Arknights story · Exodus from the Pale Sea
EP-3 Dance of Exsanguination
Juana leads the finning team into the Salt Flat to hunt a massive saltfin. Anastasio is waiting on the path of their return.
2 scenes, 495 lines
1. Before Operation
258 linesThank you for dinner, Javi. It was delicious.
Señora Juana... I have some questions.
Go on then, no need to hold back.
I feel it's a little... risky, to be hunting such a massive saltfin with the men we have.
Wouldn't it be safer to go after a school of smaller ones?
The saltfin schools we've reeled in have been far too small. We'll need a lot more alchemical materials for what is to come.
We've already prepared plenty.
Still far from enough. The compass was just the beginning. We'll need so much more once we enter the ocean.
Poz, the last cook, said you like to make some crazy decisions. Most of the time, it makes our blood run hot with excitement.
But other times, it makes our blood turn to ice.
...Yet he was ever-loyal to me, supporting even those decisions that made him freeze up inside.
Is that what you expect from me too?
No. Which is why he's the previous cook and you're the new one.
......
Do you really wish to spend the rest of your life worrying about your next meal? This is our chance. Seize it, and all our problems vanish forever.
The ocean managed to nurture the entirety of the Golden Age, but our entire fleet can't even compare to your average gang of smugglers.
But the Salt Flat has nurtured us for decades! It hasn't been easy, but you've led us through the years.
The Flat is too barren for us.
And the ocean is too dangerous for us.
Think about the townsfolk. They would like nothing more than to be rid of us, and their net draws ever closer.
You were never afraid of them!
It's not them that I'm afraid of.
It's the Flat. Its ecosystem is about to collapse.
That fissure was just the beginning. Survey teams are reporting that large voids have appeared beneath the Salt Flat, where underground rivers have dried up.
Voids?
The underground rivers are drying up. The number of microorganisms has dropped sharply, and with it, the number of saltfins that feed upon them.
It's been a long time since one of our finships encountered a large school of saltfins.
Why didn't you tell us?
What was I supposed to say? That we're finished if we don't escape this place? What would that accomplish other than causing a panic?
Is this the only way then?
...Yes, it's the only way.
A little to the left... thanks.
Mmph!
Yes... now a little harder.
Mmph—!
That was a long day, learning to catch saltfins with Señor Rus... Ow, my aching shoulders...
Mm, yes, that's the spot.
Nene stomps even harder on Isidro's back as he inhales and exhales deeply.
Nene...
Mm-ph!
Never mind, you wouldn't understand.
...It's not like I don't want to help you all.
When I was little, a beggar taught me a few tricks, just to earn scraps on the streets.
But when I met my mentor, he told me those weren't tricks.
It was alchemy.
Mm... hmph...
I was fascinated by alchemical studies. It earned me praise from my mentor, and recognition from my peers.
And most importantly, I was no longer a street urchin with nothing to my name.
I was worth something.
That is, until I learned the most fundamental nature of that school of alchemy...
Isidro pauses. Nene stops stomping and looks up perplexedly.
You can never abandon what you have, Isidro.
You fear you will go back to having nothing if you fail.
But the nature of alchemy is to achieve your goal, devoting everything to it, no matter the cost.
The stakes, everything... The return, a chance.
Why is it that only our alchemy was used to sail the seas? Because the ocean demands such quality.
Sensing Isidro's depression, Nene lies down on his back and chirps gently.
Rus was right. You all just want to live a decent life. Repairing the compass and going to sea... It's not worth the risk.
But I'm curious... how exactly is Juana's compass constructed?
The Corazonix inside... does it truly point towards whatever your heart yearns for the most, as the stories say?
If I just had the chance to study it...
......
Did you fall asleep?
I'm curious. What's going on in my own heart?
Flowers?
Doctor Añora was the first to plant them in town, decades ago. For use in ointments.
Ah... I have seen them before, in the halls of the Bastión de Cánticos.
I've never been.
All I know is that it is the first flower to bloom from the salted earth of Aarón, after so many years of being besieged by the sea.
The townsfolk used to give me these, as a token of appreciation I think.
Now, I feel I should be offering them to you.
No, señor, I am unworthy.
Had you not taken those... measures towards the caravans, to obtain the predator burdenbeasts...
We could never have gone after those despicable bandits in the Salt Flat.
I did no more than what must be done.
Your duty, of course.
I believe you mentioned you are after a forbidden relic the bandits have stolen.
What sort of relic could it possibly be, to bring you all the way to this barren land?
A... compass.
There are thousands of antique compasses from old Iberia.
None like this. This one corrupts the heart.
It points towards the user's deepest desires, dredged from the depths of the heart... Or so it is said.
But those who cast their eyes towards such base desires can never turn back.
It drives them to theft, robbery, murder. They cannot stop themselves, try as they might.
...You really think so?
It is simply the truth.
Is this what you've been preaching to the townsfolk these past few days?
It was not I who preached. The people here already understood this truth, more profoundly than I ever have.
Someone had already revealed it to them. Perhaps you?
...Yes, it was me.
It was I who issued those prohibitions.
Why stop then? Why lift the prohibition?
Look at this town. No one here dares touch the new goods and technologies that the caravans bring. No one dares leave their house after dark.
They dare not fill their stomachs... even in years of plenty.
Every word I used to shackle these poor people has continued to shackle them.
They see it differently.
Was it not your deeds that helped them lay aside their dreams and laments for wealth and power. Was it not your words that encouraged them to take up the hoe and the scythe?
Times have changed, Señor Alguacil.
Times never change, Señor Calificador.
The deepest desires of the heart should never be probed. Not by anyone, not anywhere.
Never.
Saltfins ahoy!
Two meters wide, eighteen long!
Now that's a big one. Chase 'em down!
Full speed ahead! Harpoons ready!
Hard to port! Full speed!
Harpoons up! Hey, ho!♪
In the waves the big one rolls!♪
Stomp the planks! Hoist the sails!♪
Drown the high wind's wail!♪
Hey, ho! Up we go!♪
Before the sun sinks low!♪
Wha'cha watching from a corner for, chaval?
Oh, nothing...
Ugh!
Watch yourself. But the shaking is a good thing. Means we're getting close.
Where'd the boss put you? Reeling in the net from here, or joining the hunt in the salts?
Señora Juana won't let me leave the ship.
I don't get it. With your swordhand, you'd be way more useful in the hunt.
She didn't give me any particular job either. Just told me to do whatever I can.
Weird. She's usually so detailed.
Maybe the standards are laxer for the new guy?
I see it!
Finshit... that's a BIG one...
Lower the boat! Don't let it get away!
Wait, it's turning!
Full rudder! It's running into us!
Not in the best mood, big guy? Well, my mood couldn't be better.
Change of plans, Perlita. Javier stays aboard. I'll lead the hunt myself.
But señora, you haven't led a hunt in ages.
Do as I say!
Javier! Come back! Take the helm!
It's too dangerous, señora!
This one's too much for you, Javi. Stay on the ship. I need you to work with me.
Then what should I do?
See that salt reef in the shape of a tongue? Herd it there with salt rounds. I'll handle the rest.
Aye aye.
Full rudder! Hang tight!
The salt ship makes a hard turn to starboard, but not quite quickly enough to avoid brushing against the side of the charging saltfin.
Cold sweat rolls down everyone's backs at the grating sound. Hanging onto a fence for dear life, Isidro looks towards where the sound came from.
He sees a massive saltfin swim past the ship, sending stinging salt grains flying across the deck.
How could a saltfin grow this big?
I thought that last one was the biggest I'd ever see...
No, chaval... Even I've never seen one this big.
What?
We never hunt ones this big, not by choice.
This is loco! We're in way over our heads!
Load! Aim! Fire!
Port broadside! Fire!
Aim for the eyes and nostril! Hitting the shell won't do a damn thing!
Is Señora Juana in position?
Boss! Boss!
She just went down!
You gotta stop the hunt! We're in way over our heads!
And how would we eat tomorrow if we don't hunt today?
What's the matter, Rus?
It's twice as big as any other saltfin. Only the leader of a school could grow this big.
So you'd expect it to have a whole school behind it, but I sure don't see one.
Get to the point, professor.
Either it lost its school, or it was abandoned. Either way, it's mad. Real mad.
Does Señora Juana know about this?
It was her plan.
She's toying with our lives again. If that thing decides to bring us down with it, we're all—
Mm...
Teach...
Señora and the hunting team have already left. It's too late to back down.
Don't let the rest of the crew know. We can't afford a panic.
......
Keep firing, Javier.
I'd rather die on a hunt today than of starvation in a month.
Boss... Can we really take on this big guy?
Of course. And we'll win.
Wait for it to turn and aim for gaps in its shell! If you can hit the nostril, all the better!
It's coming straight for us!
Row! Hard forward!
Aye aye!
Harpoons ready! ...Now!
Argh!
Good! Keep it up!
It's too strong! I can't hold this rope much longer!
I'm with you!
All hands! Again!
Argh!
Good! Someone hit the nostril!
Hold that rope like your life depends on it!
Hah!
Thirty meters left!
Keep holding on!
Twenty meters!
......
Ten meters!
We're out of rope!
Just a little more!
It's coming out of the salt layer!
Now! Reel it in!
Juana rides her boat towards the saltfin as the rope is reeled in. Its thick hide has been pierced by dozens of harpoons, blood seeping out from the wounds.
Listening to its heavy, rapid breathing, Juana knows that its life is coming to an end.
She cannot help but place her hand on the massive figure, feeling its life flow out of it little by little, until the saltfin closes its eyes, still raging against the dying of the light with its last breath.
Phew... finally.
We did it!
...Hail the salt ship. Have them come for us.
Aye aye!
Wait!
Look out, señora!
It's not dead yet...
Juana feels a gaze filled with overwhelming malice upon her.
She looks up at its eyes, filled with hatred and anger.
The next instant, the saltfin begins flailing violently, sending blood-stained salt flying, falling over the sailors like rain.
It breaks free of the ropes, leaving behind only the harpoons still impaled in its hide.
It raises its tail fin high.
Retreat! Retreat!
No...
Several boats are quickly snapped in two by the saltfin's attack, and the air is filled with the screams of injured sailors.
The sound seems to fill Juana with a certain resolve. She charges towards the rampaging saltfin, and grabs one of the harpoons on its back.
It leaps up, trying to shake her off.
It's too dangerous, señora! Let go!
No! This one is mine, as long as I still breathe!
The saltfin sweeps aside the boats in front of it and swims into the distance, carrying Juana on its back.
It does so with astounding speed, like an arrow from a bow, or a dying star.
Faster!
We have to catch it!
Stop! Stop! That's as far as we can go! The beast dragged Juana into the Skeletal Reef!
Javier... Javier...
You were right, Rus. I shouldn't have knocked you out.
Not the first time. I know how you can get.
But listen for once... We can't chase her. The steam in Skeletal Reef will tear our ship apart.
If you won't go, give me a boat. I'll find her.
No one survives that place! Not us, not...
Juana can.
Are you with me or not, Teach?
Don't be reckless, Javier!
You're just gonna let her die?
No one wants to lose our leader. But we can't lose you too.
She liked you. If something happens to her, you have a responsibility for what comes next.
I'll go.
Maybe so, Teach. But she won't die. I won't let her!
Who's with me?!
Count me in!
And me!
Would you mind if I join you?
The sailors part to let Isidro through.
If it isn't our resident alchemist. I figured you'd keep your mouth shut forever.
What could you possibly do, chaval?
I can help you get out of that valley alive.
We're ready, Señor Silver.
Good. Take them in at my command.
Yes, sir!
...Are you sure those bandits will pass through here, Señor Alguacil?
Yes... they're short on supplies.
Saltfins are their only food source in the Salt Flat. From what the caravans tell us, they must travel through this passage when they return from a hunt.
Exhausted by their quarry, they will be no match for us.
Good.
With this ambush, it will all be over.
Things will improve in town once we have the bandits' technology and supplies.
Right, Anastasio?
......
Anastasio mutters something, but Silver does not hear it.
He simply gazes upon the vast Salt Flat before him, as if seeing the town's prosperous future out there.
2. After Operation
237 linesWatch out! Steam pillar.
So this is your brilliant plan? To have us all die here?
Sorry... I'll be more careful.
The test tube that Isidro throws bursts in mid-air, creating a golden mist.
The mist is soon dispersed by a faintly red jet of air.
Followed by a powerful burst of steam.
This will let us predict the steam bursts.
But I don't have too many left. We'll need to hurry.
Hmph...
Wreckage ahead, Javier. Watch out.
I could blow it up.
No need. I know what you can do, chaval.
Okay... this ship looks like it's been here for a while.
It's the first salt ship Juana ever built. She thought it could take us through Skeletal Reef and back to the sea.
She failed.
And lost almost everything.
You see any trace of the boss?
Yes. Not far now.
The ship continues sailing, past a row of towering bone spikes. The cracks running through the surface are filled with blood.
......
Saltfin blood. Don't let it get to you.
Isidro picks up a piece of salt that rolled down from the cliffs and throws it out.
He opens his palm, and finds it sticky with the blood from the salt.
......
There's blood everywhere. What kind of fight happened here?
Is the boss even alive?
We'll find out soon.
Past the bone pillars, a massive saltfin lies lifeless on the ground, its skull punctured by a helm wheel.
The master of the wheel lays still on its back, blood dripping down her feet.
Señora...
Juana... no...
They disembark and climb the beast's back. Javier touches the woman's arm. It is still warm, but that fact fills him with even more sorrow.
I'm sorry. We were too late.
*Cough* *Cough*... Yes, you were.
S-Señora?!
And there I was, hoping I wouldn't need to do all the work myself.
Are you okay, boss? You're covered in blood.
It's not mine. It put up a good fight, but I outlasted it.
You got anything to drink, Isidro?
Of course.
Juana takes the bottle, climbs down the saltfin's back, and sits down, leaning against it.
She takes a few swigs, and looks at the crowd that had gathered with a smile on her face.
Saltfin garum... What a shame. What I wouldn't do for some fine rum right about now.
Could you lend me a shoulder, Isidro? I have to admit I'm rather spent after all that.
Me?
I'll do it.
Let the boy do it. You folks need to start butchering this saltfin.
And take that wheel out for me, won't you, Javi?
Sí, señora.
Over here, boy.
A-Alright.
Now, now, you never rush a lady. Always let her finish her business.
Juana unhurriedly downs the liquid in the bottle, casually tossing the bottlecap into the air and catching it with her other hand. Isidro can only watch and wait.
There is movement in Juana's throat from time to time. She takes her time swallowing.
Or, rather, it takes great effort for her to swallow.
(Whisper) Why are you hiding your injury?
(Whisper) Just hold on to me, steady now...
(Whisper) Argh...
(Whisper) Listen, joven. I can't get hurt.
(Whisper) Fleet morale has been shaky enough already... I have to seem invincible.
(Whisper) You just gave them an entire month's worth of meals.
(Whisper) They'd take care of you.
(Whisper) I'm not worried about betrayal, but... if I go down, they'll think the situation is dire, and that's when they start panicking.
(Whisper) So, keep me steady... I don't want to fall on my face in front of everyone.
(Whisper) Argh...
(Whisper) Your ribs are cracked. I can't hold you too hard.
(Whisper) It's alright... I can take it.
Señor Calificador, there is a salt ship approaching from the southwest.
Hand me your scope.
Seems like they've had quite the catch. Just look at that thing they're dragging behind...
Would you like to see for yourself?
No need.
...I'll give the order to attack.
Silver raises the spyglass. Through the round lens, he sees a skull flag flapping in the wind.
In all his years on the Salt Flat, he had never looked forward to it so much.
How is it?
Enough for everyone, and then some.
Good. Then we'll have plenty of materials to repair the compass.
...I guess.
Señora... I...
Yes?
Leave the rest to me. You're tired; you need rest.
...I suppose you're right. I know I can count on you.
Need any help getting back to your quarters?
Just do your job. I'm exhausted, not crippled.
...Aye aye.
Got a question, chaval.
Yeah?
Is the boss hurt?
Why would you think that? There's nothing wrong with her.
Don't lie to me. Liars get lashes in this crew, you know.
Of course.
*Sigh*...
Are you worried?
Of course I am. She never shows weakness in front of the others. I hardly ever see her get injured... but for some reason she keeps getting new scars.
If she's hurt, I don't want her to hide it from us.
...She'll be fine.
Target in range!
Fire at will.
Argh—!
What was that?!
It's the Inquisition!
Where's my wheel?
They came for our quarry.
But you're... I'll go! Just wait inside!
And watch as the Inquisition takes what's mine? Never.
Juana!
Juana!!
Promise me you'll—
Look out!
What the—
Argh—!
Ambush! Take cover!
Mierda, it's the Inquisition!
What's going on?
Wish I knew. Someone must've leaked our hunting route.
Teach! Those finshits came for our catch!
Tell me something I don't know! What about the guards?
They were caught by surprised. We've got casualties.
Tell them to pull back!
What about the saltfin?
Is that meat more important than our lives?
Full speed ahead! Shake them!
I'm not part of your crew, though. I'll check on the saltfin.
Argh—
The guards around the saltfin have been neutralized. We cut the rope. They can't pull the meat with them.
And the remaining pirates?
Hiding inside the ship.
A shame... We could have taken the ship too if we had more men.
What of the Alguacil?
Went to pursue the ones who fled.
Tell him to return. We have the saltfin. No need to overextend ourselves.
Señor!
A massive helm wheel flies towards Silver. He jumps back in the nick of time and almost falls backwards.
A woman in black leaps down from the salt ship, catching the flying helm wheel in her hand.
Where do you think you're going with my catch, Inquisitor?
You... The corrupting Ægir.
Oh, it's you, joven. I thought you might grow up a little when you became calificador, but it seems you're no different from your treacherous predecessor, Silver.
Always looking to stab people in the back.
Did you expect to be treated kindly, sinner?
Was I being too nice? Would you prefer to continue this conversation with the sword?
—!
Did you perhaps think that by killing the arbiter of justice you would become one?
I was wondering what got you bold enough to venture into the Salt Flat. You found a backer.
That woman is the leader of the pirates, Señor Alguacil!
Then you're the mastermind behind the theft of the compass... Tell me, do you cling to it even now?
And what loathsome desires has it drawn out from you?
(Damn it, my wounds... I can't dodge!)
Are you out of your mind? He almost hit you.
(Whisper) Silence, joven. Do you think I wanted to get hit?
We need to get back to the ship. That guy's too strong for us. We can't fight him like this.
Ah, we meet again.
Then you shall receive judgment together.
We need to go! They came prepared, while we're exhausted!
If you're not going to help, then stay out of my way!
Teach just gave the order to sail! You'll be left behind!
The ship needs to shake them! We can't wait for you!
You go back.
Juana tries to stand, but cannot find the strength.
The Alguacil and warrior priests approach. In the distance, Silver stands atop her catch with a smug expression.
Enough food to feed the fleet for a month. Important materials for repairing the compass.
She cannot afford to lose it, if she is to return to the ocean.
'Señora Juana! Come back!'
Juana hears Javier's voice calling to her from the ship's stern.
......
Grab Juana, chaval! We're throwing the ladder down!
Blood... your wounds have opened up!
What're you waiting for?! Get up here!
She must not pass out. Her crew needs her. There is a future she must lead her fleet into.
She made a promise to Cruz.
Don't let them get away!
Yes, sir!
Señora Juana!
Juana!
Señora Juana!
Shut... up...
She can withstand the pain and darkness back no longer. They overcome her.
Ugh...
Juana! You're awake.
I...
Don't worry, we're safe.
Argh... where's Teach?
She's busy elsewhere. I'm here by your side.
What about the boy... Where did he go? Did he run away...?
No, he brought you back.
Do you want to see him? I can go get him.
What is he doing?
...He's with Teach, treating the crew members who were injured in the attack.
Aaaahhh— argh—!
I'm sorry, this ointment hurts when it's applied, but the bleeding should stop soon.
Now shut up and stop whining!
Go on... argh... I can... take it...
How's it going on your end?
(Shakes head) Not much we can do...
Bury the dead in the salts as soon as we can.
Aye... Come with me, chaval. Cesc wants to see you.
Is he hurt?
Got shot in the liver. He's on his last legs... said he wanted to see you.
...Take me to him.
Isidro makes his way through the wounded, a bowl of hot soup in hand.
Amongst the many pale faces, he sees a familiar one, smiling at him with what little strength it has left.
He sits beside the wounded man and smiles back.
You're damn ugly when you smile... you know that?
Sounds like you're in good spirits.
Here, I brought you some soup. You'll feel better.
No... don't waste it.
Thanks for coming to see me... and for saving my hide back then.
I wanted to ask... why did you save me...?
I've thought I was going to die so many time over my journeys.
But every time, I was lucky enough to meet someone who cared. I know how it feels to be waiting for death.
It's not pleasant.
I... *cough* I never knew a damn thing about you... Tell me more...
You got... a home?
No, I don't.
A family?
Not any I grew up with. My parents left when I was very young.
...I see.
How 'bout you tell him where you learned your bag of tricks?
Sure...
Some different people took pity on me and taught me how to survive. Bits and pieces, here and there.
There was a teacher who taught me how to use a sword.
We lived together for a long time. I learned a lot from him.
Must've invested a lot in you.
Yeah. He raised me as his successor.
Why didn't... you stay... with him...
I couldn't live that way. He made me feel safe.
What's... wrong with that?
Nothing's worse than feeling safe. It makes you let your guard down. But nowhere is truly safe.
......
You know, amigo...
You don't have a home... don't like feeling safe, don't want to settle down... living side-by-side with danger...
You were... born to be a pirate...
......
......
Maybe I was.
Isidro says no more. The soup has long since become cold in the night wind of the Salt Flat.
He raises the bowl and takes a sip. It has been a month, and he is already used to its thick, salty flavor.