Eight Travelers

...... Your travels continue...

I see you've righted all the distortions in each time.

We have.

I see...

...Impressive work. I seem to recall you had some questions for me? I may give you some answers, now.

Then, could you perhaps begin with the truth of this ring?

Each of those responsible for the disturbances had a notable ring. And each of those rings bears a strong resemblance to the ring that, according to Aldo, he received from you.

I hope you understand, I'm not in the business of humoring coincidences.

Of course. At first, there was only one ring in existence. That is the one I gave to Aldo. A ring imbued with the power of the meetings a journey brings...

With that ring as a base, and using both my power and another power, I created the three rings of distortion.

The rings of distortion... Evocative.

So, in essence, you are the one behind the chaos in each era.

That's right. I am. The rings beguile those with the power to birth chaos and confusion in their surroundings...it's what they were made for.

But why would you do that?

It's simple. Because I despise travelers.

...What?

Aldo, I believe I told you when we first met. That your foolishness disgusts me.

Travelers are reckless, ignorant, irresponsible, always self-assured. They have the nerve, the gall, even, to waltz into a new land, one they are only passing through... And throw themselves into problems that have nothing to do with them. Then, they pat themselves on the back and leave.

......

They see themselves as the center of the entire world. There's nothing more disgusting.

That's why I made those rings. To make you suffer, to make you despair. To show you the foolishness of such actions, to show you that you're no better than anyone else.

To put an end to your travels.

Why, you stinkin'...!

Do you know...how many people suffered because of you?! All for such a petty thing?!

Would you have accepted it if I had some grand, earth-shattering reason? If I waxed poetic about my great desires?

That's not what she's saying and you know it!

Do you hate travelers because of the Travelers' Curse?

...... So you've encountered it?

No...

I was shown someone's memories as I came and went from the three different eras. A traveler... He was brought here to this world by the Travelers' Curse.

...... How much did you see?

What?

How much of his memories did you see?!

Well... ......

Only as far as his sister's passing, and his agreement to work with the Travelers' Curse.

...... I see.

We were unable to see the memories ourselves, and so we only heard about them from Aldo's perspective. But the man in those memories... Do I correctly assume he was you?

...... To think imbuing the rings with my own magic would come back to bite me in this way...

Yes. It was me.

So when you said you made the rings with your own power and "another power," that other power was the curse... Why are you working with it?

How many times will you make me repeat myself? Because I despise travelers.

Just as the Curse does.

You forced yourself into matters that didn't concern any of you, even discarding your only way to return home... You ruined our scheme, and now I have nothing more to say to any of you.

What else is there for you to do now but to put down the cause of all this and then move on, as travelers are wont to?

Come with me. The time has come to settle this...to put an end to your travels once and for all.

Wait...you mean...

Hm?

You're, !

Ah! Hey, Odysso!

What shall we do?

C'mon, after him!

He hath gone to the place wherein we were first assemblede.

Will we followen him?

We sure will! An' then we'll belt him one for what he did to Phai!

What he has done cannot be forgiven. Yet, something about this feels wrong... After sowing such roundabout chaos, why meet with us face-to-face here and admit to everything?

If he intends to sink us into despair, he may yet have some manner of dirty trick in store for us.

Maybe we just did so well, he's decided to give up and go quietly?

Or perhaps he's already in the middle of some new spell to unleash upon us.

His motivations remain elusive...

Hey! Heeey!

Huh? Cyrus... And the fellow from before?

My apologies for the delay. This man asked to speak with me, and he had something quite intriguing to say.

That guy you were just talking to. Did you say his name was Odysso?

Well, I'll be...coincidences do happen. Decades ago, I once traveled the world with a man who looked just like that. His name was Odysso too.

Huh? No way...

Hey now, don't be like that. After three years of traveling together, you don't trust my gut anymore? We'll get you home to your world. I promise you that!

O'course, if it was him, he'd be an old man like me, by now...

......

Aldo. Don't you think we should tell him?

It could help us get a better grasp on the history and disposition of the man himself.

You're right.

You see, sir...

Well, I'll be. You don't say... Unaging, huh...cheating bastard... ......

......

So in the end, he never got home to see his sister...

...... Sir, do you think Odysso has truly come to hate travelers, like he said?

Hard to say, really... I can't imagine how hard it must be to wander a strange world for decades, knowing your family's gone.

But, I know he loved his sister. He was so looking forward to going home to her, and instead it ended like that...

But you said he told you that he hates travelers? Hmm. Now...that doesn't sound like the man I used to know.

Huh?

You see, the whole time I knew him, he had this habit he never shook. Whenever he had to say something he didn't really mean to say, he'd tip his head, just in that way.

I see...

Can't say if he hates who he used to be. But I don't think he was ever the type to hate the open road. In my eye, that'd be like spittin' on the excitement and wonder his little sister had for his travels. Right?

The way I saw it, he loved traveling. And I bet he loved being a traveler too.

......

......Hey...can't say I understand all this talk about other worlds and times and that. But, if he's suffering... Could you help him out?

......

I said some real cruel things to him when we parted, and then I never saw him again... And I just now learned about his sister. I wasn't there for him when he needed me. I called out to him in the tavern... But not by name. Feels like I don't have that right, not anymore.

So, please...as one of his old buddies. Could you help him, the way I couldn't?

Heh...leave it to us, old timer!

We'll do it!

Thank you kindly! Right, right. Here, show this to him if you get the chance.

What's this?

A pressed-flower bookmark. Might think it's strange an old man like me has one of these, huh? But...just maybe, he'll remember it. If he does, tell him to show his face at the Stop sometime!

I suppose coincidences do exist, after all...

It seems they do. And thanks to that, we now know...

In all likelihood, Odysso's heart of hearts doesn't support what the Curse has done. Therefore, I propose that we seek not to defeat him, as he suggested, but to find out what he truly desires.

Okay. Let's go after Odysso.

Odysso!

You're late...

Look behind me. This portal leads back to your worlds and times. Your travels in this world are over. Now, come at me with the intent to strike me down. End all this, if you can...

I refuse. I will not fighte a beast that hast no will to resisten.

What are you saying?

Only that of everything you told us, your "hatred" for travelers is most certainly a falsehood, Odysso.

We heard about how you used to be... From one of your old travelin' buds.

What? Ridiculous... Spare me this nonsense.

Seen this bookmark before? We got it from that old feller hangin' around Time's Forgotten Stop.

Then he was...

So? What of it? The ramblings of an old man will not sway my heart.

Answer me truthfully, Odysso. Do you truly hate travelers?

I do.

Do you? Or do you hate one traveler in particular...your younger self?

......

I saw your memories of when you first came to this world. You were a little scared to be in a strange new world, but more than that, you were excited to see a new horizon. I know that feeling so well. Because I'm a traveler too, just like you.

But, while you were exploring, your sister passed away...

Of course you had regrets. You felt how you should have been there for her. And you hated how happy you had been.

......

This is mere conjecture, but...

I surmise you cooperated with the Traveler's Curse knowing we would fix those distortions in each time.

Even while you hate yourself, and blame yourself for everything... You still believe in travelers. In what it means to travel.

You don't hate the open road. You never could. 'Least, that's what your old travelin' buddy says.

You certainly are optimists...

It's true! If not, it wouldn't make any sense, what you did at the tavern in the Sigma District. And it explains all the times you've given us hints with what you say.

It's certainly no coincidence that a medical herb unknown to this world's physicians grows on those cliffs, either.

And we only grasped the true scope of House Atratt's ambitions thanks to Shion's investigations... And I believe the one who put him on the right trail was you, Odysso.

Enough! You have no idea what...

Well...

Eep, who's that?

So, your hatred is false...

It's not like you to be misled by this kind of nonsense.

No. We see now. The reason you involve yourself not only with travelers from other worlds... But even travelers from this world. To pull them from the brink of despair.

Huh?

Bringing travelers across worlds makes it easy to sink them into the pits of deepest despair. Odysso...we learned this lesson from you. To think that you, our collaborator, would betray us in such a way...

Well... I guess I can't deny that. But these lot have yet to fall into despair. You can only absorb their souls once they've weakened.

Sorry to make you go to all this trouble, but there are no despairing souls here for you.

...... No. There is one.

Aah! Let me go!

Opening the gate has taken quite a lot of strength from you. And now...this gate opened with our borrowed power, will be closed.

Nnngh! A-aah!

Odysso!

Don't worry about me. This is only fitting for a villain who can't even commit to his crimes... Whatever else happens, my life should... Uurgh!

Hey!

......

You all...

Hm. I see we are in agreement.

Hurry! The gate is closing.

I feel like we already told you, that's not a problem for us.

We will find our own way back. Of that, I'm certain.

You don't understand! I've suffered for years, decades...don't do this!

It's true. We understand naught.

That doesn't mean we can simply sit back and watch you suffer.

You forgotten already? You sure say it enough... Because we're reckless, and self-centered, and we're travelers!

Your travels could end here, you know!

Not likely! No matter what happens, we'll always have a way forward!

Let's do this, everyone!

Grrrgh!!!

Odysso! Are you okay?

I-I'm fine!

We underestimated you... But it's not over yet! The cold bite of despair remains... Fastened around your throats!

Ngh!

Aah!

Nicola! Castti!

This is bad! They're being overwhelmed by the power of the rings!

The seeds of despair have been planted! Now...let them bloom!!

They're...they're gone!

Dammit...!

W-We have to find them!

But where do we looken? They lefte no scent for us to tracken!

Everyone, calm down. They've only just started to be influenced by the power of the rings.

Which implies that we can save them, if we can reach them in time. Yes?

That's right. And I know exactly where they've been taken.

This way. I'll take you there.

...It's the least I can do to thank you.

Thank you, Odysso.

What...what is this place?

It's so cold... And so awfully lonely...

This is where the souls of travelers who perish along their way eventually wander to. I call it "Journey's End."

You may find yourselves here someday too.

Does that mean...

The Travelers' Curse is a mass of the souls of travelers who never made it back home.

Hey, does that mean all these fellas are gonna come at us?

Relax. Not all of the souls here have the hatred and despair that the Travelers' Curse does. Sometimes you'll see a dangerous soul, but most of them just wander around, quiet, not bothering anyone.

Nicola and Castti are up ahead. Come on, let's hurry.

So you have come.

Let Nicola and Castti go!

Well...

You think to defeat us? Impossible...!

It always seems impossible, until the deed is done.

I see...this is rather tough.

Even with seven people attacking, it's unharmed. I can't believe it.

Seems like it. How 'bout eight, then?

Huh?

Focus up! You're our ally too, you know?

Yeah! And you said in your memories that you had a plan all ready. Time to use that plan now.

Phew... Alright.

I guess it's time for me to show you what the man I've been looking for, Odysso the Traveler, can do!

Odysso!

Fortunately, since the Curse tried to consume me, I should be able to influence it, even if only a little bit. With that, and my plan, we should be able to make it feel your attacks.

Let's hit it as hard as we can.

Time to teach you a lesson.

One, two, one two three four!

The Unbending Blade stands ready!

Let's have ourselves a showdown.

Yeah! There's no turning back now.

Shall we?

Stand against me? Then be hunted!

GrrrrRRRGGHGHGHGGHGHRGH! The hatred... The rage... The sadness... We are...vanishing...!

Nicola!

Castti!

T-they are still alive, right?! Hey! Open your eyes!

Mm...huh?

I...oh...

Thank goodness you're okay!

They appear to be properly conscious.

Taken care not to strainen thyselves. Risen thou slowly to thy feet.

Has the Travelers' Curse left them?

Yes. The wandering souls won't fade from this place, likely... But they won't gather together into a grudge like that again, I think. And the power of that grudge should have vanished, too.

I see... I guess that's that, then.

No, not quite. I still have things left to do.

Huh?

Once you're all settled, would you come to see me at the Spacetime Rift?

Okay.

You're here.

Yeah. Does this lead back to Cyrus and the others' world?

That's right.

And here I thought the Traveler's Curse had closed it, never to open again.

Originally, yes. But in that battle, I was able to take some of its power. With that power, I can force the gate back open...whether it should be possible or not.

Such fascinating magic.

Hah...I'd love to tell you all about it, but we don't have that kind of time.

......

Thank you all.

When my sister passed away, I lost hope. I hated myself...my travels. But I never wanted to curse my fellow travelers. I promise you that.

Because... I love traveling. I always will.

Heh...

Yeah, we get it!

You were right. I wanted to keep the travelers pulled here by the Curse from falling into despair. But for that, I needed the help of a traveler from this world. In other words, I needed Aldo's help.

And you did better than I dared hope. You showed me...a wonderful adventure.

I see...

I expected to be cut down for what I did. It's what I deserved, for helping the Curse. I never thought you would save me...

No. That's not true. I wished you would... Even subconsciously, I wished for someone to rescue me from myself. Maybe that's why you saw my memories.

Then, I'm glad we could help you.

Heh...

Now, I'm sure you all have guessed, but this gate isn't meant to stay open. You all have to go home, right now.

Aww, already?

You've already made so many impossible things possible on your travels, so I understand how you feel... But I think you should go now.

I spent decades wandering, lost far away from my own home, so I know just how rare a chance this is. The gate is open now, but... I can't promise it will ever open again. It's now or never.

That's certainly convincing...

There's still so much I wanna see in this world...but dang it, I know where the smart money is.

Are we all decidede?

Thank you all. I'll use the last of the power to send you off with a little gift.

The start of a journey should be a lively occasion, shouldn't it?

Odysso...

Everyone! I'm so glad you're alright. You vanished so suddenly, I was afraid...

My apologies. A matter came up, you see.

I owe ya one, Phai. Thanks to you, all the folks of the island will get to work away safe an' happy.

I'm the one who should thank you. If you hadn't found my brother... I'm sure I would be mourning him forever.

Thank you so much, for granting his wish.

Don't mention it. Your own dream's up next, yeah?

To follow in your father's footsteps and become a great merchant, was it? Excellent. Do your best.

You're really leaving, huh? We didn't have much time together, but it's still sad to see you go.

We were able to save so many people with your help, Shanie. I truly can't thank you enough.

I just did what I could. You're the one who helped everyone.

I'm sure you'll go on to save many, many more suffering people, too. Just...take care of yourself, too, Castti.

I will, I promise.

Now...I think I have to go.

Stay safe, everyone!

I don't know what's going on here, but I take it you solved the mystery?

Yes, everything has been resolved. I truly am grateful for the assistance you levied us, Shion.

Glad to hear you're satisfied.

Satisfied? Oh, perish the thought. There are many, many things about this world I would love to delve into.

But it wouldn't do to be distracted from my chief objective, as tempting as the thought is. So, this is farewell.

May you find what you're looking for.

Kure. I kept my promise. No one will harm Guardy anymore.

Thanks, Mister.

...How is Atratt?

He's awake, but not fully recovered yet. He has a bit of memory loss, and it's put him into a bit of a state.

But he'll be okay. I'll be there for him. It's true that he did many bad things, but that doesn't change the fact that he saved me, too.

Once he's fully healed, we'll work together to pay back all the people he hurt. Even after what he's done, he still deserves to know he's not alone.

...You've grown up, Kure.

I am sorry thou wert draggede into this conflict between man and man. No one will threatenen thee anymore.

Grr.

Rawr.

Ben hearty and welle.

Bye, Mister Knight! Bye, everyone!

Was it you, foolish ones? Are you the ones who dare awaken me from my rest?

Ah, were you asleep? Sorry!

Miss Suzette has been working tirelessly since your departure to aid us. Thanks to her, we've managed to evacuate everyone safely from the Sigma District to the real Elzion.

Wow, good job, Suzette!

Haha...well, you know! The Princess of Darkness always aims to please!

Be sure to rest up when you get home.

I will! I shall slumber in the deep darkness that writhes between worlds!

But what about all of you? I can tell something good has happened!

It has...but there's some sad news, too. I'm sorry to say, but this is goodbye.

O-oh...really?

Ah, no tears now, okay? Let's have a nice and cheery goodbye!

Even so, it will be quieter without you.

Aw, come on... Oh, right. What happened to Q-08 after that?

She accessed her memory data and became aware of her actions under the influence of the ring's power. She was entirely mortified, and as soon as the cleanup is over and matters have settled, she intends to return to sleep.

Aww, what a waste! She should keep on being Sunny!

Right. Wasn't that one of her wishes? Wouldn't it be nice for her to be able to do it for herself, not because of the ring's power, just because she wants to?

Yeah! She can cheer up even more people!

Understood. It's true that many do wish for Sigma District to continue... We'll have her keep up her work, while also keeping up as Sunny.

It is wonderful to be able to talk with her again, I agree. Thank you both.

Haha...

Oh, that reminds me. Do you have anything you wish to say to E-Jun?

Um...

Nope, not really!

A-ah. Right.

We're just kidding, relax. We'd never have gotten anything done without his help, after all.

Thanks for everything, partner-in-crime! You can tell him that.

That sounds great! Tell them it's from me and Nicola!

I'll be sure to.

......

U-um!

You promised to become the top influencer, right? We won't forget!

Next time we meet, I'll be an even better dancer! You just watch!

R-right!

Okay...see you later!

Someday, surely!

B-be well, my friends!

Thank you so much.

They're gone...

You didn't say goodbye, in the end. Is that okay?

Yeah. We'd already talked it over. This isn't our final goodbye. Our travels together will continue.

Someday, somewhere along that road...

I see...

What about you, Odysso? Are you okay not going home?

Ah...I have a few things left I want to do here, that's all.

Could you come back to Time's Forgotten Stop to see me in...say, two weeks?

Got it. I'll see you there.

Then...see you later.

Huh?

Excuse me, sir. Have you seen Odysso? We were supposed to meet here today.

Sniffle... hic...

Sir? Why are you crying?

Aah, sorry. Was just thinking about the past, that's all. You get to my age, that's a lot to think about...

Anyway, you were sayin'? About Odysso? He stopped by yesterday.

Huh?

He told me, "Aldo will be coming by tomorrow. Would you give this to him?" And then he left, just like that.

I-I see.

What's this?

Oh...

All the pages that were blank have writing on them now.

Haha...wow, all the way to the very last page...

Hm?

There's a letter tucked in here. It's addressed to me.

What...?!

......

......

I have to thank you, lad. Never thought I'd see him again.

Yeah...

Let me treat you. Whatever you want, just pick something.

Got your drink? Then here we go. To the start of our traveling companion's new journey...to Odysso.

To Odysso!