The Great Necoco Saves the Day!

Mrow...

If I can remeowmber how I felt then, maybe...

Aww, you've gotta be kitten me... Why isn't it working like before?

Necoco?

Nyanji?!

I thought I sensed something odd, so I came to see what it was.

What are you doing here, Necoco?

Nyathing...

It's not good to lie, Necoco. Do you really think you can fool me?

I'm not tryin' to fool you! I just wanted to keep it a secret 'til I could pull it off.

I see. Well, why don't you let me in on your little secret?

Ohh, all right...

Hmm. So you're saying that taking this other world's Sacred Beast inside of you allowed you to use a special power. Now I understand.

Understand what?

I could faintly sense the Sacred Beast within you, but... It seems it's just vestiges of when it was contained inside of you.

The Sacred Beast returned to the Necoco in that world.

It probably wasn't contained very long, which is why the amount of heavenly energy within you is so little. So even if you can activate that power, it's likely you wouldn't be able to maintain it.

Mrow...

So you're saying I have to put the same ameownt of heavenly energy within me if I want to use that power again?

But where would I even find that?

......

Something wrong, Nyanji?

Oh... No, it's nothing. I was just wondering how you'd go about getting all that energy.

...I don't think so.

What do you mean?

I mean, you're hidin' something! It's sooo obvious!

You can't keep a secret after you made me tell you mine! That's nyat fair! If you know something, you gotta tell me!

But it's too dangerous...

Danger-schmanger! What do you think these nine lives are for?

Necoco. Why do you want this power so badly? You returned to this world. Doesn't that mean the danger you needed to face is gone?

I fought to purrotect the Cat Shrine in that world. But if I had more power, I'm sure I could've saved even more people.

I don't wanna wait 'til I'm face-to-face with danger to get my hands on it.

And I don't wanna have any regrets when the next big, bad thing happens.

The great and kind Necoco has decided to purrotect everything!

I see. You want to prepare for any eventuality in the present.

In that case, I have a favor to ask.

Nyah?

Something has been attacking people around here. But it's so strong, a mere soldier would be no match for it. Would you dispose of it?

That shouldn't be a problem, but...what's it got to do with that secret you're keepin'?

This is a trial, to see if you are worthy of wielding great power.

'Course I am. You don't need a silly trial to see that! You really need to learn to trust me.

But I'll do your trial anyway. So tell me more about my target! What's it look like and where can I find it?

Finding that out is part of the trial.

Nyooo! You're such an old fart, Nyanji! It's a waste of time to find information you already know!

Well, if that's how you feel...then this trial might be too much for you, Necoco.

Nuh-uh!

I can easily round up every single baddie with my own two paws! And I'll purrove it to ya!

I wonder if she'll be all right. She's looked troubled ever since she got back.

I really don't want her doing anything dangerous, but...

All we can do now is watch over her.

Okay, first thing's first, I gotta get me some information! If my target's been attacking people in this area, its victims're probably from Izuna, so I should go ask around town!

Sorry to keep you waiting, Necoco. Here's your teacakes. Are you sure you don't want any to go?

No. I'm not here to run errands today. I'm actually on the purrowl for some information!

So you're taking a break now, is that it?

Yeah! I walked here from the shrine, so I'm purrtty tired.

It is quite the trek.

Well, if there's anything you want to know, maybe I can help. I hear a lot of rumors from the customers.

Okay! Well, have you heard anything about a specter attacking people on the Inanari Plateau?

Now that you mention it, I heard that someone almost got attacked by a cat specter.

That's awful! I would nyever do something like that!

Apparently, that specter also had wings. It chased them around for a bit and gave them a scare, but thankfully, that was it.

What's interesting, though, is that when they spotted that cat specter...it was attacking another specter.

A specter attacking a specter...? Hmm, I wonder if it was just attacking anything that moved.

Does that help?

I can't say if that's who I'm looking for, but...

Now I've got a lead! So thank you!

You wanna know what's attacking people on the Inanari Plateau, huh?

Well, you've come to the right person. All us merchants have been talking about it.

Oh yeah? So what's the deal?

They say it's a gigantic tiger specter that appears with the northerly wind. Apparently, some soldiers tried to slay the beast, but none stood a chance.

I've been pretty worried about getting attacked on the road myself.

Northerly wind? Maybe I can track it if I follow the wind currents.

Thanks for the info. I'm gonna go find that specter, so rest easy!

I'd like nothing more, but...are you sure you're gonna be okay?

I don't want you getting hurt on anyone's behalf.

Don't worry. I'm stronger than you think!

Well, good luck out there!

Attacks on the Inanari Plateau? Of course I've heard about them.

You have? Do tell!

It all happened back when I was a little girl...

That's way too long ago! I'm talkin' about right now!

Oh? In that case, I can't be of much help. I'm sorry.

Aww... That's too bad.

But I'm sure everything will be fine. The Windcat will take care of any specter that comes.

The Windcat? What's that?

When I was young, I was attacked by specters while playing on the Inanari Plateau. There were no adults nearby to save me, so I thought I was done for.

But just then, a giant cat appeared with the wind. It helped me get away.

I didn't get a chance to thank it for saving my life...

But I'm sure it's still out there somewhere, looking over all of us.

I've nyever heard of a cat like THAT on the plateau.

I suppose you wouldn't have. Years ago, rumors were spread that the Windcat was attacking innocent folk. Since then, that poor feline has been feared and scarcely talked about. I told them it would never harm anyone, but back then I was still a child, and no one was willing to believe me.

Hmm. I'm not sure if this'll help me find my target, but...

I appurreciate the info anyhow. Thank you!

I gathered up a ton of info, but all I know is that it's a big cat-like specter.

I should just go to the Inanari Plateau and check it out for myself.

Nyaldo?

Hey, Necoco. What're you doing here?

I'm tryin' to solve a meowstery! What about you?

I was just talking to this soldier here. Apparently, there's some giant specter causing trouble on the Inanari Plateau.

What?! I might be able to solve my meowstery sooner than I thought!

Was a northerly wind blowing by any chance?!

There was wind, but...I don't know if it was coming from the north.

That's gotta be the specter I'm after.

I was just about to head over and check it out myself. Why don't we go together?

Sure!

We were no match for the beast. So please, be careful out there.

Hey, you! Stop right there!

How dare you attack innocent people! Even if the magistrate forgives you, the great Necoco will make you pay!

Whoa, that was pretty cool. Nice going, Necoco!

Nyahaha! What're you talkin' about, Nyaldo? I'm always cool!

I sense...the Sacred Beast...

If that's true, then you're no ordinary specter.

...You do not know me?

Has even the Sacred Beast forsaken me? Come to hunt me down?

What're you talkin' about?

I am no specter. I am Kyuki. I do not know what business a vessel has with me, but it is not hard to imagine.

Then come quietly!

I needn't obey you!

Nyaldo!

If you value your life...leave.

Tch... Wait!

Stop, Nyaldo!

But we can't just let it get away...

I know, but...I think we're gonna need a plan first. Else it'll be too dangerous.

(It said it wasn't a specter, but it was full of darkness. And it sounded like it knew the Sacred Beast too...)

I don't know what that creature was, but...

Nyanji might. Why don't we go talk to him?

Good idea. Let's head to the Cat Shrine, then.

Ah, Necoco. I didn't expect to see you back so soon.

And you brought Aldo with you. What brings the two of you here together?

Well, y'see...

And that specter said it felt the Sacred Beast inside of you?

It called itself "Kyuki."

As I expected.

If you know something, then tell us!

Right. I suppose I can't hide it from you any longer. The creature you met is an incarnation of the Sacred Beast.

Those are, like, parts of the Sacred Beast, right?

Ah, I see you are familiar with them.

An incarnation?

You could say it's like a part of the Sacred Beast itself.

The Sacred Beast protects Garulea, but the continent itself is too vast for one being to handle alone. That's why it split itself into multiple incarnations and set them to work.

The strongest of these are called the "four beasts," and each is enshrined at one of the cardinal directions. They watch over the areas the Sacred Beast cannot. But that is all I know of them.

And is Kyuki one of these "four beasts"?

Not necessarily. Not all incarnations are one of the four beasts. In fact, there are quite a number of them, and while they may be of lower status, they are still an extension of the same being. That said, as part of the Sacred Beast, they shouldn't be able to harm humans.

There might be a reason, like how the Sacred Beast in the Parallel Time Layer was affected by darkness. If it's in pain, I wanna help.

If it is affected by darkness, there must be more to this than we know. Unfortunately, we haven't time to look into the matter right now. If the beast has lost sight of its duty and is a danger to the people, we need to act quickly before things get worse.

So, Necoco...

Nyah?

This is what I was trying to tell you earlier. Do you understand now?

...Yeah, of course!

Well, I don't. Could someone explain?

Nyanji, tell Nyaldo what's up.

You don't understand it all, do you...?

Well, no matter. Necoco, you don't just need to defeat Kyuki. You should try capturing it inside of you. Since it's an incarnation of the Sacred Beast, it possesses a large amount of heavenly energy. Which means...

I can use that special power again?!

Yes, but Kyuki is different than your average monster or specter. It's gone mad, so getting close to it is a dangerous feat in itself.

We'll be fine. Besides, we can't let this beast keep purrowling around being a threat to the townsfolk! And I already made up my mind: the great Necoco is gonna purrotect everybody!

You should also know that putting Kyuki into yourself will fill the vessel completely. You won't have room for the Sacred Beast afterward. Is that all right with you, Necoco?

...Yeah. I mean, Altena already inherited the Sacred Beast of this world.

And capturing Kyuki would help the people here and make me supurr powerful, two birds, one stone!

There's no reason for me not to do it.

If that's how you feel, I won't stop you.

Aldo, I'm trusting you to look after Necoco. Make sure she doesn't do anything reckless.

Of course. I'll keep her safe.

Now then, let's head to the Temple Ruins and find Kyuki!

Kyuki's nearby! I can feel it.

You can?

Yeah! It's a mix of heavenly and dark energy. It's purrtty easy to tell.

I'll lead the way. Follow me, Nyaldo!

We've got you meow, Kyuki, so come quietly!

I told you to leave if you value your lives.

Sorry. Nyo can do!

The great Necoco came to put you in a vessel so that the people here can live in peace.

Do you think I can be contained? I...

I don't like the look of this. What's going on?

It's gathering dark energy!

If it won't come quietly, then we'll have to show it who's boss!

It's weak! What do we do now, Necoco?

Leave the rest to me!

I'm an expurrt at drawing out heavenly energy!

Nyah?

Nyaldo? Where'd you go?!

What's going on here? How'd I end up on the Inanari Plateau all by myself?

Was my power so strong that I blew everything away? The temple, Nyaldo, and even Kyuki?

Nyahaha! The great Necoco strikes again!

...I guess this isn't really the time to be laughin', though.

Ahh! Someone help me!

Meow?

Sounds like someone's in trouble! I better scurry!

N-No... Stay away from me!

Tch! Here already, Kyuki?

Can you stand, girl?

Now run, as fast as your legs will carry you.

What an unpleasant surprise. Haven't you anything else to do besides get in our way?

Why are you still here? Do you not realize the difference in our power?

Have you any idea how many of our kin you hunted down?! It would be a disgrace to flee! We must avenge them!

Heh... Looks like we are defeated once more.

Did you honestly think mere specters stood a chance against me?

It isn't over yet.

A human? Do you plan to beg for forgiveness?

Ahh! Someone help me!

This way!

Kyuki! What're you doin' here...

Help! That specter's trying to kill me!

Hmph! A pathetic ploy.

We'll handle things here. You take that man back to town.

So you're the specter that attacked that little girl! It's all over for you now!

No, it wasn't me! It was that...

Attaaack!

After it! Don't let it get away!

What's going on here?

I'm seeing things with my own eyes, but it doesn't feel real. Could this be...

The stories of the Windcat are all fake! It's nothing less than a ferocious specter! We need to take it down now!

But there are so many stories of the Windcat saving people... Are you sure it's evil?

Of course it is! It almost killed me! How could it possibly be good?!

Yeah. I don't know if he'd still be alive if we hadn't shown up.

You're lying! If the Windcat hadn't shown up, those specters would've gotten me!

Tch...

That specter wasn't trying to save you. It was attacking anything that moved.

You just got lucky. So don't go around deluding people with your stupid story!

But the Windcat told me to run away...

I didn't know it was that dangerous. Perhaps we've been played for fools. We should strike it down, yes...

(Hehe. That was easy.)

(It's not my fault you were born into that monstrous body, Kyuki. You can blame the Sacred Beast for that!)

These are Kyuki's memories. I can see them because I tried to take his energy.

I've gotta find out for myself what's going on with Kyuki.

Damn... We need to call for more reinforcements!

Kyuki is hurtin' people, even though it's an incarnation of the Sacred Beast...

But there's gotta be more to it.

There it is!

Hehehe. You've made a big mistake, Kyuki. You're supposed to protect this land. Serve the Sacred Beast. And yet you killed a human to save your own skin?

No... It was only because I must fulfill my duty to the Sacred Beast. I cannot be done in by humans.

A duty, you say?

I suppose a single human life pales in comparison to a grand mission from the almighty Sacred Beast.

Fiend! You twist my words!

Whatever the reason, the man still lies dead.

It's time you admit it, Kyuki. Regardless of your birth, you're one of us.

You can hear it, can't you? The voices of the people.

You see, Kyuki? This is the true heart of humans. This is what the people you protect REALLY think of you.

Do you truly expect me to believe that? This is an illusion... Just one of your tricks...

Then why do you look so shaken? If you're so certain, why not just reject it outright? You can't, can you? Because you don't truly believe what you hear is false.

But why would you? No one's ever said a kind word, have they? Or thanked you, for that matter.

That's...

You save them from specters time and again, yet they flee without any show of appreciation.

But what can you expect, looking as you do? You look like one of us, not the Sacred Beast you so dutifully serve.

Doesn't it make you wonder why it gave you this form?

Silence... I'm certain it had its reasons... And I will not let you get away with such blasphemy...

You don't need to pretend, Kyuki. It is time you lay your burden down.

Let yourself be filled with darkness. I think it will suit you nicely.

Hehehe. How quick the mighty fall. Your mind is so frail, I can hardly believe you to be an incarnation of the Sacred Beast.

Oh nyo! Did Kyuki get beaten by a specter?!

Yes... Though it pains me to admit.

Are you the real Kyuki?

Indeed, I am heavenly energy given form. Your magic allowed me to detach myself from the darkness that specter planted in me. And for that, you have my gratitude.

You don't need to thank me. I had my own reasons for doin' it.

...Would you mind if I asked you a favor?

Fine, I guess since I'm here anyway... So what can I do for you?

Kill me.

I brought harm to humans as an incarnation of the Sacred Beast, and for that I must atone. I cannot live on and further sully the Sacred Beast's name.

I get what you're tryin' to say, but this is all that specter's fault.

You didn't hurt those people 'cause you wanted to. I don't think that's somethin' you need to die for.

Perhaps, but the reason that specter was able to control me was because of my own weakness. Even if I regain control of myself, the same thing may happen again. So it's best to put an end to things here and now. That's why you came here, isn't it?

Mrowrow... Yeah, it is, but... I dunno if I can get behind such a heavy punishment for a single mistake.

You are too kind. But it is only humans that deserve a chance to start life anew. I was given a role by the Sacred Beast, and I failed to fulfill it. That is betrayal. There is no recourse left for me but to disappear.

Kyuki...I get it.

No matter how benevolent the great Necoco is, she can't look past you hurtin' humans or betrayin' the Sacred Beast.

But!

Killin' you is gonna be the last, last, last resort!

If that darkness is behind all your misdeeds and it's robbin' you of your desire to redeem yourself, then...

I'm gonna expel all that dark energy from ya! So you'll have to wait a little longer to atone!

Can you truly expel the darkness?

'Course I can! I'm the great Necoco, after all.

But I don't think I can do this all on my own.

So if you really wanna live, Kyuki, you're gonna have to work for it!

Necoco and Kyuki still haven't woken up... But you'll be okay...right, Necoco?

Did that cat just...stand up and run off?!

What did I just see?

That cat ran off...on two legs...

W-We better tell Nyanji!

Meow! Mrowww! (At last, she's alighted! The goddess of the strays!)

Mewmew! Mrowow meow! (Praise be to her! It's time we worship our new lord!)

Whoa! What's with these cats?!

Meow, meow! (Your attention, please!) Mrow mew meow meow! (The cat goddess will soon grace you with her presence!) Meow meow, mrow, mew mrow! (And she is greater even than all the gold, silk, and sake in the land!) Mew mew mrow mrow meow! (She will bring a bountiful harvest and illuminate every corner of the world!) Mrow meow mrow! (Burn her majesty into your memory!)

Meow meow meow! (Now presenting, the great Necoco!)

Necoco! Isn't that what you were wearing at the Cat Shrine in the other world?

Nyahaha! All hail the great Necoco!

Hey, Kyuki! Are you listening?!

I decided that I'm gonna purrotect everything, and that includes you!

So even if you wanna die, I'm nyat gonna let it happen!

I do not wish...to be saved...

Nyah, nyah. Say what you want, but you lent me your strength, that means, deep down, you wanna live!

Nyaldo, you ready?!

I'm gonna chase away the darkness around Kyuki, and I need your help!

I don't know how we got to this point, but sure. If you need my help, you got it.

Bow down before the great Necoco!

So? How're you feelin', Kyuki? Any of that pesky darkness still botherin' you?

...No. It's gone now. I feel much better.

Guess that means you're back to your old self.

Quite the feat to eliminate the darkness deep within Kyuki's heart.

You!

But don't go thinking a heart tainted by darkness can so easily return to the light!

Watch it! That specter's up to something!

Kyuki, this is your chance!

Right now, you've got my blessing!

But that'll only get you so far.

You've gotta fight with your own power!

Do you think defeating me will solve everything? Don't be so naive.

The darkness is already inside of you...

That was incredible, Kyuki! Now you can rest easy.

Thank you, vessel of the Sacred Beast.

You can just call me "Necoco."

I was originally plannin' on capturin' you and turnin' myself into Miracle Necoco, buuut...

You've still got things to do, right? So that's out!

You sure, Necoco? Kyuki might still be dangerous.

Nyah, I can promise you it's not!

Kyuki, if you wanna atone for all the things you've done, you gotta fulfill your duty to the Sacred Beast.

As I said before, the reason that specter was able to control me was because of my inner weakness. Even if the darkness is now gone from within me, I may repeat my mistake in time. I still think it best not to leave me to my own devices...

You're purrtty timid for such a big beast.

Just so y'know, I won't forgive you for abandoning your duty!

But if you ever feel like it's too much to handle on your own, swing by the Cat Shrine!

Could I truly?

When people are strugglin', they come to the Cat Shrine to find a way to move forward. Anyone looking for a place to belong, whether they walk on two or four legs, are welcome. And if you're afraid to go on your lonesome, I'll go with ya!

Is that where you intend to go now?

Sure is! 'Cause if I don't, you'll probably keep draggin' your paws and nyever ever come.

...You know me well.

Nyahaha! And the great Necoco saves the day!

Necoco? What happened? We were...

Oh, wow! Your clothes are so cute!

They are, aren't they? Tell me more!

I mean, we could go on all day, but... Um, what's that behind you?

That? I mean, it's obviously a big cat.

Uh, you sure about that?!

Hmm... Well, it IS fluffy. And it's got claws and fangs too.

Guess that checks out.

The boy is terrified. Perhaps it's best I leave after all...

Excuse me... Might you be the Windcat?

How do you know that name?

I'm not surprised you don't remember me. We met so long ago. But I could never, ever forget you.

You saved my life, after all.

You protected me from those specters and told me to run as fast as my legs would carry me.

I remember now... The little girl.

For so long, I've wanted to thank you...and to tell you how sorry I am.

I tried to tell those adults the truth, but... they wouldn't listen.

You have nothing to be sorry for. I am glad to see you still live.

Come. You have nothing to be afraid of.

This is a very gentle creature.

Really?

Whenever it hears a cry for help, it flies like the wind on those wings and shreds through evil with those claws.

It is a noble creature that protects us all.

Isn't that right?

Indeed. I swear to protect you with all my might.

Wow... Thank you!

Well, how 'bout that? You were appreciated all this time. You just never knew it. So how do you feel about carryin' out your duty now?

Good, I must admit. But I should like someone to keep an eye on me, to make sure I don't stray from the path again.

Vessel of the Sacred Beast, Necoco.

Would you accept me as your retainer, and give me a new home inside of you?

You sure about that?

It would put me at ease and allow me to carry out my duty. I will, of course, lend you my strength whenever you wish it.

You're the cat's pajamas, Kyuki!

With you around, I'll be purractically purrfect!