Let's see... a little ketchup on the bacon, and... done!
Nine minutes and fifty-two seconds... that's the fastest I've made breakfast for Master Porky yet!
It looks quite nice as well — I think Miss Marsh would be proud of how far I've come.
I gather everything onto one plate and knock on Master Porky's door, placing the food in its usual spot. Though he doesn't respond today, he's actually been responding a lot more often recently, ever since we finished work on the Absolutely Safe Capsule.
He was very pleased with it — it seemed to meet all of his expectations and more, which I'm glad of. It's always a pleasure to be able to do something for him.
A few weeks have passed since then and life has returned mostly back to normal. However, I've stopped my training with Fassad for the moment — see, apparently he's been going back to Tazmily, scoping out the area for us.
Though I may not necessarily like him, I must respect him for having the courage to go to such a vile place.
But because of this, I'm not having any training with him, at least until he gets back, so I've mostly been working with my regiment.
Speaking of which, I really should get going there. With a final bite, I finish my omelet before heading down the elevator of the Empire Porky Building, and flying off to the training facility, remembering what we're doing today on the way there.
Apparently, the Fierce Pork Trooper wants to go on a 'field trip', whatever that means. He says he wants to assess my ability to command the troops outside the confines of where the Pigmasks have control, and on the field. I wonder where exactly he intends to take us then...
When I arrive, I head to the usual area, where my regiment is. Fourteen of them are all surrounding the fifteenth, all praising her. I'm confused as to why, until I see it — the green uniform she's wearing.
Over the course of the years, all the Pigmasks in my regiment have been gradually promoted to Captains. However, this is the first one to promoted to a Major. Though happy for her, we do have business to attend to.
I lightly clear my throat, the regiment turning towards me and assembling into a line.
"Sir!" I'm greeted with fifteen salutes and look around, nodding approvingly. While doing so, I notice the Fierce Pork Trooper isn't here yet.
This wouldn't normally be a surprise — since I've come back from working on the ASC, the Fierce Pork Trooper has given me control over what the regiment does for training, giving me more responsibility over my squad of Pigmasks.
He occasionally comes in to see how we're all doing, but for the most part, I'm the one in charge... it's a strange place to be in to say the least.
However, he should be here today... I suppose he's running late. I suppose we can make the most of the time we have.
"Very good. Firstly, I believe congratulations are in order, Major. You deserve your position."
"Thank you, sir."
"In any case then... you are all aware of our schedule, so you should know what we will be doing — today, we shall be at the firing range. Though you have all made substantial improvements in your aim, I believe your skill with explosives could use some work. Any questions?"
A few of the Pigmasks raise their hands, and I suspect they all have the same question, so I address one of them.
"Yes?"
"Sir, I thought we were going on a field trip with the Fierce Pork Trooper?"
"Indeed. However, he has not arrived yet, and I see no reason to waste this valuable time, so hence we will be training until then."
The rest of the Pigmasks lower their hands, satisfied with the answer, though not so much at what it means for them. We all head to the other side of the facility, passing along the entrance, where I ask a Pigmask there to inform me when the Fierce Pork Trooper arrives.
When we reach the firing range, each of the Pigmasks collect a supply of bombs and practice their aim with them. Of course, it's quite dangerous, so I make sure they only practice in groups of three.
As for myself, I decide to also practice my aim with bombs — I prefer to use my arm cannon for long range, but the utility of bombs and the area they cover is something I cannot overlook.
Either way, after about half an hour, a monitor on the wall starts to sound, so I answer it.
"Commander?"
"Yes?"
"The Trooper has arrived. He's waiting outside the building for your unit."
"Thank you. Please inform him that we will be there shortly."
"Yes, one more thing though, Commander."
"What is it?"
"The Trooper has requested that you wear the uniform of a colonel for your trip. Is that suitable?"
Hm... that's interesting. This isn't the first time I've done this — in fact, I've worn one to every DCMC concert I've been to. But that was for the sake of hiding my identity from the people of Tazmily who could have recognised me... so does that mean the area we're going to will have those people?
"That would be fine. Thank you." I reply, shutting the device off. I turn to the Pigmasks and signal them all to stop.
"Good work. Collect all your supplies and report to the entrance in ten minutes."
"Yes, sir!"
I myself head to obtain the white mask, armour and cloak of the colonels, putting it on — interestingly enough, they've fitted in a voice modulator into the mask.
I head outside the training facility, joining the rest of the Pigmasks. Each of us saluting the Fierce Pork Trooper, including myself. I'm not sure if I need to, given that Commander is a higher title than what the Fierce Pork Trooper has, but I don't have it yet, and even if I did... well, he deserves the respect.
The Fierce Pork Trooper walks around us all, looking at us each individually. Each person tenses a little bit when he gets closer, relaxing when he leaves.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, the Fierce Pork Trooper starts tickling one of the Pigmasks, causing them to break their salute and fall to the ground in the surprise.
The Fierce Pork Trooper bursts into laughter, and the rest of the Pigmasks do so as well, while still maintaining their salute.
"There's a free lesson for you maggots — tickling your opponent is a great way to lower their guard. Especially if they're not expecting it!"
The Fierce Pork Trooper offers a hand to his fallen comrade, helping him back up.
"Alright, loosen up a little. It's not like it's a funeral!"
He turns and looks to me. "That goes for you as well, kid. I swear you don't need to salute me... I mean, you are higher up than me."
At his request, I drop the stance, and face him.
"Not yet. And even if I did, it is my respect for you, sir."
The Fierce Pork Trooper looks a little bit taken aback by that, almost flattered.
"Hm. Well, I'm sure you're all eager to find out what we're up to. So get in, and let's get outta here!"
There's two Porkships behind the Fierce Pork Trooper, so half of us scramble into one, and the other scrambles into another.
The Porkships take off and after about five minutes in the air, there's an incoming video from the other Porkships. When it opens, we see the interior of the other ship, identical to ours, except the Fierce Pork Trooper is front and centre.
"Alright, enough fun and games! We're actually going on some real business here, so I want your heads on straight."
The Pigmasks in both Porkships immediately go silent at that, and I myself start to become more attentive.
"So, I bet you're all wondering where we're going. Well, for now, that's a surprise. But I will tell you what we're up to. You see... we're heading on a reconnaissance mission."
"We're collecting information?"
"That's right... and potentially more as well."
"On who?"
"Who do you think, kid? The enemy."
The enemy? But that would be...
"... the people of Tazmily?"
"Correct. We're heading into territory that they have occupied. And so, let me make one thing clear — this is not a combat mission. Do you understand that? We're not here to harm them — not unless they attack us, or we're given orders to do so."
"Why? Why don't we simply run them all into the ground?!"
"Let me explain then. You know what Fassad's been doing for the past few weeks?"
"Yes, he's been going to Tazmily Village, and scouting the place out, hasn't he?"
"More than that. He's been establishing some... ah, what are they... ah, diplomatic ties."
"Diplomatic ties? We've been at war with them for the past two years, haven't we? We built the Thunder Tower solely to give ourselves the advantages we needed! Why on Earth would we make friends with them, when we have the advantage?"
"What can I say? The king works in mysterious ways. I think he's considering whether or not it'd be worth more lost lives."
"I am not without mercy. And those who accept the changes and have been previously misguided, they will be welcomed into New Pork City."
Yes, he was entertaining that notion when I saw him at the Thunder Tower... not just for the sake of our lives, but theirs as well.
"Anyway, they've agreed that they won't attack us, so long as we don't attack them."
"And do we intend to stick to that agreement?"
"For now? Yes. But ask me that question in a few months time... and maybe I'll have a different answer for you. But right now, this is purely a recon mission."
"Isn't that what Fassad's supposed to be doing though?"
"It is, but one man can't do everything. He says there's something we need to investigate and obtain, but the villagers are a little wary of him already, so we've gotta help him out. Either way, do not fire on any of the civilians there. We're not here to start a fight."
Soon enough, the two Porkships land. It's only now that I realise that though the Fierce Pork Trooper informed us we'd be heading into enemy territory, he never said exactly where that would be.
And he most certainly didn't say that it would be at the heart of it.
When the Porkship opens, my eyes are greeted with a number of sights. Blue skies that stretch as far as you can see, the sun shining all around. Grass sprawls across the land, looking as fresh as can be. Rivers flowed throughout the place, wild and free.
When I take a step off the Porkship onto land, I know exactly where I am. This is...
"I'm gonna get so strong..."
... my past. This was...
"... that even Dragos won't stand a chance against me!"
... my home. This is...
Memory units engaged. Query?
Tazmily Village.
The rest of the Pigmasks disembark, including the Fierce Pork Trooper. Without looking at me, he starts to talk.
"Were you expecting this then, kid?"
"... not exactly. I wasn't expecting to be here, of all places."
"Well... it's about time you came here."
But before we can progress any further in our conversation, a Pigmask Major approaches our group, huffing and puffing all the whole. They look at the Fierce Pork Trooper and salute him.
"Sir! And..." They turn towards me, looking a bit confused, before it seems to click for them. "And you must be the Commander, yes?"
"Indeed."
"You've all arrived on time. We've set up some spots for you all in the barracks, so if you'd like to follow me."
And so we do — they're fairly similar to the ones on the training facility. I suppose that makes sense though, since this is a training ground as well.
It's actually been a long time since I've shared a place with another person, but I actually welcome it — it's been very lonely in New Pork City, so it's nice to be with my regiment again.
Once we're all settled in, the Major comes back for a briefing.
"Where's Fassad?" asks the Fierce Pork Trooper.
"Fassad's in town, talking with the people. Trying to make friends and all. He's usually back here at five in the evening." the Major replies.
"I see... alright, you're all dismissed for now. Report back here at 17 hundred hours. And don't leave the town."
"Yes, sir!"
The Pigmasks all disperse and I...
This town... it... it was my home, wasn't it? I've never been here, since I've forgotten it all...
What... what is it like? What are the people like? I've... I've heard only stories and takes about this village, the cruelty of the people, but... I've never seen it for myself. And this is my first chance to do so.
When I step out, I look around, wondering where to go. It's not like New Pork City, confined and organised. Buildings sprawl amongst these grassy fields, though there seem to be a bunch to the west... some sort of town centre.
Yet, there's also a solitary building to the north, which looks rather derelict.
I walk up there after setting an alarm to make sure I'm back on time. When I reach there, I see a sign... 'Old Man's Home'.
So... this is how the people of Tazmily treat their elders then. With such contemptuous disrespect. Pitiful...
I decide to go to the west after and... it's more urbanised than I thought it would be. I was told that the village was fairly rural and uncivilised, and yet, there are shops, restaurants and even a hotel.
Mind you, it still doesn't compare to the monumental glory of New Pork City, but... it's more than I was expecting.
They were so stuck in the past, weren't they? Unless... I remember. They stole some of this technology, didn't they? After rejecting it initially... they took it. That's what Master Porky said... despicable.
As I walk through the town, I get a few looks from the civilians — according to Fassad, the Pigmasks have been here for some time, so I thought they would have gotten used to them. I suppose not... or perhaps they have never seen a Colonel before.
To the north, the first thing that strikes me is the railway in the village. Hm... they've advanced much more than I thought they would have.
There's a few people boarding it right now, and after they do, the train starts to leave, heading through a tunnel on the east.
"Excuse me? Sir, are you waiting for a train? There won't be another one for some time."
"Oh, I'm sorry, I was a little lost in thought."
He laughs, as if he understands that. "Happens to the best of us. Are you waiting for a train then?"
"No... but could you tell me where this train goes to?"
"It only has one stop — the East End Station near the Clayman Factory Grounds."
The Clayman Factory Grounds? I've been there before myself, but why would these people be going there?
"Why do people want to go there?"
He looks at me, partially confused. "Why, to work! Ever since you've all come here, people have been going there every day for some hard earned DP!"
They adopted Dragon Power as well then... so even money has been introduced.
"I see. Well, it's good that we're able to be more friendly with each other."
"Oh yes, it is. This place was a lot more different in the past, but you know? I think I like it a bit more now."
Wow! I... wasn't expecting that. "Really?"
"Yeah... technology's pretty cool, isn't it?"
"Perhaps you should consider moving to New Pork then. It's much bigger than this place."
"You know, I might! Maybe if I save up enough DP, I can move there... yeah, wouldn't that be great? Anyway, sorry to bother you."
He goes back to his position on the platform.
He... he seemed really nice, actually. Not at all like the barbaric people I saw in Master Porky's video or the people I've heard about. I actually... enjoyed talking to him. Interesting.
Feeling a little bit happier, I decide to go to the west, seeing a giant bell tower... how tall would you need to be to ring that?! Either that, or you'd need a really big ladder.
The bell itself is pretty big as well, and judging by the amount of rust on it, it seems to be fairly old. I imagine the sound of it would echo across the entire island...
Further to the west is a pathway that leads to a forest — the Sunshine Forest, I believe, which I...
It... it wasn't my fault. It... it was an accident. I... I didn't have control over my powers... I didn't mean to do it!
But... they thought I did.
Maybe... maybe it would be for the best if I didn't go there then.
But there is a building here... a grey one, that looks very old fashioned — I'm guessing it was built before the industrial revolution that Tazmily has undergone.
When I step inside, it's eerily quiet. The sound of my footsteps echo throughout the room, softer each time.
At the centre is a mural, which depicts a dragon.
There's some writing, but it's indecipherable to me... perhaps my scanners would have better luck.
Scanning text... scan complete.
'Of beauties, of wonders, of great power, no man has seen more than in the Dark Dragon.'
Dark Dragon? What on Earth is that? In fact... haven't I heard that name somewhere before? It's slipping my mind... I hate when that happens.
Dragons... this island. I... I remember during a vacation I had, I flew rather high and... it looked like a dragon.
Is that what this Dark Dragon is? The island itself?
I head back to the town square, walking to the west of Tazmily, where I can see a beach to the south, the sea coming in and out. Though the tide is low, I do my best to stay away from it — a sudden wave wouldn't do well for me, given all my metal parts. Even if I'm wearing this suit, it's not worth the risk.
I take a look out to the sea, and I can just see a faint speck of land in the distance... I think that's Tanetane Island?
"Ohh, that's horrible!"
"Yes, truly a misfortune."
I turn to the north, seeing a group of people surrounding a building, but they're obscuring my vision. When I approach, I see what they're staring at — it's a building... or at least, it was.
The remains of it look scorched, as it was burned to the ground... actually, there's about six scorched holes around the building as well. What happened?
"Excuse me, but... what happened to this building?"
"Oh, well, it was unfortunately destroyed a few months ago by lightning."
"By lightning?"
"Yes — it got struck right on the top by a massive bolt of it! In fact, as you can see, the lightning got some places around as well."
But none of the other buildings around here seem to be destroyed, and seven bolts hitting around this specific area? That's way too precise for lightning...
The Thunder Tower. So that's what they're using the laser for... it's certainly effective. Clever as well — to these people, it just seems like lightning. But for us, it's a brilliant advantage in our war...
A part of me does feel the slightest twinge of guilt... I hope no one was hurt.
No, wait... I do. I should hope someone was hurt, that one of these people died in it...
But... I don't know. They don't... seem all that bad. They seem... nice enough.
Shaking the thoughts in my head, I decide to keep walking along the beach, seeing another building... a Sheriff's Office.
So, this is where the scum of Tazmily are kept then, the criminals. Hm... I'm surprised it's not bigger — I'd have thought there'd be plenty of people to fill these cells.
Plenty of worthless, disgusting...
"I'm gonna leave this apple here."
Barbaric, inhumane...
"The core might be hard, but..."
Filthy, hypocritical...
"The core... the core might be too hard to eat, but be sure you eat it!"
Hypo...
System error. First failsafe online.
I... but surely they can't all be that bad... maybe...
Maybe they just acted wrong... lashed out at the time.
(Dad...)
I... I... I think I'll pass entering. Besides... it's probably not wise to enter a place like this without good reason to.
I head further to the west, where there are a few houses by the beach, but also an area of the beach with some lawn chairs and parasols. In fact, I can even see some children playing around on the beach, some of them paddling in the sea, while others on the sand pass a ball between each other.
Right now, a girl with brown hair is passing the ball to a glasses wearing boy. There's somewhat of a resemblance between the two... perhaps they're related?
The boy then passes it to another brown haired boy, who tries to throw back to the first girl, but he's a little too enthusiastic about it and overshoots, the ball landing in the sea and sending a bunch of water in the air, splashing one girl swimming in it.
The three land bound children all laugh at this, while the girl in the sea shakes her head, frowning at the boy who threw the ball.
"Fuel! Watch where you're throwing this thing!"
"Sorry, Alle..."
With a huff, she threw the ball back at the boy, hitting him square in the face, much to her amusement.
They continued playing, until one of the boys looked at a blonde girl, who was sitting on one of the chairs watching them.
"Hey, Nana, why don't ya join us?"
The girl... Nana, looked down at the sand and quietly responded. "Oh... I'm alright... I'll probably just get in your way."
"Aw, come on! It'll be fun!"
At her continued reluctance, the other children try to persuade her to join, before she eventually gives in... she joins them and seems to be having fun. That... that was rather kind of them, to include her...
These children... I don't know how old they are, but... they look around my age. I wonder... did I know them once?
"Woah!"
The same boy who hit the girl in the sea throws that ball a little bit too enthusiastically once more. The ball goes soaring through the air, heading towards... me! I instinctively reach for my stick, preparing to smack it out of the sky... wait... it's not there!
Ow! It hits me straight in the face, knocking my mask loose. Ohh... now I remember... I left my stick at the barracks, because this was supposed to be a peaceful mission...
The kid who threw the ball runs up to me, apologising profusely.
"Sorry, mister! Are you alright?"
I rub my mask a bit, straightening it, and making sure it doesn't fall off... that was close.
"I'm alright. You've a pretty strong throwing arm, don't you?"
"Yeah... my dad's always said I'd grow up to be pretty strong. Hope you didn't get hurt."
"Well, these masks are meant to protect us."
By now, the other children had come out of the sea and approached us, one of the girls pointing at me and gasping.
"Hey... isn't that one of those soldiers around town?" she whispered to her friend.
"It is... but they look different from all the other ones..." she whispered back.
The boy turns around hearing his friends, before turning back to me. "So... why do you look different from the others then?"
"Oh? Well, that's because I'm a higher rank then all the others. The highest rank, in fact."
"Woah! That's impressive!"
I smile a little on the inside. "Why, thank you."
"And that cloak's really cool! I haven't seen any other soldiers wear them."
"Only we colonels get to wear this."
"Woah... I'd love to wear one of those."
"Well, you're a little young right now, but maybe in the future, you could join us."
There's an obvious hypocrisy in that statement, given the fact that it's coming from me, but to be fair, most children haven't been augmented with machinery in the same way I have.
"Really?"
"Indeed! You might even be wearing one of these in the future."
I pick up their ball on the sand and hand it back to them. "Here. Have fun."
"Thanks!"
With that, I walk back up the steps onto grassy land. The cliffs look out to the sea, but it's otherwise a dead end, so I head back to the town square.
On my way, I can't help but think more about those children... for a town that has spawned much evil, these children seem perfectly nice.
Their lives... they're so simple. So much simpler than mine. Surely, they cannot be too from my age... and yet, we're so different. While they worry about school, I worry about battle. While they play games, I play tactics. And while they have families, I... I don't.
I don't have a family. Apart from the one that abandoned me. But... does that have to be family? No... family are the people you care about, and the people who care for you.
My regiment, the Fierce Pork Trooper, Dr Andonuts, Miss Marsh and Master Porky. They... they're the people I care about. Does that make them family then? I... I don't know.
I've always wondered what my life could have been... what my life could have been if things were different. If I was one of those children... it would be so much simpler, wouldn't it? I wouldn't be the Commander... I'd just be... normal. A normal person.
But would I want that? After all, if fate had not lead me down the path it did... I wouldn't have met all the people in my life I have. I'd be blind and ignorant to all the struggles of the world.
But ignorance is bliss, isn't it?
It's a shame... their innocent hearts must be twisted by their parents, until they become like them. And then it repeats onto their children, a continuous cycle.
But maybe... maybe they can be helped. They're still young, and still impressionable. With the right guidance, their hearts could be turned.
In the town centre, I notice a lot of people are gathered around in the very centre of the area, and there's someone at the front, talking... oh no...
"People of Tazmily! We have done much on this town, yet there is still more work to be done! Bolts of lightning strike down here, and we have the solution! The Happy Boxes! Haven't you seen that those with them seem to be perfectly safe? That's because these boxes ward away all forms of lightning, and they entertain you!"
I was wondering when I'd see Fassad today. I was hoping never, but I never do seem to be that lucky. Even in this disguise, Fassad's sure to have been told what I'd look like. Thankfully, he's so engrossed and focused on his speech to the people right now that he doesn't notice me at all, so I slip away and head to the south.
The south is another dead end, another cliff that overlooks the sea, though this one lacks a beach nearby. It's a very quiet area compared to the rest of Tazmily — while the rest of the village has gone through some urbanisation, this part still remains relatively naturalistic. I wonder if this is what the vast majority of Tazmily was like two years ago...
Though I'm familiar with the atmosphere of New Pork, I... I don't... dislike this one either. There's a certain charm to nature that can only be captured when in its purest form — when it's completely untouched by us.
I hide amongst some trees, before lying down on the ground. Hm... I'm taking a large risk here, but...
Making sure there's no one anywhere nearby, I take my mask off... that feels so much better! These things really do get really musty after a while.
Closing my eyes, I take in all my surroundings.
It's... it's calming. There's no one else here... it's just the trees on the plains, the sun in the sky, the wind in my hair, the smell of the sea...
I... it feels so familiar... it feels like...
It's so beautiful...
I... I put my mask back on — it was pretty risky to do that... I really shouldn't have.
As I keep walking, I notice that there's a house — just the one, but it's a surprise to see one so far from all the others.
Curious, I keep walking towards it, the back of the house coming more and more into focus as I get closer. After turning a bend, I get a frontal view of it.
It... it's not just a house, or at least, it wasn't just a house.
There's a crater next to the house, and smouldering wooden debris scattered nearby... the remains of a lightning strike from the Thunder Tower. Next to the wreckage are a number of sheep, doing their normal business.
Did... did they live in what that was before? The wreckage... whatever it was before, was that what they lived in?
It... it's just dawned on me that we're... we're destroying homes. The homes that these people have worked hard to build... and we're sending them straight to the ground.
But... but they deserved this, right? The cruelty, the injustice, the pain they showed to the Pigmask Army, to Master Porky, to me... this was simply revenge. Every action... has a consequence. And this was theirs... right?
But now... now, we're no longer at war with them. We've entered a truce... but will they honour it? Should we? Should we honour it, or break it... because they might do the same.
And yet... I can't help but feel that they won't. Because after everything I've seen... there are good people here, aren't they? It's not just pure evil, like I once thought... and do they deserve to suffer? Do many innocents deserve to suffer for the sake of a few guilty?
I... I don't know.
With a sigh, I turn to the house itself. Compared to the rest of the houses I've seen, this one seems very old fashioned. It's made almost entirely of wood... it doesn't seem to have changed at all.
There's a kennel enclosed by it, and inside a... a brown dog... it... have I seen it before?
Right now, it's sleeping peacefully... I walk past it as quietly as I can, trying not to walk it up.
And this house... it...
"Alright boys, be on your best behaviour for your mother and grandfather."
What... is it about it, that's so...
"I'm sure they'll behave."
So... special?
"Say hi to Alec for me."
Who... who lives here?
System error. Second failsafe online.
I...
(Lucas...)
With a start, I snap back to reality, frozen in place. I was about to... knock on this door. I... no, I shouldn't... I'm not supposed to engage with the people here.
But... but there's something about all of...
Suddenly, my sensors start beeping at me... the alarm I set. I... I should get back.
As I walk away, I look back at the house once more, hearing a sound... a whine of sorts.
I look around, trying to find the noise... was it this dog? Do I...
(Boney...)
Enough. It doesn't matter. I need to get back on time.
Luckily, it's not too far from here — I sprint towards it quickly. I'd normally use my wings, and fly over, but that isn't exactly possible in this outfit... and it wouldn't be very wise either.
Thankfully, I'm able to make it on time, and I'm not the last one here either.
"Ah, kid, you're here. We're just waiting for two more idiots, and Fassad himself."
"Good."
"Done anything then?"
"Not much... I've just explored this town. It's more advanced than I thought it would be, given the things I've been told about it."
"Yeah, since the truce, we have been helping them a bit more... only question is, was it a good idea?"
"We can only hope."
Soon enough, the rest of the regiment arrives, and then about ten minutes later... Fassad.
"Good, you're all here. I didn't want to explain myself twice."
Oh boy... this'll be fun.
"What did you call us here for then, Mr Fassad? You said there was something in the village you needed us to get."
"Yes. In Osohe Castle."
Ah, I've heard of this castle — I haven't been there yet, but according to my map, it's north of the train station. I've heard stories of it being overrun with by ghosts — actual, real ghosts.
"The egg? But... we already tried getting it, and you know how that went."
The egg? Oh, they're referring to the Egg of Light. Apparently, some Pigmasks invaded the castle in an attempt to steal it — it supposedly has a great secret locked in it that could help us. I would feel bad about stealing, but they started this conflict first — this was coming to them one way or another.
But unfortunately, the villagers took the egg, and now we have no idea where it is at all... but that doesn't seem to be the only thing in there.
"Don't remind me." Fassad responds, snarling at the Fierce Pork Trooper. "But that's not what I'm on about. There is another object inside the castle... an object of great power."
"What is it?"
"Under orders of the king, I can't tell you that."
"Then how on Earth are we supposed to find it exactly?"
"Bah! If you're half the soldiers you say you are, you'll know when you see it!"
"That... still doesn't help us very much. And why couldn't you get it?"
"Why do you think? After that mess, they won't let me near the place."
"Alright, but we still don't have much to work on."
"Take the chimera with you." he says, pointing to me. "It'll be able to sense it."
Everyone else's eyes turn to face me. What? Me?! How would I help?!
The Fierce Pork Trooper sighs, not sure what to make of Fassad's demands.
"Alright... we'll check the castle out. Everyone, we move out in half an hour. Prepare yourselves."
And so we do, taking weapons, and some other utilities, like flashlights and rope. As I'm unable to use my arm cannon like this, I take one of the guns that the rest of the Pigmasks use — I have some experience using these, but not too much. Hopefully, I won't need it.
"So, once more, go to that castle, and find that object." spits Fassad.
"Right, but... one question." I ask.
"What is it?" he snarls.
"If we encounter any civilians inside the castle... what do we do?"
"That is a good point, actually." says the Fierce Pork Trooper."
Fassad snarls some more, muttering to himself. "Grr... as much it pains me to say this, don't attack any of the civilians. Or the ghosts — we don't need any more of them getting on us."
"Right. Let's move out!"
And so our squad of seventeen — the fifteen Pigmasks, the Fierce Pork Trooper and myself, all move out. It's gotten dark now — perfect for this kind of activity. We walk towards Osohe Castle, passing a graveyard along the way... ah, this is where that tunnel in the Candaum Underpass emerged at, isn't it?
Being a graveyard, it's certainly a little grim, but we move on. As we do so, I notice that to the right, there's a path of sorts that's completely grassy. Where does that lead to...
Focus. Focus on the mission. It's not long before we reach the castle... it looks a bit gothic if you ask me.
The drawbridge is up, so we walk across, right outside the double doors before we stop and I point something out.
"Wouldn't it be risky for all of us to go in at once?"
"You're right, it would. Let's split up into two groups. Half of you are with me, and we're gonna stay out here, and make sure no one else can get near this place. The other half, you're with the kid — find whatever it is Fassad wants us to find."
"And if we encounter any civilians?"
"If they won't less you past, retreat immediately. Don't attack them, unless they attack first. We can't risk anything happening."
"Very well."
"You sure you'll be alright, kid?"
"I have a mission to do. And I won't let the situation impede me in my goals."
The Fierce Pork Trooper looks at me for a moment, before nodding.
We split into two, and I enter the gothic castle, seven Pigmasks with me.
The inside of the castle has a rather different atmosphere than, say... Prince Poo's palace. The stone walls, the red carpets, and a faint laughter in the distance... it really is haunted.
"God, I hope there aren't ghosts here... I hate ghosts." says one Pigmask.
"Oh, there are. I've seen them myself. Some of them pack a mean punch as well." replies another.
"Wait, you've been to this castle before?" I ask.
"Oh yeah, Commander — I was part of the squad that came here two years ago."
Interesting... that could be useful.
"So what do you know about this castle then?"
"It's about... about nine floors or so, plus a basement. Pretty big, so it'll probably take us a long time to find whatever we're looking for."
"Great... that's all we need now."
"Wait, Commander... Fassad said you'd be able to sense it. Can you?" asks another.
That's a good question — I have no idea what Fassad was on about, though that seems par for the course. Sense it? I mean... I can sense PSI, but... that's about it. It's worth a shot, I suppose.
I close my eyes, concentrating as much as I can. This entire castle... I can sense PSI all over it, but it's faint... it's residue, I think. From PSI used a long time ago.
It's hard to find any one object, because of all the residue, but I keep focusing and — woah! What is that?
There's something very strange here — it's faint, yes, but stronger than everything else. But that's not the interesting part — no, whatever this object is... it's being suppressed? As if there's more to it, a power waiting to be awakened...
"There is something here... an object of great power — great psychic power, in fact. I'm not sure what it is, or where it is, but Fassad wasn't lying — there is something here."
"What are your orders then, Commander?"
"I'd say split up, but if I'm the only one that can sense this thing, that won't be of much use..."
"Sir, can't you like... scan for PSI? Can't you use that?"
Well... I... didn't think of that one...
"... a very good suggestion, thank you."
Scanning surrounding area for PSI.
Scan complete.
It's been some time since I've used this, and it's just as freaky as before. Many shades of blue fill my eyes, a little green here and there. While I can't see through the walls, I can see the psychic signatures past them, which lets me examine almost the entirety of the first floor... but it doesn't seem to be here.
"It's not here, not on this floor. Let's press on then."
There's not much in the castle... safe for a few spiders on the carpets. We first head to the basement — it's unlikely to be there, but it's worth looking there.
There are these strange purple creatures that try and attack us — emphasis on try. At first, I think they may be able to use PSI — they make movements similar to how Paula and Fassad both do when they're about to use PK Freeze, but... nothing.
More scary, are these weird barrels which seem to be normal at first, but spring to life when I get near one and spray this strange fragrance on me which smells oddly sweet, and makes me feel... awfully... drowsy...
"Commander? Are you alright?"
With a start, I wake up. "Huh? Yes, I'm fine... must be those barrels."
"Yeah, I remember those things putting a few of us to sleep..." they respond.
"Is it poisonous in any way though?"
"No, it isn't. It's short lived, just annoying. It's like a defence of theirs. The spiders are poisonous though."
"You heard him." I say. "Look out for the spiders... what about those strange pink creatures?"
"We're not sure what's up with them — we think they're trying to use PSI, but don't have the mental strength to do so."
"Hm... I thought as much. Either way, we must press on."
And so we do. The basement doesn't have what we're looking for, so we return to the first floor and climb up the castle.
As we trek upwards, we are attacked by a few spiders and these strange barrels that come to life. They're not too much trouble though — a simple warning shot of our lasers deters most of them.
The second floor yields nothing either, until we get to one particularly open room with a bunch of ghosts in it.
We all raise our guns immediately, but they don't attack us. In fact... it appears we've run into a party of sorts.
There's a piano in the room, which one of the ghosts is able to play... despite being incorporeal. It's a rather nice tune...
The other ghosts seem to be eating food that looks rotten and drinking wine — both of which go through them, because they're, well, ghosts.
Wait, wait, wait — if food and drink go through the ghosts, then why don't their hands go through the keys on a piano? You know what, forget it — we have a mission.
One of the ghosts noticed us and approaches, cackling a little.
"Back for more? What brings you to our haunt? Care for some food?"
"No, thank you... we're looking for a really special object."
"Really special object? Hey, you guys came and took it already, didn't you?"
"No, not that one... a different one."
"Can't say I know what you're on about. Good luck finding whatever it is. But hey, if you fail, you can always join the party!"
"Thanks for the offer."
But I have no intention of doing so, and neither do my troops. At one of the walls, there's a bunch of... staples, pressed in such a way that they form a ladder. How strange... but convenient.
We climb up, reaching a chasm, too wide to jump.
"How did you guys get across here?" one Pigmask asks to the one that came here before.
"I... don't actually know." he responds, scratching his head sheepishly. "I was stationed on the lower floors, so I never made it up here."
Hm... how are we going to get across this? While I could fly across there, that's not possible in this suit, and even if I were to take it off, that wouldn't help the others... wait a minute...
"Alright, everyone, get your ropes."
Slightly confused, they all get them out. "What are we gonna do, sir?"
"Watch." With a few throws, I managed to loop it around the chandelier, and then, with a bit of courage, swing across the gap, landing on the other side.
The other Pigmasks cheer for me a little, before doing the same. A few of their landings are less than elegant, but that's not important now.
We dash across, heading to the fourth floor — and I can feel it much more here... yes, it is here. Somewhere nearby, that's where this object is... let's find it. It must be somewhere around he —
"Hey! What are you lot doing here?"
Suddenly, we all stop in the middle of our tracks, seeing an old man emerge from a door.
We all instinctively raise our weapons, but that was the wrong more — as soon as we do so, this man enters a fighting stance.
It's a fairly good one at that as well — despite his age, he's evidently familiar with some forms of combat. I must admit — I am somewhat impressed.
"What are you lot doing back here?! Haven't you taken enough from our town?! Destroyed it enough?! And now you're back!"
What on Earth is this man going on about?
I raise my hands in surrender, speaking as calmly as I can. "Sir, we mean no harm."
"No harm, my ass! You mean as much harm as that moron of a son I have does!"
This man... he looks familiar — I swear I've seen him before... the tanks. When the Pigmasks came to this town... he destroyed one of our tanks.
"Sir... what should we do?" one of them whispers to me.
Now I'm somewhat scared — although he had some help doing so, he's destroyed something rather powerful, and that means he's likely to do the same to us... in fact, let's confirm that.
Name: Wess
Age: 62
Family: One son, Duster.
A master thief, he and his son have both interfered with the Pigmask Army's plans multiple times, preventing recovery of the Egg of Light. He has also destroyed a Pork Tank — if he intrudes on a mission, approach him with extreme caution, and it is advised to kill him if feasible.
"Did what I do to you fools ages ago not teach you anything? You want a second round?"
Grr... it's so close, I can feel it. To be this close to our goal, only to be stopped by one old man? I'm half tempted to just have everyone blast him to one side — no one will ever know, right? It would be simple, quick, and it would eliminate one of our greatest enemies.
But no... that's how he thinks. That's how they think, isn't it? And we can't allow ourselves to stoop to their level. It's a hard decision to make, but eventually... I have my answer.
Keeping my eyes on him, I lower my gun.
"Fall back."
The Pigmasks and the old man all seem surprised upon hearing that.
"But, sir —"
"Fall back."
There's no argument after that, so I turn and start walking back, the rest of my regiment following soon after, leaving just the old man up there.
"Sir, why did we retreat?"
"We have our orders. We will not hurt civilians. Still, I'm in no mood to deal with him again, so I think it's best if we leave at once."
With considerable haste, we make our way out, the Fierce Pork Trooper and the rest of the Pigmasks emerging from some bushes across the courtyard, looking surprised while they do.
"Only two hours? You're certainly quick, aren't you, kid?"
The Pigmasks who joined me all look at me, in anticipation... it's my job to do this then.
"Fast, but unfortunately... not successful."
"You couldn't find it?"
"Yes... and no. There's definitely something in this castle — Fassad was right about that. But we weren't able to confirm its identity, because we never reached it — we were stopped on the way."
"By who?"
"A man, old, about in his 60's. I believe he's the same one who blew up one of our tanks and hindered the retrieval of the Egg of Light some time ago."
"Oh, that dude... yeah, Fassad's not too keen on him. Says he's been making trouble for him all the time."
"He wouldn't let us through without a fight, so we had no choice but to fall back."
"Hm... well, there's nothing more that can be done then. Let's get back to base."
And so we do, all of us sitting down after a hard mission. Fassad's already gone to sleep thankfully, so that's one piece of bad news that can wait...
"Alright, all of you get to sleep. We're leaving tomorrow."
"Please tell me we get tomorrow off..." groans one Pigmask.
"I suppose you maggots deserve a break after today, so fine, no training tomorrow."
There's a weak cheer among the Pigmasks, before all of us start heading to beds, claimed by sleep...
Halfway into the night, I wake up. What... what time is it... 1:00. I try to get back to sleep for the next half an hour, but I'm unable to... that's strange. While I have sometimes woken up in the middle of the night, I usually don't have issues getting back to sleep...
But... it's just not working. Eventually, I decide that I should do something different... maybe getting out and clearing my head will help.
I put my mask and suit back on, before heading outside. It's very dark now... even more so than before. I hadn't noticed it earlier because I was with the Pigmasks, but I can hear crickets and owls in the distance. There's a faint breeze in the night, one that's refreshing.
I start walking aimlessly... I don't know where I'm going at all. I'm just walking and... seeing where it takes. Through fields... streets... the town square...
And that's when I stop. I'm facing the path to the beach, but I stop and turn to the right. The graveyard... there was that one path I saw.
I don't know why, but... I start walking in that direction. It's... it's more than just curiosity, it's this... overwhelming yearning to see what... just what it is.
So I keep walking... past the railway... past the bell tower... past these graves...
Until... it's there. To my right. While the rest of the graveyard is on stone, this part... isn't.
It... this place... there's just one grave here. One lone solitary grave, with a set of... sunflowers beside it.
"Mom, I..."
This grave... have I seen it before? No, I couldn't have, I... I've never been here before... that was in a previous life, an inferior life.
"I... why did you have to leave?"
But... I... was it?
"I'm gonna get revenge. I'm gonna get revenge... for you, Mom."
And... on the grave... on the grave, there's... there's an inscription.
'Wife of Flint. Daughter of Alec. Mother of the twins Lucas and —'
System error. Final failsafe activated. Initiating Protocol 31212119.
Before I can... my mind is... stricken, by... no... no... what is this... no... but, I... I can't! I'm... I'm...
Reinitialising... 10%... 20%...
I... what's happening... I... I must... I have to...
40%... 50%...
Forget... I have to... let go... let go of...
80%... 90%...
Memory units reengaged. System functions... nominal.
What... what happened? How did I... what's going on? I... what was I doing? I was walking and... now I'm here? Next to this grave... I... what was here for? I...
I should get back. I... I need sleep, and... whatever this is, I, I shouldn't be here.
I... I start to walk away. But as I do... I can't help but hear something... familiar. A voice that I've heard before... a voice that's as silent as the wind...
"You must be so tired..."
(... Mother?)
A/N: Well then, folks, behold the new longest chapter of BTM! I have a feeling that won't be the last time I'll be saying that either...
Funny thing was, I was actually really stumped for ideas with this chapter for the longest time. And then, well... this. The idea of the Masked Man visiting Tazmily is something I've had for a long time, and I've been waiting for the time to use it.
Anyway, there's an onslaught of memories for Claus, and quite a bit of conflict for him now. Will this play a part in the story, you ask? Well, if I was a good writer, it would, but I'm not, so it probably won't...
There is one thing I will clarify though — in Mother 3, the Pigmasks settle into Tazmily and urbanise it after Chapter 3. I've... never seen why the Pigmasks would have so much ease doing so, since the people of Tazmily should have reason to be suspicious.
In this story, the battles alluded to by Fassad and the Fierce Pork Trooper did actually happen — it was only after a truce was established that they begun to modernise the place (the people of Tazmily did not steal any tech as Claus believes though). Nevertheless, the Pigmasks started the conflict, as we know.
I should also mention this — Claus believes that the Pigmasks coming to Tazmily for the first time, and the raid on Osohe, are separate events. Like in Mother 3, both happen at the same time — this is just an extension of Pokey's lies and manipulation. Hope that clears it up.
Next time, Claus takes a vacation, at the Thunder Tower.