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!

I see, so it sounds like we need to find this Altena.

Yeah, but where do we even look?

Let's start by asking around.

One of the beasts here has got to know where she is.

Sounds like a plan. Let's ask around the castle.

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?

All right, so it sounds like she's 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.

Let me try and explain. We're from a different dimension. A different world. The us you knew is not the same us as we...er, us.

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

Aldo is telling the truth. I'm from another world entirely, but we all traveled across spacetime to get here. And in my world, the same thing happened. There were two worlds, two mes...

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?

Sorry Altena, we didn't mean to confuse or scare you, it's...just how it is.

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. It is said it can fulfill people's deepest desires.

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

Sounds like something out of a fairy tale.

It may very well be, but as far as I know, Lynx has yet to get his paws on 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...

Which means, everyone's okay, right? That's great!

Then maybe we should start there. 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? You're probably right.

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

Indeed.

So this is the human capital, eh? Gotta say, feels a lot more at home than the beast version.

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.

Do you think we could borrow a sigil, King Miglance?

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?

Oh, uh, hello, Your Majesty. I come from a land far, far away. My name's Serge.

I see. You remind me of Aldo in a way, you know that, Serge?

Really? How?!

Like the both of you have a destiny greater than you know. You've been entrusted with the fate of the world, and the resolve to see it through.

As if you were both born under the same star.

I suppose my journey up to now has been a bit like that, now that you mention it.

Then, what happens next will surely be part of your destiny as well.

And no matter what challenge awaits, I'm sure you'll overcome it.

Yes sir!

I pray for your success.

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.

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.

Lynx! You've got to stop this!

Don't you get it Serge? We are witnessing the birth of a new planet's dream! And nothing can stop it. Not even you.

What are we going to do Aldo? King Miglance is in danger, and it's all our fault!

Yeah. This is bad.

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

Hey. If you want to fight, I can help you out with that.

Make way for the Radical Dreamers!

Kid!

I'm afraid you're picking ze wrong fight, you ugly oaf!

MIRACLE MOON PRINCESS CHARGE!

Kid! Harle!

What the hell are you doin' in there? Well, anyway, I've gotta run. See you inside, lads!

Kid, wait! Set us free first!

You want me to set THEM free? They were the ones that said they didn't need my help first! And you know what? I took that personally!

More importantly, Serge! I didn't know you were here! You look good, but I'm afraid you're gonna have to sit this one out.

No! Kid!

Forget about zat evil woman. Let moi help!

Thanks Harle.

Non, non, non. I do not need your gratitude. I do zis, because I am your friend. It iz what a real friend would do, non?

I'll remember that next time I see you hidin' behind Lynx's coat-tails, Harle!

Mmm...What iz this buzzing in mon ear? Sounds like a gnat.

We're free!

Thank you, Harle! Kid!

Gotta say though. Its weird seeing the two of you together. What's the deal?

It's not like we came here together or nothin'! I was chasin' Lynx and them and she just kinda ended up in the same spot!

Oui. Who would ever want to travel with you anyway!

So, Monsieur Lynx went down through zere?

What's in there anyway?

Leads to King Miglance's secret underground fortress, apparently.

I see. So they're huntin' rebel stragglers, is it? I couldn't care less about what happens your King. My business is with Lynx. His face has a date with my fist. And I'm runnin' a little late. C'ya 'round!

Kid! Wait up!

Sorry Serge, you know me. Never been a fan of group projects. Gotta go, now!

Oui... I am also late to a meeting with Monsieur Lynx! Ta-ta for now!

Kid! How dare you go in before MOI!

See what I have to deal with?

They seem like real good friends, hehe!

We need to find the King before Lynx does. We should hurry.

Right. Okay guys. The king is in trouble and it's our fault. Time to go clean up the mess we made.

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

The design looks pretty complicated, too... Gonna guess there's a lot of traps here. Be on your guard, guys.

Well at least we know it will take some time before Lynx finds the King. If we hurry maybe we can catch up.

Woah. What is that?!

The frozen flame?! But how...

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...

Lynx!

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 Lynx is planning what I think he's planning. We're gonna need to act fast.

Gonna need your help, Aldo. Can I count on you?

You bet. Lynx must be stopped.

All right, let's go guys!

We settle this now, Miglance.

Fine with me.

Your Majesty!

Aldo?! You're alive!

Aldo! Feinne! I knew it! And you're here just in time!

Ashtear?!

What are you doing here?!

You! How did you escape?!

That weird force field thing? That was all Harle.

It was not! It was Kid! You must believe me, Monsieur Lynx!

Oi! Like hell it was!

Good. Now Aldo, it's about time I got rid of you and your friends.

Wait. A fight here would risk a beast controlled future. Why do battle when we can just wipe them out with this?

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!

Huh! What...is that?!

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

Ze Dragon God?! Mais pourquoi?

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

What?!

What does it mean by "brethren"?

Harle? Wait, you don't mean...

I am...ze last...

Stop right there.

Huh?

You think I'm gonna let ye give up just like that? Not on my watch. Now sit back and shut up while I beat ol' draggy here to a pulp.

Harle, back in our world, your fate influenced every decision you made.

But here. You have a choice. You always had a choice. But now you can finally make the choice you've always wanted to make.

Kid... Serge...

It's okay, Harle. So you defy your destiny a little bit. You're allowed to rebel every once in a while.

What's important is that you make yourself heard. That you live for yourself.

I...

I... don't want to join ze Dragon Gods. I want to keep living ZIS dream!

Heard that? We're not gonna let you take her.

Interesting! A human that thinks it can defeat a god. We find this very amusing. As for you, fool... If you will not join us then we shall just find someone else who can unite the powers of the planet. O' great flame, bring us one who holds the power of the planet! One enchanted by the flame!

Quoi? C'est impossible?!

Come forth, one who shall inherit the will of stars!

Wha?!

Altena?!

Non! You cannot do zis! Not my little Altena! Stay strong! Don't give in to zem!

Altena was the one enchanted by the flame?!

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

To harness the true power of the dragons, we needed a seventh. Just sit and watch.

A seventh dragon?!

Yes, Altena has the power.

No! Stop, Altena!

Focus, Altena! Do not lose your sense of self! S'il vous plaît!

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

I will not let you take her!

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.

Oh, thank goodness you're fine, Altena!

Thanks, Feinne. Thanks, Harle.

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. You don't mean... The Visus Embryo!

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.