? Is that where you're taking us?

Us? I don't deal in living souls, I'm afraid.

I'm here for that one over there. And I must work fast for her soul is already partially consumed by that monster.

But...I saw that thing...it disappeared?

This all must be extremely confusing for you, but if I do not help her right now, she will be lost forever, understood?

For...ever?

Yes. Souls are not single-use, you see. They die, get reborn, then repeat. But if a soul has been damaged or weakened, the cycle stops. Those souls have no chance at reincarnation.

What?! Then please! Help her!

I'll do whatever you want, just help her! Whatever it takes, as long as her soul can survive!

Anything? Careless words of the desperate.

But... Hmmm... Lately, I feel like my reaping has become a bit...stagnant... Perhaps I could use you...no...the both of you to help me improve my numbers?

Both of us? But Reliath is already...

I will resurrect your sister's soul as a purgatorian, like me. She will be given a new body, and she will have no memory of the life she had before, but her soul will be saved.

So you're saying that to save her she just has to become like you?

We'll just have to see. No telling until we resurrect her.

Just like life, you don't know what kind you'll have till you live it. All I can do is give her an opportunity. The rest is up to her.

......

If you want her new life to go well, then I suggest you help her and me.

But what...

Sorry, there really is no time. I'm going to need an answer. Now.

Please...save her...

I've sent her to purgatory, and the act of reincarnation is complete. All that's left is... Ah, yes. She needs a new name. Our leader has a thing for using names of flowers, but seeing as I couldn't tell a tulip from a rose...

...... Mazrika. It was her favorite flower.

Then that is what I'll call her.

Thank you, Zeviro. Even if it takes the rest of my life to pay it, this debt I owe you is one I intend to pay in full.

You are devoted, I'll give you that...

Ahhh... Now THAT was a nap!

You're finally awake!

Must have been a pretty good dream, huh?

Yes, an oldie but goodie. It was the day I had thought I lost everything, but then was granted a new lease on life.

That's a story I'd like to hear.

You would? Well then let me tell it! Ah, but it's going to cost you. That's lodging, food, drink...let's make it a package deal!

A long time ago, in a land far, far away...

Woah, there. I didn't agree to anything!

No takebacksies! This is a deal you know. I'm usually much more expensive!

Okay, now why don't we start from the beginning? There once was a little beast, his height one furthest from the least, and his skin was as pale...