Passing on the Mantle

You're the last one standing, eh?

I'll make you wish you never defied me! Die, human scum!

I won't lose to you! No way!

Please! You have to defeat her!

Prepare yourself, witch of Moonlight Forest!

AAARGHHH!

And so, the witch of Moonlight Forest was defeated, and peace returned to the village.

That was the story of "The Hero in White and the Greatsword," a legend here in our village.

Yeah, I've heard it before. Isn't it from before Baruoki was founded?

They defeated the witch and brought peace to the land. My mom says that's how Baruoki's here today!

That's right. We should all be grateful to the hero of Baruoki.

Yeah, yeah. Good luck trying to be a hero like that, Nomar.

Why does everyone have to tease me all the time...?

Well, with the play over, I guess we should be heading back, too.

Thanks for helping us out on such short notice, Flamme.

We couldn't find anyone else who could use magic for the witch part.

Don't worry about it, it was my pleasure! Besides, we'd love to settle here someday, and this really made me feel like I was part of the community.

Really? That's great! You'd be more than wel...come...

Wait. Did you just say "we"?!

A-Are you talking about...?!

Huh, so Aldo has finally chosen someone. And? When's the wedding?

Come on, guys! Cut it out!

Hahaha! You all get along really well, huh?

But no. I was talkin' about Oggy, my sword.

You two are traveling companions, right? Let me guess. Aldo first approached you because of that sword.

You're making it sound like I was scheming or something!

But you're right that Ogre Rancorem is the reason we got to know each other.

I got mad at him 'cause I thought he stole Oggy... Yeah, sorry about that.

It's okay. I've come to understand how important Ogre Rancorem is to you now.

Yeah, he's my favorite person in the world!

......

But how'd you know Oggy brought us together?

Aldo's always looked up to the Hero in White.

When we'd play as kids, he'd always insist on being the hero. And the mayor would always scold him for it.

He also angered the mayor by carrying around that sword of his because it reminded him of the hero's sword.

T-That was a long time ago, okay?!

I had no idea you idolized heroes like me, Aldo!

Aldo! Thank goodness you're back!

Is something wrong?

We're in big trouble! Baruoki's sinking into the ground!

What?!

Me and my friends were playing hide and seek in the well when we heard this cracking sound.

What if it collapses and brings the whole village down with it?

The village...

It's gonna be okay, kiddo. I'll go take a look.

Aldo, you accompany Flammelapis to the well. Nomar, May, you keep an eye on the children. I'll go report this to the mayor.

Got it. Good luck, everyone.

I had a quick look around, but I didn't see any cracks.

Good, then let us return to the surface. There is nothing for you to gain here.

Don't be hasty, Oggy! For the sake of everyone up there, we gotta check every last nook and cranny down here!

Yeah, let's split up and take a look around.

...Imbeciles.

Huh? What's that?

My, what is a distortion in space- time doing here? How interesting. Well, I'll simply use my power to...

Ngh...

Oggy, what did you do?

I didn't do anything. But...something is resonating with us on the other side... Look! The crack is getting bigger!

Uh...

(I can't, It's pulling me in...)

Aldo, can you hear me?

I'm kinda gettin' sucked into a hole right now, but don't worry, I'll be back soon!

Flamme!

Oh no, the hole!

Don't worry. There is a way to pursue the girl. Let us head to Moonlight Forest.

Well, that was a twist nobody saw comin'!

Are we...still inside the well? But I don't see Aldo anywhere. We must've traveled to a different time.

Indeed. What a relief to be away from that domesticated version of myself and the juvenile he obeys.

Looks like the hole's been sealed off now...

But if there was a way in, there's gotta be a way out!

Come on, Oggy. Let's try to find a way out of here!

Phew, looks like the entrance is still here at least. Come on, let's head up to the surface!

This...isn't Baruoki...

But are we here before the village was founded, or after it was destroyed? I do hope this is the future. Then I could show it to the boy and break his little heart.

Don't be so mean, Oggy! That's a horrible thing to say.

A...a stranger...

Thank goodness! Maybe she can...

Is that...the witch?! I have to go tell the village elder!

Huh?

Heheh. A witch, eh? How the High Priestess' disciple has fallen.

You know, you're gonna lose all your friends if you keep that up.

If that means losing one annoying "friend," I'd welcome it.

Well, what are you going to do now? I don't see any clues to lead us home.

No, but...let's put that on the back burner for now. I wanna go see if I can help that girl first. I think there's somethin' goin' on here...

Suit yourself. Just remember, we're always trying to get the better of you.

I know. I know exactly what you are.

......

All right, let's go follow that girl!

What should we do now, Village Elder?

We came here to flee the war, but we've found no peace here. With all this suffering, I can't help but think it's the world's way of telling me I don't deserve to live.

That is not true. You are simply having a run of bad luck. You are not at fault.

So don't give up hope. Everything happens for a reason.

Village Elder, Village Elder!

What's the trouble, child?

The witch! The witch of Moonlight Forest is here!

What?!

You caught on to me already, huh? That's unfortunate...

Oh...

Leave, witch. This place is not for you.

I'm afraid I can't do that. In order to amass enough magic, I need a sacrifice. Someone nice and full of life...

Nnh...

That's right. Be afraid, be very afraid. I feed off your fear and hatred. They will fuel my curse.

I don't know what's goin' on here, but I'm not likin' what I'm seein'!

A sorcerer...

I thought nearly all humans with powerful magic had been sacrificed...yet here you are.

Your friend's gone now. What are you gonna do from all the way over there?

I suppose I've seen enough. Very well, I'll withdraw for now. Besides...I already got what I came for.

Everyone okay?

Y-Yeah...

I'm sorry... I guess you're not a witch after all...

You don't need to apologize. You were only doing what was best for everyone.

But who was that? There was an air of extraordinary magic about her.

That was the witch who lives in Moonlight Forest. She's said to have lived in these parts for aeons, creating curses out of people's fear and hatred.

Sometimes she comes and attacks. She's even killed some of us...

Oggy, we gotta deal with this witch for them.

You'll never be able to. Some of our young men went out to attempt the same thing, but she killed them all.

And she's used her extraordinary power to steal most of the magic from our village elder. If even she couldn't defeat her, then a spring chicken like you is only going to get herself hurt.

Mmm, their despair smells so good. I can see why the witch would want it.

Everything is going to be fine. This young lady here...

She's a hero sent by the mother goddess to save our village.

H-Hero?!

Just play along, if you don't mind. The settlers here have lost all hope. If you truly want to help them, then first you must lift their spirits.

Hpmh. What good will comfort do? It will only deepen their despair.

You're not wrong, Oggy. But that day...

...Everyone's gone.

Please, answer me. I beg you... ...Please, don't leave me all alone.

Well, if it isn't the Priestess's girl. I thought I heard someone's forlorn crying...

When you're lost in despair, simply having someone call out to you can give you the courage needed to stand. Whether it's a comfortin' lie...or an evil sword up to no good.

Don't worry, everyone! I am descended from the great titans, just like the great hero Garam! I have the power to save you all!

Really? We don't have to be scared anymore?

I will! You can count on me.

I'll go to Moonlight Forest and teach this nasty witch a lesson she won't soon forget!

You might not like it, Oggy, but I have to do this.

Hmph. Be my guest. I'm intrigued to find out if this witch's curse is stronger than my own.

Okay, the forest is to the west of Baruoki. Now let's figure out how to get there!

I'm so sorry to do this to you...

But I'm afraid you won't defeat the witch...

I'm gettin' chills all up my spine. I don't like this one bit. We should proceed with caution.

Apparently, caution was unnecessary.

Oh, it's you again. Here for a witch hunt?

I come with a request. Stop attackin' the village.

Heheheh. You really think you can persuade a witch?

Honestly? No, not with any ease.

But just 'cause you're a bad person doesn't mean we can't come to an understandin'.

My my, what a good girl you are. Or is this all simply to excuse that ominous demon sword you carry?

She must be a powerful witch indeed if she can tell what I am from just a glance.

Heheheh...

It would be a shame to let your journey here go to waste. I think I'll use you as part of my curse.

You'll have to catch me first!

They teleported?!

That power...

What a pity. If only you'd moved a little faster, perhaps you could have defeated them.

Again!

Ngh...

(What is this power...? I thought they were teleportin', but I don't sense any magic...) It's almost as if...time has stopped...

So you've noticed? Then do you sense it? That presence? One of overwhelming hatred...

Presence?

You're kidding. That's...

Oggy?

Yes, the demon sword Ogre Rancorem, an item belonging to the protector of the village.

When I stole it, along with her magic, she kept trying to take it back. Each time she did, I stopped time and put her in her place.

Now...how will you scream for me?

Get away from me, girl!

Too slow. What a shame...

Ngh...

Ugh...

My my, such a pity. You just needed to move a little faster. Then things might have turned out differently.

Now I'll just be taking your magic... And your sword.

It appears the girl's demon sword holds even greater power than mine. Worry not...I can still control you with my witch's curse, just as I have my other one.

How very presumptuous of you. No one controls me.

Heheh... We'll soon see how long that brave front of yours lasts.

Og...gy...

Well... Now that I've taken her magic, I have no more use for the girl. Perhaps I'll use her own sword to finish her.

Tch... Foolish child...

(Hm? This presence...)

It's nothing personal, little girl. I have spent thousands of years seeking revenge on Aldo. Your bond with him is a hindrance to my plans. Better to sever that link now!

Og...gy...

Are you sure this is the place?

I'm sure. Any moment now, the other side will apply their force...

Let's go!

Flamme?!

Tearing a hole in space-time just to call on your friends? How touching.

I told you. I obey no one. That is the only reason I did this.

Well, no matter. I've already gained enough magic from the girl to activate my curse.

You'll pay for this!

The sword... Well, no matter. That sword has weakened quite a bit. So long, girl. Thanks for the gift!

Guh...

We have to help Flamme!

I knew this would happen.

Who are you?

My, my. You forgot me already, Aldo?

Though I admit, I have changed a little in the hundreds of years since our journey came to an end...

I am Flammelapis.

Flamme?! What happened to you?!

Heheh. Age. That's what happened to me.

......

Sorry for taking so long to get to you, old friend.

Ha, don't make me laugh. You knew this would happen. You knew I would tamper with the well to summon you here.

......

We have much to discuss, but first things first, let's head back to the settlement to treat the younger me.

Right.

Where am I? Who brought me here?

O...Oggy? Where's Oggy?!

I have to go find him!

The witch's goal is to use humans' negative emotions to create her curses. This settlement is close to the Moonlight Forest in which she dwells... Meaning the villagers here are prime prey for her. She's attacked them for use in her curses many times now.

(Isn't the witch of Moonlight Forest one of the previous iterations of Wenefica?) (It turns out, they're all equally willing to do whatever it takes to complete their curse...)

The witch said she'd already gathered enough magic to activate her ritual. If we don't stop her now, I'm sure her next move will be to attack the settlement.

Then there's not a moment to lose! We have to get back to Moonlight Forest!

We're going to leave the girl behind?

We can't take Flamme with us, not when her magic's been stolen.

Don't worry, I'll look after her for you.

So...did you know we'd come here?

Of course I did; I've experienced it already. It's not the sort of thing you forget, you know? Our travels together since AD 300, me coming here, me losing to that witch, her taking Oggy, I remember it all.

My, what an astute old thing you are now. Whatever happened to your youthful recklessness?

Heheh. That's the thing with aging. Everything slows down. But not with you, Oggy. You never age. You're still just as angry and hateful as ever.

That's just the way I am. My hatred for all living things will last an eternity.

Well, whatever makes you happy. You may be a lost cause, but you're my lost cause, and I love you for it.

Good luck, Oggy. I'll be counting on you.

My, my, look who's all grown up.

Okay, we'll be off to Moonlight Forest.

There you are!

Where'd Aldo go?

Are you sure you should be out of bed?

I'm fine. My magic may be gone, but I can still move around.

Spoken just like my younger self.

Your...younger self?

Ah, I guess I never told you that part. But you don't seem all that surprised.

Nope, it actually makes total sense to me. I guess that explains why I felt so nostalgic when we first met.

You're going to try to defeat the witch... Aren't you?

Of course I am! I'm gonna go defeat the witch and get Oggy back!

That's so like you. Even after an utter defeat like that, you still don't give up.

No, I'll never give up. No way! You must know...how there was that one time when I lost everything and gave up hope.

I had nothing left...I was left all alone in the world... And then I heard Oggy callin' out to me.

Yeah, I remember that like it was yesterday.

He called out my name. And that one single act saved me from my despair.

Oggy is like my guardian angel. He's my favorite thing in the whole wide world. So I'll never give up on him, even if he can't stand me!

Yes, that's what I said. Word for word. It's good to know the past isn't deviating from the future.

Hey, um...future me? Can you help a girl out and tell me how to defeat the witch?

No, I'm afraid. I can't tell you about your future.

But if the past me were to make the choice you're thinking of, she would be able to save this village. The choices that I once made led to the me that stands before you today.

Then there's only one choice to make.

I have to save Oggy and save the village. That's all there is to it.

I knew you'd say that. So I prepared a little something for you...

Is this...

Thank you so much, future me! I'm gonna go to Moonlight Forest and hunt down that witch!

Ngh... There's even more of them?

Heheh. I thought you were here to defeat me. You won't do that from all the way over there.

Ogre Rancorem! Use Another Force!

It won't work, not when she has a "me" of her own. Using Another Force is useless. It will just be canceled out.

But they just keep coming! If we lose here, the witch will attack the village.

Even if we can't guarantee it will stop her, we have to at least try! Another Force is our only way!

Then we'll do it together!

Is that who I think it is?

You came, little girl. Aldo, wield me!

Nice try, but two can play at... that...game...

I...I can't move... Why can't I move?!

You used too much of our power, witch. You don't have enough left to combat all the time interference you had us use.

Give Oggy back!

Take this!

You can't stop time anymore. Now, apologize to everyone and atone for your sins!

Hah. That is never going to happen.

That's a shame. Evil or not, there still could've been a way for us all to live in harmony...

Aldo. Oggy. Let's defeat this witch and give the villagers some much-needed peace!

I may have lost today, but witches are immortal. Someday, an even greater curse shall befall you!

Mwahahaha!

That was one tenacious witch, but at least we've defeated her for good.

Yeah! This makes me feel so much better.

Oh, and...Welcome back, Oggy!

Tch. There I was thinking that I'd finally be able to quench my thirst with a nice, juicy witch's curse... Anyway, care to explain your new outfit? Those white robes practically radiate heavenly energy.

The future me gave them to me. She also loaned me her Oggy.

This is for you.

It's the white hero's outfit that I once received from myself. You may not be able to use magic right now, but I'm sure you can still wield a sword.

You got that right! As the one who wields Oggy, of course I'm a fully trained swordswoman!

Heheh, I'm glad to hear it. Because this is an outfit worthy of the one who wields Ogre Rancorem.

Worthy of Oggy?

Oh...

We're Oggy's friends, too. Why should Aldo get all the fun?

Yeah, you're right! I've always been jealous of that.

But now, I can rival their bond. Thanks to the love we both have for Oggy! Thanks, future me!

But why is it white? I always thought of Oggy as more of a dark colors guy.

Heheh...you're still in the midst of your journey with Aldo.

Keep traveling with him, and someday you will come to understand... what makes this an outfit worthy of the one who wields Ogre Rancorem.

Yeah? Well, I look forward to that day!

And one last thing...you can borrow my Oggy, but only temporarily!

He's far from obedient, but I'm sure he'll help you out.

So you borrowed that Ogre Rancorem from the Flamme of this era?

Yeah, and I have to return him to her! I'm sure she can't bear to be parted from him for even a single second.

Come quick! You gotta help!

It's you again? From the village?

The witch's curse has been activated in the village!

What?!

Was the curse the witch mentioned different from the one Wen showed me?

To the village! Hurry!

Everyone, head east of the village!

I'll use my magic to block this curse! Quickly, go!

But!

Focus is essential in magic. I can't protect you all and fight them off at the same time.

Oh...in that case... Just please stay safe, okay?

That should be enough. I'll leave the rest to the hero in white.

Do you think the villagers are okay?

Hard to say. But the caster is already gone. Once we defeat these familiars, they won't come back.

Then let's split up and get to work.

I'll help you, but only this once. Let me see if you can truly wield the power to manipulate time.

Aldo! Look over there!

At least she's still okay for now, but she won't be for much longer!

She's protecting the villagers all by herself!

I have to give the future me her Oggy back!

Hang in there, Oggy! Let's finish off these enemies once and for all!

Okay, Ogre Rancorem. Let's unstop the clocks.

......

I'm so glad you're okay, future me! I even got Oggy back, thanks to you!

Oh...

Flamme...?

I'm...glad...

I knew it... I knew that stopping time wouldn't change anything.

What do you mean? You knew this was gonna happen?!

It's...fine... I too...knew...this would happen...

But you didn't run away.

Oggy is my sword as well. I can't leave him all on his own...

Future me...thank you.

Welcome back, Oggy...

That isn't like you. Why didn't you do something to escape your fate?

I don't mean to question your choices, but... This... This isn't...

Heheh. You're still so young, Aldo... Happiness isn't all about living the longest or achieving this or that.

Oggy...thank you for being with me. You have made my final moments so very happy...

Stay...by my...side...

Flammelapis... May the mother goddess bless you always.

Forever a silly little girl, right to her last breath.

......

Um...is she...

She has returned to the mother goddess.

Oh...

While she was still alive, she told me her final wishes. She said that when she died, she wanted to be buried in Moonlight Forest...

She said something about a "future reunion"...? How it had to be there, or it could never take place.

A reunion...

Aldo, let's go bury the future me.

So that we can meet again...

Thank you for helping with her burial.

We would never have been able to lay her to rest here if you hadn't defeated that witch.

Don't mention it. When someone is in trouble, you help them.

Besides...in a way, I was doin' this for myself.

If she isn't laid to rest here, there won't be a reunion.

What is this reunion everyone keeps talking about?

Well, you see...

Thank you, Village Elder. We will keep protecting this village, as you once did.

Um...we thought about how we can keep our promise. You know that place you were always searching for?

Well, that's the name we decided for our village, Baruoki.

Oh...

The hero in white who saves Baruoki...

It sounds like we're the legends of Baruoki after all.

Hmph. So you stayed here because you knew you'd become a hero in the future. How very crass of you.

I may look up to the great hero Garam, but I don't wanna be a hero myself. I wish for...something else.

No? Then go ahead and change your future when the time comes. Not that I care either way.

Never! I'm happy with this fate.

I get to be with you, Oggy, right till my last breath. I don't need any other fate. You are the one who saved me when I was all alone in the world...

I want nothin' more than to live with you and to die by your side.

How disturbing. You aren't right in the head.

I wouldn't expect a demon sword like you to understand human sensibilities.

You're right, I could never understand that...

I won't leave you on your own, Oggy.

I want you to be happy forevermore, even after I'm gone.

Past me. The silence will not last long. Savor it while you still can. ...Before destiny claims you.

So you're drawn to me... Then you will become my arms and legs.

I've grown so tired of violence. My goal is to take revenge on Aldo, my nemesis. Perhaps I should just sleep in that village until he comes into being...

Hmm, now where's that plate Grandpa wanted...

Oh...

Whoa! It's the hero's greatsword from the play! I can't believe it was here in our storehouse!

Heheh, I have to show this off to Darunis and the others!

HEY!

(I know that grating voice...)

Where do you get off stealin' other folks' property? Wait...

(Urgh...so irritating...)

Wait! Your back! Check your back!

Would you look at that!

Oggy, you never mentioned you had a brother!

(Don't call me that vile name, you silly little girl.) (But...I see...) (It appears that the time of our reunion is finally upon us...)

Sorry for gettin' on your case, kid. Didn't know there was more than the one.

Name's Flammelapis.

(I know that all too well.)

Descendant of the great and mighty titans. Happy to make your acquaintance.

Hmph...no matter how many years have passed, you are still as annoying as ever.

So we meet again, Oggy. I suppose...it's been a long time.