A Broken King and Unknown Stronghold

Well, we're here, so now how do we go about finding info on Lynx?

I would like to think Lynx and the Beast King would be on the look out for us. So getting close to them might prove to be a difficult task indeed...

...Why don't we ask Altena? She'd be the closest to the Beast King, she might know why!

Aldo, when you were about to be pushed off the terrace, did anyone try to stop it from happening?

I do remember the Beast King's sister trying to save us. I believe her name was Altena.

...Why don't we ask her, then? She'd be the closest to the Beast King, she might know why!

Then I guess we ask this Altena whats 'er face what the deal is, eh?

Right, but how do we find her?

Easy, we just find a beastie hangin' about and then "ask" 'em a few "questions."

Great idea! Let's do that, but without the implied violence.

Ugh. Not even just a tiny bit?

Fine, but you're not tellin' me we're just gonna walk around town askin' everyone we see for info, right?

That's what we're tellin' you. It's what we always do!

Now let's start by askin' around here.

Out for another moonlight forest walkabout was it?

Yeah. The lady just got back and is resting in 'er room.

Been out there every day, she has. Goes out early, comes in late. 'eard she's lookin' for 'er friends 'n all... But goin' out into the forest without protection. Just not safe, is it?

Doubt anyone who knows what's good fer 'em would come round lookin' for trouble anyway.

No one messes wif the beasts, am I right?

Hear that? Altena's sleepin' in her room!

We can't just go barging into her bedroom, though.

They said she frequently takes visits to the Moonlight Forest, perhaps we could meet her there.

Agreed. It would appear she goes without protection, which is perfect for us.

All right, then we wait till tomorrow and head to the Moonlight Forest!

Okay, let's head to the Moonlight Forest and find Altena!

Altena?

...So you don't know what happened to us either, then.

Altena. We're not those people. I mean we are, but we're not the versions of us you know.

Okay let me try again. We're from a different dimension. A different world. The Aldo you knew is not the same Aldo as me.

The Aldo and Feinne you know fell off the castle terrace in the the battle against...

Stop bein' a pain, Sheila. If the man says he's not the bloke, then he's not the bloke!

Altena...

It's a long story, but I was returned to my younger self. Is this enough evidence for you? How could we be here if Aldo was lying?

Altena, I have to ask. You know that Lynx guy? I have a feeling he's got ulterior motives. He can't have joined forces with your brother just to help him out.

Creating a new god of destiny? What's a frozen flame?

It's a treasure from our world. Fulfills your deepest desires or some such.

A flame that can fulfill people's deepest desires...

Sounds like something out of a fairy tale. Is it real?

Hell if I know. But Lynx would do anything in his power to get a hold of it.

So it looks like Lynx and that frozen flame are important parts of the puzzle, then.

Maybe that's why we've been brought here?

Yes, but I have a question. Do you mind, Lady Altena? Do you know what became of King Miglance and the Royal Order?

I see...

Then maybe we should start there. Maybe they know what happened to us? Not a whole lot we can do on our own.

Okay, but how do we find them?

If I had to guess, they probably have some kind of hideout.

I believe the best course of action would be to ask the king himself where he is hiding.

You mean, the one from our world? Huh, you're probably right.

It's a plan! All right, let's head back to our world.

Indeed. Let us return to the terrace!

So this is the human capital, eh? This is MUCH better!

At least here you can live without worryin' about a beast tryin' to get ya.

I wonder if Lynx has come to our world as well...

He seemed pretty clear about staying in the other one.

Besides, the only ones that can pass through are people responsible for the split, and their companions. Back in my world, only my friends and I could travel back and forth.

Then it sounds like all we need to do is pay King Miglance a visit. Let's go.

Aldo! You look well. How goes the adventuring?

I gotta ask you about something, do you mind?

What do you need to know?

If the kingdom was ever in trouble, where would you go to regroup?

Why do you want to know that?

This is gonna sound crazy, but hear me out...

Huh, so it's our world, but different. Us...but different. You sure do get wrapped up in the strangest things, Aldo.

All right, I'll tell you. If we were ever in trouble, and had to regroup. We'd go to our underground fortress.

My guess is they are there, waiting for the right time to fight back.

I see, and where is the underground fortress?

The Serena Coast. There's a small grassy cove surrouned by rocks. Show our sigil there. Do that, and the door will open.

You think you could let us borrow it?

Of course...but there is no guarantee it will work in the other world.

Meaning, it'd probably be better if we searched for it there, right?

Indeed. There are a few officials that carry the sigil...but I doubt they'd let you have it. There is a sigil hidden under the throne. One only I knew about, so it should still be there.

All right, then let's go investigate the throne back in the castle where the beasts won.

A world where we lost, huh...

Winning's all about luck, they say. Just because you're better, doesn't mean you'll always win. No matter how much you prepare...

Losing is not the end. It's about how you hit back when you do. I am sure the choice I made in that world is not the wrong one. Or... at least I hope.

So, you going to introduce me to your new friends, Aldo? They seem...different than the usual.

Though there's nothing "usual" about your friends I suppose.

Oh, uh, hello, Your Majesty. We come from a land far, far away. I am Serge and this is...

When I think of a King, I kinda imagined 'em sittin in a throne, yeah? Not hangin' out at the inn.

Kid!

What? I have no interest gettin' all buddy buddy with a royal. I'm just skipping the formalities.

If you ask me, they're a bunch of stuck up bastards. Kings, knights all of 'em.

Kid, come on, we're guests!

It's quite all right, Serge. Kid? Was it? I completely agree.

Huh?

The inn's not all that bad. Besides I have more important things to do than rebuilding the castle. And when it comes down to it, wherever I lay my head is home. Castles, Inns, a ship at sea... They're all Miglance Castle to me.

I've got to know though, what caused you to resent royals so much?

Well, regardless feel free to come visit whenever you feel like it. That goes to both of you. You're always welcome in my castle.

Tch! I...

I think she means to say we're honored! Thanks, Your Majesty!

Kid, you really gotta learn not to poke the bee's nest.

Ugh, shut up, mate. I'm gonna do what I wanna do. So just leave me to it, all right?

All right, fine.

All right, so the King said to look under the throne...

Just need to do it exactly as he said and...

There! And this must be the sigil.

Now we just have to find out where to show this over at the Serena Coast.

The king said to look for a grassy cove surrounded by rocks...

Yeah... I think this might be the place.

Hm. You wouldn't know it was a secret entrance just by looking at it.

There you are! Lynx!

Hiding underground like the rats they are, eh? No wonder we had so much trouble finding them.

The Beast King?!

Looks like we've been followed.

I had a feeling you would go seeking reinforcements.

Hm. I thought Lynx was joking when he said you survived, but it turns out he was not.

But I have to thank you for one thing, Aldo. You led me right to King Miglance.

You...

Now, now. Let's not do anything hasty. I have no time to deal with the likes of you.

What is this?!

My business is with Miglance. I will not let him escape this time.

I won't let you get away with this!

Calm yourself, Aldo. We can finish this later. I have some things I want to ask you, anyway.

What shall we do? If we do not come to their aid, we could have very well doomed the king.

Yeah. This is bad.

Damn! Is there nothing we can do?! Let us out of here!

If ya wanna fight. You got one right here ya big oaf! I bet you're all talk. Once you get hit you'll be runnin' off to m'um.

Just wait till we get out of here, we'll see who's laughin'.

Everyone! Get down!

Huh? Wh-What's going on?!

There. Piece of cake!

Everything's gonna be just fine! Let me get you guys outta there.

Lucca! I mean... Er...

Ashtear!

Aldo! So glad your safe! Where have you been this whole time? We've all been worried sick!

Oh, right Uh... Yeah...I...I mean, I know how you feel. And like, you're having a very normal reaction to this, but... Well, it's complicated.

Complicated? How so? It's been so long!

Right... Well, speaking of long, it's quite a long story so let's talk about it later.

Didn't realize you knew Lu...I mean Ashtear, Aldo.

Kid, was it? Good to see you again! There's actually something I wanted to talk to you about...

Actually, so did I, but with those beasts headin' into the fortress, maybe we should talk later.

What?!

Yeah...it's our fault too. We didn't know we were being followed when we opened the door. But now we gotta clean up our mess and help the king! And Ashtear, it's gonna be pretty dangerous down there, so wait up here, okay?

You sure you don't need my help?

We'll be fine. Thanks.

All right guys! Let's go help the King and stop Lynx and the Beast King!

Who knew a fortress this big was hiding under the Serena Coast.

Quite the feat, eh? It'd take your average thief some time to make it through all this.

But when you're talkin' about the leader of the Radical Dreamers? Heh. Easy goin's, mate.

All right. Well let's hurry up and find Lynx before it's too late.

Glenn?! I didn't know you were here too?!

Well, I was minding my own business and then all of a sudden I got pulled into this rift... Ended up in a place near here knocked flat out on my back. And that's where these two found me.

Anabel! Deidre! You survived!

How do you know our names?! Hm... At any rate, we'll be providing providing support here, you go ahead!

We can talk later! We'll be providing support here, you go ahead!

Got it, thanks.

Woah. What is that?!

The frozen flame?! But how...

Oi, Serge! Look closely. The color's all different from the one in our world.

Urgh...

Ogre Rancorem!

I care not what happens to the likes of you... But I won't let a bunch of outsiders tell me what to do!

Well, regardless, thanks for the help.

...To find the frozen flame here, of all places...

There you are, you bastard!

I had felt its presence, but I could not tell where it was. Now I understand.

What do you plan on doing with it?!

You'll know soon enough, as the God of Destiny is risen, and soon will be upon us.

Damn!

I have a bad feeling about this. Aldo, let's pick up the pace.

It would appear this Lynx has motives beyond a war between beasts and humans.

If he's thinkin' he can mess up someone else's world he's got another thing comin'!

Aldo. Sounds like we're in this together now.

I'll pound Lynx to a pulp. You make sure he doesn't mess this world up. We gotta work together, or we won't stand a chance.

Agreed. Glad you're with us, Kid. If we're fighting side by side, there's no way we can lose.

All right, let's go guys!

We settle this now, Miglance.

Fine with me.

Your Majesty!

Aldo?! You're alive!

Aldo?!

You! How did you escape?!

You're gonna have to do better than that to contain us, Guildna... I mean...Beast King!

Hmph. Matters not. I can just kill you with the rest of these humans. Steel thy sword, Aldo.

Wait!

Altena! What are you doing here?!

You've got to stop this!

How many times must I tell you not to interfere?

If you do this, it changes nothing!

You're getting on my nerves, Sister. Stay out of this.

Oh, Guildna...

Ready, Aldo? This time I'll send you to the gates of hell myself.

Wait. A fight here would risk a beast controlled future.

That frozen flame is a fake!

Indeed it is... But it is one born from this world. It may not be the real one, but it has its use. One of which I will gladly show you now.

O' great flame! Sing for me the song of the planet!

Woah... What...is happening?

Elemental energy is increasing at an exceedingly rapid pace! Prisma stability reaching dangerous levels!

What?!

All prismatic energy is currently being absorbed by the flame!

Sacré bleu...

What...is that?!

A lifeform created from the four types of prisma and the lifeforce of the planet.

Az determined by fate... Ze Dragon God descends upon ze land.

Come, Harle. Return to us. Join your brethren.

What?!

Heh... I guess I could not escape my fate after all...

No, Harle! Wait!

Altena?!

When we first met, I was just a little girl. I knew nothing of the world. But you told me I could make my own decisions. You saved me. You freed me! And now I'm going to free you!

What do you mean?

It matters not who we use, all that matters is you're compatible with the power of the planet. Come forth... One who shall inherit the will of the planet, and be enchanted by the flame!

Altena was the one enchanted by the flame?!

What is the meaning of this, Altena?! Lynx! What are they doing to her?!

Relax, Beast King. Just watch. Good work, Altena. You were fated to come here, called upon by the planet. Now, unite with the power of the planet, and seek for its will!

Focus, Altena! Do not lose your sense of self! S'il vous plaît! Zis iz not ze freedom I meant!

I shall inherit the will... I shall create a world without pain. Without suffering...

Dragon God! Gh... What can I do? I must save her!

Don't worry. We got this one.

Hmph. We, born of prisma, inherit the will of planet! Tell me, puny humans, how do you intend to stand up to such power?! I will crush each and every one of you, bone by bone, agonizing scream by agonizing scream. DIE!

Come on, guys. We've got to save Altena! Hey Dragon. You're about to find out who the real planet successor is, right here, right now.

Come on, guys. We've got to save Altena! Hey Dragon. You're about to find out who the real planet successor is, right here, right now.

You okay, Altena?

Yeah... What happened to me?

Ze Dragon God absorbed you... T'inquiète pas, little Altena, you are safe now. What you did was quelle stupide! Risk your life, for moi?! It was stupid...but I owe you ma vie...

Yeah. So glad you're okay.

I have confirmed prisma stability has returned to nominal levels.

Lynx, you bastard. You tricked me.

It was fun while it lasted, but I'm afraid our little partnership is over.

The power absorbed by the Dragon God has already been sent to the Tower of time. And fate has already begun to feed. Fate's rebirth is soon upon us.

But we destroyed the Tower of Time!

Reborn?! What are you talking about?

Exactly as it sounds. the god of destiny will soon be reborn in this world.

And it will awaken to the farthest reaches of these crossed dreams!

...Wait. The Tower of Time... Dreams... You mean the Visus Embryo!

We put it back to sleep for a reason. I'm not gonna let you take advantage of it now.

It's too late. Fate shall link all worlds as one. And it will create another eden. A paradise where all life is guided by fate!

There is nothing you fools can do except sit back and wait! Heh heh heh...HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Lynx! Wait!

If the Visus Embryo is back, then this world could be one of its visions.

Whatever the case, the situation has become quite dire indeed.

......

Hmmm... Well, we are all weary from battle. We should take some time to recharge. That includes you, Aldo.

There's a place down from here we can rest. Let me show you the way.

Okay, but you know we have to...

I know. But if you plan on stopping him, you need to be ready mind, body, and soul.

We don't have a lot in terms of facilities, but at the very least you can rest your head for a while.

Appreciate it, King Miglance.