Welcome back to the Xenoblade Heart to Hearts series. Today, we get another chat with the Hero of Sword Valley, as Cynder and Dunban converse. So, what's the hero got to say this time? Read on to discover...

Heart to Heat 79: Betrayal

Participants: Cynder and Dunban

Location: Black Wreckage

Affinity: Lavender

Prerequisite: Metal Face must be defeated

Introduction

Cynder: Even after all this, I still can't believe that Mumkhar would do something like this.

Dunban: He was always a little flaky. But I don't think anyone expected this.

Cynder: (Under his breath) The Homs had faith in this guy, and what does he do? He betrays them.

Dunban: (Having heard this) Are you okay, Cynder?

Pass/Pass

Cynder: (Sighs) Just... thinking. Thinking back on things.

Dunban: What "things" are we talking about here?

Cynder: Why did he do it? What did Mumkhar have to gain by betraying the very people who had so much faith in him protecting them? What was the logic here?

Dunban: I'm afraid his motive may have been me.

Cynder: Wait what?

Dunban: If there was one thing that defined Mumkhar, it was him being unreliable. But if there was a second thing that defined Mumkhar, it was his jealousy of me. Couple that with his obsession with the Monado, and you've got a deadly combination.

Cynder: So he betrayed everyone out of a lust for power, ultimately.

Dunban: You don't sound surprised.

Cynder: Let's just say it's not the first time I've seen this.

Dunban: Guessing this has something to do with Malefor?

Cynder: The reason's the same, and the results are worse.

Dunban: Well, there's one difference. Malefor wasn't your brother in arms.

Cynder: Doesn't make it any better.

Dunban: True.

(Net Affinity: +10)

Pass/Fail

Cynder: (Sighs) Just... thinking. Thinking back on things.

Dunban: What "things" are we talking about here?

Cynder: Just... things. Things from back home.

Dunban: This has to do with Malefor doesn't it?

Cynder: (Sighs) Yeah. I mean, he and Mumkhar were the same in many ways. Both had the faith of their people behind them, and both betrayed that faith by turning on them.

Dunban: But in other ways they're different.

Cynder: In what way?

Dunban: I wish no peace on this Malefor, but I still hope Mumkhar found his.

Cynder: In that way, you're a better man than I'll ever be, Dunban. I just can't.

Dunban: You will, in time.

Cynder: I'll take your word for that.

(Net Affinity: 0)

Fail/Pass

Cynder: I'm fine. Something just came to mind.

Dunban: You recognized something in Mumkhar, didn't you?

Cynder: Maybe I did, maybe I didn't.

Dunban: You're not usually this mysterious Cynder. That's usually my bag. What's going on?

Cynder: I guess I'm just tired of seeing people betray those they were supposed to be defending for the dumbest of reasons.

Dunban: This is about Malefor, I'm guessing.

Cynder: Yeah. Both had the faith of so many people behind them, and both turned on them just for the sake of power. (Sighs) It really unnerves me for some reason.

Dunban: If you're worried about what I think you're worried about, don't be. I know you wouldn't do anything like that.

Cynder: For everyone's sake, I hope you're right.

(Net Affinity: 0)

Fail/Fail

Cynder: I'm fine. Something just came to mind.

Dunban: You recognized something in Mumkhar, didn't you?

Cynder: Maybe I did, maybe I didn't.

Dunban: You're not usually this mysterious Cynder. That's usually my bag. What's going on?

Cynder: Maybe it's just that I'm in disbelief about this guy.

Dunban: I can understand that. Though, I did kind of see him turning on us coming, I never would've guessed this would happen.

Cynder: I guess there are times we need to question how much we know about those we fight side by side with.

Dunban: Well said.

(Net Affinity: -10)

And that looks like a good spot to end for today, as well as to wrap up the Fallen Arm. Only three locations remain before we start the wrap up for this story. So, where are we headed to next? Tune in next time to find out! Same time... same channel!