Chapter 19B: Falchion
You are now Doran
"All right, let's go over everything one last time," you announce as you sit in the ship's mess hall. "In a few minutes, we'll make port. Assuming we don't get attacked in the port, we'll split up and head to the capitals. We're meeting..." - you point to a small town in Meridia - "here, in nine days."
Everyone nods in silent agreement. "June, you're in charge of the Tartan team," you add. "If anything happens to either team, the other has to end this themselves. If we're more than a day late, you know what to do?"
"Altea," she answers. "We head for the temple and... do whatever needs to be done."
"Right. Any questions?" Silence. "Well then, everyone. Make your final preparations."
An hour later, everyone stands on the deck, looking down on the small, sleeping town. In the dead of night, you begin to disembark. You notice Rosalin starting down the decks. "Er... Captain?" you call to her. "Don't you think you should set sail soon? They're looking for your ship, after all."
"I'm goin' with you!" she answers. "That dastard 'oratio's gonna pay fer me boy Sarv, y'hear? Marv, you have command! I'll track ya down once this is all said 'n' done."
"Yes Cap'n!" he answers with a salute. He turns to the crew and starts spouting off the high-seas slang you've come to hate so much. You can't wait to be back on solid land. For good, hopefully.
Anna and Jake are embracing at the bottom of the ramp and disrupting the flow of traffic. Before you can break them apart, the pair separates. Anna turns south, falling in behind June, while Jake waits patiently for your group to finish unloading.
You give your group one final glance. We have plenty of cavalry, but we're vulnerable from the air... Too late to change anything now. You draw your blade, and point it to the northwest. "Alright troops, move out!"
For four days, you march. You decide to avoid the main roads, for fear of assassins waiting to intercept you. Then again, why would they expect us to be heading back to Antea? The few small towns you come across are largely abandoned, much to the archbishop's dismay, though they make for nice places to rest. On the third day, you happen upon a town not yet abandoned, though the villagers are gathering in the town center, loading their meager possessions on a small convoy of carts. Your appearance is initially a cause for alarm, but they settle down once you identify yourself as a Holy Knight commander.
"What's going on?" you ask. "Every town we've come across has been empty."
"We're leaving!" one of the villagers announced. "Lots of towns have been destroyed by ungodly monsters lately, and there's been no response from Antea, so the Holy Knights are gathering people in camps where we'll be safe."
You nod. "Very well. Here," you say as you produce a scroll, ink, and quill from your pockets. "Let me write you a letter. You must deliver this to whoever's in charge, understand?" You simply state that Antea was destroyed, and most of the council killed, though the archbishop was evacuated successfully.
"Y-yes, sir!" he stutters. As you hand him the finished letter, he gives you a quick salute and runs off. You call after him, telling him not to tell anyone where you were heading. Gathering the townsfolk. Good. We can minimize casualties this way. Hopefully all the regional commanders were this proactive.
As the villagers leave, you establish camp - with their blessings - in their now-abandoned homes to plan your next move. You break out a map, unfurl it, and study the road ahead. At your current pace, even with the delays of the smaller roads, you should arrive in Antea by tomorrow around noon. You've tossed around a few ideas about how to get into the city, but you knew you'd need to stay adaptive until you got a better idea of the city's status. The big question in your mind is whether the Risen remained in Antea, fanned out, or moved as a horde to a new location, but you also need to consider how to get inside, especially if they're still there.
As you trace the roads, an idea forms in your mind. One route leads through a moderately large village only a short ride from Antea. Perhaps they know something there. Or, they could have been overrun by Risen... It would be simple enough to circumvent the village entirely.
(A) Take the route through the village
(B) Avoid it and go straight for Antea
(C) Wait at the village outskirts and send a small group to investigate (choose 3)
If you're going to risk the village, you're going in with all the blades you can muster. "Guess that's the way we're heading..." you mutter, before turning in for the night.
The next morning, you set out with the sun still beneath the horizon. Three hours later, the village suddenly becomes visible through the trees as you come around a bend in the path. A villager sees you and darts into a house. Another slams his window shut. A mother runs out of her house, grabs a child, and runs back in. A few seconds later, one of the braver villagers comes out. "False alarm, everyone! Just some travelers passing through!"
He runs over to you. "If you're heading for Antea, turn back. It's completely overrun by some strange monstrosities."
"So they stayed in the town..."
"Most of them, anyway. There's one that's been raiding local towns... It doesn't seem to have any interest in people, it just stea- Wait, 'stayed in?' Are you saying you were there?"
"Not me personally, but some of us were. We're here to take the capital back."
The man shakes his head. "There's only a dozen of you, and the refugees said there was an army of them. No way you can win against those odds."
"At the very least," you say, "we'll thin them out." With that, you order the company forward. Saul stops to thank the villager. The villager takes a knee, obviously recognizing his archbishop. For half a second, you worry, then realize this could be advantageous. If the enemy thinks we're moving to reclaim Antea...
From the edge of the forest, you scan the walls of the capital. A few Risen patrol the battlements, with a handful of undead wyvern riders flying overhead. You glance at the sun. Early afternoon. It will be several hours before it becomes dark, but you think you could hide out until then easily enough.
From what you've been able to see, the south gate is closed, the portcullis sealed. The eastern wall's bridge has been completely destroyed, though you notice the enemy has posted only a small guard. You've yet to check the western wall, though you remember June mentioning someone trying to hang a ladder there during the siege. Perhaps it is still there, ready to be lifted? Rain could do it easily enough, or anyone good at climbing trees. Fumiko or Taika, perhaps? The north wall... You do not know where this secret passage lets out, nor do you have time to search.
(A) Scout the western wall
(B) Wait until night and reexamine your options (will automatically choose A, as well)
(C) Attempt to assemble a simple bridge and cross into the eastern gate
(D) Attack the front gate head on
(E) Have Rain start ferrying people to the top of the wall, 1-by-1
The easiest way in is over that river, you decide. No point waiting for night, Risen don't seem to have much trouble seeing in the dark; you'd just be giving them another advantage. You order Fumiko to take watch, her white fur helping her blend into the falling snow flurries, to make sure your plan remains undiscovered. You lead the others deeper into the trees, searching until you find a nice, large oak. With the handful of axe-wielders at your disposal, you manage to fell it. The resounding crash makes much more noise in the still forest than you intended. For a few tense moments, everyone takes cover in whatever brush they can find. A pair of Risen wyverns fly overhead for a moment, circle once, then return to the city. Whether they saw you or not, you need to get moving.
It takes only a few moments to shape the tree into a rudimentary bridge, shaving off as much unnecessary weight as possible, while leaving enough to counter-balance it as you shove it across. You hitch the tree to your mounts, carve hand-holds for your pushing team, and prepare to charge. You chart out the path of least resistance, clear out as much brush as possible, and make sure your guard team is in position. While everyone else moves the log, Rain will be flying top cover while Agni, Harrow, Fumiko, and Saul guard against any Risen attacks.
With everyone in their positions, you give the signal to advance. The makeshift bridge refuses to budge for a moment, but it suddenly begins to slide. You push with all your strength, and the bridge begins to pick up speed, aided by the thin layer of frost. Within moments, you clear the forest. On the flat ground without any brush to hinder you, the bridge almost seems light. A few Risen on the walls seem to spot you, unleashing an unearthly shriek. Other Risen begin echoing their call, until the city itself seems to howl. Undeterred, you charge forward.
Three wyverns swoop down on you, but Agni and Fumiko drive them back up, where Rain is waiting to finish them. As you begin to close in, the archers open fire. An arrow whizzes past you, and you quickly count them up. Eight, currently, but more likely on the way. Already, a handful of low-level Risen - seven - are forming up on the far side of the river. Another arrow strikes Cynbel's thigh. Harrow quickly rips it out, raising her staff to heal him. You quickly run through what needs to be done in your head. Rain draws most of their fire, dodging most of the arrows but still taking a few scratches. The mounts need to be unhitched, and you'll need a few seconds to shove the bridge across the gap...
(A) Order Rain to retreat while you get the bridge across as quickly as possible, ignoring the arrows
(B) Have Rain attack the archers to distract them
(C) Have Rain attack the ground troops
(D) Have Rain drop someone on the wall to fight the archers (Holland)
(E) Have Rain drop someone on the far shore to fight the ground Risen
You signal for Rain to land, while grabbing Holland. As she lands, Harrow quickly heals her, and you order her to ferry Holland to the wall, then secure the far bank. Before you can even finish giving your orders, she's back in the sky, charging headlong toward the stream of arrows flying her way. Holland is clutching her for dear life as she quickly turns at an angle, grazing the edge of the wall. Holland jumps off, almost gratefully, as he raises his lance. Rain barely slows down as she moves to engage the enemies under the gate.
Your riders have all freed their horses, and you start shoving the bridge across the gap as quickly as possible. This was a lot harder than you imagined, and it went much smoother in your head... but it starts to span the gap. At least the archers are too busy to shoot at you now. As if in response to your thought, a Risen screeches as Holland slams it off the wall. "Heads up!" he yells, as it impacts the ground just short of the water, dissipating into a sinister mist.
Rain seems to be having a bit of difficulty as enemy reinforcements begin arrive, but she succeeds in keeping the enemy busy long enough for you to get the bridge across. A small cheer goes up as it slides into position on the far bank. "No time to celebrate!" you call. "Everyone across!"
The bridge shakes slightly under your combined weight, bouncing in cadence with your cavalry's charge. Rain makes sure there's room at the bridge's end for your troops to shove their way onto dry land, and your influx of troops beats back the slowly arriving trickle of Risen.
Holland seems to fly down the staircase as he finishes the last of the archers. "What's our next move, commander?" he asks as he reaches your side. You'd hate to admit to him that you're making this up as you go along.
You need to decide whether to stay as one group or split into two. If you stay as one group, you'll move to the temple, find Falchion, and retreat. If you split into two groups, one will be able to secure an escape route for the retrieval team, though both groups will be at increased risk. From what you've seen so far, the Risen here aren't too tough, but they are numerous, and it's possible some stronger ones are hidden amongst these weak ones...
(A) Stay together
(B) Split up (assign teams; Saul, Rain, and Doran must be on the retrieval team)
"Alright, everyone, stay together! Keep a tight formation and make for the central temple at full speed!"
"Not quite..." Saul says. "The entrance is actually hidden in a smaller church a bit to the west of the temple."
Harrow snorts. "All these buildings. They distract from the true purpose of worship."
Saul looks angry for a moment, then thoughtful. "Perhaps you have the right of it," he says simply. "But our societies are so different, I-"
"This isn't really the time for this, is it?" Jayce asks, as he meets a charging Risen head-on.
"You're right, sorry!" Saul says, returning his focus to the battlefield.
As you make your way towards the center of town, you notice the enemy becoming less dense. The random attacks by small groups of Risen give way to an eerie peace. You occasionally see a Risen scurry by into an alley, but none make a move against you. You can hear a noise in the distance and question whether it is the winds or the whisperings of the monstrosities.
It's painfully obvious they're massing their forces. But where? Are they forming a defense around the main temple or moving to surround you? Will they attack suddenly or hold their positions? The buildings around you are making it very difficult to determine the enemy's moves. You could send Rain, but for her to get any useful data, she'd need to expose herself to enemy ambush...
(A) Proceed quickly to the smaller church passing the main temple
(B) Take a longer, slower route
(C) Still not too late to split up
(1) Have Rain scout ahead
(2) Have Rain scout behind
(3) Stop at a tall building and use it for a vantage point
(4) Don't bother scouting. Either you'll be attacked or you won't.
You decide the most direct route is best. The risk of passing by the central temple is less than that of delaying in enemy territory. First, though, you decide you want to survey the area better. Sending Rain's just too risky, one well-hidden sniper or assassin would be all it would take to bring her crashing down cut-off from the rest of you.
You quickly survey the street near you. The tallest building seems to be some kind of shop, but the damage from the battle before makes it difficult to tell what kind. It is moderately large with a large, broken window, so it seems highly exposed if it were to become a battlefield. You do spy a staircase inside which you could use as a chokepoint. The stone structure is only a floor taller than the surrounding buildings with no clear roof access, but several windows on the top floor.
Another building, a wooden inn, clearly has several balconies, which you assume wrap all the way around. At its highest it is only on par with the surrounding buildings, but you could get on the roof easily enough. In terms of combat, it has several secure-looking doors, but very few, small windows.
Your other option is to fall back to the wall, five blocks behind you. The wall is three stories is almost twice as tall as the majority of visitors, but half a mile behind you. The central temple is about the same distance ahead of you, so you question how well you'd be able to see it.
(A) The shop
(B) The inn
(C) The wall
You lead your group into the inn, posting your heavy troops to guard the ground floor. Harrow and Saul flit around, healing the minor injuries your troops took during the initial skirmishes. Your gut tells you there's much worse to come, and you need to have an idea of what. You take Fumiko with you out onto a balcony, and you help each other swing up onto the roof. Rain meets you there, treating a scratch on her mount's rump.
A single wyvern circles overhead. You conjure a wind blade and hurl it skyward, but the beast is well our of your effective range. You glare helplessly at it for a moment, before turning your attention to the ground. Where are they? Where could they ambush us? "Anyone see anything?" you ask.
"I thought I saw something over there," Fumiko says, squinting and leaning forward.
This building hasn't significantly expanded your sight range, you hate to admit. It allows you to see two roads at once, but doesn't let you see over the tops of buildings well enough to see anything else. While you pause to consider your next move, Fumiko calls out. "There! Right there!" she yells, pointing towards a small street. Suddenly, a dozen dark-clad riders fly around the corner, charging for the inn. With your group sealed inside, they are hardly a cause for concern. They can't make use of their mounts, and by the time they can hack through the thick doors your troops should take care of them unless they start hurling fireballs at the inn oh this could be a problem.
As if reading your mind, the lead hurls a fireball at the inn as he gallops past, the others following suit. They continue on a safe distance away, then double back, repeating their attack. The snow falling should be enough to dampen the wood. This inn isn't just going to burst into- "Fire!" someone yells from downstairs.
Taika appears on the balcony. "Commander! This place is burning! We need to go!"
"How bad is it?" you call back. "Can we control it?"
"They hit a rug, and it just kind of... poof! It's spreading pretty quick, but we might be able to get it under control - but not if those guys keep throwing more fire at us!" The dark knights charge past again, another volley of fire.
You take a quick look around. You're up two stories - not exactly a dangerous fall, but with all this armor on... It looks like you might be able to jump to the neighboring roof without much difficulty, and find a way inside there. There's still only a dozen Risen below you, and you still haven't been able to spot any other groups.
Group on the roof:
(A) Jump off (choose towards or away from the dark knights)
(B) Climb back through the balcony
(C) Jump to the neighboring building
(D) Have Rain ferry you down
Group inside
(1) Try to contain the fire
(2) Head out into the street (choose towards or away from the dark knights)
(3) Have your mages try to contain the fire while your fighters attack the knights
You jump onto the back of Rain's pegasus almost faster than she does. "Try to contain the fire! Send a few people out to back us up against those riders!" Rain takes off before you can tell Fumiko to wait for her to return. You watch as she swings herself off the roof back into the building.
No sooner have you landed, than Syrene, Walt, Jayce, Holland, Cynbel, and Harrow run out of the inn. You leap off Rain's mount, and order her to sweep the perimeter with Holland to make sure you aren't about to be caught in a pincer attack. Holland quickly replaces you, as the others form ranks beside you to intercept the dark knight's charge.
The lead levels his sword as his horse rears back, his riders forming an arrow behind him. A screech from above causes him to hesitate. You glance up to see the wyvern rider now flying much lower. Now that you get a better look at him... His armor identifies him as a dracolord. He seems to be directing the dark knights to retreat. The lead rider glares at you, to the sky, back to you, then roars and spurs his mount into a charge. His moment of hesitation threw his team off-balance, and only half of them follow him. With such a weak force in an uncommitted attack, your braced defenders easily repel their charge. The leader dives straight for you, but Harrow tackles him from his horse before he can strike. Walt rides down the only one to limp away from the failed attack. By the time you finish, the ones that did not attack have already fled. The dracoknight returns to his lofty vantage point.
Rain drops Holland next to you before returning to the air. "Nothing," he announces. "And you made me miss out on all the fun!"
Fumiko steps out of the inn, her tail a bit singed. "We've managed to extinguish the fire, Commander," she announces with a flourish.
"Great," you call back. "Would you tell everyone to make ready to move out?"
"Move out?" Taika asks in confusion as she emerges from behind the laguz. "Then why'd we go to all the trouble of-"
"We couldn't just let the city burn, could we?" you ask. She sighs and shakes her head. "Besides, I wanted the inn as a fall-back in case we were ambushed. We weren't, so we aren't falling back. We're falling forward. Get it?"
Agni helps Praven out of the house, the old sage coughing with soot smeared across the bottoms of his robes. Saul is the last out. After giving everyone a quick check-up, you reform your rank and continue towards the central temple.
As the temple comes into view, you freeze in your tracks. Dozens of Risen surround the building. Your quick count tells you there are well over four hundred of them, ranging from simple slime-like revenants to a pair of towering legionnaires. You recognize several fallen Holy Knights, killed while defending their city. Ironic, you think, that they were brought back from the dead to defend it alongside their enemies. As much as you wish you could grant them peace, you know this is an unwinnable fight. Besides, so long as the archdemon still lives...
The horde doesn't move to attack you. They simply stand their ground and stare, a few obviously chomping at the bit to attack. You slowly lead your group back, needing time to think. Should we take an alternate route? They may run us down and overwhelm us. If we proceed through the plaza without showing signs of aggression, maybe they'll let us pass? Not likely, but if we-
You're so lost in your thoughts, you don't notice the temple's door starting to open. Risen standing by the door part ever so slightly to allow a figure through. A slouched figure dragging an axe staggers through the crowd, the Risen in its path all shifting out of its way. You barely manage to catch a glimpse of it as it disappears around the west side of the central temple. It looks somewhat familiar, but not quite right...
Suddenly you notice Saul shambling forward as if in a trance, muttering something under his breath. You place a hand on his shoulder and he stops, but does not break his gaze. "That was..." you hear him mumble as he removes your hand.
"Archbishop?" you start calmly, hoping not to disturb the horde. "We really need to find an alternate route..."
"That was Charlotte," he answers, louder than you would have liked.
Your heart stops for a second. It hadn't occurred to you that she would likely be among the enemy ranks. It's bad enough I have to fight against fallen Holy Knights, but one I considered to be a friend?
Saul resumes his march forward, slowly at first, then picking up speed. He cautiously gazes towards the horde as he begins to circle the outskirts of the plaza. "What are you doing!?" you ask, staring at the monstrous wall of undead. The wall stares right back at you.
"She gave her life to let us escape," Saul answers. "At the very least, I owe her the mercy of a peaceful death!" With that, he turns his back to you. You hear him softly chant a prayer, then begin to walk through the outskirts of the plaza. A few members of the horde start to move towards him, but some of the others hold them back.
Has he gone insane?
(A) Let Saul go, take an alternate route to the west temple
(B) Go after Saul, have Rain lead the others to the west temple
(C) Send someone (choose who) to retrieve Saul, lead the others to the west temple
(D) Screw it, take everyone through the plaza
If you choose B, you also need to choose how much force you're willing to use.
(1) Go as backup, take care of business, and hopefully meet everyone at the west temple
(2) Try to convince him, but if he's determined, go with him
(3) Try to grab him, let him go if he resists
(4) Knock him out, if need be
"Archbishop, wait! We need you!" you call to him.
He shakes his head. "I have to do this," he says firmly.
"Then I'm going with you! Just... wait a minute!" Before he has time to argue, you tell Rain to sweep around a few blocks to the south. You tell her you'll meet her there. If we survive...
"But, I don't know where it's hidden!" she yells after you as you go to follow Saul.
"Let Naga's emblem be your guide!" Saul calls back.
With that, Rain begins to organize the column's retreat. She gives you one last worried, flustered glance as she pulls them around the corner.
So. All alone with the archbishop and a few hundred reanimated, well-armed corpses glaring at you from a few yards away. This is not what you wanted to do today. You take your place at Saul's side, skirting along the edge of the plaza. He completely ignores the Risen, keeping his eyes fixated towards the west. You, on the other hand, pay very close attention to them. Although several seem to wish to attack you, the horde as a whole seems content to let you pass. All eyes remain on you, aside from the dracolord who leaves to follow the rest of your group. This is absolutely surreal. As you pass in front of the temple, the horde actually parts ways, clearing a path for you to enter the temple.
You stop walking. They're letting us in? Why would they just let us... You realize Saul is getting ahead of you, and rush to catch up. As you walk, you think. The only reason they would let you in the temple would be to trap you, right? Maybe they hope you'll lead them to Falchion, and then they can kill you?
As if to confirm your suspicions, two groups split off from the main horde as you exit the plaza to the west. One group of 40 paladins, great knights, and dark knights heads southwest, while a smaller group of 10 sages and war monks follows you at a distance. Watching the horde behind you, you almost don't notice when Saul breaks into a run - the only reason you do is the Risen following you speeding up.
As you turn to catch up to Saul, you see what he's running towards. A lone figure is in the streets. Without the crowd around her, you can see her clearly. Her once-white robe is covered in filth, her blonde hair turned to a silver-grey. Her skin is pale and dirty, and her entire countenance is changed. She wearily trudges down the street, her axe dragging against the ground behind her. As Saul nears her, she suddenly whirls around, lashing out with her axe. You reach him just in time to pull him back, the blade cutting through his robe and grazing his armor beneath. You reach for your blade, but stop with your hand on the hilt. Her eyes.
You expect to see the glaring red eyes of a Risen, but her eyes look... not normal. They're sunken and tired, but human. They widen as she stares back into yours, then at Saul. She staggers back, clutching her axe. Her mouth moves, but no sound comes out at first. Her words come slow and deep, as if she is trying to remember how to speak. "Not... Not real... Stay back..." She keeps her axe pointed at the two of you as she retreats and the Risen behind you move a bit closer.
"Charlotte..." Saul whispers, stunned.
"No!" She drops her axe and covers her ears, then turns and runs. Saul quickly chases after her. You grab the discarded axe, then join the chase. The sounds behind you signal the Risen picking up their pace as well. Charlotte whirls around a corner into a blind alley, only to find the route ahead blocked by rubble. Saul catches up to her as she turns to face you, eyes wide with fear. Saul follows her into the narrow alley, and you try to decide what to do. You realize it would be best to give them a moment alone, and turn to face the Risen following you.
You block the entrance to the alleyway, preventing them from entering. One approaches, checking to see whether you are allowing the others to escape, or guarding them. The only answer the war monk receives is a stab from your sword. As the creature dissipates on the end of your blade, you gauge the reaction of the others. They clearly want to attack, but hold back. You glance over your shoulder at the pair in the alley.
Charlotte seems to have fallen to the ground, and Saul is helping her to her feet. She seems to be calming down, as if waking from a dream. As Saul offers an arm to steady her, she staggers towards you. Seeing her axe beside you, she reclaims it before looking at you. "Y-you... I... know you. D... D-Doran. I remember..." she mumbles with a slight smile.
The Risen growl and step back as she emerges from the alley. She glares at them, then unleashes an inhuman-sounding roar. The Risen hastily scramble further back, observing you from an entire block away. You consider the situation. Saul is fine, but Charlotte looks exhausted. She seems willing to fight, but you question how well she could - though, for some reason, the Risen seem... afraid of her? That aside, you know vaguely where you are. The chase led you a bit northeast of the western temple.
You figure you could probably make it to the temple without much difficulty. You notice the dracolord still lazily circling in the distance - assuming he's still flying over your main group, they should be arriving at the temple soon. Charlotte notices you staring questioningly between her and the Risen, and seems to realize what you're thinking. "I c-can fight..." she says wearily, "but they won't... attack me. I know... I know ways out. Out of the city."
"Could you escape, then? On your own?"
She seems to stiffen up at the suggestion, but then she nods uneasily. Saul glances at you, and you can tell he doesn't want to leave her, whether you choose to have her fight or flee.
(A) Send Doran to the west temple, Charlotte and Saul escape and meet up with Jake
(B) Send all 3 to the temple
(C) Send Doran and Saul to the temple, Charlotte escapes
(D) All 3 escape
(E) Kill the Risen here, try to bait others before escaping (choose another option as well)
Aside: Formation was decided on an earlier post
Gate: Holland
Stairs: Doran, Agni, Taika, Praven, and Harrow.
Road: Cynbel, Jayce, Walt
"New" Character!
Charlotte
Class: Templar
Skills: Miracle, Renewal, Healtouch, Brace, Aggressor, ?
HP: 7
Str: 10
Mag: 9
Skill: 8
Speed: 10
Def: 5
Res: 7
Luck: 8
Unique items: none
Existing supports: Saul, Doran, Rain, Holland C
As much as you hate to risk Charlotte after all she's been through, you know the mission comes first. If you don't recover Falchion, everyone's sacrifices will be for naught. "We're going to rejoin the main team at the western temple," you announce. "But first we'll deal with these guys," you add, indicating the mages and monks now slowly approaching you. "Saul, you keep Charlotte safe!"
With that, you charge into the small group of Risen, sword drawn. You stab through one, turn, and slash another before Saul and Charlotte can react. The third Risen you attack manages to raise his axe, but you knock it aside and remove his head. As you move on to your fourth, Charlotte and Saul join the fray. Charlotte's strength surprises you - despite her exhausted appearance, she seems stronger than ever. As the last Risen makes a desperate retreat, she hurls one of the dead Risen's axes into its back.
"Well, I see you haven't lost you edge," you say jokingly. Charlotte stares at you blankly. "Er... Right, then. Let's get going."
You decide to try to draw as much of the Risen's attention as possible, approaching the western temple from the east. The sounds of battle can be heard from several blocks away. As you turn the final corner, you find a large group of Risen locked in battle with your troops. Holland stands guard in front of the temple's door, while Agni, Praven, man the temple's stairs, hurling magic and healing your front-line troops. Taika also remains on the stairs, throwing her knife after knife, while Harrows waits patiently to heal any wounded retreating from the battle. The others form a hairball on the road in front of the temple, locked in combat with several Risen paladins and great knights.
As you assault the enemy formation from the rear, your troops react with utter surprise at your arrival. Their shock quickly turns to a cheer, however, as you destroy the enemy's outflanked valkyries. Their support gone, the great knights and paladins begin to fight more desperately, making foolish mistakes and leaving themselves open to attack. Saul guards Charlotte like a hawk, while Walt and Jayce fight their way through the crowd to your side. Surrounded, the last few Risen have little option other than to fight to the death. Without any way to heal themselves, they slowly succumb to your relentless attacks.
You reform with your team. Several swarm around Charlotte, but you stop their curiosity by firing off several questions of your own. You learn that Rain is inside, searching for the emblem. Saul volunteers to go aid her, and Holland opens the door for him. You take a position on the stair case, and order your troops to dig in for the next enemy attack.
It doesn't take long before you see a formation of generals and snipers approaching. You count 18 generals with 9 snipers, as well as a massive, spear-wielding legionnaire bringing up the rear.
Objective 1 (of 3) complete: seize western temple gate
Objective 2: survive 5 rounds or defeat legionnaire
Objective 3: escape
Current formation:
Door (1 max): Holland
Stairs (5 max): Doran, Taika, Agni, Praven, Harrow
Road: Cynbel, Jayce, Walt, Charlotte
(A) Change formation (and tell how, of course)
(B) Keep it as-is
(1) Focus on defense
(2) Take the offensive (units on the road will prioritize the boss)
"Defensive positions!"
The enemy approaches cautiously at first, the generals forming a barrier around the snipers. The generals use their shields to form a small window for each sniper to safely fire through, and they begin to barrage your forward units with arrows. Jayce covers himself and Charlotte with his own shield, while Walt pulls out of their range and Charon counters with magic. Your support team returns a volley of their own. The generals bear the brunt of the attack, felling the ones struck with magic. Taika's knives manage to find one of the snipers, but the majority still stand after the initial attack.
Again, the generals hold their line while the archers barrage your forces. Walt, Jayce, Cynbel, and Charlotte continue to hold their positions, returning fire with javelins and hand axes. Your magic users fell a few more generals, and the legionnaire orders the remaining troops to advance.
Jayce meets them first, clashing shield-to-shield with the charging generals. Charlotte maneuvers behind the general, her axe cutting through its armor as easily as if it were cloth. Walt charges down one of the now-unprotected snipers. Without their defenders, your supporting units have no trouble against the remaining snipers, and they fall one after the other.
Finally, the legionnaire itself joins the fray. The generals continue to keep your troops from it as it hurls its spears, but your ranged units are able to score a few hits. You dive out of the way as a spear lands where you'd been standing a second earlier, then counter with a lightning bolt. The creature roars in anger, shoving through the generals to charge the stairs. As it hurls Taika to one side, you realize its objective is to break through into the temple. Holland braces himself, and meets its charge head-on. With his heightened position on the stairs, Holland finds himself staring the beast dead in the eye. It screams in his face, and he answers with a roar of his own. "You aren't getting near my wife!"
Holland smashes the beast in the face with his axe. At the same time, you draw your blade and slash into a small gap in the creature's leg armor, slicing deep into its calf. The creature falls to one knee, and Holland takes the opportunity to sever its head with a flurry of axe strikes.
As the last of the Risen fall to Charlotte's axe, you notice something... off. A bit of blood is running down her face, and more down her leg, though you can't see any damage to her armor. You have no time to ponder this, as the temple door bursts open. Rain steps out, holding a silver blade with a golden, tear-shaped handle. Saul steps out behind her, holding a large, golden rod with a red jewel and red banners hanging from the side. You recognize it, but a roar prevents you from saying anything. The dracolord circles menacingly overhead. In the distance, you can hear the sounds of marching.
"We're still in enemy territory," you say, interrupting Rain before she can speak. "We'll celebrate once we have some space."
"Right," she says, with obvious disappointment. "How're we getting out?"
"Out? O-out... I know... I know the way. F-follow me!" Charlotte says, running towards the west wall ahead of you. She turns to see if you are following, then motions impatiently. "Hurry!"
(A) South entrance
(B) East entrance
(C) Follow Charlotte
You aren't sure that you can trust Charlotte's guidance, something about her just seems... wrong. But the enemy has you cut off from the east gate, and you aren't sure who'd win in a race to the southern gate. If she has a way past the western wall, it may be worth the risk. "Everyone, follow Charlotte! Let's go!"
As your group flees to the west, you can hear the sound of the enemy giving chase. The sound grows louder and louder, until you can see the enemy cavalry closing in on you as you glance to your rear. Finally, the western wall looms directly ahead of you. Charlotte leads you up a stairwell to the top of the wall; Saul and Walt quickly dismount. You take to the rear to observe. It takes some coaxing before the enemy mounts begin to climb unsteadily. As your gaze shifts from their cavalry, your heart catches in your throat. The dracolord has abandoned hovering over you, instead flying around the city rallying more troops. Approaching from the east is the rest of the massive horde, as well as smaller groups joining from the other walls. I really, really hope Charlotte knows what she's talking about...
As you turn to finish climbing, you find your prayers answered. Harrow is helping Charlotte lower a rope ladder. You turn back to the stairs. The enemy cavalry is barely a third of the way up, though gaining speed. The enemy infantry arriving at the base of the stairs begin to ascend in pairs.
Choose 1-4 units to stall while the rest descend the rope ladder.
Doran, Harrow, Jayce, Cynbel
"Jayce, Harrow, Cynbel. We're holding these stairs while the others climb down!" Before anyone can object, you charge down the stairs, hurling wind into the crowd of oncoming Risen. The unlucky leader is struck by the gust, and knocked from the stairs. You hear him impact the ground below, while you move on to the next target.
The seemingly endless line of Risen continues to funnel its way up the stairs, but with Cynbel's magic combined with your own, you manage to slow their advance. Harrow and Jayce push themselves ahead of you, meeting the enemy's advance head-on. The dracolord realizes your strategy, flying in behind you to disrupt your formation. As he descends to your level, several gusts of wind buffet him, sending him spiraling downward. Fumiko glances down from the ledge above, and gives you a small wave. You return her gesture, then quickly rejoin the battle.
Risen after Risen fall to your magic or lances, but they don't slow their advance. You find yourself being pushed back, little by little, by the wall of Risen. "Just a bit more!" a voice above you calls out. "We're almost done!" Inspired, you redouble your effors to push the Risen back. You manage to keep them from pushing you back any further. "Last one!" the voice calls again a moment later.
You allow the Risen to push you back until you are level with the top of the wall. You send Cynbel first, and he quickly vaults the wall, zipping down the ladder faster than you thought possible. You send Harrow behind him, and you hear the sounds of her climbing down the ladder; you can hear her cursing the ladder's design and its unfamiliarity. You draw your sword, forming a line with Jayce at the top of the stairs. You notice him struggling, and can tell he's hiding how bad his wounds are. His new armor may be thick, but it's not impervious.
When you estimate Harrow is nearing the bottom, you signal Jayce to move. You order him to descend first. For a moment, you think he'll refuse, but then he swings himself over and starts to descend. You position yourself between the ladder and the enemy, refusing any Risen the chance to slash the ladder's anchors. You quickly find yourself surrounded. I just have to hold out a few seconds...
A few seconds seem to turn into an eternity as you parry slashes, turning to cut the attacker only to find another blow on its way. Finally, you hear Jayce calling from below. I can't climb the ladder, I'm sure they'll cut it... "Rain!" you yell, as you turn and hurl yourself over the precipice. You can hear the Risen behind you roaring in anger, an absolute cacophony. A second later, a blur of white slams into you. The sensation of falling is replaced with the smooth gliding of a pegasus as Rain ferries you to the ground.
"Did you even look to see if I was there before you jumped?" she asks.
"Nope," you answer as you open a fire tome. "I was just hoping." With that, you hurl a fireball at the top of the ladder. The ropes catch instantly, quickly burning through. A Risen which had started to descend in pursuit quickly finds itself falling. As you land, you quickly organize your troops towards the rendezvous point to the south, covering your tracks as you disappear into the forest.
You post a strong rear guard as you march, rejoining with Jake a short march away from the city. You start to put as much distance between yourselves and the city as possible, trusting in the building snowfall to cover your tracks. After several hours, it seems the enemy has no idea where you've disappeared to, though your maps give you a vague idea. With the sun setting and the temperature dropping, you give your troops permission to establish camp for the night.
You have two people you want to speak with in particular. You have no trouble tracking down Charlotte, sitting by the campfire, staring at it with an odd fascination. "So warm..." you hear her mumbling as you approach. She barely acknowledges you as you stop beside her.
"Charlotte?" you ask. She glances up. "I want to ask... How'd you know about that ladder?"
"I've been using it," she answers. "To take food. From... I took it from nearby villages. I l-left money, but..."
"You could have left Antea at any time, but you kept going back...? Why?" Charlotte turns away from you, silently staring into the flames. After several moments, it's clear she isn't going to answer. You thank her for speaking with you, then excuse yourself.
The next person you seek out is Saul. You find him at the edge of camp with... a horse? Walt is there as well, both of them brushing snow from their mounts' manes. "How did they... Where'd they come from?" you find yourself asking.
"I guess they must've opened Antea's main gate to search for us," Walt answers. "And these guys must've followed us?"
"But... How did they track us?" you ask, dumbfounded. Saul shrugs, but Walt smiles.
"Ol' Brown here's the smartest horse you'll ever meet," he answers. "I bet that if he could speak, he could give you a run for your money." His horse snorts in what you interpret as agreement.
"Right... Well, I didn't come here to get into a battle of wits with a horse. Everything went well in the temple, Archbishop?"
"Yes," he answers. "Rain recovered Falchion, and I found a few other relics in there. We didn't have time to go through them all, but I did decide on one that might help us."
"That staff you had earlier?" you ask. "Was that...?"
"Yes... The Aum staff."
"Aum staff..." Walt mumbles. "That name sounds familiar. It's... the sacred stave that has the power to return someone from the dead!?" he exclaims, much louder than you'd wanted. You quickly slam a hand over his mouth, but the damage is done. You hesitantly look over your shoulder, already knowing what to expect. Several members of your camp are looking over at you, with varying expressions on their faces. You can't bring yourself to make eye contact with two of them in particular. You didn't want Harrow or Fumiko finding out about this...
Not to your surprise, Harrow marches up to you. You expect her to ask to use the staff to revive her tribe, but instead she stares you dead in the eye. "Do not use this for my benefit. It would be a dishonor to my tribe's warriors to disturb their rest." With that, she departs into the forest.
You try to avoid looking at her, but you can't help but notice Fumiko's hopeful stare. "We can only use this once," Saul tells you. "After that, it will require several years before it can be used again." As he speaks, you can see the expression on her face draining away.
So, you guys can bring someone back. They'll also get enough EXP to not be completely screwed.
(A) Rowan
(B) Lane
(C) Vine
(D) Save it for later
Support time. Pick 9.
Rain/Agni B
Rain/Walt A
Rain/Charlotte B
Rain/Doran A
Rain/Harrow C
Syrene/Cynbel C
Syrene/Harrow C
Agni/Jayce C
Agni/Taika A
Agni/Harrow C
Walt/Jayce A
Walt/Holland C
Walt/Taika S
Jayce/Taika C
Jayce/Cynbel A
Holland/Fumiko C
Holland/Charlotte B
Holland/Saul C
Taika/Praven X: Successor
Fumiko/Cynbel C
Fumiko/Doran A
Fumiko/Harrow C
Cynbel/Charlotte C
Cynbel/Doran C
Cynbel/Harrow C
Charlotte/Saul B
Charlotte/Doran B
Charlotte/Harrow C
Saul/Praven C
Saul/Harrow C
Doran/Harrow C
After ensuring the Alm staff is secured in Jake's convoy, Saul decides to seek out Charlotte. Unsurprisingly, he finds her still seated by the fire. "Charlotte?" She glances at him, then looks back to the fire. He takes a seat next to her. "Might I speak with you for a while?"
"Ar... Archbishop," she stammers. "Of course. Is s-something ami... amiss?"
"No, no. And please, you need not be so formal. I just wanted to ask you about what happened in Antea, when we... er... left you." Saul bows his head. "I feel terrible about it. Can you ever forgive us?"
"Y-you didn't... didn't leave me, I s-sent you on with... without me. It was my... It was my choice. My choice. Mine."
"That doesn't absolve-" Charlotte silences him with a hand over his mouth.
"You came back... for me."
Saul hesitates for a moment. "We came back for Falchion," he admits. "But-"
"No, you came back for... for me. You didn't have to... have to chase me." With that, Charlotte slides closer. "It's so warm..." she adds, staring into the flames.
"Y-yes, it is..." Saul agrees awkwardly.
"Jayce," Cynbel says with a nod. "That was a great battle earlier."
"Yeah it was! This new armor's something else. I barely felt a thing! Magic's still an issue, though..."
Cynbel nods in agreement. "If only we could combine your defensive abilities with my new-found ability to resist magic..."
Jayce waves the thought away. "Enough about battle. We're bound for Meridia next, aren't we? You seemed to know the town we're heading towards. What is it?"
"Ah, Carpus... The town where I was born and bred! A wonderful little village near the border of Carcina. Our fruit cordials are known across the world!"
"I can't say I've much of an appetite for fruit..."
"Well, perhaps you've an appetite for beauty? We may make it in time to catch the trees shedding their last few leaves, but even if we fail, their empty branches against the horizon makes for a wonderous sight..."
"Man, I haven't heard you this excited... ever."
Cynbel shakes his head dismissively. "All men are exicted to return to their home after a long voyage! Even if it's only for a short time."
"Fair enough. But first we have to get there, right? So don't die on me or anything!"
"Ha! Once we're in my country, you'll have to try to keep up."
The camp gathers for a simple meal, a thin vegetable broth thickened with an unlucky squirrel. While most of the group eats by the fire, Taika pulls Jayce aside. "Jayce,"
"Taika," Jayce responds, running a hand through his long hair. "This is a rare pleasure. To what do I owe this honor?"
"Walt told me you've known him since childhood. I was hoping you could tell me a bit more about him?"
"Aw, really? You don't just drag a guy away from a nice warm fire to ask about bagging his best friend... Well, I guess I could give you a few pointers. The guy could use a girl like you to help keep his panties out of a knot."
"Wait, he wears panties?"
"It's just an expression, Taika."
"Sorry. I didn't have much trouble learning your language, but some of your expressions still surprise me."
Jayce gives a slight laugh. "Don't worry about it. If I didn't already know you weren't a native speaker, I wouldn't be able to tell. So you learned a whole language just for your journey thing?"
Taika shakes her head. "I learned several languages during my training. Not for any particular reason, aside from the pursuit of knowledge, I suppose."
Jayce's jaw drops. "Wait, you know more than just yours and ours? Plus that mage-speak... How many do you speak?"
"I'll tell you... if you help me - what did you call it? 'Bag?' Yes. Help me bag your friend, and I'll tell you."
Back in the camp, the others are enjoying their meal. Jayce and Taika's disappearance has not gone unnoticed. Rain sneaks up behind Walt and suddenly wraps an arm around his neck. He cries out and nearly falls over, but she manages to hold him upright. She pulls him in close. "So, when are you going to ask her?"
Walt frees himself and turns to face his would-be assailant. "Captain? W-what? Ask what? And who? Ask who what?"
Rain giggles innocently. "Oh, come now. I see the way you keep looking out at the forest. 'Where is she? When's she getting back? Why is she with Jayce?'"
"I-I'm not... That's..."
"Aw, you're kind of cute when you're flustered. I wonder if that's why she's taken an interest in you?"
"That's... I believe you're mistaken, Captain."
"Oh, please. Listen to your elders, Sonny. I've been around long enough to know what you're planning. I can read you like an open book." Walt can't help blushing noticeably. Rain gives him a wink. "That, and I spoke with Jake earlier. So, do you want an old lady's advice?"
"Er... Well, I sup- I mean, you're not that old, Captain. But, yes."
"Good answer. Alright, here's what you do. Give me your bowl, then go follow their tracks. Oh, and don't forget you-know-what. As for the rest, you'll know what to do once you get there."
Walt hesitates for a moment, until Rain gestures towards the woods. With that, he leaves his soup behind, and stumbles off. As he leaves, he calls over his shoulder. "Thanks, Captain!"
"Yep," she mutters, taking his bowl. "Good luck out there." With a shrug, she starts to finish his meal.
While Walt stumbles off towards the forest, everyone else continues to enjoy their simple meal. It may not be a particularly hearty meal but it is warm, a pleasant respite from the chill winds. Harrow finishes her bowl to catch Cynbel staring at her.
"Is there something wrong?" she asks.
"I've just never seen a wolf eating stew," he answers with a shrug.
"I'm not a wolf. I'm a laguz. There's a world of difference between my race and simple wild animals."
"Really? But you're always sniffing at stuff like a wolf. And you've got all that fur, those fangs, those ears, that tail..."
"I may have some qualities of a wolf, but I'm still very different."
"How?"
Harrow hides her annoyance. "For one, I can speak your language. And let's not forget that I can... you know... change into a human form."
"A near-human form," Cynbel corrects. "It's pretty obvious you aren't human, even with that big dress to hide the more obvious differences."
"A near-beorc form," Harrow says with a slight growl in her voice. "Still human."
"Ah, I mean no disrespect," Cynbel says. "It's just such an odd concept to me, being... part wolf? Wolf-like?"
"I suppose it may be an odd concept for you to grasp if you can't experience it," Harrow admits. "It's hard for me to understand how you ride those horse-beasts and wear that heavy armor."
"Hm" Cynbel concludes simply, returning to his meal. Harrow waits for him to continue. When he doesn't, she goes to seek out a second helping.
Out in the forest, Walt finally runs across Jayce and Taika, eating beneath a tall pine. As Walt approaches, Jayce stands. "Welp, that's my cue to get out of here." As he walks past Walt, he pats him on the shoulder and whispers in his ear. "Good luck."
Walt suddenly realizes he hadn't thought of anything to say while he was searching for them. "Er... Hi, Taika," he begins awkwardly.
"Hello, Walt," she responds plainly, holding back a giggle.
"Um... So... Uh... I noticed you and Jayce went off into the forest."
"Yes, yes we did." A few seconds of awkward silence pass before Taika decides to put Walt out of his misery. "I wanted to ask him a few things."
"O-oh..."
"See, after we defeat this Bune creature, I'm going to have to head home," Taika says, rising to her feet. "And considering how many of my fellows were slain during their journeys, I'll probably have a lot of responsibilities at our school, so I won't be able to travel anymore."
"I see... I hadn't thought of that, but with all the damage the Risen have done we'll all have a lot to do after this is over."
Taika nods and moves closer. "It means I'm not going to be able to see any of you for a few years, at least. And I'm going to miss all of you. Some of you more than the others. I was actually speaking with Jayce about getting a souvenir to take back with me, to remind me of all of you."
"Oh... And did he have any ideas?"
"I actually know exactly what I want, I was just asking him how he thought I should go about obtaining it"
"Is it not something you can simply buy?"
"I'm afraid not," Taika says, moving closer still.
"Well... What is it? For you, I'll do anything in my power to help you get it."
"Anything? Do I have your knightly vow?" she asks, now mere inches away.
"O-of course, Taika."
"Well, then..." Taika says, as she wraps her arms around his neck. "I think I know where you can start..."
Back around the campfire, the rest are sitting and chatting, or planning the next day's march and the night's patrols. Jayce's return draws some stares and a few whispers, especially when Taika and Walt don't return with him. Saul notices Harrow sitting away from the others, her head bowed in prayer. He waits quietly a few feet away, only approaching when she rises. "Thank you," she says as he kneels beside her. "For not interrupting."
"Of course," Saul says amiably. "May I ask who you were praying to?"
"My tribe worships many gods," she answers. "Old gods. Gods whose names are long-forgotten. I suppose this must seem odd to you, who worships Naga."
"A bit," Saul admits. "But I suppose even in Naga's time, there must have been those who came before, gods that they prayed to for protection."
"Yes," Harrow continues. "Gods of order and chaos, gods of creation, light, and darkness. Gods who helped shape the first battles of the crusaders."
Saul seems pensive for a moment. "It's easy to forget that there was a time Naga herself was mortal, when she walked the earth as a manakete. Perhaps she even prayed to some of the same gods as you at some points..."
"It is possible, yes," Harrow concludes. "If you will excuse me, I wish to be with nature for a while. Your country seems... how to explain it? Close to the spirits."
"I see... Perhaps this is why the archdemon made his appearance nearby? Ah, but don't let me stop you. Good night, Harrow."
With that, Harrow transforms into a large, dark wolf, stalking off into the darkening forest.
At the same time, a white fox slips back into the camp. Doran, hunched over a map, doesn't notice until Fumiko transforms directly in front of him. "I'm back from checking up on the two lovebirds," she announces.
"Lovebirds?" Doran asks.
"Walt and Taika. Ah... I think it would be for the best if you excused them from guard duty tonight."
Doran starts to ask why, then thinks better of it. "I'll take your word for it. I'll make sure the watchmen keep an eye out for them. Thanks for checking on them."
"Of course," Fumiko answers. She stands, as if wanting to say more.
Doran hastily scribbles a few notes, before folding his map and returning it. "There's something else isn't there? It's about the Aum staff, right?"
"I suppose that was rather obvious, wasn't it? I just wanted to tell you that whatever you decide, I'll respect your decision. Don't choose my husband just because of our friendship."
"I... That's not what I was expecting you to say at all."
Fumiko takes a few steps back. "Well, this is bigger than any of us, the coming battle could determine the fate of the world. I can't... We can't let our emotions get in the way. Besides, I... I don't even know how to feel right now." Doran waits patiently for her to collect herself. "I mean, I just found out there's a chance I could have my Vine back. But I've spent so much time forcing myself to keep going after he died, I'm worried that even if he were back, it would feel so strange... And do I even want him back? No, that sounds horrible... I mean, isn't it better to just let him rest in peace?"
"I don't know. But this is such a huge decision, I've decided I want to think carefully before using this staff. I will promise you that if you ask not to revive your husband, I won't."
"Thank you. Excuse me, I... I need some time alone," Fumiko mutters, transforming before disappearing back into the woods.
Doran takes his map back out to continue planning, but finds himself too distracted to continue. He sighs and buries his head in his hands, lost in thought.
Later that night, Agni finds himself on watch when Taika and Walt finally return to camp. Once he recognizes them, Walt hastily excuses himself to his tent. Taika, on the other hand, stops to speak with him.
"So, Agni, you're on guard duty, huh?"
"Yes, I am. So what were you and the knight doing, hm? Patrolling to be-"
"Oh, Agni, I think you know exactly what we were up to."
Agni coughs uncomfortably. "Yes, I think I am able to guess."
"He asked me to marry him," she blurts out unceremoniously. "Well, I suppose I actually asked him, but he agreed!"
"What?" Agni yells, his cry echoing in the quiet forest. "Wow... That is a surprising... So, does this mean you will not be returning with Master Praven?"
"I don't know what we'll do... But we agreed to decide together, when the time comes. You aren't going back, are you? I overheard you speaking with Syrene and that other girl... Alyssa. Have you told him yet?"
"I think he already knows."
Taika sighs. "I hate to leave the school so undefended, but Walt's country needs knights, as well... Hm... No, this is supposed to be a happy occasion! I just got engaged, Agni. We'll worry about the rest later!"
"That seems fair enough," Agni agrees.
"By the way, is it just me or have you picked up the language better? Your speech seems a bit more fluid lately."
"Ah, Syrene has been giving lessons to me. But let us not change the subject. Are you going to be married here? Or there in Terranus? And will it be more like a Valerian wedding, or a proper Terranus ceremony?"
"We'll probably do both! Or figure out some way to combine the two. I don't know yet, it was kind of a sudden thing... Ah, sorry, Agni, but I think I need to go lie down and rest. We've got a big day ahead, and this is all so much..."
End of Chapter 19B
A) Finish Doran's route (Chapter 20B)
B) Start June's route (Chapter 19A)