Falling Like Fireworks

The fire of the Soul Furnace~♪ Is Kazdel's sun truest~♪

It dries our childrens' clothes~♪ Warms our warriors' hearts~♪

(Stamps hoof to the beat)

Moo~ Moo~

There's no better place in Kazdel~♪ Than the plaza by the Furnace~♪ Those stingy little hawkers~♪ Haggle with some loser mercs~♪

Who the *Sarkaz swearing* do you think you're mouthing off about?! Your singing stinks! Going on all day like a broken horn.

We didn't lose to the Victorians! We had to—what were those again?

The fighters console themselves~♪ Calling it tactical retreat~♪

Right! It was a lactical defeat.

But even his burdenbeasts know~♪ His knapsack is now empty~♪ His daughter's not seen him in years~♪ Now~ looks~ at~ him~ funny~♪

Err... The warrior's an angry manglerbeast~♪ His hands, like claws, reach for my throat♪ Won't someone come to save me... (croak)♪

Oh, she will! Over here my savior comes—♪

The ceremony starts in five minutes! Knock it off! What did I say about putting your music sheets in the cordon, Snapstring? Get your clutter away from the Furnace already!

And you, Steelskull, back off from the cordon a bit. Unless you want your burdenbeast buddies to burn their fur?

Oh, it's you, Nymph. Joining in on the fun?

Relax, this broken furnace only spits out sparks. I'd know better than you, right? Settle down.

My head nearly got crushed~♪ But now I do recall~♪ I wanted to give the souls in the Furnace~♪ One last farewell song~♪

(Calmly warms itself by the fire)

I get it, not everyone's thirty-something like you. But things are about to change The Furnace used to burn revenants for power, but we're about to switch to a new source of energy.

Ermi says tonight's ceremony will be really, really important to get the revenants to come out. If something goes wrong and the Furnace goes 'boom'—

Steelskull! Are you even listening?

I saw much worse out there! Even the Feline's cannons barely even singed these guys, so what's a rinky-dink oven going to do, even if it blows?

The fire's just right tonight. Might as well get my blade reforged.

(Harrumphs happily)

Why... won't you guys just listen?

Fine! I'll do it myself!

Hey, don't tug on my burdenbeasts! They—

Waahh!

They'll think you're playing with them and knock you into the dirt.

The unreasonable is now reasonable~♪ You bully so you don't get bullied~♪ Our ancestors've seen enough~♪ They're about to go flying free~♪

That's dumb, Sarkaz don't bully Sarkaz.

(Disdainful whistle)

Ow... That hurt...

The plaza's packed. Are you really going to tell everyone to go home one by one? You'll need more than one set of legs.

Can't you just, I dunno, use your Djall powers to scare them all off in one go?

No, nuh-uh! That's simply out of line! Sarkaz don't bully Sarkaz, remember? Also, you should never, ever treat a Djall's powers so lightly!

Okay okay, no wonder you're the kindest Djall... no, the nicest Sarkaz in all of Kazdel, Nymph. Now go break a leg.

I don't know what will happen to the revenants after the ceremony... Come to think of it, I don't know what a revenant even looks like.

*sigh* I promised Ermi I'd make sure the people in this neighborhood were safe before the ceremony started.

Why can't the Sarkaz in Kazdel just do as they're told...

What is the meaning of this? Are you going to let me finish reading or not?

Another fit? Oh good, why don't you milk this out all night? It's not as if you're the one paying for the ceremony, are you?

Enough. I don't like being here and inhaling these noxious gases either. If you could all be a tad bit more cooperative, we could get this over with and be on our separate ways.

I shall just carry on from where I was interrupted, not that any of you are listening in the first place.

'The duty of the Soul Furnace nears a close, the torments of thine burning body hereto shall end.'

'Thus under the eyes of the myriad souls do I pray...'

If I could offer a comment, though the ceremonial recitation states 'pray', you ought to know that this is more of a... notice.

Also, 'Await these rites in peace, spread not thine suffering' means 'pipe down and don't cause a ruckus'. Things are rather hectic in the city right now, and if you could just wait until I have a moment spare, I'll give you all the pomp and circumstance you need.

When the time comes, do as you will, whether that means going home or staying here to help. Hell, get into a fight, if that's what you want. Just don't tear down the city walls while you're at it.

Did you get all that? Speak up if you did.

Yes, yes, I understand you've been through a lot. Just to be fair, I didn't throw you in there, and we the Sarkaz today are not ungrateful.

What we're doing at this very moment is trying to get you guys out. So pipe down already!

*Sarkaz swearing* You better do as you're told if you know what's good for you! I've tried to keep this civilized!

Act your age already, you're over ten thousand years old—

Master! Is everything alright?

The gauge indicates that the Furnace's energy output isn't stable. Is something the matter with the ceremony? Do you require my assistance?

*cough* *cough*... *cough*!

Stay back! You're not needed yet!

*tirade of Sarkaz swearings* Mark my words, if these geriatric fools aren't taken care of by tonight, I'll be Manfred's personal shoeshine!

*cough* *cough*... *cough*!

General, you've been standing guard all day. You should take a rest.

Now's the pivotal moment of the ceremony. Nothing can be allowed to go wrong.

Take your positions. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, report to me at once.

Yes, sir!

Hmm...

It seems Kazdel is still somewhat chilly this time of year.

Hey, you really ready to meet your old pals?

Today is a crossroads... The end of an endless history.

Their sacrifice may not have been willing, but it was their agony and torment that fueled Kazdel for thousands of years. For that, they have my utmost respect.

Not willing? You were the one who caught them and threw them into the Furnace in the first place. You really think you'll manage a nice, peaceful chat with them?

Her Highness has restored my sanity and given me clarity. My mind is no longer shrouded in haze, my heart no longer gripped by senseless rage.

Let me see them. I'll try to quell their anger. It was I who began this age of suffering. It is only fitting that I end it.

Hmph...

Here's hoping you can.

Their souls are roasting in the Furnace~♪ They've got emotions of every sort~♪ Will they really be ready to wave goodbye~♪ To their old metal home~♪

Hey, you! Stop gawping at the Furnace like an idiot and start gawping at my wares like a genius! If you don't like 'em, you've got no taste! Come take a look, girl... Oh, you again?

Fatwallet! About last time—

Oh no, are you hurt? You should watch where you're running.

While you're short of customers, Fatwallet, you need to get your stuff outside the cordon. I can help.

Eh, fine by me. Not like I've got any customers.

Really?

That's great! I'll get started, then.

Gonna need payment first though. If I have to move my whole stall, then you're gonna have to rent the spot from me.

R-Rent? But this is just an empty spot by the road...

Well, it's mine now. It's a good spot by the Furnace, lots of slackers hanging about. It's warm, too. You can get your three squares a day here, without having to waste energy at home. It won't be cheap.

Anyway, that's enough free talk. You want anything more out of me, it's gonna cost ya. You're getting in the way of business here.

Hey—

A job only I can do?

Sure, Ermi! My purse has been pretty light lately, so this is a lifesaver! What do you need from me? Repairs? Looking after burdenbeasts? I can do a little bit of everything.

Oh, I would never task you with something so trivial, o kind and considerate Nymph. It'd be a terrible waste of talent.

Let me think... What should this position be called... Neighborhood... Officer?

Neighborhood Officer?

Alright, I may have just come up with that title. But it's really important! You'll be the friendly neighborhood solver of any tricky issues.

As you know, ever since that Victorian business, we've been dreadfully spread thin, and maintaining order in the streets is becoming more difficult by the day.

But when it comes to making sure everyone's safe, you're one of the best. You're Kazdel's most considerate Djall, after all.

I... I am?

But... Okay! I get the idea!

Make sure everyone's safe... Just leave it to me, Ermi! I'll do my very best!

Fatwallet, if I rent this spot from you, you'll move outside the cordon, right? That's what you said. Let me see, my...

Where's my purse?!

Wait, it's definitely on me somewhere... I must have put it in another pocket... How could this be...? Maybe I forgot to bring it with me when I left the house...?

Looks like I've got a fool on my hands. Maybe you're a nice, honest soul? Nope, there's no such thing. So a fool you must be.

My purse is gone... And the ceremony's almost over now...

Fatwallet! Please please please move your stall away, please? If you don't move, then Steelskull won't either, then everyone's going to get burned by the Furnace.

Ugh, that big lummox still holding a grudge? All I did was store my goods in his house while he was out fighting. Not like he said I couldn't.

I looked after that daughter of his for years! Him? He slinks back from Victoria, tail between his legs, completely empty-handed. You think I babysit for free?!

You looked after her? You raised her to be a *Sarkaz swearing* thief! I gave her a name so I could send her off to learn to read and write! And you ruined all that!

Wait, please stop fighting. The Furnace... the cordon... there's no time!

Ah! That's my purse! Please don't run—

Ow!

...

Oh what to do, what to do~♪ What she wants~ Is really simple~♪♪ But now she finds herself~ In a pickle♪

You done yet? What's taking so long? Wasn't the last few times real smooth?

If you can't hack it, just step down and let me. Hey—

*sigh* Who even let you up here, Wiš'adel? Did I not instruct Ermengarde to keep everyone away from the ceremony?

It's bad enough that you're here, did you really have to bring that one along too?

You've been floating up there forever and nothing's happened. I came because I was worried about you!

You came because you wanted to rubberneck! As for being worried about me, best you worry about yourself.

What's to worry about? I wasn't the one who stuffed our ancestors in the fire to roast like sweet potatoes.

Good. Those who dare speak to a revenant in such a manner tend to meet an unhappy end.

What're they arguing about, old man? Translate for me.

Hmm... I'm not entirely sure it could be called an argument.

Huh? Why so quiet all of a sudden? They hashed things out already?

Pffeh... Pffh! Maybe don't blast ash in your guest's face?

What the hell was that?

Based on my prior dealings with these fellows, that would be the equivalent of spitting in your face.

Me? What did I do?!

*Sarkaz swearing*! Hey, you old farts! What gives?!

What's going on?

General! Our cannons! They've started charging on their own! I think it's the remnants of the revenant fragment in the core, it's—

Starting up our guns, is it? What's the target?

If I'm reading this right... It's the Soul Furnace!

—!

Quick! Cut all power—

The Furnace!

Who! Fired! That! Cannon?!

My roof! Darn it, I just fixed it up a few days ago. Where'd that big rock even come from...? And what's that burning smell?

Ow! My head... hot hot hot!

Eh? Wh-What was that?

No, I don't have time to worry about the roof...

Everyone, please listen! That accident is definitely connected to the ceremony. The Soul Furnace could restart at any moment. For your safety, please evacuate outside the cordon immediately!

Come one, come all, come and take a look. You're blind if you don't buy anything—

You... You all really...!

Girl... What did you just say?

I said!

Wha... What?

For the sake of everyone's safety...

H-Hey, calm down... What're you coming over here for? My clothes and the burdenbeasts are fla—err, what was it—flammable!

He's right, don't do anything crazy!

Get behind the cordon now, or else...

Or else...

Huh? Where'd everyone go?

Wow, that's...

Nymph! Can you hear me?

Nymph! Nymphy! Hey!

Is that you, Ermi? How come I can't see you?

Look at the mirror in the little box I gave you.

Wow, Ermi, how'd you get inside the mirror?

Didn't I tell you when I gave it to you? You must have missed the instructions I wrote again.

Lich creations aren't so easy to understand. Besides, if I ever need to use it, you'll help me.

So, what's going on? I saw a really big explosion over by the Furnace!

Something went awry at the ceremony, and now the ancestors are throwing a fit. Get this... the revenant on the airship got into a fight with those in the Furnace!

Are you okay?

I'm fine, a little explosion like that couldn't hurt me. My master's still counting on me to run errands for him, though I have a bit more on my plate than I can handle.

As for the Furnace... It's still intact, and there haven't been any further issues. But the explosion caused another problem, and I miiiiight have to ask you for help again!

I'm just glad you're alright. Whatever you need help with, just say the word.

We need to hunt down all the bits of slag that got ejected from the Furnace and see if they have any revenant fragments in them.

Revenant... fragments? Are they dangerous? A lot of people here have been picking up shards of stuff that fell from the sky after the explosion.

They are! Which is why master wants me to find them as quickly as possible. The revenants in the Furnace are restless now that they're missing some of their kind.

As for the revenant fragments that are scattered, they're like ticking time bombs. We don't know when they're going to stir up trouble.

But don't worry too much. Judging by the number of revenants still inside the Furnace, only a handful of fragments have a revenant riding along. Fewer than ten, in fact.

*phew* Finally, some good news. I was thinking about how long it'd take to find every single bit that fell from the sky.

Well, unfortunately, that's the difficult part of all this. We have no idea where these fragments fell. They could be anywhere in Kazdel, really.

So, what do the ones with the revenants look like?

To be honest, I haven't had a proper look at one either. It shouldn't be too hard to identify something with a revenant riding inside it, though. It'll influence the emotions and senses of the people around it.

Would they happen to be surrounded by wisps of smoke? Maybe they sparkle and flash too?

Yeah! Something like that!

Then you might want to look at this and see if it's what you're looking for... Though I haven't felt it influence my emotions or anything.

Are you at home? I'll head over right now. Whatever you do, don't give that thing to anyone else. We're lucky you're a Djall!

Ah, okay! I'm by the furnace node near my house, so come as quick as you can. Hmm... This little rock sure is hot.

Ermi, you're back! What did your master say?

The good news is that it really was a revenant fragment. Master's already placed it back in the Furnace. The bad news is that we might have been too quick with retrieving it.

Why's that a bad thing? Shouldn't we be putting them back right away?

Wait, did your master... compliment you?

Even you have him figured out by now. Yeah, he did, and every time he does, he's almost always building up to bad news!

You know how I have to inspect goods going in and out of Kazdel every day, organize patrols, arrange repairs for the holes in the Furnace, and even inventory all the stuff he brought back from Leithanien, right?

He's already running me ragged, and now he wants me to...

Ermi! Did you try telling him that you're already swamped and that someone else should go gather the fragments?

I did tell him that! I even told him the only reason we found this first one so quickly was you.

And then? Did he change his mind?

Why are you looking at me like that... Wait, Ermi! Hey—!

Nymph~

Help me out again, last time I swear. I really have too much to handle and that old tool doesn't really care. Please, you're the only one I can count on now...

But...

You just need to find all the fragments and bring them back. I'll give you a nice, big reward if you do.

I know you don't really lack anything, but I guarantee it'll be something you really want. And... it's something only I can give you, not even my master could.

Well, don't keep me guessing. Just say what it is and I'll think it over.

I can't tell you too much at the moment, but don't you worry, we Liches are a generous people.

Hmph, is that really the proper attitude to ask for help? Anyone else would have walked away, but not this silly Djall. She just lets you walk all over her.

So fine, I'll help you find these fragments, but do you have a map that can show where they are, Ermi? The kind with the little black dots floating around?

Do you think Liches can just conjure things from thin air? Why would I have something so strange?

But you have a point, you'd be chasing your own tail if I just sent you off to find the fragments with no help.

Not to mention that you don't have anything that could actually contain the revenant fragments... Pass me that box thing of yours while I think for a second.

I'll need some time to give this a few upgrades. Head home and rest for now. Once I'm done, I'll come find you.

Eh? I thought this was a super urgent task.

Oh, I wouldn't go that far. And once you have the right tool, you'll save far more time than the few hours it'll take me to make it.

Fine, but I still hope you can think over the map thing a bit more. I'll put my box over here. See you later, Ermi!

A way to detect revenants... To isolate them... What if I dismantled this part...? No, that won't work...

Ermi? I'm heading back now. I'll wait for your good news!

Eh? Oh, alright, bye-bye!

Liches are always so quick to jump into thinking mode. I really hope she doesn't become like her master one day...

*yawn* I've got important things to do tomorrow, so I'd better get some rest.

I wonder how many people will dream about those fireworks tonight?

*pant* *pant* It's still so hot... like trying to hold a roast sweet potato fresh out of the oven. Can't imagine how hot it must be in the Furnace.

...

It's nice to meet you... ancestor sir? I don't quite know what to call you. You must have been burning in the Furnace since my grandparents were still little. You really gave it good to that crowd just now.

I should probably put you back where you belong, but getting to meet you was something really special... I'd better tell you what I need to say quick.

I've always known you were real, ever since I was young. Everyone said you were just stories to scare little kids, but I always believed.

Back then, there was a Babel camp right by my doorstep. Mom and Dad never let me wander too far, so I was always looking for the camp's doctors to play with.

My favorite fairy tale was the future the Babel doctors told me about.

And then... My Babel friends left without warning. One day I'd go look for them as usual, and there was just the field.

I was really sad, so I cried and cried at the furnace node in the plaza, because everyone told me the underground pipes connected to it would carry my voice all the way to the great, big Soul Furnace.

Now that I've seen, or heard you, I feel so happy. You really do exist and you've been protecting us and all of Kazdel this whole time and—

Sorry!

Shabby.

You mean our neighborhood? Haha, well, I think it's kinda nice, once you get used to it.

Barely any improvement.

Improvement? Oh, you mean compared to two hundred years ago.

Right... You've been in the Furnace all that time. Maybe this is your first time out.

See, ancestor revenant sir? This is where we live nowadays.

What's that sound?

Snapstring's singing. That instrument he's holding is cobbled together from scraps. It looks like a guitar, but I don't know what it's actually called.

...

And the mercenary?

You mean Steelskull? He's had a few drinks, and now he's dancing around his burdenbeast battle buddies.

What of the army?

Uh... Do you mean the Military Commission? Maybe, umm... Do you see that big airship flying overhead? I've heard they're up there.

...

Rest—