Felinis: The time of completion 1;34 in the morning. Amount of regrets I have... I stopped counting after we had to get rid of my cat
He leaves Judith to go off on his own and wanders into Rita who's fiddling with the lock on the red chest. "You can't open that without a key."
"I know."
"What's got you all curious? You didn't seem to care that much before."
"You saw what happened in Nordopolica. This thing made it so I couldn't control my magic. The clear ciel crystal inside this box interferes with aer somehow. Not to mention the reaction you had when we encountered it."
Yormgen... I promised I'd go to Yormgen
"I guess I can't shake you now either." Yuri jokes.
"No you can't. And I'm not leaving Estelle if I can help either."
He loosens his cowl in hopes of cooling down. "But, if we're not heading to Yormgen so what'll you do?"
Rita bites her lip. "I can't leave Estelle. Until now, she was so careful... how could she... She couldn't be serious about going alone into the desert...could she?"
"It's Estelle's choice." Yuri muses.
"But, It's a stupid choice!"
"Then that just shows how far she's come." Yuri grins and Rita falls silent. "For the record, there's some kind of core in there. Or at least that's what it sounds like." He slips away on that note and walks about looking at the knights yelling at the townsfolk. He spies Patty off in a corner playing innocent. "You're still here?"
She turns to look at him with a wide smile. "What, did you come looking for me because you were lonely?"
"You sure you aren't hanging around because you're looking for me?"
"You got it, actually." She lunges at him attempting to kiss Yuri but he holds her back. "Marry me!"
"I'll think about it once you've grown up." Yuri laughs.
A man strides up and Patty turns her attention to him. "Ah, there he is."
The man stops and hesitantly looks at Yuri, then to the antennas. "What's with you?"
"I kinda know her."
"He's my husband!" Patty cheers wrapping herself around his waist.
The man looks between them and just shakes his head. "Well, whatever... I got the information you wanted regarding the Maris Stella."
"I'm grateful." She says reaching for the paper in his hand.
"But before I get to that, is it true that you're Aifread's granddaughter?" Patty falls silent. "That's the rumor I heard ...Is it true?" The girl just keeps her head down. "That must mean it is. In that case, I can't help you out. If I did business with the grandchild of a traitor, it would hurt our guild's reputation."
"Aifread wasn't-"
"I have nothing against you personally, but for those of us who live by the guild oaths, Aifread's behavior is unforgivable. I don't want to have anything to do with someone who goes around saying they're related to him of their own free will." He tears the paper in half. "Don't go thinking you're being treated unfairly here. If you pull something against our guild out of resentment, you'll have hell to pay. If you think World's Cellar is nothing more than a simple surveyor's guild, you've got another think comin'."
"I would never do that!" Patty protest and the man just laughs darkly.
"I wonder about that. The blood of a coward who attacked a ship while pretending to guard it runs through your veins. I'll never be able to know what's going through your head." Yuri is about to punch this guy's lights out when Patty grabs his hand. "And you. I don't know if you're really her husband or what, but if I were you, I'd keep my distance from her. Even a fucking Krytian should hang with a better crowd."
"So you just kept quiet and took it." Yuri says burning holes into the back of that man's head.
"Because I don't know anything. Neither about my grandfather, nor about the incident. I don't know if it really happened or if it's all a lie. I don't even know if my grandfather was a good or a bad person." Patty shrugs. "All I know is that my grandfather was important to me. So I can't agree or disagree with anything people say. You must understand yourself, it's pointless getting worked up over these kind of things." Yuri knows just as well as Patty what it's like to be hated for what you are. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm me. I know that much."
"In that case, couldn't you have said something back to him?"
She just shakes her head and stays stoic. "It's okay. I'm already used to hearing people say all sorts of things about my grandfather. I pay no mind to all that hogwash! I can keep looking for my treasure in my own way."
"If you're going to act so tough, you better not start crying as soon as you're alone." Yuri jokes.
Patty snorts. "I've no need for tears. After all, my motto is 'When the going gets tough, the tough don't cry!'" She rocks on her feet looking up at him playfully. "But, if you're being dragged down by whatever it is you are then perhaps I need to dry your tears."
"Please. I don't cry."
"Everyone cries. Even pretty boys like yerself." Patty smirks something catching her eye. "Ah, a clue off port bow! If ye don't mind I'll be off." She zips away before he can even say goodbye. He turns the corner and Karol is waiting for him.
"What's wrong Boss?"
"I feel like my world is crashing down around me. I can't believe Ruins' Gate was secretly selling weapons. And that they were smuggling them illegally out of ruins..."
Yuri rubs his neck. "...Sometimes you have to have shadow where there's light, I guess."
Karol's face falls. The kid was probably hoping for a happier answer. "That's so sad, though."
"Well, you don't need to worry about those guys. Just keep living your life the way you know is right..." Karol is young and still not completely jaded by the world. He can still believe in a perfect justice system. "And lead Brave Vesperia to victory with pride."
"Yeah, you're right!" Karol says with a new enthusiasm. "Anyway, we need to worry about Phaeroh for now. Then we'll work on finding a cure for your disease."
"Yeah, we've finally made it into the desert...it feels like we're almost there."
"Aren't you hot in that jacket?"
Fuck yes, he is. Fur and a dark jacket don't do well in a desert. Not to mention leather gloves! "Yeah, but I kind of need to wear it…"
"You're going to explain all of that right? Not worm your way out?"
"I promise I'll be honest." When he finds Estelle she morosely thinking about her selfishness. How she's just dragging them selfishly. How she's inconveniencing Rita. Yuri just asks her what she wants to do. What Estelle wants is what should matter above them. Rita is coming of her own will and Estelle hired Brave Vesperia. So take advantage of that.
When it comes time for everyone to meet at the inn Estelle is waiting for them with a small broach with a flower made of pink porcelain with three strings of pearls. "Karol, this is for you. This is payment for your services. I'm sure you'll be able to sell it for quite a sum." She gives a bow. "I want to thank you all for everything you've done."
"Huh? What do you mean? You haven't found what you're looking for yet." Karol gaps as the pin is dropped in his hand.
"...I'm afraid I must take my leave from you here."
"'Take your leave'...? What are you gonna do?" Rita asks.
"You're not thinking of going alone, are you?" Yuri can't say he didn't see this kind of logic coming.
She nods. "My desire to meet Phaeroh is a personal one."
"Are you crazy? That's way too dangerous!" Karol protests, but Estelle pays no mind.
"Which is why I must go alone. I won't have the rest of you caught up any further in my own selfish quest."
"Do justice, and punish the unjust." Yuri states giving Karol a nudge.
The gears start churning in Karol's head. "Huh...? Oh, right. That's one of the laws of our guild."
Judith nods crossing her arms. "There's no justice in letting Estelle march into the heart of the desert all by herself."
"I don't think I have it in me to break our laws. How 'bout you, Karol?"
"Right!" Karol exclaims.
Judith gives a playful smirk that seems to annoy Estelle. "It seems those are the rules."
"...I'm terribly flattered, really, but I'm afraid I can't let you..."
"Estelle, wait!" Rita yells. "Have you all lost your marbles? We're talking about a force of nature here!"
Yuri nods. "Which is why we're all going together."
"I'll admit I'm a little scared, but I can't just let Estelle go off like that." Karol says.
Rita shoves Raven and gives him a smack. "You! You talk some sense into them."
Raven just gives a lazy yawn. "If I start whining now, I'll have go all the way back ta Nordopolica by myself, right? That's no fun."
"Ooh! There's no reasoning with any of you. Are you sure you're dead set on this?"
Estelle grins. "Yes. I've thought a lot about this. You all have something that's important to you, a goal you give everything to achieve. I realized that I didn't have anything like that for myself... And I knew I had to find a purpose of my own, something I can dedicate myself to. I made the decision to begin this journey, and I have to finish what I've started. This...this is something I have to do for myself."
There's a silence that is cut by a deep sigh from Rita. "...Okay okay, you win. So we'll be aiming for the desert's center." Estelle gasps happily. "Hey, I tried talking sense into you idiots."
"Rita!" Estelle hugs her tightly.
"There's actually no real need for you to come, Rita." Yuri adds playfully. "You've got your aer krene research to worry about, don't you?"
"There's no telling what you idiots will get into if I don't keep an eye on you. Besides, with everything that goes on with you I doubt I'll have a break from my work." She pries herself from the princess and stands as tall as her frame lets. "But! We're not leaving until we've taken care of all our preparations."
"I'm sorry to be such an inconvenience to you all..." Estelle bows and everyone just shrugs happily.
"I think we had a pretty good idea things would turn out like this from the start." Yuri says proud of her for taking this step forward. They realize that Judith has run off and when she announces she's made preparation with the innkeeper for help. They head in for the night totally creeped out by the knight standing on guard. They can't see his eyes, but Yuri knows both him and Judith are being watched the most. When they're finally in a private place everyone turns to Yuri, Patty showing up just for this. "I guess it's time for an explanation."
"Oh, yes!"
Yuri starts to tell of Entelexeia and what he knows. He tells what he's said to Estelle and then builds to Belius. He mentions what he was told minus a few details. That he's technically dying… Everyone is silent as he pulls out his hands. He mentions the hunger and the episodes especially.
"It's incredible! You're half of a species that can literally consume aer for nourishment! How has the Aspio research team never managed to learn about this." Rita exclaims as she holds his hand for better examination.
"But when I broke into that research lab there were lots of books on the subject."
Rita's mind seems to connect all the dots furiously. "That's how you knew about the Lowell project! When and how did you break into the research lab?"
"It was really easy. When you guys were sleeping I waited for someone to open the door and slipped inside." She blinks in shock. "Repede got a book that mentioned them, but it overall turned out just to be another standard history book with a few additions. Like something about a calamity or some shit."
"I both can and can't believe you did that just because you thought there might be a clue."
"I don't know what part of breaking and entering surprises you."
Everyone just shakes their heads. "Nothing. That's what makes it worse."
"So, you're going to turn into a monster?" Karol asks cautiously Yuri notes the way the kid has weapon at the ready beside him. Karol had mentioned his parents were killed by monsters so the fear is understandable. Yuri nods and Karol swallows hard. "What then?"
"Can't say."
Raven slaps Karol lightly on the back. "Oh, lighten up will ya. Yer acting like he's going to eat you, but he's still himself."
Patty has been quiet the whole time and her face is scrunched in confusion. "I feel like I've heard of that before. People turning into monsters, I mean... But, where?"
"Maybe that's a hint." Estelle enthuses as Patty gives a small 'aye'.
"Hearing blastia, controlling aer… It's all so amazing. Judith can you do anything like that?" Rita asks now examining Yuri's hair as if it holds a secret. Newsflash, it's hair that's purple and Rita could care less about Judith's.
"Not in the slightest. I'm basically human aside from my antennas."
Raven leans forward seductively as he tries once more to flirt with her. "Darlin' I think you're far more interesting than Mr. Monster over there."
"Oh, my. How flattering, but really I'm a rather boring girl when you get down to it." Judith flirts back in a playful manner.
"Oh, yer plenty interesting to this old man."
Rita gags. "Ugh, please somebody kill me."
Yuri yawns in boredom from everyone asking questions. "Can I sleep? Please?" He pulls away from Rita's prodding in annoyance. "And stop doing that. It's rude to just go poking people."
"Fine… But, I want a blood sample later."
"You and everyone else." Yuri sighs curling on the bed. "Night." There's a disturbance in the night as they find that some knights are dragging a hoplon blastia into the desert. They run off the knights, but the blastia ends up fried leaving Yuri to wonder if Judith somehow caused it. Come morning they leave the inn with canteens and the knowledge that apparently the knights roaming about are because of the new magistrate. The asshole in charge is confining people to their houses and keeping a travel ban on pretty much anyone but merchants. There's mention of Belius as a war criminal and Yuri knows something must be up. The empire knows about Entelexeia so it be safe to say they know about Belius. The Lowell project mentioned Entelexeia so they might be after something in her possession. It's only once they hear the magistrate is Cumore things start to make sense. Figures that dick is behind this.
As they're filling up the canteens they hear a knight yelling at two children. "Bad boys and girls that break curfew must be punished by the magistrate!"
"No way, we're going to look for Mommy and Daddy!" The boy cries.
Yuri grabs the hilt of the knight's spear before he can strike the kids. "Leave these children to me. I'll see that they're properly disciplined."
"Stay out of this, Krytian!" The man points the tip of his spear at Yuri's throat.
Estelle strides up and bows to the man. "Please, forgive these children. I will go and apologize in person to the magistrate on their behalf."
The man stops. "Hey...wait, aren't you... My deepest apologies...!" The knight bows a few times before fleeing.
Estelle tilts her head. "Do you think that maybe... I could've handled that better?"
"Hey, it worked, didn't it?" Yuri smirks.
"Thanks for saving us from those bad guys!" The boy says and the girl nods shyly.
Estelle beams that wonderful smile of hers. "What are your names?"
"My name is Alph! My sister's Layla."
Judith kneels in front of them. "What happened to your mom and dad?"
"They got taken into the desert in the magistrate's big wagon!" The boy gestures the size of the wagon. "Someone told me they're going to look for Phaeroh!"
They whisper between each other over the matter. This is getting serious. The girl tugs on the boy's sleeve. "Hey...big bro, are we going to go look for Mommy and Daddy?"
"No, you're not. If you kids go into the desert, you'll die for sure." Judith protests firmly. "We'll look for your parents. You kids can't go out into the desert."
The Alph's eyes light up. "Really?"
"I don't lie. You don't mind, do you, Karol?"
"Nope. Fine by me."
Rita taps her foot. "You're surprisingly agreeable."
"His guild is guided by justice, after all." Estelle says.
Layla hugs Judith and she hugs back somewhat awkwardly. "Thanks, everyone!"
Alph fishes through his pocket and drops a marine glass bead in Judith's hand. "...A glass bead?"
She shakes her head and presses it to her chest. "It's a precious gem. An aquamarine."
Estelle agrees heartily. "Yes, a fine one. So we absolutely must take this job!"
The kids giggle cheerfully thanking Judith over and over as they leave. Once they leave town they begin discussing the oddity of the empire hunting for Phaeroh and asking if Yuri has a clue. He plays dumb for the most part. It's not a total lie… Patty was gone when they left the inn so she's not with them this time. They travel for hours exhausted very quickly by the heat and it's not even afternoon. Cacti water is disgusting, but Yuri drinks it all the same.
"Yuri, put your clothes back on!" Estelle shouts when Yuri tosses off his coat and shirt.
He pries off the gloves and everyone grimaces a little. "Shut up! I'm growing fur and I'm wearing black. It's just you guys anyway."
Raven raises a brow and cups his chin. The old man seems to be the only one faring well right now and Yuri hates him for it. "Ya sure you're hot? Yer not even sweating."
Yuri pants heavily. He's so damn hot, but Raven's right about that. His skin is freakishly dry compared to everyone else aside from his hands. "Yeah… I think Entelexeia don't sweat."
Ba'ul doesn't so that be correct.
"Lucky." Karol groans.
"The opposite actually. It means he's probably burning up like Repede. Sweat helps you cool off so without it your body just stays hot. That's why dogs pant." Rita huffs.
"Great." Yuri groans wishing they'd bump into another cactus.
Rita turns to Judith. "By the way, why were you in this desert before?"
"I used to live in a town up in the mountains to the north of here. Together with my friend Ba'ul. So I sometimes came down near the desert."
Raven pauses. "Mountain town…?"
"What's the matter old man?" Yuri pries. "Old war wounds?"
The old man laughs awkwardly. "Something like that." As they're heading further and further into the heart of the desert night falls bringing a chill. Then the next day arrives and the blazing sun scorches through. Another day comes as the crescent moon falls and by then they're out of water and haven't seen a cactus in hours. Yuri is panting in exhaustion when Karol and Rita cry of an oasis. Everyone is enthused when they run into the cool waters drinking the water greedily. Karol insists they stay awhile and there's no argument as Yuri just lets himself soak in the water.
When they set off again Yuri stops as he sees Raven staring into the distance. "What are you up to, old man?"
"I was just thinkin', that's a strange lookin' monster over there." In the ground looks to be some kind of wigging thing that rushes at them from the sand. They all jump back and Yuri almost draws his sword only to realize it's Patty grasping his legs.
"Yuri!"
"Th-that startled me..." Estelle squeaks.
"That's my line." He says hoisting her up from the ground along with a chest. "Don't tell me you're treasure hunting in the sand?"
"Aye, you got it."
"What's this?" Yuri asks.
She puffs her chest out proudly despite being covered in sand. "It's one of Aifread's hidden treasures!"
"Really?" Estelle chirps now intrigued.
Karol whistles. "Wow, I'm amazed that you were able to find treasure in all this sand."
"An adventurer's intuition is sharper than the right side of a dolphin's brain." Patty smirks proudly patting her treasure.
"Intuition? Talk about unscientific." Rita scoffs, but Judith tsks at her.
"Don't just dismiss intuition."
"So, don't tell me that's the treasure you've been searching for?" Yuri says curious what's inside.
Patty shakes her head. "It's not. This is just junk. And besides, my intention isn't to find treasure."
"It's to get your memories back, right?"
"Aye, exactly. That's why I'm looking for my grandfather's treasure, the Maris Stella."
"And your memory still hasn't come back?"
Patty nods not sadly, it's just a nod. "Aye, that's right. But my journey has only just begun!"
"She recovers quickly." Raven notes.
Judith smiles as Patty tries once more to kiss Yuri with no success. "Oh? I quite like people like that."
"Really? I feel the same way!" Rita quickly tells for Raven to shut up and Patty is dragged along by the mage at Estelle's mention. They manage to find the kids' parents on the fourth day and save them from death, but still no sign of Phaeroh. It's even more of a pain because Yuri is back to wearing the jacket and gloves. As they make their way through the desert a chill sweeps through and they all stop.
A sound breaks the air that's haunting as cuts the arid silence.
"Something isn't right... Be on your guard." Judith says getting into a battle position.
"That's not Phaeroh..." Estelle says as that voice crackles again. It's painful to hear and he winces at how dreadful the sound is. Karol screams pointing at a monster that dives in from above. Yuri's not sure how to describe it. Flesh made of aer and see through like jelly, but toxic as a miasma pours from its mouth. There's an instinctual knowledge that this is something he needs to hate and despise… Then he remembers. It's like that thing in Shizontania! The one Garista made!
"I've never seen a monster like that." Karol cries holding his weapon steady.
Judith shakes her head. "That's not a monster."
Repede growls as the thing hovers above the sand. "That thing isn't natural! I'm not even sure it's real!"
The want to avoid confrontation is mute and they're thrust into battle. It's terrifying, no matter what spells or artes they cast the monster keeps moving. When Yuri drives his blade in it scrapes like jelly and glides off. Then monster starts throwing out a sphere from its mouth causing day and night to shift around them. I's disorienting the first few times, but they manage, Patty curses several times as her blades and guns prove just as useless as Yuri. It's only when Judith gives him the idea to help him break the sphere does anything start going right. They wait playing chicken to laser beams as the creature attacks. When it launches its sphere Yuri and Judith jump in unison him striking below and her above shattering the thing. The monster shrieks loud enough that Yuri is forced to cover his ears as it disintegrates into dust.
Yuri is shocked that they're alive... The adrenaline begins to fade and it becomes clear how beat up everyone is. They can't stop the exhaustion that hits them forcing them to unconsciousness… Yuri could swear in the last few moments he senses something familiar. An Entelexeia? It's not one he's seen and a part of him wonders is this one will have a grudge. "...Heh. ...Go ahead... Hope you choke... on my bones..."
Felinis: Patty is my spirit animal