Though this chapter will mostly be a breather episode, it's going to dab into the final chapter of Ochette's storyline
Disclaimer: Octopath Traveler and its corresponding characters, etc. Were made by Square.
Tropical Toto'haha
Priscilla headed back to Wellgrove with Temenos and Osvald, electing to retire to the inn for the evening. Priscilla read the document, doing her utmost to decipher the riddles. She muttered to herself, "So, then... Operation Crimson Justice..." Her eyes scanned a complex riddle at the bottom of the page: The Crimson Flash shall weed out those whose hearts are shadowed by deceit. This, she realized, must refer to the Crimson Flash's mission to target corrupt individuals.
Another line caught her eye, When the Ashen Swordsman's blade sings, Verandell's hidden truths shall surface. Priscilla frowned, understanding this to be about Captain Cairn of Verandell's militia.
Lastly, the riddle spoke of a Blazing Rogue, described as having the heart of fire yet caught between two worlds. "Nathan," Priscilla murmured, "but why is he called the Blazing Rogue?"
The final part of the document mentioned an impending coup d'état against Timberain's royal family. "It's like Lord Walden really intends to start a war," she thought, disturbed by the scope of his plans.
Priscilla heard a knock on the door, answering without looking up"Yes?"
Temenos entered the room"I hope I am not catching you at a bad time."
"Not really, so far I was able to work out the meaning of some of this stuff on the document" Priscilla replied"It mentions Scarlet's role in the Crimson Sun's activities, and then there is the Ashen Swordsman, which I assume is Captain Cairn of Verandell's militia. A certain half-breed also seems to have been written about on the document under the alias, the Blazing Rogue."
"Nathan, you mean?" Temenos looked thoughtful"Hm. Perhaps Walden knew in advance that he would join the Crimson Sun."
"It is the only explanation I can think of" Priscilla replied, stretching a bit"Although I don't know if Walden was aware of Nathan's reasons."
"Most likely, he wouldn't care, the man seems the type to overlook any character flaw, so long as he has the loyalty of his associates" Temenos said"And at this juncture, it is safe to assume you learned all you can for now, correct?"
Priscilla nodded"Yeah. Though I'm feeling a bit stressed out from not being able to expose Walden's crimes, yet."
"Well, perhaps" Temenos smiled at her"On our way to the east continent, we can get ourselves a break at Tropu'hopu as I suggested, before we head back to the East Continent."
Priscilla blinked"Are you asking me out?"
The Cleric chuckled"Heh, maybe, maybe not. So, what do you say?"
Priscilla smiled"Sounds like a marvelous idea. Perhaps we should get breakfast and then wait for the others first, though."
"That sounds like a good idea to me" Temenos nodded.
The pair headed out of the inn and went to the tavern. After they ordered their breakfast and took their seats, Priscilla began to talk about trying to get through to Nathan the way her mother wanted"if my plan works, I can hopefully, finally get it through Nathan's thick skull that his father really was a criminal. Though it may necessitate a visit to the Hightower prison."
"I see no reason why King Uldin would refuse to allow it if you were to ask him to let you and Nathan into the tower prison to visit Sylas if you explain the situation" The cleric commented"And what do you plan to do after the Crimson Sun is dealt with?"
"I will keep looking into the Moonshade Order with the rest of you, guys, before I go home" Priscilla replied"It is the least I can do to repay you, Prince Hikari and Osvald for your help."
"I'm hardly surprised, my dear hawk" Temenos said, teasingly.
"Oh, hush" Priscilla flushed, embarrassed at being compared to birds.
The two ate their breakfast shortly afterwards, which consisted of soup. After paying the bill, they headed outside to go check on the shops. Wellgrove's economy was steadily improving, so there were more items for sell and more people coming and going.
"The town is getting livelier" Priscilla commented.
"Indeed. No doubt thanks to Partitio" agreed Temenos as they browsed the shops.
Just outside town, Alistair, Sabrina and Castii came in and went to the market. Alistair approached their two comrades"Priscilla, Temenos."
Priscilla turned to address the knight"Good morning, Alistair. What did the king have to say about our recent exploits?"
"King Uldin was not pleased to hear of the chaos that ensued over in Verandell, but he agreed to look into Lord Walden's background" Alistair replied"Either way, we had best hope that your idea of trying to get Scarlet and Nathan's cooperation works, Priscilla."
"I hope so, too" Priscilla agreed"As for our next destination, we're headed for Stormhail, but we're planning on going to Tropu'hopu, first."
"Sounds lovely" Sabrina said.
The group returned to the tavern where Osvald was reading one of his books and having a quick cup of coffee. Priscilla informed her fellow Scholar of their destination"We're headed for Tropu'hopu Village on Toto'haha island, and later to Stormhail."
"Then let's go" Osvald stood up.
"We should check on our supplies, first so that we don't run out" Castii suggested.
Priscilla nodded her agreement, then the group went to the shops to buy fresh supplies before leaving Wellgrove. They spent the next day and a half traveling back to Canalbrine, fighting monsters when needed.
"Once we're at Tropu'hopu, perhaps you'd like to see what kind of plays they put on?" Temenos asked Priscilla as they walked.
"That sounds good" Priscilla nodded"What should we expect when we go to Stormhail?"
"It's quite cold there, so we may want to procure some weather-appropriate clothing" The Cleric replied.
They eventually arrived back at Canalbrine. Several villagers who heard the recent news about Eir's Apothecaries' accomplishments came to greet them.
"Welcome back" one man greeted, looking at Castii, remorsefully"Castii, we recently got word that Eir's Apothecaries actually tried to protect the village that we thought that you guys had destroyed, I feel silly about taking the rumor seriously. Who would have thought that it was really the work of a delusional rogue who betrayed what your group actually stood for?"
"It was an easy assumption to make" Castii assured him"I'm sorry that I didn't have my memories when I first arrived here by the ship that dropped me off, I could've maybe cleared up the misunderstanding the instant I came."
"I don't think my friends and I would have listened until you cleansed the poisoned spring and cured us, either way" the man shrugged"So, are you heading somewhere?"
"Yes, I'm going to Tropu'hopu" Castii replied"It is good to see you again."
"Same here" The villager said"Good luck on your travels."
The group continued on to the harbor and paid for the trip to Toto'haha. Priscilla took this time to ponder some more, while she really intended to try to expose Walden's deceitful nature to Nathan and Scarlet and then arrest them after Walden is dealt with, she wondered if she should try again to get Nathan to see reason so she can try to prove that Sylas had really done what he did. Temenos's insightful words regarding Nathan being unable to accept that his father was a lustful rapist because she didn't do anything to prove it to him was still a hard pill to swallow, but she had always been brash and impatient, especially at the worst of times.
Castii was mixing up herbs in her cabin while Alistair and Sabrina spent time gazing at the sea, making small talk. Osvald had elected to read his books in private.
"Lost in thought, again?" Temenos addressed Priscilla as he went over his notes.
"Yeah" Priscilla replied"It hasn't really been easy, trying to really understand that... Er, Nathan. I knew, deep down that I really should have listened to my mother, but I was still hurt and angry to the point where I could not differentiate Nathan from his father. And after our narrow escape from Walden's agents, I'm beginning to see that I was just as much of a brash, impatient fool as Nathan is."
"At least you are taking a step in the right direction" Temenos assured her"And another thing" he looked at her"I don't know what may come of my impending interrogation of Vados, but should the matter go to court, are you going to be available to prosecute this case?"
"I don't see why not, except its outside the boundaries of my own investigation" shrugged Priscilla.
"That may be true, but it would help assure people on the mainlands that the courts can still be trusted after if a fair and just trial is successfully conducted, even just a little" the Cleric replied.
"I can't argue with that. But I warn you, my legal services don't come cheap" Priscilla told him, teasingly.
Temenos laughed"I would not dare think otherwise."
The ship eventually arrived at Trop'hopu port, after which the group disembarked. Priscilla looked around in amazement"Its quite gorgeous, here."
"Quite the sight, indeed" agreed Temenos.
Castii took a look around, herself"It really is."
"Shall we go a little further into the village?" Temenos asked.
Priscilla nodded, and the group headed into the village, proper. As they neared the inn, they saw Agnea writing on her music sheet. The dancer looked up after she had finished"Oh, hi, everyone."
"Hello, Agnea" Castii greeted"How are you?"
"Great as always" Agnea replied with a small smile"I met some new friends, earlier and found inspiration for the Song of Hope. Its been a bit tricky traveling with just Hikari for company, but we managed."
"Considering that monsters are steadily growing active, I am hardly surprised" Osvald commented.
"And how is Hikari?" Castii asked.
"He's doing all right, we stopped here a day ago to rest and stock up after we delivered the weapon shipment we took from Welgrove to Kazan at Ryu" The dancer replied"I was about to go and meet up with him at the local theater when he's done helping out, there. I wanted to go see what kind of plays they put on there."
Priscilla looked thoughtful"I was thinking the same thing myself, actually."
"I don't see why we can't go together if its all right" offered Temenos.
"Sounds good to me" beamed Agnea.
"The rest of us will gather information, stock up and get some rest, then" Sabrina said.
Alistair nodded"That sounds like a plan."
Temenos, Agnea and Priscilla headed for the theater. Hikari was presently on stage with a few other people, performing a wuxia-style play for people in the audience. The theater was packed with people.
"Didn't think he'd be into this sort of thing" Priscilla commented.
"We all have our little surprises" Temenos smiled"Shall we find a seat?"
Priscilla nodded, and the three went to take the nearest available seats to watch the play. Hikari was acting as a bodyguard to the villain of the story, who was portrayed by another actor.
"We do not want meaningless bloodshed" Hikari told the "hero.""Throw down your weapon."
The "hero" stood his ground"Never, I think I shall rend your evil designs in two, instead. With my secret technique!"
'He can certainly act, but what exactly is his role?' Priscilla thought, the line that the prince used was more in line with what the hero would say in her opinion.
Temenos and Agnea watched quietly as Hikari and the actor playing the protagonist of the story clashed swords. The fight did not last long, however, as Hikari had effortlessly disarmed his opponent and rendered them barely able to stand.
'How asinine, he should have been playing the hero instead, since he's clearly much more experienced in actual combat than his fellow actor. What could have the director been thinking?' Priscilla thought.
"Hey!" The actor who had been playing the main villain cried out as he broke character and proceeded to remind Hikari"We're the villains, here. You're not supposed to thrash the hero in the climatic battle!"
Embarrassed, Hikari glanced at the actor who had been playing the hero and sheepishly said to the "villain""My apologies, it seems that even when facing an imitation battle, my instincts kick in quite naturally."
The rest of the crowd started to cheer, impressed by Hikari's swordsmanship"Wow, that was some really incredible swordplay!"
Priscilla blinked"Well, I'm hardly surprised."
"Neither am I, my dear" Temenos held her hand.
"He's just that incredible, isn't he?" Agnea said with an impressed smile.
"I think you really do have a crush on him, Agnea" Temenos winked.
The dancer blushed furiously red at that statement"I-its nothing like that!" She cried, more flustered than anything.
As the rest of the audience slowly filed out and Hikari was being thanked by the director for how it turned out, despite the play going differently than how it was originally planned, Agnea, Temenos and Priscilla stood up and stayed behind to wait for their friend.
Hikari came down from the stage when he was done speaking with the director"Temenos, Priscilla, I am glad you could join us. How is the investigation into the Crimson Sun progressing?"
"We learned quite a bit" Priscilla replied"And on the way, we helped Castii to save Timberain from Trousseau before he could kill everyone, there. Apparently, Walden is not only planning to forcibly remove all crime and corruption from Solistia, he may be planning to initiate a coup."
"I see" Hikari frowned at the thought as he and the others started walking away from the theater"It sounds like he's just another bloodthirsty monster like Mugen. But given that my brother is influenced by the curse of Clan Ku, perhaps something similar is driving this Walden individual."
"From what I gather, Walden was driven insane by failing to save my father, who was a friend of his" Priscilla replied"But I've some doubts as to whether he really was a genuinely good man before the Crimson Sun's formation."
"Given that the scandal at his manor was our first encounter with the man, I can see why" Temenos said, placing a hand on his chin for a moment"All that aside, you were as agile as always during the play back there, Hikari."
"It was a fun experience, though I am a bit ashamed at how that turned out because I failed to hold back" Hkari shrugged"Of course, the audience seemed to enjoy it. The director was especially pleased as a result, despite the play ending with the hero's defeat."
Priscilla nodded"I enjoyed the play up to that point, myself."
The group continued talking until they arrived at the local tavern to order lunch. During that time, Ochette had arrived at the port of Tropu'hopu and had come into the tavern with Akala.
"Oh, hey guys" Ochette greeted.
"Good day, Ochette. How is everything?" Priscilla asked the Huntress.
The Beastwoman grinned"I found all three legendary creatures, all I gotta do now is report back to Master Juvah and prepare to defend the island from the calamity."
Priscilla remembered what the Huntress had said about the impending Night of the Scarlet Moon"Its a bit out of the way, but perhaps we should also help protect the island. Prince Hikari, Temenos, what do you think?"
"I do not believe I can forgive myself if I abandon anyone who is in danger" Hikari nodded"But what is this calamity Ochette spoke of?"
"What she spoke of is The Night of the Scarlet Moon" Priscilla elaborated"Powerful monsters show up at this island around that time. I wonder if it is related to the Endless Night depicted in the Fellsun Ruins."
"They are almost certainly completely unrelated events" Temenos replied"I've no objections if you wish to help keep the island safe from that level of danger."
"We should let Alistair, Osvald and Sabrina know" said Hikari"Just in case."
Priscilla nodded, and they finished lunch before paying and heading to the inn. Sabrina, Alistair and Osvald had finished gathering information on the latest rumors.
When Alistair heard what is going on, he frowned"Hm. I suppose we had best find out a bit more about the Night of the Scarlet Moon and protect the island from this calamity."
"I know quite a bit, Alis." Ochette piped up"It happens every four hundred years, apparently. Strong monsters appear around that time."
"Let's go visit your home village, then." Sabrina suggested.
The group left Tropu'hopu and headed for the Beastling village. Priscilla addressed Ochette as they walked"May I ask who Master Juvah is?"
"He is my mentor and the protector of my home village, oh, and just so you don't get too surprised when you meet him, he's a white lion."
"I have heard only rumors of the guardian of Toto'haha island" Alistair commented"To think I shall have the chance to meet him in person, it would be quite the honor."
Priscilla was surprised at this piece of information"I have been too focused on my duties as Prosecutor, I hardly ever had much time to get to know much about other customs and cultures beyond where I have visited." She felt a little apprehensive at the idea of meeting a lion but remained calm.
The group arrived at the beastling village where the beastling population was making preparations for the upcoming calamity in an effort to protect their village. Priscilla glanced around the simple village"It certainly is pretty, here."
"Thanks, Prissy." Ochette smiled.
The other Beastlings in the village noticed the group and came over"Ochette, welcome home!"
"Thanks, everyone" Ochette greeted, handing some jerky to her fellow Beastling villagers.
"Who are these people?" A younger Beastling asked curiously, looking at the rest of the group.
Ochette smiled"They are my friends and travel buddies. And sorry to cut the conversation short, but we need to hurry and speak with Master Juvah."
The other villagers let the group pass. Sabrina found herself a little interested in the village's culture as they headed to the cliffside where a great, white lion stood, waiting. Ochette stepped forward to greet her mentor.
"Master Juvah" The beastling greeted.
The lion turned to address her"Welcome home, Ochette. I heard from Glacis and Tera, you have done well to find all three beasts. It is a tragedy to hear what befell Cateracta, but I understand her offspring survived."
Ochette nodded"I also want to introduce my traveling buds. This is Sabrina, Alistair, Priscilla, Hikari, Agnea, Osvald, Temenos and Castii, they are here to help us."
The White lion thoughtfully scrutinized the group"Hm. From what I can discern, they appear quite well experienced. While my trust in humans is sadly lacking, we must band together for the greater good. Humans, I am Juvah, Warden of this island."
"Call me cynical, but I never imagined until today that lions could speak, I am honored to meet you" Priscilla said.
"I cannot blame you for saying so" Juvah said"I have lived a long time and experienced many things during my role as Warden of Totohaha. I understand that you are all willing to aid Ochette and I against the cataclysm caused by the Night of the Scarlet Moon, then?"
"We are, sir" Alistair nodded.
Just then, a few more people approached, one of them wearing purple robes with a gold lining and she had dark hair. The two men accompanying her wore white.
"Juvah" the leader of the newcomers spoke"I must discuss the ownership of both of our lands. This doesn't concern your and that beastgirl's guests, although I am curious as to they are."
"I am Sabrina, Princess of Vella" Sabrina turned to address the woman"I and my comrades came to assist Ochette and Master Juvah during an important matter."
"I am Cohazeh, leader of the human village" Cohazeh stated bluntly"And what is this important matter you spoke of?"
Juvah stated"This is of a powerful enemy which shall emerge during the night of the Scarlet Moon. Now is not the time for land disputes, your people would do well to prepare for this upcoming calamity."
"An enemy?" Cohazeh raised her eyebrow skeptically, her two other human villagers murmured among themselves.
"Its news to me, as well" Priscilla told the leader of the human branch of the village with a hint of an academic tone in her voice"I don't know how much of this is true, but as a Scholar, I found myself a bit curious about the Night of the Scarlet Moon. I don't fully know what to expect, but if any of your people can fight, it may be prudent to take Master Juvah's advice, just in case."
Cohazeh shook her head in disbelief"Why should I even listen to the ramblings of beasts?"
"It is a bit much to take in, but we mustn't take any chances" Alistair stated"I don't know what is going on between you and Master Juvah, but this isn't the time for you to fight amongst yourselves as he said."
The dark-haired woman frowned, her arms crossed"I got better things to do with my time." She turned to go with her two fellow human villagers.
"What is her problem?" Priscilla asked.
"From what I gather, they appear to be having difficulty with sharing their land" Hikari said.
"That is to put it simply" Juvah stated"But right now, our immediate concern is the impending calamity" Juvah stated"We must take the path of the Tomb of the Wardenbeasts to the Summit of Strife."
The group accompanied Juvah to a verdant green summit just as the sun started to set, indicating that it is just about evening as the moon started to rise. Osvald, Priscilla and Sabrina noted that the moon is starting to turn red. Shadowy monsters then began to materialize.
"So this is what the Scarlet Moon calamity is" Alistair said, readying himself to draw his sword.
Sabrina nodded, grimly"Its just horrible."
As the group prepared to get ready to engage the shadow demons, Cohazeh showed up again with a look of irritation on her face"What is the meaning of this!? Juvah, I demand an explanation. As I was on my way back to my village, strange, shadow creatures have appeared and started to attack! What is happening on this island!? Answer me!"
"I warned you." Juvah responded, calmly"The Scarlet Moon has begun."
"And are you implying that he withheld information from you?" Priscilla glared at Cohazeh"He DID try to warn you, you ungrateful so-and-so!"
"Prissy, Cohazeh, Please, calm down" Ochette intervened"We can't waste time arguing with each other."
Just then, multiple shadow demons approached just as the other human settlers came onto the seen, protected by the Beastling villagers. The two villager groups and Ochette rushed into action, fighting off several monsters.
"This calamity is worse than I imagined" Juvah murmured as he fought off a demon.
"And what are you doing?" Cohazeh demanded of Ochette"We need no help from animals!"
Priscilla wanted to smack Cohazeh one for insulting one of her friends, but instead cast a couple fireballs at another shadow monster, driving it back before having to dodge another impending strike.
The beastling and human villagers joined the fray, several being wounded as they fought off more of the monsters.
Cohazeh silently readied her bow, calming herself down as she started to realize the Scarlet Moon's calamity is worse than a petty land dispute"We cannot let those things ravage the island. We must fight to protect our home."
"A rare occasion, but I agree with you" Juvah told Cohazeh, approval evident in his voice.
Castii and a couple other villagers tended to the wounded while Hikari, Alistair and Osvald fought off several more shadow demons. Temenos primarily focused on casting protective shields on his comrades.
As Ochette helped shoot down another monster, she sniffed the air around her"Something else is coming..."
"What is it?" Priscilla asked, calmly.
"I sense it, too." Juvah grunted"It comes from the direction of the Verdant Forest."
Alistair cut down another monster"It would be unwise of all of us to go see what it is."
"I agree" Sabrina nodded as she helped a nearby villager fight off a demon"Alistair and I shall stay here and help guard the way to the village."
"Then the rest of us shall investigate the nearby forest" said Hikari.
Ochette nodded"Let's go, then." She turned to look at Cohezah, saying"Take care of the village."
Juvah, Akala and Ochette led the way to the forest, followed by Hikari, Osvald, Castii, Agnea and Temenos. More shadow demons accosted the group only to be driven away by the group's combined might.
Thee group continued until they reached the Moonview Cliffs, glancing around at their surroundings. Juvah pondered"No monsters, have we defeated them all?"
Hikari looked around"It appears so."
"Wait, something else is coming" Ochette alerted her companions. They turned their attention just as a large, brownish owl with a white colored face flew into view, emitting a reddish glow of malice as it approached.
"That's the largest bird I've ever seen." Priscilla commented, not letting her guard down.
"It appears quite unnatural" grunted Osvald.
Ochette stepped a bit closer towards the unusually large owl"That scent... Its familiar."
"What do you mean?" Pirscilla asked the Huntress, curiously.
Ochette focused on the creature's scent"I know you..." She told the owl"You were the one I didn't choose, ten years ago."
"Do you know what it is, then?" Hikari asked Ochette.
The large owl unleashed a wave of crimson energy at the group, blasting them back. Juvah stood his ground while Glacis and a rock, turtle-like creature appeared to back the group up.
"What is that?" said a puzzled Tera, the rock creature.
"A hideous abomination, that's what it is" Glacis commented.
Juvah cried out"Ochette, snap out of it."
Akala stood in front of Ochette to defend her"Its soul is screaming from the inside." He commented.
Ochette nodded, sadly"Its deeply scarred, hurt and very, very sad. Who could be so cruel to it?"
Osvald scrutinized the owl"It appears to have been warped by dark magic." He scowled"That shadow power... Harvey, was this your doing, as well?"
"Professor Harvey? Was HE behind the Scarlet Moon's cataclysm?" Priscilla asked, curious.
"Not in its entirely, the Scarlet Moon is beyond what any mortal man could duplicate. But this creature looks like something he would have created through his twisted experiments" Osvald shook his head, grimly.
The owl blasted at the group with another burst of malicious energy. Ochette dodged"Its so very sad... Its been hurting for a long time." Resolutely, she drew her bow"I wish things didn't turn out this way, but its not going to calm down, is it?"
Hikari nodded"We have no choice, we cannot allow the shadow to keep its hold on the creature, any longer." He drew his blade.
The group stared resolutely at the Malamaowl and prepared to fight to put it out of its misery.
And wrapping it up, sorry this took my so long to finish. Will continue next chapter.