Twilight's Travels In The Multiverse

Next morning, Twilight stirred and picked up Csia. The spell she had used on her had worn off and she was currently sleeping due to exerting herself. As she cradled her lover, a thought struck her. She can't have children or Csia here anymore not while it was unsafe, not until it was a world she could safely give them a life they deserved.

Twilight spoke to Miounne on the way out, apparently she wanted them to head to Bentbranch and help the chocobo stables. Accepting the quest.

Leaving the guild house and heading through the blue badger gate she found a secluded spot and transformed stretching, she opened a dimensional pocket tied to her soul and began laying her eggs inside.

While she was doing that Csia stirred, "Csia we have to talk, I don't trust this world and while I trust you to hold your own. I just have this precognitive dread that something will happen that means I can't revive you. And so alongside our eggs I want to place you and them in stasis. You won't age, they won't hatch yet and once you wake up. To you it will feel as if but a moment has passed. I do not want to lose you to this or any unsafe worlds." Twilight explained calmly her voice thick with emotion.

Csia frowned, "it's not ideal, I want to be near you but I also don't want to die either. And despite you being able to resurrect it's too unreliable, I can't be sure I won't be content with dying if it's to save those I care about."

"It's okay, once I find a safe world I'll let you and our children out."

"Okay just give me one kiss before I go to sleep."

Twilight complied and turned back into a Mi'qote and kissing her long and deeply. Csia blushed as Twilight gently laid her into the stasis magic.

"I love you,"

"Love you too dear,"

Closing the entrance and sealing it Twilight sighed, "they're safe. Now let's get this place done so we can leave." Twilight grumbled.

The walk to Bentbranch, wasn't too much further than the Bannock and the weather was perfect.

Bentbranch was the site of a pillar of heaven, a truly massive tree that was felled, aetheryte spun in the center surrounded by a short brick wall. Taking time to attune herself. The pillar acted like the village square and around it was various tents, huts, market stalls and a short fence around the perimeter and the chocobo ranch.

"Okay, my contact was supposed to be with Keitha," asking around Twilight eventually found her in front of the chocobo barn, next to a tree, the length and size dwarfed Applejack's barn easily. She was a young Hyuran woman, with short black hair.

Upon speaking a distraught Keitha grabbed hold of Twilight," you're the adventurer that Miounne sent right?"

"Yes, I am. Is something wrong?"

"Those damn Qiqirn rats robbed us last night, stealing and breaking a chocobo egg in the process, Find a soldier by the name of Roseline at the Matron's Lethe and learn what measures may be taken to prevent any further incidents of this kind."

"Simple enough," Twilight made her way north and the east past the stairs on the tree root.

Roseline was a gray haired Elezen wood Wailer with a wood mask that is their custom.

"Roseline, I presume? I am here because Qiqirn robbed the chocobo stables and broke an egg in the process. Keitha wants to know how to make this not happen again."

"Aye, I am Roseline. As for your rat problem a good thrashing aught to send them a "message" not to come back. Slay four Qiqirn Scramblers"

"Alright, I'll be right back" Twilight said

After slaying thrice as many required, Twilight returned covered in blood with a cheerful smile on her lips.

"May have gone overboard a bit there. I know you said four, but I killed twelve."

"Can't really blame you, those things make you want to kill more of them. Good job, here's your reward. I hope this example will dissuade Qiqirn thieves from further trespassing in locales frequented by “vengeful” adventurers."

Roseline handed over the gear amateur's Dalmatica.

"Adventurer, a word if you would, I have need of a sure footed individual." Osha Jaab a Mi'qote wood wailer nearby asked.

"What can I do for you?" Twilight asked.

"Not anything difficult, I just need you to pull up some blue trumpet mushrooms, Remove the fungal menace before it has a chance to spread and cause the wood to rot. Report to Theodore once completed."

Having quickly picked all the mushrooms Twilight reported to Theodore.

"Your simple act of mushroom picking has saved the root of the heavenspillar from a rotten fate. Though not an ideal walkway, that the root is essential for travel through the drastically altered geography of the Central Shroud."

"Well I'll take your word for it."

"In spite of my efforts to not look down below, I noticed a shadowy figure in the woods north of the Matron's Lethe. Share my observations with Roseline." Theodore asked

"Once more into the breach"

Twilight found the patrolling Roseline and explained what Theodore saw.

"I saw something similar, but I doubt it to be anything significant. However, should you find anything unusual, can you show it to her."

Searching the woods to the north for any signs of the shadowy figure. Next to the still-warm remnants of an old campfire, Twilight discovered a worn leather bag. She delivered the bag to Roseline and asked what she has to say.

"At first glance, the bag appears to be nothing more than a traveler's forgotten pouch. However, after deeper consideration, I find it highly suspicious for a traveler to make camp in woods filled with dangerous beasts when Bentbranch Meadows would provide safer shelter. Thank you for your diligence, I shall be more vigilant."

"Next I would entrust you with a letter detailing everything I have learned about the suspicious stranger. I bid you to share the information with other sentries and encourage them to be vigilant for similar figures. Show the letter to Elmar, a sentry at the Bannock. show the letter to Bernard.
and then Eylgar." Roseline hands Twilight the letter.

Twilight quickly teleported to Bannock, and showed Elmar

" I am grateful for the warning, and I will pass word to the other sentries and recruits at the Bannock.

Next Twilight Headed next to the eastern gates of Bentbranch Meadows and showed the letter to Bernard.

"thank you for delivering Roseline's message," he then directs Twilight to Eylgar within the gates.

"Seek him at the chocobo stables and show him the letter."

"I am pleased by your efforts to warn the other sentries. I assure you that, should this stranger attempt to harm the chocobos, they will have to face not only the Wood Wailers but the entire staff of Bentbranch Meadows."

"Good to hear." She said after receiving her reward.

"I am sorry to impose on you further however can you verify the claims of a Lalafellin peddler, who swears that winged beasts attacked him on the road south of Bentbranch. Retrace his steps and search for any evidence to support his story. Speak to Lothaire at Galvanth's Spire once your done."

"Hmmn that's not good, will do."

Elygar explained the route the peddler took and Twilight following stumbled upon a large vulture egg, two northern vultures descend to defend their nest. Now that she had slain the beasts, she went out to find Lothaire at Galvanth's Spire and tell him what transpired.

Upon doing so he responded, "There's a nest hidden less than twenty yalms from my post!? I implore you to keep its existence a secret, and similar incidents will never happen again."

"I ask that you remind Hearer Leonnie that she has booked passage on a vessel at the Mirror Planks. Head to the Hedgetree to the southwest and speak with the conjurer."

Twilight shrugged, I wonder how long this damn quest chain is.

Upon meeting Hearer Leonnie, she explained she must remain at the Hedgetree to commune with the elementals. She asked Twilight to Inform Armelle at the Mirror Planks of the delay to the conjurer's plans.

Twilight rolled her eyes before heading to the mirror planks.

Twilight conveyed Hearer Leonnie's message to Armelle, who resigns herself to booking the conjurer passage on a later vessel. The only issue remaining is to decide how much later...

Gods why did it have to be a fucking mmorpg world Twilight lamented internally.

"I would ask that you retrieve the cargo from a wagon that was attacked by some vicious denizen of the forest. Head to the site of the incident and salvage all that you can find." Armelle asked

Hurriedly Twilight salvaged the scattered cargo. And made her way to Bentbranch Meadows and delivered the goods to Keitha.

"The spate of recent troubles in the surrounding woods has me concerned for the fate of my ranch. Can you stand ready Twilight should Bentbranch Meadows have need of your skills."

"I guess, I can," Twilight stretched and went up to the Atheryte plaza and sat on a nearby bench.

"Uegh as soon as I have the power to over power that bitch crystal the sooner I can leave this hell hole." Twilight grumbled.

Luquelot, a stablehand at Bentbranch seems to be running about like a headless chicken. He spots Twilight and rushes over clutching her hands.

"No! Oh, please gods, Not Leia's egg.
Twilight you must help me! I stepped out of the stables for but a moment, and when I returned it was gone!"

"What was gone?"

"I– what was gone?"

"An egg!

"I am sure the chocobo will lay another." Twilight stated

"Sorry? You are sure the chocobo will lay another!?

"Gah! You do not understand– the egg is extremely valuable! I must find it!"

"Okay calm down, I am sure I can find it."

"You will help me, won't you, Twilight?"

The lost chocobo egg appears to be of great importance to Luquelot, Twilight inferred.

Twilight agreed to help

"Oh, thank you, thank you!" Luquelot cheered.

"Someone must have made off with it. There can be no other explanation. I shall scour every ilm of the stable once more just to be sure. While I do so. I should be very grateful if you would ask the others if they noticed anything unusual."

"Will do,"

She set off to question the people of Bentbranch Meadows and see what clues she can uncover as to its whereabouts.

First she went to see the gate sentries, Remind.

"Did you see anyone acting suspicious?"

"I most certainly did, lass. A man, it was runnin' off towards the Tam-tara Deepcroft."

"I am looking for a stolen egg,"

"Hm? You say an egg was took? Then I'd say that there was yer culprit. But why would anyone pinch a chocobo egg? Without the proper learnin', it's damn near impossible to get one to hatch."

Turning around she moved on to Leodaire sitting by the ramp.

"A chocobo egg has gone missing."

"Hm, well let me think. Now that you mention it, the chocobos were making quite a racket earlier. So much so, in fact that I ran over to check on them, almost flattening a passing peddler in my haste. I didn't find anything out of the ordinary, though."

"Can you describe the peddler?"

"Oh… he was an Elezen fellow–didn't recognise his face. Seemed awfully twitchy. Oh gods, you don't think he…? Why in the hell's didn't I accost him!?"

"Well you said you were in a hurry so you weren't exactly focused."

"That's a weak excuse an' won't ease my guilt!"

Continuing up the ramp and up some stairs and over to Bernard's station.

"Bernard, have you seen any odd characters about?"

"Aside from yourself, you mean? Not that I recall. I did see someone calming the birds, but only from a distance. I assumed it was Luquelot… but if you say he was away from the stables at that time… then who was that with the chocobos?"

After Twilight had finished questioning the ranch workers. She reports her findings to Luquelot.

"There can be no mistake, the egg was indeed stolen. And from what you have told me, this was no simple robbery. That the culprit should take only Leia's egg and disregard all the rest tells me we are dealing with someone well versed in chocobo breeding. I am sorry to say that the individual in question is like to be a citizen of my native ishgard."

"Oh really what gave you that impression?"

"Leia, you see, is of the bloodline of Ouranos–one of the greatest birds to grace an ishgardian stable. Many a man, in my homeland would give his right arm to possess Leia's eggs… Gods, I should have foreseen this! We must give chase at once!"

"Hold your chocobos, Luquelot! If this egg thief's from Ishgard, like you say. Why'd he go runnin' off towards the Tam-tara Deepcroft? Unless I got me mental map upside down, that's the opposite direction." Keitha interjected

"W-well, yes, but.. he may seek to lay a false trail, or..uh… Bah! The way of it is not important! Leia's egg is all that matters! Adventurer, I beg of you, hunt the scoundrel down and take back what he stole!" Luquelot beseeched.

"Well, at least you ain't plann' on chasin' after him yourself… wherever he's from. We may work wonders with our birds, Twilight. But acts of derrin'-do ain't exactly our field if you don't mind, we'll leave that end of things to you."

Twilight snickered at the reference to her old favourite books.

"I shall follow the thief's trail to the Tam-Tara Deepcroft, and retrieve Leia's egg. Don't worry."

"With luck, you may catch the thief on the road to the tam-Tara Deepcroft, but do be careful– we cannot be certain he is working alone in this."

Following the minimap Twilight came upon Kuplu Kopo and shortly afterwards Janremi Blackheart panting and wheezing.

"I have caught you at last, you spiteful imp! Now hand over the egg!"

"You can't have it, kupo! This egg belongs to Luquelot!"

"Aye, Kuplu Kopo give It to me so I can return it to Luquelot. Actually hold that thought while I murder this bastard whoreson thievin' cur."

"Who in Halone's bloody fury are you? Ah, those sops at Bentbranch hired themselves an adventurer, did they?" Janremi demanded

Two armed men behind Twilight aim their weapons at her.

"Yet another complication. This farce has gone on long enough. Kill the moogle and the farmers' hireling. And bring me that damned egg!"

Then Twilight began laughing, and laughed loudly.

"You mortal scum never change, give them a tiny bit of power and it goes to their head. Why does the child still suckling at his mother's teats think he can stop me?" Not drawing her weapon she back handed three of the thugs, in one swing and disarmed the thief.

"Why does he think he is a gods equal, what? you think this is my final form?"

"Gaze upon my true form and despair!" Using a bit of mind reading to learn of Halone's iconography, she then transformed into a giant version of her in full armor.

The man falls to his knees with a screech as Twilight glares at the man, "I despise thieves Janremi Blackheart and you shall face my fury!!!"

Twilight used the tier magic Freeze, encasing the man in ice before he was stabbed rapidly.

You emerge victorious, Twilight goes to take possession of Leia's egg from Kuplu Kopo.

"Thank you, kupo."

"How did you come to be out here?"

"Ah, well this egg here is Leia's. Leia's is a very special chocobo, in case you didn't know. Anyway, I was taking a nap in the stables when that nasty fellow crept in and tried to steal it, kupo!

So I snatched it up as quickly as I could and made a run for it. I was planning on taking it back to Bentbranch Meadows myself, but it might be safer if you did it, I'm sure Luquelot will be very happy to see you, kupo!"

"Don't worry, I will. We just going to say I am not halone, though I am a goddess, I am entirely foreign to this world so keep my identity secret,"

"Of course, Kupo! You are surely a good god."

Twilight Returned to Luquelot at Bentbranch Meadows.

"Do you have the egg!? Is it safe!?"

Twilight hands over Leia's egg, "safe and sound,"

"Yes, it has the right coloring, the right weight... It is most definitely Leia's egg."

"I know not how to thank you."

"You had me worried for a bit there, Twilight. 'Tis good to see you and the egg back safe and sound."

"Don't just thank me, though. While I did help so did a moogle name Kuplo Kopo,"

Twilight told them what happened, leaving out the who god form thing.

"...So I was correct in my assumption that an Ishgardian was involved─albeit one who did not, in fact, make off with the egg. Well, I could hardly have anticipated the intervention of a moogle!"

"Bugger me... It couldn't be the same one...could it?" Keitha asked.

"Might you have encountered our unlikely savior before, Keitha?"

"Could be, aye. One of 'em saved my hide back when the Calamity struck."

"I was in a part of the woods what we now call the Standin' Corses that day. Seemed like the whole bleedin' forest was ablaze, and I couldn't see a yalm in front of me for all the smoke. Well-nigh given up hope, I had.

Then, all of a sudden, a moogle appears out of nowhere, tugs at me smolderin' sleeve, and leads me straight to a bit of the wood where the fire hadn't taken hold.

And now you know why the business is named “Moogle's Gift Mounts.” Seemed like the least I could do. I'd be dead if it weren't for that plucky little bugger."

"Incredible. It may well be that the moogle has stood vigil over us ever since that day…"

Ha! We'd better get back to work, then. Wouldn't want to go lettin' our guardian angel down, would we? Twilight, you have our thanks. Oh, and I believe Luquelot wants to give you a little somethin' for your troubles.

"Leia's egg is irreplaceable. I cannot well express to you the depth of my gratitude."

"Well that's not entirely true so long as Leia's alive, but I get the sentiment."

"And yet, I find that I am still troubled... While this whole regrettable episode unfolded, I bore witness to a sight that greatly concerned me…"

After receiving her rewards, Twilight inquired of Luquelot's concerns.

"My thanks for your kindness earlier. I hate to impose again, but I have need of your assistance in another matter─one of grave import, I fear."

"No, need to thank me anymore, a child shouldn't be taken from their mother. Excepting in the most extreme circumstances."

"Of late, I have noticed that Ixali dirigibles have been appearing over the Twelveswood with increasing regularity. The frequency, however, does not bother me near so much as where they choose to fly─the patch of sky directly above the Guardian Tree."

"Guardian tree?"

Sound like the tree of harmony.

"The tree is a sacred site, or so I was given to believe when first I came to Gridania, and thus I naturally assumed that the elementals would not suffer the Ixal to profane it. Yet the birdmen have been coming and going as they please, with nary a sign of protest from the guardians of the Twelveswood.

And it was that which set me to thinking... Ever since the appearance of the much-talked-about “suspicious individual,” many and more strange things have been occurring in the forest. Could it be that he did something to the elementals?

In case it proved useful, I have committed the details of my sightings to parchment, and would ask that you deliver the document to Mother Miounne."

"Of course Mother Miounne will be wanting to know this as soon as possible."

*Please make all haste─I have an irrepressible feeling that something terrible is about to happen."

"Well that's not ominous at all." Twilight mumbled and teleported back to Mother Miounne.

Having gotten used to Twilight randomly popping up called her, "Hello there, Twilight. Word of your tireless efforts at Bentbranch Meadows has reached my ears. The folk there have naught but the highest praise for you!

You certainly have a knack for making Mother proud."

"Oh please, I only did what was right." Twilight replied scratching the back of her neck.

"Keep up the good work, you hear?"

"I have a letter from Luquelot,"

"Hm? A letter...from Luquelot?"

Twilight handed over the letter to Miounne.

"I haven't the slightest inkling what this could be about…"

Mother Miounne scans the letter, and her eyes widen.

"Gods be good…

I have a mission for you, Twilight. Suffice it to say, it is urgent.

I fear it may also prove dangerous, however, so you must be prepared.

Make what arrangements you can, and report back to me the moment you are ready."

Shrugging Twilight prepared the best armor and gear for her budget. And returned to the adventurer's guild.

"Time is of the essence, so I shall speak plain."

In the distance, the two young Elezen twins from the chocobo carriage before walk past and out the Carline Canopy's entrance.

"Based on Luquelot's observations, the Ixal have designs on the Guardian Tree, and they mean to act soon.

The tree is the oldest living thing in this ancient forest, and it is held sacred by every forestborn Gridanian.

Should it come to any harm, the elementals would fly into a rage beyond pacifying. I dread to think of the chaos that would ensue.

There isn't much time. We must act quickly.

Twilight, please see this letter to the hands of Bowlord Lewin, at the Seat of the First Bow in Quiver's Hold. Should the need arise, pray put yourself wholly at the man's disposal. I strongly suspect he will need all the able-bodied souls he can muster."

"Of course Miounne,"

"The fate of Gridania hangs in the balance. Go swiftly, Twilight."

Twilight immediately teleported to the entrance of the archer's guild, and ran in and through the training room to a guarded door.

"I have an urgent message from Mother Miounne!"

"Very well, you may enter." Gods' Quiver Bow

"So you are Twilight Sparkle, the adventurer of whom I have heard so much. I understand you wish to have words with me." Lewis said as he leant back in his chair.

"Miounne has information on the Ixal, and sent me to tell you."

"Speak freely─you have both my ears."

Twilight handed over Mioune's letter to Bowlord Lewin.

Bowlord lewin takes the letter and scans it. His eyes widen.

"...Matron forfend! They mean to defile the Guardian Tree?"

As Twilight explained the situation to Bowlord Lewin, crosses his arms.

"Before Nophica, I swear those filthy birdmen will not touch it─nay, not so much as a single leaf!"

"Twelve help me! How can it be that neither the Wood Wailers nor the Gods' Quiver caught wind of this?

I cannot help but think this plot bears the mark of the masked devil who has eluded us for so long. We must be wary─this incursion may be more than it seems.

Ah, would that the Warriors of Light were still with us…"

Awkward

"But this is no time for such idle thoughts. I thank you for delivering this message. You may assure Miounne that I will dispatch a unit of my best men to investi─

"My lord!" Gods' Quiver Bow

A dark-grey-haired Hyuran Gods' Quiver Bow runs into the room. The man doubles over and clutches his side from the exertion.

"What is it!?" Lewin demanded

"It's the Ixal, sir! The Ixal have amassed at the Guardian Tree!" Gods' Quiver Bow

Lewin is taken aback.

"Already!? Bloody hells... " Lewin swore

"Twilight─Miounne believes you capable, and I can think of no better judge than she. Lend us your strength this day─aid in the defense of the Guardian Tree!"

"I already came here with that intent,"

The God's Quiver Bow Hyur that ran into the room is standing to the left of the door when the conversation ends.

Twilight teleported to Matron's Lethe and rushed down the river

"The Bowlord sent you, yes? Good to have you with us!" Gods' Quiver Instructor

"The birdmen have completely surrounded the Guardian Tree, and their calls grow more urgent by the minute.

Whatever it is they mean to do, we cannot let them go through with it. They must be stopped, no matter the cost

"~( O mournful voice of creation!

O mournful voice of time! )~" Ixali Occultists

"Squaaawk! Attend me, all!" Ixali Chieftain

The Ixali Chieftain raises their arms up.

"To us, this forest, Tinolqa, belongs!" Ixali Chieftain shouted

The Ixali occultists let out a raucous cheer.

"Wisdom of Paragons, we possess! To our former glory, restore us it will!

From this tree, a great crystal we take! Unto Garuda, an offering we shall make!

Unfeathered ones and elementals, banish we shall! Our ancient home, reclaim we will! Squaaawk!" Ixali Chieftain

The Ixali occultists let out a raucous cheer.

"First squad, left flank. Second and third, right flank." Lewin ordered

Archers & lancers hidden around the area begin to move into position.

"The rest, form the main host with me. It is high time we reminded our Ixal guests why we Quivermen are to be feared!" Lewin ordered

The two archers crouching behind Bowlord Lewin stand up and run off to their positions. Bowlord Lewin stands up and addresses Twilight.

"This position is yours, adventurer. May the elementals keep you!"

Lewin runs off to join the two archers. Twilight and the archers & lancers run out to confront the Ixal. The Ixal Chieftain turns in surprise.

"Squawk!?" Ixali Chieftain said

"Interrupt us, you dare!? In your own blood, you shall bathe!" The Ixali Chieftain

"English motherfucker, do you speak it!?" Twilight mocked

"The enemy chieftain is mine!" Galfrid the Gallant declared

"Fine," Twilight said as she casually cut down Ixali in a single stroke. Letting those occupied by the now dead Ixali to move on. Every now and then she'd cast stone III or cure a wounded soldier.

"We shall engage the main flock!" Miraudont the Madder

"Okay done here!"

"Another wave!? Where are they coming from!?" Galfrid the Gallant said

"Wisdom of Paragons, almighty is!" Quzal Huatotl the Shrieker

Perish, unfeathered ones shall!

Creature of the abyss! Mine enemies, strike down!"

"A voidsent!? Th-This bodes ill!" Galfrid the Gallant worried.

"A demon is it well, holy javelin!" A spear of light launches and pierces the demon.
Killing it with ease.

"Hold fast! We almost have him!" Miraudont the Madder

"Er, he's already dead." Twilight responded.

"Impressive work, adventurer.

The Bowlord bids you hold this position. Enemies may yet lurk near, so stay on your guard.

We go to bolster the left flank, where the battle yet rages." Gods' Quiver Bow

The Gods' Quiver Bow walks, and then runs off to join the left flank.

Twilight sensed something and turned to see a black-masked, black-robed person standing at the base of the Guardian Tree. The masked person walks towards her.

"The source of her strength becomes clear…

You may have bested the golem, but you will not fare so well this day."

"I did more than merely best it fool,"

A red glyph appears on the masked mage's face, and darkness exudes from their body, and fills the area in dark miasma.

"~( O mournful voice of creation! Send unto me a creature of the abyss, my thrall to command, that I may smite mine enemies! )~" Masked Mage

The masked mage raises his arms high, and a portal opens for a voidsent to pass through.

"Your very being imperils the plan. You cannot be suffered to live." Masked Mage

"Heard once heard it a million times and not a single time has it come to pass." Twilight taunted

"Soon, you shall take your vile gifts to the grave!" Masked Mage

A gargoyle like giant emerges from the ground.

"Mwahahaha! Writhe!

Writhe as the venom eats its way through your veins!

Twilight grabs it's arms. She rips its arms off, it stumbled forward and Twilight grabbed it's horns and twisting, breaking its horns cutting it's hp in half.

"How is this possible...?" Masked Mage

"I trust you won't object to our assistance!" Papalymo asked

"Looks like you could do with a hand!" Yda added

"Well I would much appreciate you keep that mage in check while I take my time with this thing."

"Unwelcome guests... No matter, all shall fall before me!"

"In this case you are the unwelcome guest."

Twilight retorted as she spent time ripping the now screeching demons wings apart piece by piece.

"Whence comes your strength!?"

"Wouldn't you like to know."

"It is past time we finished this!" Papalymo announced.

"Come on! We're almost there!" Yda

Twilight ripped the demon's heart out and round house kicked it's head off striking the mage with it.

"Unnngh... That the wisdom of the Paragons should be brought low...by mere mortals... collapses" Masked Mage groaned out.

"...Paragons?" Papalymo

"That's what I heard." Yda

"Heard it too but paragon how much of on egotist do you have to be."

"The Bringers of Chaos...or Ascians, to give them their proper name." Papalymo

"It would seem our suspicions were correct─it is they who have been manipulating the beast tribes." Papalymo added

Bowlord Lewin and his cohort of Gods' Quiver Bows and Wood Wailers run into the scene. They surround the body of the masked mage.

Lewin: Twilight, are you unharmed!? Had I known this creature was near, I would have sent men, not called them away!

"Ah it's fine, not like he's a threat to me."

"There is no mistake, sir─he is the one who stirred the Ixal from their nest. Our intelligence was reliable." Gods' Quiver Bow

"And the man who interrupted the spirithold ritual."

"So this is the man who has eluded us for so long?" Lewin stated

"Right! We finally got him!" Yda said

"We sensed an ominous presence, and came here as swiftly as our legs would carry us." Papalymo explained

"Well, it's good to know what we're up against, anyway." Yda said

"My thanks as ever, friends.

Quivermen! Move out!" Lewin ordered

The soldiers minus Lewin leave

"To say you played an instrumental role in the success of this mission would scarcely do justice to your efforts this day, adventurer. Upon your return to Gridania, pray visit me at Quiver's Hold. I will see to it that you receive the thanks you are due."

"I will see you there then,"

Lewin leaves

"Hmmm...you're probably wondering why we always seem to appear when there's trouble, right?" Yda said

"Not particularly," Twilight interjected

"Well, trust me when I tell you that it's almost never our fault. Despite what it looks like, Papalymo and I are actually helping the Gridanians. And we've been doing so for a good few years, too. Oh! Did I mention that we're not from around here?"

"Really? But you fit right in," Twilight deadpanned

"Seriously though your Sharlayans right?"

"Hm? Why, yes, we are Sharlayans! However did you know?" Yda inquired,

"The mystical power of flashbacks!" Twilight raised her arms and smirked before laughing.

Papalymo contemplates something.

"So I wasn't mistaken…" Papalymo murmured

"Mistaken? About what?" Yda asked in confusion.

Papalymo shakes his head.

"Nothing. Nothing at all." Papalymo denied

Yda fumes and waves her arms.

"Awww! You always do that! Mumble something loaded with meaning, only to keep it to yourself when someone asks! It's unfair! And it's especially unfair when the someone is me!" Yda said

"Oh, do calm down! I'll tell you later." Papalymo hissed.

"Hmph! I bet you won't. Anyway, all's well that ends well." Yda complained

"...Quite. We'd best be on our way." Papalymo said

"See you later!" Yda said cheerfully

"Oh by the way if you hear from Hydealin tell her she is a bitch for messing with my head and making do this stupid quest."

Papalymo froze before hurrying off.

Twilight turned to see a dark crystal lying on the ground where the masked mage died. Twilight walked up to it as the crystal shatters and releases a plume of darkness, then disappears.