Choosing A Path

Odysso...

He's not here.

Ah, you're that lad who was taking a nap before! What's wrong?

Oh, it's you. Well, I'm looking for someone. The owner of this traveler's log that was left behind.

Hmm? Didn't see anyone like that. I was seein' if anyone had a tipple or two to spare a thirsty fellow...

Oh, I see.

Sorry, lad.

That's okay. I'll look around.

Did he say...Odysso? Nah...couldn't be...

He's not here, either...

Huh? The ring!

Huh?

Hey, what the?

W-Where...

W-What was that?

Aldo, were you here from the very beginning, then?

Y-Yeah. I came here alone, then the ring started glowing, and all of a sudden, you were all here too.

So the ring brought us here?

Such strange power.

I got it from Odysso, so I don't really know much about it myself, sorry.

At the least, we can surmise that it's no mere bauble.

Beeit the rings' power or nay... Why were we broughte here at all?

I don't know...

Hey, sorry to butt in when everyone's doing some real heavy thinking, but... There's a lot of new folks here! Can you do some introductions, Aldo?

Oh, right. Let's see...

It seems we're all just as lost, too. Would you be so kind as to share what you know of everyone's circumstances, as well?

Sure!

I see. A merchant suddenly seeking to snap up as much wealth as possible for himself...fascinating.

A sketchy nobleman, and a suspicious rebellion! There has to be something else behind it all!

So you're lookin' to grab folks's hearts! Bet you'd draw quite a crowd to any shop!

Though, it strikes me a bit odd. How come the other districts ain't heard of you by now?

Aldo. Do you think that we would also be able to travel to different times by using these portals of light?

Probably, I guess.

I see... The matter of House Atratt continues to worry me, but if you have need of me in another time, do let me know.

Yeah! If you need a guy with good negotiatin' or money sense, just holler.

I'm sure I can help out, too! It doesn't matter when, everybody loves a good dance, right?

Haha, seems like everyone's hit it off pretty fast...

Well, now. It certainly is lively in here, isn't it?

Odysso!

I expected you all to be racking your brains in different time periods.

You have a lot to answer for.

Unfortunately, at this point in time, I simply refuse to answer anything. This is your journey, after all. It belongs to all of you, not to me. Or are you so badly lost on your way that you can't proceed without a hint?

No. We'll reach the bottom of this, with no reliance on you at all.

Oh, how reassuring. You know, I could return you all to your world this very moment... Do you not need that help, either?

What?

I know all about your predicament. You were suddenly torn from your own world and brought to another, yes?

Poor things...For a short time only, I could connect this place back to your world. You are all travelers, after all. You should return to your rightful places and resume your travels. You may have gotten wrapped up in some small troubles here and there, but... What does that matter to your goals?

If you prefer to chase down what you consider "worrying," by all means, return through those portals. But know that I can only hold the worlds together for a very short time. Think well about what you want to do. Especially since there is no guarantee that resolving matters in each time will return you to your homes.

...... (Then, if Odysso sends everyone home...) (Surely I can manage to solve everything going on by myself. Even if it'll be hard, I have to try.)

Hey, everyone...

Hold up there, Aldo. Don't go sayin' anythin' foolish.

Huh?

You want us to shrug and go runnin' on home like none of what we've seen is our business? Nothin' doin'! And if you can't make that call, then I'll make that call!

Partitio...

It's true, we can't be sure what may come tomorrow. But as an apothecary, I know what ought to be done here and now.

We have no reason to simply nod and take what he's suggested at face value, either. I would prefer to focus on resolving the concrete issues facing us before anything else.

I agree with Temenos. Besides, if our investigations fail to uncover a way home, then we will simply search more. A way clearly exists. Thus, I need only find it.

Thou art worriede for Kure, yes?

...Yeah.

Then so ben it. I have no objection to returning to Unigan. A way home existeth. Such ben enough for me. For now.

I hate it when people expect me to nod along and do what they tell me. So, you can stuff it, mister.

Haha. Besides, I haven't seen nearly enough of the wonders of this world. It would be a waste to go right home.

Everyone...

Haha... Such wonderful companions you all are. My friend also wrote of the many fine people he met on his journeys... I'm sure they were people just like you...

Wait, Odysso!

No, I won't answer anything now. Once you've resolved the distortions in each of the three eras... We'll meet again in Time's Forgotten Stop.

......

"We'll find the way ourselves..." He said the exact same thing. Travelers are always the same. Reckless, ignorant, self-centered and self-assured... They act as though the world exists for them and them alone.

They will learn. The agony of coming to nothing.

...... Yes...