Astral Duo/Transcript

From NU: carnival Wiki

The following is a transcript of scenes conversation in Astral Duo.

Lunar Anomaly[edit]

Background:
View image
Forest
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
*pant*... *pant*... Why does walking this route... feel so much tougher... than before?
Olivine
Are you okay, Eiden? You seem a little out of breath...
Olivine
Pass me some of the items in your pack. I can easily manage a bit of extra weight.
Eiden
*pant*... No way. There'd be no point... in me being here otherwise... right?
Eiden
(I thought I'd become stronger since coming to this world... Why am I struggling so much?)
Olivine
Apologies, it's all because of the church's delay in preparing these supplies. We're still heavily understaffed, so I asked for your help...
Eiden
No need to apologize. It's not your fault, after all. I just can't believe I'm still so weak...
Olivine
I'm guessing it's due to the Wood Territory's surplus of essence. It's completely normal for you to be feeling a few effects.
Olivine
(Whew... I'm feeling a bit out of sorts myself...)
Eiden
I can't help... *pant*... imagining... if Quincy were here...
Olivine
Mr Quincy?
Eiden
He could probably carry all this stuff single-handedly.
Olivine
Hehe, Mr Quincy always seems to pop up whenever we encounter trouble in the forest—a bit like a magical forest guardian.
He might even be watching over us as we speak.
Eiden
(Hah... Quincy the magical forest guardian... Watching over us, huh? My money's on him getting forty winks.)
Eiden
Come to think of it, I haven't seen Quincy or Kuya at Aster's place for ages... I wonder what those two have been up to.
Eiden
Hey, Olivine, once we've delivered this stuff, how about we go pay them a visit—

As Eiden wipes his brow, he glimpses something out of the corner of his eye.

Background:
View image
Forest
Music:None
Quincy
……
Eiden
Huh?

A familiar figure appears and then vanishes in the blink of an eye, leaving only falling leaves in his wake.

Olivine
Eiden?
Eiden
I could swear I just saw Quincy...
Eiden
(But he looked a little different from usual... and he disappeared so quickly...)
Eiden
Maybe I just need a little rest. I'm starting to see things...
Background:
View image
Tribe Village
Music:
BGM015
Eiden
Whew~ We made it!

Eiden breathes a big sigh of relief and rubs his lower back as he drops his pack to the ground with a thud.

Olivine
Thank you so much for your help, Eiden. Now we just need to find the Elder—
Muscular Villager
Hey! We're missing two pieces of wood over here!
Busy Villager
The outer fortifications are still unfinished. We need as many people as possible to help out!

Amid the yelling back and forth, Eiden sees villagers building fences and carrying huge rocks and wooden stakes every which way.

Eiden
Why do they seem so busy today?
Olivine
You're right. The atmosphere in the village is quite unlike the last time I was here...
Angry Villager
Hey! Stop sneaking bites, you little rascals! And where did that other one get off to? He better not be slacking off!
Eiden
(Hmm? What are those?)

The children of the tribe stack colorful dango atop large green leaves, stuffing the odd one in their mouths as they do so. Off to the side lies a neat arrangement of small yellow cakes.

Eiden
(Hmm, I wonder what those are...)
Eiden
(Hehe, only one way to find out!)
Olivine
Eiden?
Eiden
Shh, Olivine, check these out. I got them in exchange for some candy with the kids over there.
Background:None
Music:
BGM015
Moon Balls and Lunar Cakes
Olivine
These are...?
Eiden
The red and blue ones are called moon balls. The yellow ones are lunar cakes.
Background:
View image
Tribe Village
Music:
BGM015
Eiden
Here, open wide. Aaah~
Background:None
Music:
BGM015
Moon Balls and Lunar Cakes
Olivine
Ah... angh.
Background:
View image
Tribe Village
Music:
BGM015
Olivine
Mmm~ There's plenty of filling inside... Cream? It's so light. Not sticky at all~
I've never seen anything like these in the Water Territory. I can imagine the children love them.
Background:None
Music:
BGM015
Moon Balls and Lunar Cakes
Eiden
Here I go!
Background:
View image
Tribe Village
Music:
BGM015
Eiden
Oh? This lunar cake has a purplish-red filling. Pretty unusual, but it's so light and sweet. Delicious!
Olivine
Ah, I believe these are made with fruit from the acacia tree the Elder previously told me about. But this is my first time seeing such creations...
Eiden
Those kids said they're prepared as gifts to the moon, so they rarely get to eat them. I have no idea what they meant...
Tribe Elder
Careful! Those are lunar offerings. You mustn't drop them.
Background:None
Music:
BGM015
Time Fossil

A group of tribespeople walk past, each one holding a distinctive-looking stone.

Background:
View image
Tribe Village
Music:
BGM015
Eiden
(Those rocks look kinda unusual...)

At the Elder's orders, the stones are placed on a table together with the moon balls and lunar cakes.

Eiden
(It looks like an altar...)
Tribe Elder
Eh? What are you two doing here!?
Eiden
(Shit, he looks mad! Did he catch us sneaking a taste just now!?)
Tribe Elder
Don't you know what day it is!? You've picked the worst possible time to come!
Olivine
Apologies, we're here to deliver supplies on behalf of the church. I don't know what particular day it is today, but please know that we mean no harm.
Tribe Elder
... Ah, it's you. The blame must lie on other members of the church not conveying our instructions properly.
Eiden
(His attitude changed just like that! He's always so nice to Olivine!)
Tribe Elder
This delivery is extremely late... Never mind. At least the supplies are here now.
Olivine
May I ask, is today a particularly important day? Everyone seems to be so busy.
Tribe Elder
Didn't you feel anything after you entered the Wood Territory? And if not, didn't you once look up at the sky?
Background:
View image
Tribe Village
Music:None
Eiden
The sky...?
Olivine
... Ah!
Eiden
T-Two moons?
Background:None
Music:None

Craning their necks, Eiden and Olivine see a pair of moons—one red, one blue—at either end of the sky.

Blue Moon
Red Moon
Tribe Elder
Tonight... is the first night of the "double eclipse".

Forest Alterations[edit]

Background:
View image
Tribe Village
Music:
BGM021
Olivine
Two moons!? I've never seen such a sight...!
Eiden
Double eclipse... So that's why there are two moons? Their colors are so unusual...
Eiden
(It's still light, so you can barely see them... I never would've noticed if the Elder hadn't pointed them out.)
Tribe Elder
*cough*... This is a phenomenon unique to the Wood Territory, so it's not unusual for you to be unaware.
The two moons intersect once every fifty-four years and one month. I've witnessed it only once before when I was just a boy.
Tribe Elder
The double eclipse lasts for three days. During this time, the forest's terrain changes, sealing this entire area off from the outside world.
Even our most experienced trackers wouldn't be able to find their way out.
Olivine
So that's why the tribe needed the supplies by today... To help prepare for the double eclipse.
Eiden
Three days, huh... But if it involves the forest becoming sealed off, why do you need to strengthen the village's defenses?
Tribe Elder
The two moons have a great effect on the essence of the forest, often causing mysterious phenomena to occur.
Tribe Elder
You two possess an abundance of essence, so you should be feeling the effects too.
Eiden
Ah! So that's why I was so out of breath all the way here?
Olivine
I had guessed it was merely the usual effects of the Wood Territory's essence...
Tribe Elder
The moons' effects are impossible to predict. Docile animals become bloodthirsty beasts, while ancient and powerful trees wither and die right before your eyes.
Eiden
For real!? Then why don't you just leave the forest for a few days?
Tribe Elder
Hmph, leave? Only an outsider would say such a thing.
Tribe Elder
Living in harmony with the forest means taking the rough with the smooth.
The intersection of the moons is one of the forest's most significant events. No forest dweller would ever leave at such a time!
Eiden
I see... I guess that means Quincy and Kuya are still in the forest too? I wonder if they're feeling the effects...
Olivine
I would guess that, as they've lived in the forest for so long, they should be very familiar with the situation. I'm sure they're well-prepared for whatever might happen.
Eiden
... Yeah, you're right. I'm not the one who should be worrying...
Background:
View image
Tribe Village
Music:None
Anxious Villager
Elder, we have a situation. A child is missing...
Tribe Elder
Understood. Gather as many able-bodied men as you can and form a search party.
Tribe Elder
You two better leave the forest before the double eclipse officially begins. If not, you'll be trapped here for the next three days!
Background:
View image
Forest
Music:
BGM023
Olivine
Two moons... I've never read of such a mysterious phenomenon.
Eiden
It happens once every fifty-four years and only in the Wood Territory... It's probably more of a local legend, so I'm guessing there aren't many books about it.
Olivine
It's a pity it's not safe to stay... I'd love to witness such a rare spectacle for myself.
Eiden
(I know Quincy and Kuya can look after themselves, but I'm still a little worried about those two...)
(I've got a bad feeling... After the three days have passed, I'll come check on them...)
Background:
View image
Forest
Music:None
Topper
—*squeak*!!
Olivine
Ah? Isn't that Mr Quincy's little comrade? Maybe he's close by?
Topper
*squeak*~ *squeak* *squeak*!
Eiden
Something seems off...
Eiden
Topper, are you alone? Where's Quincy?
Topper
*squeak*! *squeak* *squeak*!
Eiden
(He seems anxious... Wait a minute...)
Eiden
Topper, is Quincy in some kind of trouble!?
Topper
*squeak*—!
Eiden
Hey! Topper! Where are you going!?
Eiden
Olivine, let's follow him!
Olivine
Wait! Eiden!
Crying Child
*sob*... Mother... father...
Olivine
(Someone... crying?)
Background:
View image
Forest
Music:
BGM019
Olivine
(... Is that a long-legged hare... attacking a child!?)
Long-Legged Hare
GAH—!
Olivine
Watch out!

Olivine casts a defensive spell, standing between the child and his attacker. The long-legged hare kicks its legs in fury before fleeing into the trees.

Olivine
(... Sure enough, that was a long-legged hare... but they're normally so docile... Is the eclipse already starting to take effect?)
Olivine
(Eiden...!)
Background:
View image
X-Astral Duo Forest
Music:
BGM019
Eiden
Topper! Slow down!

No matter how hard Eiden tries, he can't catch up to the little four-legged creature.

Eiden
*pant*... I-I can't keep up with you...!
Background:None
Music:
BGM019

Ignoring the endless branches slapping him in the face, Eiden wipes the cobwebs from his sweat-soaked hair, his eyes fixed firmly on Topper.

Eiden
(Why's Topper running so fast? Maybe Quincy really is in trouble...)
Background:
View image
X-Astral Duo Forest
Music:
BGM019
Eiden
(*pant*... *pant*... I can barely breathe... If I keep on like this... no... I have to stick with him...)
Eiden
Topper! Wait up—
Background:None
Music:None
Eiden
—Agh!

By the time Eiden realizes he's run out of ground, it's already too late. He begins to fall.

Eiden
(Gotta protect my head—)
Background:
View image
X-Astral Duo Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
Uh... huh!?
Eiden
Hmm—
Background:None
Music:None
Blue Moon
Red Moon

As Eiden opens his eyes, he's greeted by the red and blue moons hanging high in the sky.

Background:
View image
X-Astral Duo Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None

The pain from his fall soon follows.

Eiden
Ouch... that hurt...
Eiden
My arms are okay... legs too... I guess I'm still alive...
Long-Legged Hare
Eek...
Eiden
(Whoa... did a kiss from a bunny wake me up?)
Eiden
(Haha, I'm so funny...)
Long-Legged Hare
GAH—!
Eiden
Wah!

The long-legged hare pounces at Eiden. He quickly rolls to the side.

Eiden
W-What the hell... Why is it attacking me!?
Background:None
Music:
BGM019

DA-DUM.

Eiden
*pant*... *pant*...
Eiden
(This feeling... It's like I have a boulder... pressing down on my chest... I can't breathe...)

Several more long-legged hares jump out from the brush. They have hostile looks in their eyes, drool dripping from their open mouths.

Eiden
Uh... j-just wait a minute now... I'm really not very tasty—
Long-Legged Hare
GAH—!
Eiden
Agh! HELP!

Missing Clan Member[edit]

Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
*pant*... *pant*... Damn, those hares can run! I'm totally spent...
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
(These must be the effects the Elder told us about.)
Background:None
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
(I hope Olivine's okay...)
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
*pant*... My chest feels heavy...
Eiden
I'm running out of energy faster than usual... but it's nothing too serious...

The neon gemstone hanging around Eiden's neck glows under the moonlight.
Gazing at the purple sky, he gets a sense the forest has changed—becoming more mysterious, more dangerous.

Background:None
Music:
BGM021
Blue Moon
Red Moon
Eiden
(Red and blue moons shining against a purple sky... It's like a scene from a fantasy movie. I almost can't believe what I'm seeing...)
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
... So this is what the Elder meant when he said the forest's terrain changes during the double eclipse...
Eiden
(Whenever I see something unbelievable like this, it just reinforces the fact that I'm in a whole other world...)
Eiden
Wait a minute... I could swear I know this place...
Eiden
Hmm... well, I can't just stand around here all day. Olivine and Topper might be searching for me. I better look for them too...
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
White-Backed Ape
Eee!!!
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM019
Eiden
What the!? More animals!?
Eiden
*pant*... *pant*... Finally... got away...
Eiden
(Every animal I ran into turned hostile... It's taking all I've got just to flee...)
Flytrap
Chomp! Chomp! Chomp!
Eiden
Gah! Now the flowers are attacking—
Background:None
Music:None
Eiden
Wah!

Eiden slips and rolls down a slope before coming to a crashing halt against a tree.

Eiden
*cough*! Damn, that hurt!
Background:
View image
Quincy's Home (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
... Huh? T-This place...!
Background:
View image
Quincy's Home (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021

Getting to his feet, Eiden realizes where he is.

Background:None
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
Quincy! Quincy, are you home—
Background:None
Music:None
Eiden
Ugh!

Helped by the moonlight, Eiden sees Quincy's usually tidy home in disarray. Tables and chairs lay upturned on the floor.

Eiden
What the heck happened here!? Quincy, where are you? Can you—
Eiden
Ugh!
Eiden
(That dried stain on the floor...)
Eiden
(I-Is that blood!?)
Eiden
Quincy! Topper! If you can hear me, say something! Quincy!

Eiden looks all over the house, even under the bed, but finds no sign of Quincy or Topper.

Eiden
*pant*... *pant*... Nothing...
Eiden
(Did Quincy get hurt? But what could possibly hurt him that bad!?)
Eiden
Alright, calm down and think rationally...
Eiden
(... Could it be due to the double eclipse? Maybe a group of enraged animals attacked this place.)
Eiden
(I could go ask the tribe for help... but they're not exactly on the best of terms with Quincy...)
Eiden
......
Background:None
Music:
BGM018
Eiden
(... I guess there's only one person I can go to... Even if I'm not sure he'll be willing to help...)
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM018
Long-Legged Hare
GAH—!
Eiden
*pant*... *pant*...

Gasping for breath, Eiden watches the long-legged hare flee, now in an even sorrier state than when he left Quincy's house.

Eiden
(It's a good thing I grabbed this knife from Quincy's place. At least I can fend off flytraps and small animals now.)
Eiden
Let's just hope I don't run into anything bigger...
Razor-Fanged Wolf
Grarr...
Eiden
Yeah, just like that...
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
Huh?

Hearing a low growl, Eiden turns his head to see several menacing shadows in the bushes. A pack of wolves soon emerges.

Eiden
So many!? This is beyond a joke!

Eiden turns to escape, but a wolf blocks his way.

Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM019
Razor-Fanged Wolf
GRAR!
Eiden
I'm surrounded...!
Eiden
(*gulp*... They look hungry... Could my otherworldly journey... scratch that... my life... be coming to an end...?)
Razor-Fanged Wolf
Graaaarrr...
Eiden
(No... I've gotta find a way to escape...)
Eiden
*inhale*...

Holding his breath, Eiden takes half a step backward—

Background:None
Music:
BGM019
Razor-Fanged Wolf
GRAR—!
Eiden
Agh!
Background:None
Music:None

Eiden covers his face with one arm and swings the knife with the other. He doesn't feel it make contact, but he hears the sound of several bodies hitting the ground.

Eiden
Huh?
???
What are you doing here?

Eiden opens his eyes to see the pack of wolves writhing on the forest floor. And next to them—a familiar figure.

Eiden
Kuya...? Is that you?
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Kuya
Has it been so long since we last saw each other that you've forgotten me already?
Eiden
N-No... It's just, what's with that outfit?
Kuya
Is there a problem with my outfit?
Eiden
You look different from usual, and your hair... Did it get longer? Your ears and tail are showing too...
Kuya
... Heh, and what does any of that have to do with you? What benefit does asking such questions provide?
Eiden
Benefit...? I'm just... uh... curious, that's all...
Eiden
(Something seems strange about him... I could swear I never felt like this around him before...)
Kuya
I have no obligation to satisfy your curiosity...
Eiden
Eh? Kuya, your leg... Is it hurt?
Eiden
(Did one of the wolves get him?)
Eiden
Don't move. I'll take a look—
Background:None
Music:None
Kuya
Tch.
Eiden
Huh!?

Eiden bends down and reaches a hand toward Kuya's ankle, but instead feels a stabbing pain in his palm.
Kuya's long nails prick into Eiden's flesh, drawing a few droplets of blood.

Eiden
Ouch...
Background:None
Music:
BGM018
Kuya
Don't you think you're getting a bit carried away?

The pupil of Kuya's golden right eye narrows, his voice cold enough to send a shiver down Eiden's spine.

Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM018
Eiden
Uh, I just wanted to take a look at your wound...
Kuya
And what good would that do? Have you somehow learned to perform healing magic?
Eiden
... Don't look at me like that... Just forget it.
Kuya
Hah...

His hand stinging, Eiden looks at Kuya—keeping his distance and looking paler than usual—but can't think of the right words to say.

Background:None
Music:
BGM018
Eiden
(I was only trying to help him. He didn't have to react like that... But he definitely looks a little under the weather... Maybe he doesn't want to be touched...)
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
Sorry, I shouldn't have tried to touch you out of the blue like that.
Kuya
......
Eiden
Are you... okay? Your wound is bleeding.
Kuya
Do I not look okay to you, young master?
Eiden
(... I suppose he doesn't look so bad, but he's somehow become even more difficult to get along with...)
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
The tribe's Elder told me the double eclipse affects all essence in the forest, so I was a little worried about you. That's all.
Kuya
This outfit helps to stabilize my essence. Its powers are minimal, but I have little choice but to wear it.
Eiden
I see... Did you hair get longer because of the essence too?
Kuya
Rather than worrying about me, perhaps you should be more concerned for yourself, young master.
Traipsing about the forest at such a time... Do you wish to die a painful death?
Eiden
Well, I was on the way out of the forest, when I ran into Topper...
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
Ah, I almost forgot! Quincy might be in trouble!
Kuya
... Oh?
Eiden
His house was a total mess and there was blood on the floor. He could be hurt! I didn't find any sign of him—
Kuya
So?
Eiden
Huh?
Kuya
Are you telling me this in the hope that I'll search for him?
Eiden
... Well, if possible, I was hoping you could help me look for him. I know I sound a little demanding...
Kuya
I refuse.
Eiden
Ugh...!
Kuya
What reason could I possibly have to do such a thing?
Eiden
... Quincy might be seriously injured. He's not at home, and the forest is filled with animals gone mad right now...
Aren't you a little worried about what happened to him? Or curious maybe?
Background:None
Music:None
Kuya
Hah.

Under the violet moonlight, Kuya's golden and purple eyes resemble those of Eiden's wolf assailants from only moments prior.

Kuya
Not one bit.

Lunar Standstill[edit]

Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM018
Eiden
Not one bit? Wait a minute... Aren't you always calling him your "old friend"?
Kuya
I started calling him that a long time ago to tease him, nothing more. Besides...
Kuya
His one and only merit is his colossal strength. I doubt anyone could harm him even if they wanted to.
Kuya
What's more, there's no guarantee that blood belongs to him. Worrying is an utter waste of time.
Kuya
In fact, the prospect that a mere beast of the forest could injure him is laughable.
Eiden
... I'll be honest... I never really expected you to help out.
Eiden
But I didn't know you'd be this cold.
Kuya
It seems you still understand very little about me, young master.
Eiden
If you're saying that to hurt me, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed.
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM023
Eiden
But I feel pretty relieved after hearing you say that.
Kuya
... Oh?
Eiden
You said you doubt anyone could harm him even if they wanted to, right?
Eiden
You've known him for decades, so I'm inclined to agree. I'll bet the situation's not as serious as I first thought.
Kuya
... Heh, think whatever you like. However, I've had enough of this dull conversation.
Eiden
Eh? Where are you going?
Kuya
Home. Where else?
Eiden
Ah, wait up...! Erm... could I come with you?
Background:None
Music:None
Kuya
Oh? And tell me just what reason I would have to take you with me?
Eiden
(Again... Why is he on such high alert toward me...?)
Eiden
(In any case, I can't back down. I won't last till morning if I roam about the forest alone...!)
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM014
Eiden
*cough*... Erm... I just happened to bring some playing cards with me. I made them myself! The rules of the game are pretty unique. I'm sure you'll like—
Kuya
I'm not so easily won over, young master.
Eiden
Uh... then... how about I cook and clean for you!?
Kuya
... Is that all?
Eiden
I can also make your bed and wash your feet. Plus, I'm pretty talented at singing, dancing and telling jokes. Don't tell me you're not interested.
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
Plus, to be honest, I'm a little...
Background:None
Music:None
Eiden
("Worried about you"... I somehow get the feeling that'd be the worst thing to say right now...)
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Kuya
......
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Kuya
... Hmph, the double eclipse lasts for three days. If you promise to behave yourself, I suppose I can let you stay.
Eiden
Yay! I promise I'll be on my best behavior!
Kuya
Heh...
Eiden
(I'm still worried about Quincy, but I can't search the forest without Kuya's help.)
Eiden
(I almost became a three-course meal for a pack of wolves, after all...)
Background:None
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
(And I'm still curious about what's going on with Kuya...)
Background:
View image
Kuya's Room (Night)
Music:
BGM021

Eiden "obediently" spends the night at Kuya's home. He wakes up the next morning to see the sky still as dark as it was the night before.

Background:None
Music:
BGM021
Tribe Elder
The two moons have a great effect on the essence of the forest, often causing mysterious phenomena to occur.
Tribe Elder
The moons' effects are impossible to predict. Docile animals become bloodthirsty beasts, while ancient and powerful trees wither and die right before your eyes.
Background:
View image
Kuya's Room (Night)
Music:
BGM021
Kuya
*pant*... What an irritating... sensation...
Eiden
(He seemed to be doing better last night... but he's looking pale again, and his breathing is erratic...)
Eiden
(The Elder said the eclipse's effects are unpredictable. Some creatures even grow weaker and die... That couldn't happen to Kuya, could it...?)
Eiden
... Kuya, you're looking a little pale. The double eclipse is affecting you pretty bad, right? Is there anything I can do?
Eiden
You know, at times like these, it wouldn't hurt to rely on me a little...
Kuya
......
Eiden
(The silent treatment... I guess he doesn't want to talk about it...)
Eiden
(But if he's up and about, he's probably okay... right?)
Eiden
... The double eclipse lasts for three days... I hope Quincy stays safe... When these three days are over, we can go look for him.
Background:
View image
Kuya's Home (Moonlit)
Music:None

Eiden walks to the doorway to check on the moons. Instead, he sees Kuya, arms crossed and leaning against a pillar, staring up at the sky, his brow furrowed.

Eiden
Huh? What's going on with the sky...
Background:None
Music:None
Blue Moon
Red Moon

Eiden looks up to see the two moons in the same locations as they were the previous night—almost as if frozen in place.

Background:
View image
Kuya's Home (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM018
Eiden
The Elder said the moons intersect, and it's already... the second day since they appeared, right? Shouldn't it have started by now?
Kuya
Normally, yes.
Eiden
So does that mean... what's happening isn't normal? Is everything okay?
Kuya
If the eclipse does not begin, it cannot end. With the moons stationary, the current state of affairs will continue indefinitely.
Eiden
So what you're saying is... the effects of the eclipse will continue, too?
Eiden
The animals will remain hostile, and I'll be stuck here forever with my essence fluctuating like crazy?
Background:None
Music:
BGM018
Eiden
(Kuya too... His outfit might help a little, but there's gotta be limits to its powers. He wasn't doing so well last night, and his wound is healing much slower than usual...)
Background:
View image
Kuya's Home (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM018
Kuya
Yes. Very clever, young master.
Eiden
So why would the moons just stop like that...? Got any ideas?
Kuya
Perhaps an outsider came bounding into the forest and caused an irregularity.
Eiden
Talking about me, huh?
Kuya
For all we know, if you were to disappear, so might the irregularity.
Eiden
Hold up, that sounds a little too scary...
Eiden
... Ah! I remember now!
Kuya
Oh? Come up with another ridiculous theory, have you?
Eiden
Of course not! Yesterday, nearby the tribe's village—I saw Quincy!
Kuya
And? What relation does that have to the current predicament?
Eiden
... Something must've happened for Quincy to appear nearby the village.
Eiden
Maybe the tribe knows something about what's going on. If we go and ask around, we might get some clues.
Kuya
Just where does that abundance of self-confidence of yours come from, young master? Do you truly believe you can wander the forest as you please right now?
Eiden
I know it's dangerous... but with the moons not moving, who knows when we'll be able to search for Quincy?
Eiden
I can't just sit here and do nothing.
Kuya
Every word out of your mouth is about my old friend. Unfortunately, I haven't the slightest interest in his current situation.
Eiden
I know, so I won't make you come with me.
Eiden
I might not be much of a fighter... but I can run pretty fast when I need to!
Kuya
... Oh?
Eiden
Don't laugh! *cough*... Anyway, I wanted to ask...
Eiden
Do you have any other outfits like that? You know, the essence-stabilizing kind?
Kuya
And if I do?
Eiden
The main effect I'm experiencing is a loss of breath... If I can stop that, fleeing from danger should be a cinch.
Kuya
So you want an outfit to help you escape rather than increase your battle prowess... It seems you understand yourself well, young master.
Eiden
Uh... thanks for the compliment...?
Kuya
It just so happens I do have something I can give to you as a little reward.
Background:None
Music:
BGM018
Phantom Chest

Eiden has no idea where it came from, but a wooden box appears in Kuya's hand.

Background:
View image
Kuya's Home (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM018
Kuya
Its form varies from person to person, but its essence-stabilizing powers are rather impressive.
Eiden
Awesome! What is it?
Kuya
Hehe, open it up and you'll see.
Eiden
(I'm feeling a little skeptical, but I don't have much of a choice... Here I go!)
Background:None
Music:None

Eiden squints his eyes and opens the box. A strange white mist pours out, enveloping him and totally obscuring his vision.

Eiden
*cough* *cough*... What's with all this mist? What the hell is this thing...
Eiden
Huh? My clothes—
Background:
View image
Kuya's Home (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Kuya
*sigh*... The last person to open this box grew an enormous beard... I was hoping for something just as amusing.
Eiden
(Toying with me as always, huh... But...)
Eiden
... This outfit really works! My chest feels light as a feather. I can breathe like normal again!
Kuya
Hmph, you may borrow those clothes, however, any damage they incur will be recreated by yours truly upon your anatomy.
Eiden
Ahaha... I'll run as fast as I can to keep these clothes safe...!
Kuya
Hehe, but if you flee from every wild beast you find, who knows how many years it'll take you to reach the village?
Eiden
(Shit... he's right. But...)
Eiden
I don't just want to find Quincy, I also want to find the cause of this irregularity.
Eiden
After all, if the eclipse doesn't end soon, the forest, and even you, will...
Kuya
... Heh. I might've praised you for understanding yourself well, but you seem to be overestimating your abilities. I suppose you'll have to give it your all...

Kuya turns and walks a few steps, before stopping and turning back toward Eiden.

Kuya
Are you coming or not? You can stand there daydreaming if you prefer.
Eiden
Wait a minute... You're going with me!?
Kuya
Well, young master, it was you who said it wouldn't hurt for me to "rely on you", wasn't it?
Kuya
I may have no interest in my old friend's plight, but it would be most inconvenient if the eclipse weren't to end as scheduled.
Background:None
Music:
BGM021
Kuya
Since you seem so determined to solve this mystery, I suppose, for now, it wouldn't hurt to... rely on you.

Deep Dive[edit]

Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
Just how far away is the village? It feels like we've been walking for ages...
Kuya
Now, now, you're starting to sound a bit spoiled, young master.
Kuya
How am I supposed to "rely" on you like this?
Eiden
(Always so sarcastic... If he weren't injured right now...)
Eiden
I might be pretty tired... but don't worry, I can deal with any little critters that try anything!
Eiden
(In truth, Kuya's presence means most of the smaller animals don't dare come anywhere near us, but...)
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM019
Agitated Beast
GRAR—!
Eiden
Agh! Why do the massive ones keep attacking!?!?
Background:None
Music:
BGM019

Eiden waves the knife at the beast as Kuya clicks his fingers. The resulting foxfire flickers for a moment before vanishing without a trace.

Kuya
Tch.

Kuya clicks his fingers a little harder this time, firing a fiery blast toward the beast.

Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Agitated Beast
Rawr...
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Kuya
... *pant*
Eiden
(The normal Kuya would've burned that beast to a crisp in seconds...)
Eiden
(Looks like he's still not doing too well. I've gotta hurry up and find Quincy and the source of the irregularity...)
Background:
View image
Tribe Village (Moonlit)
Music:None

Kuya sits high in a tree, observing the frantic villagers running to and fro. Seeing a familiar figure approach, he deftly leaps down from his perch.

Background:
View image
Tribe Village (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM023
Eiden
Ah, there you are! I was just looking for you.
Kuya
It seems you found no useful information.
Eiden
That's right... The tribe is in total chaos because of the delay to the double eclipse.
Forget about asking if anyone's seen Quincy, the Elder won't even give me the time of day!
Eiden
(I did get one piece of good news, though...)
(Olivine came back to the village looking for me and ended up leaving the forest after some urging from the Elder. I'm glad he didn't get stuck here...)
Little Boy
M-Mister...
Eiden
Ah? It's you...
Little Boy
Erm... about that super tall man who helped us fix the fences before...
Eiden
Ah, you mean... Quincy?
Little Boy
Yeah! I haven't seen him in ages... Is he okay?
Eiden
(So Quincy hasn't been here... *sigh*... We still have no idea what happened to him...)
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM022
Kuya
Young master, your talent for telling tall tales grows with each passing day.
Eiden
... Well, I couldn't exactly tell him the truth... Oh kid, by the way, there's a big blood stain at Quincy's house and he's totally disappeared...
Eiden
(*sigh*... Just where could he be? We can't get to any of the campsites now. Where else would he go?)
Eiden
(I'm starting to think I don't know him as well as I thought...)
Eiden
Kuya, you got any ideas?
Kuya
Indeed~ Perhaps my old friend is no longer in "this" forest.
Eiden
What do you mean? I thought no one could leave right now.
Kuya
A place in the forest but also not in the forest. Where do you think that might be, young master?
Eiden
You're making my brain hurt... Just put me out of my misery, I'm begging you...
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Topper
*squeak*!
Eiden
Topper!? Where've you been!?
Eiden
Where's Quincy? Is he okay?
Topper
*squeak* *squeak*! *squeak*!
Eiden
Hey, don't run off! Topper!
Kuya
... Hmph.
Background:None
Music:None
Eiden
... *pant* *pant*... Topper... you know... I've only got two legs... If you'd run any further... I'd have lost you for sure...
Topper
*squeak*~ *squeak* *squeak*~ *squeak*~
Kuya
What a useless human. His words, not mine.
Eiden
I might not understand his language, but I at least know he didn't say that...
Topper
*squeak* *squeak* *squeak*—!
Background:
View image
Moon Slate Lake (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
Huh? A lake?
Kuya
Moon Slate Lake to be precise.
Eiden
Moon Slate Lake... is Quincy around here? Topper, where's Quincy?
Topper
*squeak* *squeak*!
Background:None
Music:
BGM021
Glowing Time Fossil

Topper runs off to the side and drags a stone over to Eiden and Kuya. The engraving on its surface emits a faint glow.

Background:
View image
Moon Slate Lake (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
(This rock... It looks like the ones we saw at the village... but it's glowing...?)
Eiden
What is this rock for? Is it for me?
Background:
View image
Moon Slate Lake (Moonlit)
Music:None
Topper
*squeak* *squeak*... *squeak* *squeak* *squeak* *squeak*! *squeak* *squeak**squeak*~ *squeak* *squeak*!
Eiden
......
Topper
*squeak* *squeak* *squeak*! *squeak*~ *squeak* *squeak*... *squeak* *squeak* *squeak*!
Eiden
Ah, awesome... I think I'm starting to understand the situation.
Eiden
(Yeah, I understand alright... I understand I don't have a clue what he's saying!)
Kuya
What he said was... if you take this rock and jump into the lake, you'll find my old friend.
Eiden
How stupid do you think I am...?
Topper
*squeak*!
Eiden
Huh?
Topper
*squeak*! *squeak*!
Eiden
Wait a minute... Kuya's telling the truth? Quincy's really in the lake!?
Topper
*squeak*!
Kuya
*sigh*... So you'd rather believe the words of a small animal than my own, young master. How very disappointing.
Eiden
(... Can you blame me!?)
Background:None
Music:None

Eiden dips a hand in the cool water, moving it back and forth. The ripples reflect the glow of the two moons but reveal nothing of what lies beneath.

Background:
View image
Moon Slate Lake (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
I know what goes on in this world shouldn't surprise me anymore... but how could Quincy be stuck inside a lake...?
Eiden
(The water is dark and cold... and I have no idea how deep... How am I supposed to find Quincy after I jump in? If only I knew how to use magic like Kuya...)
Kuya
Before you get your hopes up, I better make something clear—I have no desire to get wet.
Eiden
... What a surprise... Not.
Kuya
Hehe, I'll at least share a useful tidbit of information. This lake is usually filled with giant sleeping crocodiles.
Although, I can't be sure how they've been affected by the eclipse.
Eiden
Thanks for sharing... I feel waaaay better now...
Topper
*squeak*...
Eiden
Hey, Topper, do you know Quincy's exact location?
Topper
*squeak*... *squeak* *squeak*!
Kuya
He says he's at the very center of the lake.
Eiden
... The center... In other words, the deepest, most dangerous-looking part of the lake...
Eiden
(Sure, I learned to swim one summer while I was working by the coast, but this lake is huge!)
(Swimming all the way to the center is gonna be tough as hell, and don't even mention diving underwater...)
Background:
View image
Moon Slate Lake (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
*inhale*... *exhale*~ *inhale*~ *exhale*~
Eiden
Alright! I'm ready!
Kuya
This will be quite different to when you visited the seaside.
Eiden
I know.
Background:None
Music:None
Eiden
(Pretty much everywhere is dangerous right now due to the double eclipse... I get that, but...)
Background:
View image
Moon Slate Lake (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM032
Eiden
I don't know if Quincy will ever come back if I don't jump in... and even if I do, I have no idea how I'm supposed to find him or what I'll encounter underwater...
Eiden
Hah... all these unknowns are pretty terrifying. My hands won't stop shaking.
Kuya
......
Background:None
Music:
BGM032
Eiden
But sometimes you've gotta do what you've gotta do, even if it scares you.
Background:
View image
Moon Slate Lake (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM032
Kuya
... Heh, despite your complete lack of planning, you seem to have a good grasp of the current situation.
Background:None
Music:
BGM032

Kuya turns and steps onto the surface of the lake. He stands stationary, ripples emanating from where his boots hit the water.

Eiden
(What is he doing...!?)
Kuya
A journey with an unknown destination? I'd say that's intriguing enough for me to accompany you on your little excursion, young master.
Background:
View image
Moon Slate Lake (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM032
Topper
*squeak*... *squeak* *squeak*!
Kuya
... You'd be better off staying here where you can't cause so much trouble.
Topper
*squeak*...
Background:None
Music:
BGM032
Eiden
Don't worry, Topper. As soon as I find Quincy, I'll bring him back to you.
It could be dangerous, so I agree you should stay here. Head back to Quincy's place and wait for us there!
Background:
View image
Moon Slate Lake (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM032
Topper
*squeak* *squeak*...
Background:None
Music:
BGM032

Kuya uses a spell that allows them both to walk on water. Shrouded in otherworldly moonlight, Eiden follows the fox yokai to the center of the lake.

Kuya
Here we are. Feel free to dive in whenever you're ready, young master.
Eiden
I never thought I'd get the chance to walk on water... I feel like a badass ninja. I remember trying to walk on the waves when I tried surfing...
Kuya
What are you rambling on about?
Eiden
... Ah, it's nothing... *cough*... What I want to say is—
Eiden
If I dive in and nothing happens, would you mind fishing me out? You don't have to use magic, just a tree branch or something...
Kuya
*sigh*... Are you so dead set on disappointing me, young master...?
Eiden
Hey, it's pretty scary jumping into a lake I know nothing about. I'd feel better if I had a little insurance.
Kuya
If I agree to fish you out, will you feel reassured?
Eiden
... Probably not.
Kuya
If I say I won't fish you out... will you not jump?
Eiden
......
Eiden
... No, I'll still jump.
Eiden
Thanks, Kuya.
Kuya
... I'll count down from three. Get ready, young master.
Kuya
Three, two...
Background:None
Music:None
Eiden
Uwah—! *gurgle*—
Eiden
(He went on two! Damn sneaky fox!)

Eiden's complaints get lost under vast amounts of water as he feels himself sinking. Opening his eyes, all he sees is unending darkness.

Eiden
(Ugh... I-I'm running out of breath... Such... pain...)

One bubble, then another... Soon, a whole jet sprays from Eiden's mouth. Finally, he loses consciousness...

Wrong Place, Wrong Time[edit]

Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
*gasp*!
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021

Eiden awakens and sits up to find himself soaking wet on a patch of grass.

Eiden
... Huh? Where am I? Did someone save me?
Eiden
Kuya? Strange... What did he do? Fish me out and then disappear?

Eiden looks around at the forest, getting a strange yet familiar feeling.

Eiden
(It looks like I'm in the forest... but not by the lake. The two moons are still separated... I guess I wasn't out too long.)
Eiden
Ah, that flickering over there... A campfire? Maybe someone's there...
Background:None
Music:
BGM021

Following the warm glow, Eiden heads into the brush.

Eiden
Huh? The tribe village's torches? How did I end up here?
Eiden
(Moon Slate Lake is pretty far from the village... What's going on?)
Eiden
(And it seems different somehow... I could swear there were more buildings here before...)
Eiden
(Footsteps... I better hide and see who it is...)
Background:
View image
X-Astral Duo Tribe Village (Moonlit)
Music:None
Cheerful Villager
Don't worry, I asked him to go get some rope...
???
Zaro.
Zaro
Ah, Quincy! You're back!
Quincy?
I've brought the rope, plus a little buddy I ran into on the way.
Innocent Child
Dad!
Laboring Villager
Have you been pestering Quincy again? He's very busy, you know!
Quincy?
It's no trouble. He's a good kid.
Laboring Villager
You go far too easy on him. You're a mighty warrior of the tribe, not a childminder. You don't have to play with him so much.
Innocent Child
Quincy said it was alright!
Zaro
That's Uncle Quincy to you!
Quincy?
Hey, that makes me sound so old. Does he have to?
Zaro
Don't tell me you'd rather him call you big brother.
Innocent Child
Big Brother Quincy~
Background:None
Music:
BGM025
Quincy?
Hahaha, not bad, not bad.
Eiden
(When did Quincy get so cushy with the tribespeople? I never thought I'd see him... looking like this...)
Laboring Villager
I better take him on home. Make sure to come on over later for dinner.
Quincy?
Will do. I better check the perimeter one last time first. It'll be troublesome if any wild animals sneak into the village.
Background:None
Music:
BGM025
Eiden
(Ah, he's coming this way. I better go talk to him.)
Eiden
Quin...
Background:None
Music:None

A rough, broad palm covers Eiden's mouth, pulling him back into the trees.

Eiden
Mngh!?
Quincy
Quiet.
Quincy?
...? I must be hearing things.
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021

Without a clue what's going on, a powerful hand drags Eiden through the bushes.

Eiden
Quincy!? Slow down... o-ouch... my arm...
Background:None
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
Agh!
Quincy
……!

Just as he's about to fall, Quincy turns and catches Eiden on his shoulder.

Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
Whew, close one... But didn't I just see you together with people from the tribe...?
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
Wah!

Before Eiden can finish, Quincy grabs his shoulder and pushes him away with great force. Quincy lowers his head, panting heavily.

Background:None
Music:None
Quincy
*pant*... *pant*...
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
Quincy? Are you alright?
Quincy
... Ugh... yes.
Quincy
What are you doing here?
Eiden
I-I came looking for you. I saw the blood at your house, and then I ran into Topper...
Topper
*squeak*?
Eiden
Topper!? So you came after all?
Topper
*squeak* *squeak*~?
Eiden
And you even found Quincy before I did! Good work!
Topper
*squeak*... *squeak*...?
Quincy
You're saying Topper brought you here?
Eiden
That's right. He took me to Moon Slate Lake and gave me this rock...
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM019
Crazed Beast
GRAR!
Quincy
Watch out!

Quincy pushes Eiden off to the side, launching a flurry of fierce attacks at the oncoming beast.

Eiden
Whoa, look at him go... That's our Quincy!
Eiden
......
Background:None
Music:None
Eiden
... W-Wait...
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
Quincy! That's enough already!
Quincy
......!
Quincy
... *pant*... *pant*...
Eiden
(That was damn scary... I've never seen Quincy's essence levels so out of whack... It's pouring out of him like crazy.)
Eiden
(He totally lost control... That beast didn't stand a chance...)
Eiden
Quincy, what was all that abou—

As Eiden approaches, Quincy grabs his shoulder with terrifying force.

Eiden
Ugh! That hurts!
Background:None
Music:
BGM018
Eiden
Q-Quincy?
Quincy
*pant*... *pant*...
Eiden
(His expression... Something's not right with him...!)
Eiden
Quincy... let... go...
Eiden
(I can't pry his hand off... He's gonna... crush my shoulder...)
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Topper
*squeak* *squeak* *squeak* *squeak*!
Eiden
(Topper's... pulling his hair...)
Topper
*squeak* *squeak*... *squeak* *squeak* *squeak* *squeak*!
Quincy
... Ugh!
Eiden
Ugh!

Quincy swings his arm to the side, sending Eiden hurtling to the ground.

Eiden
Agh!
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Topper
*squeak* *squeak* *squeak*~!
Eiden
Thanks, Topper... Don't worry... I'm not hurt too badly...
Eiden
(What's going on? Is that the real Quincy? He's really scaring me...)
Quincy
*pant*... *pant*... Don't... come close... Stay away...!

Quincy shakes his head and walks unsteadily toward the trees. Still within view, he sits down, resting against a tree trunk.

Topper
*squeak* *squeak*...
Eiden
Scared? Me too.
Eiden
I know he said to stay away, but...
Quincy
*pant*... *pant*...
Eiden
Quincy? Are you... okay? I originally came here with Kuya. He wasn't doing so well either.
Eiden
Are you suffering from the effects of the double eclipse too?
Quincy
... Yes. Don't concern yourself with me.
Quincy
Right now... I can barely control myself.
Eiden
(So he is the real Quincy!)
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
??
Sounded like it came from over this way.
Eiden
(Shit, did someone hear the disturbance just now?)
Quincy
Ugh... come over here. Get down.
Background:None
Music:None
Eiden
Why are we hiding?
Quincy
... We've arrived in a different time period. It'll be troublesome if we're seen by people from the past. Don't make a sound.
Eiden
(A different time period!? People from the past!? So that Quincy from before was—)
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Zaro
Strange, I could swear I heard the cry of a wild animal from over here, but there's no trace of the thing.
Quincy?
I'd say that's for the best.
Background:None
Music:
BGM025
Eiden
(So that must be... Quincy from the past?)
Quincy
(......)
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM025
Quincy?
Most animals are harder than usual to deal with at the moment. I'd rather we didn't run into any.
Zaro
How about you? Elder said those possessing strong essence would be affected too, right?
Quincy?
My essence has weakened a little, but don't worry... I can still fight.
Zaro
*sigh*... I was hoping to use this chance to do a little sparring with you.
Quincy?
We better leave that for the tribal tournaments.
Quincy?
Come to think of it, you didn't beat me at all last year, right?
Zaro
Heh, look at you getting all cocky. I suppose I can't blame you. You are the tribe's strongest warrior, after all!
Background:None
Music:
BGM025
Eiden
(Quincy and his friend... They seem so close...)
Quincy
(......)
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM025
Quincy?
I'm not the strongest. You'll have to come up with a more suitable title for me.
Zaro
You're the strongest in my eyes! That's good enough for me. But seriously, the tribe's lucky to have you watching over us.
Quincy?
You're exaggerating... Come on, we've finished checking the area. Everyone's probably waiting for us to start dinner.
Quincy
Alright, it's safe.
Eiden
... Yeah...
Eiden
So that was you from the past... and your friend?
Quincy
Yes.
Eiden
......
Background:None
Music:
BGM025

His reply as succinct as always, Eiden senses no trace of emotion in the forest guardian's expression All that follows are the sounds of chirping crickets and falling leaves, like whispers revealing long-kept secrets...

Time Fossil[edit]

Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
(... He seems so calm and unmoved, even after seeing his friend and past self... I don't know whether to be impressed... or...)
Eiden
Say... how far in the past is that other you from?
Quincy
... I can't remember.
Quincy
At least... two double eclipses ago.
Eiden
Two double eclipses!? We traveled that far back in time!
Quincy
Maybe.
Eiden
First, traveling between worlds... now traveling through time...
Eiden
Come to think of it, I know you look younger than you are, but I never knew you were so... Uh, can you remember anything from back then?
Quincy
No.
Eiden
Hmm... but seeing your friend and old self, you've gotta feel a little... nostalgic, right?
Quincy
It's all in the past. There's nothing to be nostalgic about.
Eiden
(For real...? It sounds pretty sad when he puts it like that...)
Eiden
(But I can't just force my feelings onto Quincy. Everyone has their own way of dealing with things.)
Eiden
So how did we end up coming so far back? All I did was jump into Moon Slate Lake...
Quincy
While holding that stone.
Background:None
Music:
BGM021
Time Fossil
Eiden
You mean this one?
Eiden
(Huh? It's not glowing anymore...)
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Quincy
It's a Time Fossil belonging to the Lunar Spirit. That's what caused you to travel through time.
Eiden
L-Lunar Spirit? What's that?
Quincy
... I'll explain later. First, pour some of your essence into the Time Fossil.
Eiden
Alright, I'll give it a try.
Background:None
Music:
BGM021
Glowing Time Fossil

The Time Fossil emits a faint glimmer, flickering gently.

Eiden
It's glowing!
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Quincy
Time Fossils contain the Lunar Spirit's essence and can be used to locate its whereabouts.
Eiden
Are you searching for the Lunar Spirit?
Quincy
Yes. If the Lunar Spirit leaves its original time period, the eclipse cannot end, so... I followed it here.
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM019
Berserk Bear
GRARR—
Eiden
Q-Quincy!
Background:None
Music:
BGM019
Quincy
Ugh!
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Berserk Bear
GRAARRR—
Background:
View image
Forest (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021

Quincy's fist stops in midair as the wounded bear flees into the brush.

Quincy
... *pant*... *pant*...
Eiden
(If he hadn't stopped himself, that bear would've been out like a light.)
Quincy
*pant*... Ngh!

Clearly suffering, Quincy slams a fist into a nearby tree. It shakes violently, leaves falling like a soft, green rain shower.

Eiden
(Whoa... Remind me never to piss off Quincy... not that I would ever want to...)
Topper
*squeak* *squeak*...
Eiden
Stick with me if you're scared, Topper.
Topper
*squeak*!
Quincy
*pant*... *pant*...
Eiden
Are you okay? How about we take a little rest?
Quincy
... I'm fine... for now.
Eiden
For now?
Quincy
... My essence flows... They're usually stable... But right now...
Eiden
(They're unstable... and that's what's causing him to lose control?)
Eiden
But it looks like the you from over a hundred years ago didn't experience any effects.
Quincy
The double eclipse is unpredictable... Its effects... differ each time.
Quincy
... It might not have been as obvious as now, but I was affected back then too.
Eiden
(So he really does remember!)
Eiden
I never knew you were once part of the tribe... It makes sense why you know so much about them and their history...
Quincy
That was a long time ago.
Eiden
So then... why did you leave the tribe?
Quincy
No reason. Time passed and people got scared... So I moved.
Eiden
Because you never grow any older? If you ask me, the bloodthirsty creatures lurking around every corner right now are way scarier.
Eiden
(Plus, even though he looks the same, he's changed in plenty of other ways...)
Quincy
... Everyone's scared of something. Moving away had little effect on my life.
Eiden
You can't be serious! It must've...
Eiden
... affected you in some way.
Quincy
It was too long ago. I can't remember...
Quincy
Ugh!
Eiden
Ah! Your essence...!
Quincy
*pant*... *pant*... You two... stay... back!
Eiden
(He must be in so much pain right now, but he's still trying to protect us... He's a little scary like this, but—)
Eiden
Quincy, I'll keep my distance so we don't get hurt... but I won't leave you.
Topper
*squeak*... *squeak* *squeak*!
Eiden
I might not understand his language, but I'm pretty sure Topper feels the same!
Topper
*squeak*~!
Quincy
......
Background:None
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
(I never thought I'd find both Quincy and the cause of the irregularity so soon...)

Spirit Revealed[edit]

Background:None
Music:None
Quincy
If the Lunar Spirit leaves its original time period, the eclipse cannot end, so... I followed it here.
Eiden
(Based on what Quincy said... the Lunar Spirit traveling back to this time is what caused the irregularity in our original time period.)
(We've gotta find it fast and take it back so the eclipse can come to an end.)

Walking along the uneven forest trails, Eiden feels like he's lost all sense of time.
Quincy has a few outbursts along the way, but for the most part, the trio makes it through unscathed.

Background:None
Music:
BGM021
Glowing Time Fossil

As their pace slows due to fatigue, the rock in Eiden's hand begins to flicker.

Eiden
Look... it must be somewhere nearby! Topper, you look over here! I'll check over there!
Topper
*squeak* *squeak*!
Quincy
Ungh... *pant*... *pant*...
Eiden
Quincy, leave this to me and Topper.
Eiden
I might not be much use against a rabid beast, but I'm not so bad at searching for stuff!
Quincy
... Alright, I'm counting on you.
Eiden
!
Eiden
(Normally, it's Quincy saving me from a trap or one of Kuya's illusions... or even rescuing me when I get lost in the forest...)
(I can't believe I finally get a chance to play the savior...!)

Feeling uplifted, Eiden searches through the brush while keeping an eye on the Time Fossil.

Eiden
Hmm... maybe it's not around here? But it should be real close...
???
Oh?
Eiden
Agh! There's someone here!?
???
Teehee~
Eiden
(Dark skin and white hair... How unusual... I've never seen that style of clothing before either...)
Eiden
Uh, are you from the tribe? What are you doing all the way out here?
???
Hmm?
Eiden
Ah! Shit! I'm not supposed to talk to people from the past!
???
Heh~
Eiden
Huh? Where did all these lights come from...? So pretty.
Quincy
Hey! Get over here!

Quincy reaches out a hand and yanks Eiden backward. As he does so, hundreds of tiny bullets of light blast the spot where Eiden was standing, decimating the forest floor.

Eiden
Huh!? That would've hurt, right? Or more like... I would've been blown to smithereens!
Quincy
That little...!

Quincy tries to grab the attacker, but it disappears a split second before he makes contact.

Quincy
Tch!
Eiden
Wait, could it be—
Quincy
It's the Lunar Spirit.
Eiden
You're the Lunar Spirit? I was expecting you to look pretty weird, but you're actually kinda pretty...
Lunar Spirit
Hmph~ Hmph~!

Quincy's actions seem to have upset the Lunar Spirit. Floating in midair, it puts its hands on its hips and pouts.

Eiden
Why would it attack me?
Quincy
It's not attacking you... It's playing with you.
Eiden
Playing with me!? First, it travels through time and causes major trouble back in the future... and now it wants to play?
Quincy
... The Lunar Spirit only appears during the three days of the double eclipse. As such, it's known to enjoy getting into mischief.
Eiden
(There's getting into mischief... and then there's endangering the whole damn forest!)
Lunar Spirit
Hmph~
Quincy
It's going to escape.
Eiden
Huh? We're not letting you get away!
Lunar Spirit
Hehe~
Eiden
Gah, missed! I'll get you this time for sure!
Lunar Spirit
Heh~!
Eiden
Why do I feel like I'm being toyed with... Stop moving!
Lunar Spirit
Teehee~
Quincy
......
Eiden
S-So fast... Hey, flying is totally cheating! If you've got any honor, come down here and face me one on one!
Lunar Spirit
Hmm? Heh!
Eiden
(Ah! Here it comes!)
Eiden
Alright, now it's time to give you a taste of your own medicine!
Eiden
Take this—Uwah!

Eiden pounces but the Lunar Spirit evades with ease, leaving him to fall face-first into the dirt.

Lunar Spirit
Hehe... hehehe!
Eiden
(He's making me look like a total idiot...)
Quincy
Enough fun and games.

Quincy dashes behind the giggling Lunar Spirit, grabbing it by the collar.

Eiden
Bullseye!
Lunar Spirit
Oh?
Eiden
(Quincy caught it without breaking a sweat... So why the hell was I running around like a mad man just now...!?)
Topper
*squeak* *squeak*~ *squeak* *squeak* *squeak*!
Lunar Spirit
Heh!
Eiden
Topper? Be careful... That's—
Topper
*squeak*... *squeak*!
Lunar Spirit
Teehee~
Eiden
(Now those two are playing together!?)
Eiden
I have no idea what just happened, but we should be able to head back now that we've caught the Lunar Spirit, right?
Quincy
Hmm...
Eiden
Hmm?

The Lunar Spirit turns and shakes its head, pointing a finger toward its chest.

Eiden
Your necklace... it's broken?
Quincy
Its necklace originally carried a Time Fossil. It looks like it lost the necklace when it traveled back to this time.
Eiden
A Time Fossil? How about using this as a replacement?
Glowing Time Fossil

Eiden holds out the Time Fossil. The Lunar Spirit looks it over once again before shaking its head and gesturing with its hands.

Quincy
It's saying this Time Fossil has already been used, so it contains no essence.
Quincy
A Time Fossil without essence is no different from any other stone found in the forest.
Lunar Spirit
Oh~
Topper
*squeak* *squeak*! *squeak* *squeak**squeak**squeak*...
Quincy
Time Fossils belong to the Lunar Spirit. Only those containing its essence can be used to travel through time...
However, it takes fifty-four years for them to accumulate enough power.
Eiden
Huh? So you're saying if we can't find another Time Fossil, we're stuck here!? Isn't there any other way to get back?
Quincy
No. Both the Lunar Spirit's essence stored within a Time Fossil and Moon Slate Lake during the double eclipse are required elements for traveling through time.
Eiden
Damn... Ah, I remember seeing some rocks like this in the village!
Quincy
Some are offerings to the Lunar Spirit, some are stones collected by tribespeople while wandering the forest. There's a high chance none of them contain any essence.
Eiden
So what should we do?
Quincy
We need to find a way to get our hands on a Time Fossil filled with essence.
Eiden
But where can we find one like that...
Quincy
Maybe... we'll have to try our luck at the village.
Background:
View image
X-Astral Duo Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
???
I know where you can get one.
Eiden
(That voice...!)

The Lord of the Yokai's Pavilion[edit]

Eiden
Kuya! When did you get here?
Kuya
You're the one with the Time Fossil, young master. Where else could I go?
Eiden
So you've been here the whole time!? Why didn't you let me know sooner?
Kuya
Heh, it's not every day one gets the chance to travel through time. Can you blame me for taking a look around?
Or do I now have to notify you of my whereabouts at all times?
Eiden
T-That's not what I meant...
Quincy
Where can we find a Time Fossil filled with essence?
Kuya
*sigh*... Not even a hello. Are Time Fossils all you care about?
Quincy
I'm not in the mood for chatter.
Kuya
Hehe, we've known each other a long time, but you're as crude at making requests as ever.
Quincy
This isn't a request.
Background:
View image
X-Astral Duo Forest (Moonlit)
Music:None
Kuya
... Oh? It seems you have a short memory. Are you challenging me again? Just like the last time, when we nearly burned down the forest...
Kuya
Indeed, if I remember correctly, that should be a few decades from "now"...
Quincy
Quiet.

Kuya's smile widens as his old friend's frustration grows. An icy cool aura builds between the two men.

Eiden
(I don't like the way this is going... This vibe is way too scary...)
Eiden
Ah... you came just at the right time, Kuya. Quincy and I have been racking our brains thinking of a way to get our hands on a Time Fossil.
Eiden
Without you... we'd be totally lost!
Kuya
... Heh.
Eiden
We've already found the Lunar Spirit, so all we need is a fresh Time Fossil to return to our original time. That way both periods should be unaffected, right, Quincy?
Quincy
... Yes.
Eiden
(Phew, looks like they've settled down... Well, a little...)
Eiden
Alright, let's get going! Ah, you're coming too!
Lunar Spirit
Teehee~ Oh~
Quincy
Ngh... *pant*...
Kuya
You seem to be suffering quite a bit, old friend. When I heard you say you were fine for now, I could barely stop myself from bursting out into hysterical laughter.
Quincy
... If you know that much, don't push me. Get moving.
Kuya
Heh, why the rush to find a Time Fossil? Scared you'll do something unforgivable to young master?
Kuya
Or perhaps... you already have?
Quincy
... If you have a problem, you can guide us from up in the trees. No need to come down.
Kuya
... Hehe...
Eiden
Hurry up, you two! Kuya! Which way do we need to go?

The crunch of footsteps on fallen leaves echoes through the quiet of the night.

Eiden
We hardly ever get to go out together like this. We should take more trips in the future!
Kuya
... Heh.
Eiden
Those outfits you two are wearing... erm... I know you're only wearing them because of the current situation, but you both look great!
Quincy
... Hmm.
Eiden
(I'm trying my best, but... just how am I supposed to get a conversation started...? This vibe is so awkward...)
Eiden
(Plus, those two have such terrifying auras that no animal dares come anywhere near us...)
Eiden
(I don't know whether to be more scared of all the creatures out there running wild... or Kuya and Quincy...)
Background:None
Music:
BGM023
Glowing Time Fossil

There, in the center of the ancient pavilion, resting silently atop a wooden platform, lies a Time Fossil emitting a mysterious glow.

Background:
View image
Pavilion
Music:
BGM023
Kuya
That one should work.
Eiden
It's glowing! Just like the one I used before. This one is full of essence, right?
Lunar Spirit
Uh-huh, uh-huh!
Eiden
Awesome! But, Kuya, this place is...
Kuya
The Lord of the Yokai's pavilion. The thought came to me "by chance" that long, long ago, the Lord of the Yokai had placed a stone here.
Kuya
Fortunately, my memory far exceeds that of my old friend. No matter what you ask him, the reply is invariably "forgot" or "don't remember". How dull.
Quincy
... If you say so.
Eiden
But should we really be taking it if it belongs to the Lord of the Yokai?
Kuya
Indeed, if he were to find out, he'd probably turn you into a rat-lizard.
Eiden
A rat what!? Good job I asked!
Kuya
Hehe, then you'd better—
Background:
View image
Pavilion
Music:None
???
You'd better ask.
Eiden
Huh?
Kuya
......
Background:None
Music:None
Past Kuya?
Hehe... I heard a noise in here and thought it might be a rat, so I came to investigate. However, it seems I've run into something far more intriguing.

Aren't You Curious...?[edit]

Background:
View image
Pavilion
Music:
BGM018
Eiden
(Shit, where the hell did this Kuya come from!?)
Quincy
......
Kuya
Hmph...
Past Kuya
Myself, a boring clan member, the Lunar Spirit and... a slow-witted human? Heh, a strange bunch indeed.
Past Kuya
I know bizarre phenomena often occur during the double eclipse, but this really takes the biscuit.
Lunar Spirit
Hmph~ Hmph~
Eiden
Not good... Kuya, you know yourself better than anyone. What should we do?
Kuya
*sigh*... Don't lump me together with that fool. Acting as the Lord of the Yokai's caretaker—how very pathetic.
Eiden
Huh? Criticizing yourself?
Past Kuya
I was merely passing and heard sounds coming from inside. I'm no caretaker. Hmm... is "that" my future self?
Kuya
As much as I dislike you looking at me, you might as well take it all in. You'll soon understand just how inadequate you truly are.
Past Kuya
*sigh*... If I'm being honest, I'm rather disappointed with what I see.
Eiden
(Why the hell are these two arguing with themselves!?)
Eiden
You guys—
Quincy
Leave them be.
Eiden
Huh? But won't this cause a rift in the space-time continuum or something...
Quincy
Trust me, getting involved would be far more troublesome.
Eiden
I guess you're right...
Eiden
(No wonder Quincy's been acting like he's not even here...)
Kuya
... Heh, you reek of filthy beast blood. Did you really think your human form could cover it up?
Don't think for a second I don't know what you've been up to. And you dare talk about disappointment.
Past Kuya
This is one of those rare occasions where the forest becomes more amusing than usual.
Apart from all the animals gone wild, one can even toy with the smaller yokai who'd normally never fight back... You enjoyed it too, no?
Kuya
Heh, I can't deny I once reveled in such follies, but I've long since lost interest. It's really rather embarrassing to see that smug look on your face.
Past Kuya
Hmph, allowing the double eclipse to affect you to the extent that you show your ears and tail. That's the very definition of embarrassing.
Kuya
... And what's wrong with showing my ears and tail?
Past Kuya
Heh, it's unbefitting—
Kuya
Unbefitting? Young master, come here.
Eiden
Wait a minute... don't get me involved—
Kuya
Tell me, what do you think of my ears and tail?
Eiden
(Quincy! Save me!)
Quincy
.....
Eiden
(He's still pretending he can't see anything!)
Kuya
Hmm?
Eiden
Uh... they look great.
Kuya
What else?
Eiden
... They're very graceful...
Kuya
And?
Eiden
(Does he want me to repeat everything I said way back then!?)
Eiden
... And... handsome?
Kuya
Hmm, you could learn to speak with more conviction, but that will have to do. Did you hear all that?
Past Kuya
... Oh? This human's essence feels just like Huey's... Could he be...?
Eiden
I—
Kuya
He's nothing more than a toy to help me pass the time.
Eiden
Say what now—
Background:None
Music:
BGM018
Past Kuya
Oh? Just a toy? So that means... you won't mind if I destroy him?
Background:
View image
Pavilion
Music:None
Eiden
Huh?
Background:None
Music:None
Eiden
Agh!!
Background:
View image
Pavilion
Music:
BGM019

Eiden senses something flying toward him, but before he can make it out, Quincy blocks the oncoming attack.

Kuya
Hmph, how crude. Allowing my old friend to stop your attack with such ease. You're making a fool of yourself.
Quincy
Come here.
Eiden
Ah, thanks...
Past Kuya
... Even this unbearably dull clan member is willing to protect the human? How very intriguing.
Past Kuya
You, why don't you stay "here" with me?
Background:
View image
Pavilion
Music:None
Eiden
Ah, no thanks.
Past Kuya
Hehe... wouldn't you at least like to think about it for a moment?
Eiden
Huh? Well, forget the fact that neither of you seemed to care about me a few seconds ago—slow-witted and just a toy, huh?
But why would I ever want to stay with you after you attacked me?
Background:
View image
Pavilion
Music:
BGM018
Past Kuya
Don't tell me "that" me has never done anything similar.
Eiden
Uh...
Past Kuya
He has, correct? If you can stay at his side, why can't you stay at mine?
Kuya
......
Past Kuya
Aren't you curious about the past? If you stay here, you can change things you never had time to change and see people you'd never be able to see again in the future.
Eiden
... Hmm, we traveled over a hundred years into the past... Does that mean Huey is still around?
Past Kuya
You haven't met Huey? Hmm... I don't know why "that" me hasn't taken you to meet him, but I'd be happy to oblige.
Kuya
......
Eiden
(If I could meet with Huey, maybe I could finally get some answers...)
(Why did he disappear? How did I end up arriving on the Klein Continent? Why do I have essence but can't use magic?)
Background:None
Music:
BGM018
Eiden
(Maybe... I could even return to my own world...?)
Background:
View image
Pavilion
Music:
BGM018
Eiden
......
Background:None
Music:
BGM018

Eiden looks at Quincy, then at Kuya. Although expressionless, they both meet Eiden's gaze.

Background:
View image
Pavilion
Music:
BGM018
Eiden
Hmm... your proposal is pretty tempting...
Background:
View image
Pavilion
Music:None
Eiden
But it's still a no from me.
Past Kuya
... Oh?
Background:
View image
Pavilion
Music:
BGM023
Eiden
After all, I have no idea whether you'll keep your word... especially based on my experiences with this Kuya right here.
Kuya
Hehe...
Eiden
Any way you look at it, I'm always gonna trust these two more than you.
Quincy
......
Past Kuya
Hmph...
Kuya
Hehehe, there you go. I'm sure you understand your place by now.
Past Kuya
*sigh*... It was merely a suggestion. I'm not so interested in this human that I wish to make an enemy of my future self.
Eiden
You're leaving?
Past Kuya
I have no reason to stay.
Past Kuya
If you want the stone, take it. The Lord of the Yokai always used to say the day would soon arrive when one in need would come for it.
Lunar Spirit
Hehehe~ Teehee~
Eiden
So the Lord of the Yokai knew we would come for it? You could've said so sooner...!
Eiden
(That part of Kuya's personality hasn't changed one bit!)
Eiden
Ahem... well, we better take it and be on our way... Thanks for your cooperation.
Past Kuya
Hmph... I'd say it's a bit too soon to be thanking me just yet. After all, we're destined to meet again in the future, no?
Lunar Spirit
Heh~!
Background:None
Music:None

The Lunar Spirit leaps forward, placing a palm on past Kuya's forehead. A blinding white flash follows as he closes his eyes.

Background:
View image
Pavilion
Music:None
Eiden
The Lunar Spirit... What is it doing?
Quincy
Maybe it erased his memory of this encounter.
Eiden
If it didn't erase his memory... Kuya, does that mean you met me before we first met?
Kuya
Heh, maybe, maybe not. Over a hundred years have passed since then. Don't tell me you're getting all excited at the prospect of me remembering you.
Eiden
I suppose you're right... even if we did meet...
Eiden
After such a long time, you'd be sure to forget.
Background:
View image
Moon Slate Lake (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
Here, this Time Fossil is for you. We should be able to go back to our own time now, right?
Lunar Spirit
Hyah~
Background:None
Music:
BGM032

The Lunar Spirit holds the Time Fossil in front of its chest. The stone's glow changes, lighting up the entire surface of the lake.

Eiden
We'll have to jump in the lake again, right? I was super nervous about it last time.
Quincy
But not this time?
Eiden
Well, I've already done it once, plus with you guys here it doesn't seem so scary anymore.
Quincy
Right.
Kuya
*sigh*... I hate getting my hair wet...
Topper
*squeak*...
Eiden
Alright, no more complaining. See you guys... in about a hundred years' time!

Spiritual Gift[edit]

Background:None
Music:None
Eiden
We made it back, but...
Background:
View image
Moon Slate Lake (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
The moons... They're still not moving.
Background:None
Music:
BGM021
Blue Moon
Red Moon

Those familiar red and blue spheres sit stationary against the purple sky.

Background:
View image
Moon Slate Lake (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM021
Eiden
I honestly thought bringing the Lunar Spirit back would solve everything. Guess I was a little too naive...
Kuya
Hehe, this matter might not be as simple as you thought, young master, but the Lunar Spirit looks mighty pleased with itself.
Lunar Spirit
Hehe~
Eiden
Uh... Master Lunar Spirit, you know what's causing this, right? Is there something else we need to do?
Lunar Spirit
Hmm~~~
Eiden
(It's pretending to be all confused now, huh...)
Quincy
......
Kuya
... Hehe.
Topper
*squeak* *squeak* *squeak*!
Lunar Spirit
Hehe~ Heh~
Eiden
What is Topper saying to the Lunar Spirit...?
Eiden
............
Background:
View image
Moon Slate Lake (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
Huh? Topper... Ah! No way...!
Background:None
Music:None
Tribe Elder
The two moons intersect once every fifty-four years and one month.
Quincy
Its necklace originally carried a Time Fossil. It looks like it lost it when it traveled back to this time.
Quincy
Time Fossils belong to the Lunar Spirit. Only those containing its essence can be used to travel through time...
However, it takes fifty-four years for them to accumulate enough power.
Eiden
What is this rock for?
Topper?
*squeak* *squeak*... *squeak* *squeak* *squeak* *squeak*! *squeak* *squeak**squeak*~ *squeak* *squeak*!
Background:
View image
Moon Slate Lake (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
Ah!
Eiden
Quincy and the Lunar Spirit lost a Time Fossil... and then I received one from Topper. Two moons... intersecting... Could that mean...
Eiden
There are... two Lunar Spirits?
Background:
View image
Moon Slate Lake (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM015
Lunar Spirit
Hehe~ Teeheehee
Eiden
And the other Lunar Spirit—
Background:
View image
Quincy's Home (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM015
Eiden
Topper!
Topper?
*squeak* *squeak*!
Topper
*squeak*!?
Eiden
No, rather than Topper... I should call this one... Lunar Spirit, right? We're back!
Topper?
*squeak*... *squeak*~!
Background:
View image
Quincy's Home (Moonlit)
Music:None

Topper leaps into the air. Glowing white, he slowly expands until transforming into a copy of the other Lunar Spirit—except this one is blue.

Red Lunar Spirit
Teehee~
Blue Lunar Spirit
Hmph!

The giggling Red Lunar Spirit takes one of its counterpart's hands. The Blue Lunar Spirit uses the other hand to pummel its lookalike in a kind of childlike rage.

Topper
*squeak*~ *squeak* *squeak* *squeak*~!
Blue Lunar Spirit
Wah!
Red Lunar Spirit
Hehe~!
Eiden
Wow, looks like those three are the best of friends.
Quincy
Yes, they seem to get on very well.
Kuya
Lunar Spirits are known to be extremely temperamental, always up to some sort of mischief...
Eiden
Reminds me of someone I know~
Kuya
......
Red Lunar Spirit
Hehehe~
Blue Lunar Spirit
Hmm~ Heh!
Eiden
Whoa!

The pair of Lunar Spirits come closer, rubbing Eiden's head before pinching his cheeks, big grins across their faces.

Eiden
Gah... you're gonna turn my face into soft putty... I guess this means they like me?
Eiden
Hey, you two, it'd be great if you didn't run off like that next time... even if it did result in a pretty interesting little trip.
Blue Lunar Spirit
Nah~
Background:None
Music:None
Blue Moon
Red Moon

The Lunar Spirits point toward the sky.

Background:
View image
Quincy's Home (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
Huh? You want me to look at the sky?
Background:None
Music:None

Looking up, Eiden sees the red and blue moons slowly coming together.

Background:
View image
Quincy's Home (Moonlit)
Music:None
Eiden
The eclipse! It's starting! What an amazing sight. You two—
Background:None
Music:
BGM025

Eiden turns to see the two Lunar Spirits emitting a soft glow and fading from view.

Background:
View image
Quincy's Home (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM025
Eiden
Eh? You're leaving?
Eiden
Wait a minute! I still have your Time Fossil—
Red Lunar Spirit
Teehee~
Topper
*squeak*... *squeak* *squeak* *squeak*~ *squeak* *squeak*!
Quincy
He said it's a special gift for a friend. They'll come to find you next time.
Eiden
For a friend...? Well, I don't know where I'll be fifty-four years from now, but I'll make sure to keep it safe!
Background:None
Music:
BGM025

With gentle smiles on their faces, the Lunar Spirits fade into the night sky.

Mysterious Dream[edit]

Background:
View image
Quincy's Home (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM014
Eiden
Ah! So the Lunar Spirit jumped into the Lake after throwing a tantrum about losing out on getting to play with Topper? That's how it ended up traveling back in time?

Surprisingly, Kuya decided to stay after the Lunar Spirits disappeared. Together, they sit outside Quincy's home as he roasts the spoils of his latest hunt. As they wait, Kuya gives Eiden a brief explanation of everything that happened over the last few days.

Quincy
That's right. Topper wanted to stop the Lunar Spirit, so we jumped into the lake and ended up traveling to the past too.
Eiden
(Those Lunar Spirits really are damn mischievous!)
Eiden
But what about that bloodstain inside your house?
Quincy
The double eclipse's effects hit me as I was dealing with a beast I'd hunted earlier in the day... That's where the stain came from.
Eiden
So that's why your house was all messed up...
Kuya
Heh, all that fuss for nothing.
Eiden
How are you two feeling...? Does your essence feel like it's returning to normal?
Quincy
The eclipse is almost over. Our essence levels will continue to stabilize.
Kuya
I hope we're blessed with a bit more luck during the next eclipse...
Eiden
The Lunar Spirits have to wait until the next one before they can come out and play again.
They must get pretty lonely like that. It's no wonder they were fighting over who got to play with Topper.
Topper
*squeak*~~~
Eiden
Ah! Look! The moons are about to cross...!
Kuya
Young master, hasn't anyone ever told you not to point at the moon?
Quincy
Or else a mischievous Lunar Spirit will scratch behind your ear.
Eiden
Huh? T-That sounds familiar... but a little different somehow...
Quincy
Have some meat.
Background:None
Music:
BGM014
Meat, Moon Balls, and Lunar Cakes

Quincy hands over some steaming, freshly-roasted meat, accompanied by lunar cakes and moon balls he prepared a few days earlier.

Background:
View image
Quincy's Home (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM014
Eiden
Damn, smells great! I only just realized how hungry I am...!
Topper
*squeak*! *squeak*! *squeak* *squeak* *squeak* *squeak* *squeak*!

Eiden shares platefuls of mouth-watering barbecue with Topper as he chats away. At Kuya's insistence, he peels some moon flower fruit, occasionally looking up at the spectacle in the sky.

Background:
View image
Quincy's Home (Moonlit)
Music:
BGM024
Eiden
So pretty...
Background:None
Music:
BGM024

The pair of moons soon come together to form one great shining orb. Eiden senses the unrest throughout the forest slowly fading away.

Background:
View image
Quincy's Home (Night)
Music:
BGM024
Eiden
So much happened these last few days. We even traveled through time... I couldn't have imagined any of this happening in my wildest dreams...
Eiden
I'm just glad everything had a happy ending. A moonlit barbecue with moon balls and lunar cakes... I can't think of anything better.
Kuya
Heh, such happenings during a time eclipse are nothing out of the ordinary.
Eiden
Wait a minute... time eclipse? Don't you mean double eclipse...?
Quincy
The two moons represent the positive and negative flows of time. The fact that time affects the flow of essence is what causes the creatures of the forest to change...
However, very few people know about this nowadays.
Eiden
Looks like the moon is a mystery no matter what world you're in...
In my world, we have tons of legends about creatures living on the moon—rabbits, princesses, goddesses, werewolves... even a man.
Kuya
Creatures living on the moon? You wouldn't be trying to fool me now, would you, young master?
Eiden
(Whoa... he looks totally intrigued.)
Eiden
Hehe, you guys wanna hear more?
Quincy
Yes, I'd like to hear.
Eiden
Quincy... curious about something...? Miracles do happen, I guess... Ah, let me get an extra helping of meat first.
Quincy
Go ahead.
Eiden
Plus some of these lunar cakes, and some wine—
Kuya
... If your stories turn out to be as dull as ditch water, I might have to crush you into a delicious lunar cake filling.
Eiden
Okay, scary... Anyway, I used to tell stories to kids all the time! There's no way my stories are dull!
Eiden
There's still a bit of time till the end of the eclipse, so let's try our best to enjoy it together.
Eiden
(Getting together under the moonlight like this... eating barbecue and sharing stories... This is the best!)
Background:
View image
Quincy's Home
Music:
BGM016
Eiden
Ah, we're here already. The eclipse totally changed the trails through the forest, but it was a piece of cake with you guiding us, Quincy!
Olivine
Eiden!
Eiden
Huh? That voice... Olivine?

Eiden turns to see a group of familiar figures coming his way.

Yakumo
Mr Eiden! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Did you lose some weight?
Eiden
Yakumo? Edmond? What are you guys doing here? And what's with that pot you're carrying, Yakumo?
Yakumo
... Ah... I-I wanted to cook something for the people of the tribe to thank them for letting us wait for you here...
Tribe Elder
*cough*... While we usually do not allow outsiders into the village, this young man not only possesses a great level of respect for life...
... he also has the ability to turn any combination of ingredients into the most wonderful dishes...
He very much embodies the spirit of our tribe, so I saw no reason to refuse.
Eiden
(Looks like Yakumo conquered the Elder too...)
Edmond
We heard from his holiness that you encountered some trouble, so we decided to pay a visit... However, it looks as though you're absolutely fine.
Eiden
That's right. Look, I'm all good! Thanks for worrying about me, guys.
Edmond
I-I wasn't... Ahem, rather than thank us, perhaps just try to be more vigilant next time.
That way, you won't fall into any predicaments that might cause others to be concerned for your safety.
Olivine
We came as soon as the Wood Territory opened up once again. I was relieved to hear from the Elder that you'd come to the village a second time.
But I was still worried about what you might encounter out in the forest...
Eiden
Sorry, Olivine. I was so focused on following Topper that I didn't realize I'd totally lost you until it was too late.
Yakumo
Mr Eiden, are you really okay? Do you have any injuries?
Yakumo
The Elder said you seemed fine yesterday, but I was so worried, I couldn't concentrate on cooking and nearly set the whole kitchen on fire...
Eiden
I'm totally fine. Look, no injuries anywhere, right?

As Eiden pats himself down to prove his point, he spies a young boy peeking out from behind a nearby fence. He gives Quincy a soft elbow to the ribs.

Eiden
See that little boy? He's looking for you. Why not go say hi?
Quincy
... Troublesome.
Eiden
(Sure, he says that... but he went over right away.)
Eiden
(Maybe one day, he'll be on good terms with the tribe again, just like back then... It could happen, right? Well, only if Quincy wants it too, I guess...)
Olivine
So, Eiden, what exactly happened in the forest these past few days? And why are you wearing that intriguing outfit?
Eiden
What happened? Hmm... it might take me a while to tell the whole story.
Eiden
I suppose you could say... while the Lunar Spirits played—
Eiden
I had a super long and totally wild dream.
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