Varuna Gatha

Oh, it's a Nara. A golden and brave Nara...

Hey there! Paimon's Paimon and he's Traveler. Why're you here all alone? Everyone at Vanarana is busy preparing for Festival Utsava, y'know.

Arapandu has a very important task to do for Festival Utsava, for Apam Woods, and for Nara Varuna.

Well, that makes you Arapandu, then. But "Nara Varuna"? Hmm. That name sounds kinda familiar.

Nara Varuna... She is a golden and brave Nara, just like Nara Traveler.

When the moon and sun couldn't be seen, even the leaves of big trees in Vanarana were gnawed off by the wind, and their branches rotted away in the black rain.

Vana's pain dripped into the soil. The smell of iron and salt was everywhere...

Whoa...

No one knows how many sunsets and sunrises passed before Nara Varuna came. A Golden Nara, who spoke a Golden language.

She and Aranara brought back the moon and the sun. The Varuna Contraption washed away Vanarana's pain. The black rain was gone and the smell of iron and salt was no more.

Everyone from Vanarana thanked and liked Nara Varuna who was like the sun, mud, and the dew drops.

Wow, that sounds amazing! She must have been a good Nara!

Hehe... But Nara Traveler has also helped lots of people, for which lots of people are thankful...

You'll definitely like Nara Traveler as well, Arapandu!

...

After she left Vanarana, many were born from the soil and many returned to the soil.

Later, the branches and leaves of the Varuna Contraption grew weak. The Varunastra was like a scared finch and flapped its wings wildly. It then rained a lot. Very strange.

Now running mushrooms have settled in Vana. Seeds that have never been seen before are everywhere...

...Do you mean the Fungi and spores? Actually, that said, what are the Varuna Contraption and the Varunastra exactly?

Could they be powerful weapons?

Wait! That would be too powerful!

Hmm... No, not right. Nara Traveler and Paimon both wrong.

Let's go to somewhere high above. Arapandu will tell you.

Hey! What's over there!? It's magnificent!

Now Nara Traveler and Paimon know. That is the Varunastra. But the Varuna Contraption is in a deeper place, somewhere as deep as roots.

We've underestimated Nara Varuna. Paimon didn't think it would be this big...

Such power is not to be underestimated...

Before the black rain and before Nara Varuna came to Vana, Aramuhukunda and the Lord of Dendro created the Varuna Contraption. Rain gave life to many things.

Black rain, black mud, and many other bad things made a mess of Vana.

Before she came, Arapandu had never seen such a brave Nara. She fixed the machine together with Aranara, just like the sun driving away the sleepy fog.

Nara Varuna is no longer in Vanarana. Aramuhukunda is no longer in Vanarana... But Aranara must fix the Varuna Contraption again for Festival Utsava and Vana.

We promised Araja and Arama to help prepare for Festival Utsava. As they say, the fire is bigger and stronger when more Nara help pick firewood, right?

Eek!

Um! No, no, Paimon meant that everything will go smoothly with more Nara helping out! Don't be afraid, it has nothing to do with fire! They're not related at all!

Paimon, you've outsmarted yourself yet again.

Aw, come on. We're here in Sumeru, you know? Paimon just wanted to show everyone that she knows lots of stuff too...

Arapandu not scared. Paimon has good heart, just like Nara Traveler and Nara Varuna. Paimon is friend of Aranara.

Aranakula, Arabalika, Arakunti, and Arapandu want to heal the Varuna Contraption, but...

There are too many spores and Fungi, so we can't do anything.

Arapandu doesn't have a powerful Ararakalari like Arabalika, and the strange rain made the Fungi fiercer...

Hold on. Ararakalari? Arana told Paimon that it can be used to repel Marana...

Powerful Ararakalari can drive away Fungi. Arapandu's Ararakalari is weak. Can't do anything to Fungi.

What? Ararakalari can be used that way?

Ararakalari should be the general name for a certain type of ability...

Nara Traveler is smarter than Paimon.

Ugh...

Different Aranara have different Ararakalari, but all Aranara gain the power to use it from the plants of Vana.

Arabalika's Ararakalari is very powerful, not afraid of large Fungi and large iron Nara.

Large iron Nara?

Large iron Nara are very big and have two arms and two legs like Nara Traveler, but only have one eye.

Oh, you're talking about Ruin Guards!

Pretty clever, Paimon.

Hehe.

Oh! There are Fungi on the trees over there... Arabalika can defeat them, but Arapandu can't...

Nara Traveler not afraid of Fungi either. You do not use Ararakalari, but you are very powerful. Destroy them, like strong gust blowing away a leaf! Whoosh!

If not dealt with, spores and Fungi will multiply... Nara Traveler...

Leave them to us! Nara Traveler should be able to deal with them in an instant! Right?

So this is the "rest stop," huh? There are some signs that Aranara were here earlier.

The Varuna Contraption looks even more impressive from here. Urgh... the pressure is so intense...

Paimon, watch out in case you get sucked in.

That won't happen! Paimon hopes...?

We made an agreement. Will meet up at the "rest stop" after healing the Varuna Contraption's branches and leaves.

Then, we will banish the bad bugs gnawing on the Varuna Contraption's roots and heal it.

By the way, what do you mean by "the Varuna Contraption's branches and leaves"?

The Varuna Contraption's branches and leaves are everywhere in Vana. They give the machine power to turn black rain into good rain. Good rain then gives things life.

Like how rainwater flows into a stream and then into a lake, the branches and leaves gather bits and pieces that go into the Varuna Contraption.

The Varuna Contraption is now no longer the same. It is like broken branches have blocked the rainwater, so streams can't form. Without streams, the lake dries out.

Urgh... Paimon still doesn't get it...

Oh! Paimon won't have strength to work if she doesn't eat! Does this mean the Varuna Contraption is hungry-angry?

Mmm, that's true! No one has the strength to throw a tantrum when they're hungry, anyway!

Anyway, we need to heal the branches and leaves first, right?

Yes, Arapandu will take Paimon and Nara Traveler there.

Whoa... Paimon never thought that we'd find them in a place like this!

Hold on... Eh? You sure these are "branches and leaves"? They look like...

Like stones placed by Aranara.

Stone leaves, stone branches. They were created by Aramuhukunda and the Lord of Dendro and can channel Vanarana's power into the Varuna Contraption.

So the Varuna Contraption is like a big tree.

Oh, so that's how it is, huh?

Hmm... Oh no. The three leaves need to be turned to face the branch, but Arapandu is not strong enough.

Well, you Aranara are kinda small. Don't worry, just leave this to Nara Traveler.

Arabalika might be able to do it, but Aranakula and Arakunti...

Still, we need to solve this problem first. Nara Traveler, Arapandu will leave it to you.

Just turn all three leaves to face the branch. Thank you, Nara Traveler.

Thank you, Nara Traveler. Leave the rest to Arapandu.

But it has been too long. Don't know if it will work this time.

What!? There's a chance it can fail?

It worked before, but this time it may or may not work. Just like how the sun rose last time and the time before that, but nobody knows if it will rise the next time.

Only after the sun rises next time can Paimon say: "Oh, the sun has risen again."

Uh, wait, that's not good! What if the sun never rises again?

Paimon, there's no need to be afraid. Nara Traveler is golden like the sun, just like Nara Varuna. A brave Nara, Nara Traveler is.

Nara Varuna returned the moon and sun to us. Nara Traveler can also do that.

...Yes! Paimon also believes in Traveler. He can overcome any difficulty!

Don't you worry.

But for now, leave this to Arapandu.

Oh, Paimon thinks it... worked?

Yes, the branch and leaves here are healed.

That's great! And your Aranara dance was really interesting, too!

You could learn some fancy footwork from the Aranara, Paimon.

Sounds like a great idea!

I mean, more exercise will be good for you, given how much you eat...

Hey! Paimon's been running around everywhere with you, Traveler. That counts as exercise!

Still, this won't be enough to fix the Varuna Contraption, will it?

There are three more places like this in Vana. Arabalika is very strong and might succeed... But Arapandu's very worried about Aranakula and Arakunti. Vana has become more dangerous after the strange rain.

What say we help you go check on them, then? After all, we can't prepare for Festival Utsava in peace if the Varuna Contraption isn't fixed.

With the help of Paimon and Nara Traveler, the Varuna Contraption will surely be fixed soon. Life will return to Vana like before.

Aranakula went to the Yasna Monument. There is an Aranara memorial to Nara Varuna in the depths of Vana, but we haven't been there for a long time because of the Fungi and spores.

Aranakula is used to being with soil and seeds. Familiar with all things born from the soil.

Find him. Tell him Arapandu's name. Then he will not be afraid.

Oh? He sounds like a rather timid Aranara.

Arabalika's Ararakalari is very strong! But... But please, Paimon and Nara Traveler, go check on him...

Arabalika is at the Ruins of Dahri. That place smells like iron so much... Paimon and Nara Traveler must be careful.

We will, thanks!

Arakunti is at the Grove of Dreams. You can enter dreams from there. He and Nara have a... distant relationship. If he hides, play our music.

Speaking of that, didn't we get an Aranara music score earlier? We can try playing that if we can't find Arakunti.

Arapandu will wait at the "rest stop" and observe how Vana is doing.

Aranakula, Arabalika, and Arakunti know to meet up at the "rest stop" after healing the branches and leaves.

Golden Nara, brave Nara. May Aramuhukunda watch over Nara Traveler.

Yup! You can count on us!

You must be Aranakula!

Aaaah! A—A Nara discovered Aranakula! Wh—What should Aranakula do...

Don't run away! Arapandu told us that you would be here!

O—Oh. S—Since Arapandu told you, you must be a good Nara.

Hmm? You're pretty trusting, aren't you, Aranakula? What if Traveler is a bad Nara and is using Arapandu's name to trick you?

Eh!? Th—The Golden Nara is deceiving Aranakula? The Golden Nara is a bad Nara?

Um, that's not... Ugh, now Paimon feels bad...

Don't listen to Paimon. I'm a good Nara.

So the Golden Nara really is a good Nara! That's great! Thank Aramuhukunda! Although Nara Traveler is much taller than Aranakula, Aranakula's not afraid.

Paimon... Paimon is small, so Aranakula isn't afraid, either.

Hey!

You'll be in trouble if you look down on Paimon! Hmph!

Getting back to the point, we're here to fix the Varuna Contraption. There should be branches and leaves of the Varuna Contraption in this part of Vana, right?

Arapandu asked us to come here and help you in case you run into any trouble.

Oh! There are many bad guys in Vana... There is a safe road, but we must be careful. There are also bad spores everywhere. Even Nara Varuna's... *sob*

Nara Traveler is tall and big, and maybe as strong as Arabalika... Maybe Nara Traveler has a way...

...Maybe Nara Traveler can help.

Well, we came here to help out in the first place. Right, Traveler?

Leave it to us.

Aranakula has another request. Before fixing the Varuna Contraption... Please help find the Memory of Stone.

...Memory of Stone?

Vana never forgets. Aranara never forget. But Aranara leave behind memories that can be seen. Since the bad guys arrived, there have been bad seeds everywhere...

Seems like Aranara always speak in riddles... Paimon guesses we'll understand when we see it.

Either way, let's go there with Aranakula!

Good Nara! Good Paimon! Let's not alert the bad guys. Use the safe road.

Eh? The bad guys? Do you mean the Fungi? In that case, there's nothing to worry about!

Hehe! Listen up, Aranakula, Nara Traveler is very strong!

Not "very strong," but "very, VERY strong"!

We've already defeated many Fungi together with Arapandu! Even Arapandu recognizes our strength!

Aranakula gets it. Nara Traveler must be as powerful as Arabalika, but what about Paimon?

Paimon? What about Paimon?

There was this one time when Aranakula was chased by a bad guy. Aranakula hid in the soil but got dug out...

Eh?

Something dripped from the bad guy's mouth. It was wet and hot and smelled like rotten fruit...

Whoa...

If Arabalika hadn't come in time, Aranakula would have...

Oh no...

Arapandu nagged Aranakula for a long time. The sun set and rose back up. Even seeds in the garden sprouted.

...That's way too long!

What does this have to do with Paimon?

Oh right, Paimon doesn't get it either.

Aranakula is more powerful than Paimon, but was still almost eaten by a bad guy. P—Paimon is so small... It's too dangerous!

Th—That kinda makes sense... Wait! You're strong, Traveler. You'll protect Paimon, right?

Of course.

Hehe, Paimon's Traveler's best friend after all!

But too many bad guys. Aranakula can't beat them... Hmm... Golden Nara is powerful, but...

Aranakula knows a safe road. We use the safe road, okay?

Huh? Aranakula, are you especially scared of Fungi?

Ohhh...

Hehe! Gotcha! But It's not nice to use Paimon as an excuse!

In that case, Traveler, let's take the safe road with Aranakula. We'll take care not to alert the Fungi.

Oh, I'm quite good at doing that.

Yeah, it does feel like we've done this so many times already...

Yes! Aranakula will take Nara on a safe road, then.

Aranara are so small, so it isn't strange for them to be scared of Fungi that are several times their size.

Paimon is not afraid?

Of course not!

*sob* Aranakula is surely stronger than Paimon, but not as brave. Aranakula always hides in a safe place when attacked by Fungi...

Nara Traveler, this is the Memory of Stone that Aranara have left for Nara Varuna.

We're finally here... Paimon was so nervous on the way here for fear of being discovered by Fungi...

Paimon guesses so...

Hmm... So this is the Memory of Stone? It looks like a stone monument made by Aranara...

Nara Traveler...

I'll clean up the bad seeds.

Aranakula, don't worry! Just leave it to Nara Traveler. It'll be as easy as pie!

Very bad seeds. They must all be removed... Nara Traveler...

Oh! Thank you, Nara Traveler!

Vana remembers everything that happened after Nara Varuna arrived. Big trees remember and seeds remember, but we don't know if Nara Varuna will understand...

That's why we left visible memories. This way, when Nara Varuna returns, Nara Varuna will know that Vana never forgets and Aranara never forget.

Now, Paimon understands... So the Memory of Stone is a memorial plaque. Well, humans also erect memorial monuments, so that they don't forget things.

Well, Nara are forgetful creatures.

...Compared to the forest, Nara are like small plants that will never become towering trees. They won't ever have tree rings that remember everything...

Aranara won't leave Vana. Aranara will always be with Vana. But Nara come and Nara go, just like Nara Varuna.

There are many Aranara, just like how there are many big trees in Vana. Many Aranara and many names, just like how there are many branches on a tree.

Golden Nara remembers many Aranara names and remembers that I am Aranakula. It is like picking up a floating leaf and knowing which tree it is from.

Nara Varuna must also have been a special Nara to the Aranara — that's why they erected a monument for her.

Well, it's not quite the same, but we've seen statues with specific faces carved onto them before, haven't we?

...You mean the Statues of The Seven?

Yeah! And now that we've heard Nara Varuna's story, Traveler, don't you want to know what she looks like?

Aranara have music, so it's possible that they are also skilled in other areas! Maybe they can make lifelike statues too or something...

Right? Hehe, Nara Varuna, a Golden Nara...

Ooh, right! Guess we can go and heal the Varuna Contraption's branches and leaves now, right?

Yes. Aranakula will bring Nara Traveler and Paimon there.

So this is where it was hidden. Wow, we might not have found this place without Aranakula leading the way...

But where are its leaves? Paimon doesn't see them.

The leaves... They are near this big tree, but...

Hmm... The Fungi won't find their way in, so this place is safe. You can just wait for us here, Aranakula!

Arapandu told us we just need to make the "leaves" on the three stones turn toward the "branch," right?

Thank you, Nara Traveler and Paimon.

Once the Varuna Contraption is fixed, the bad seeds will be no more, and many flowers will grow in the nurseries...

Aranakula, we're back! You'll need to handle the rest from here though.

Thank you, Paimon, and thank you, Nara Traveler. Aranakula knows what to do.

Oh! It looks like everything will be fine here too.

I hope the forest will return to normal soon.

It will once the Varuna Contraption is fixed. But Marana... must be eliminated for Vana and Sarva.

Just as the monument made for Nara Varuna has been covered by bad seeds, Ashvattha's Concourses have also been affected by Marana.

There was a time before Nara Varuna came to Vanarana. Nara and Aranara made nurseries together then. But now...

Now, only the children of Vimara Village can still see you. To adults, you only exist in stories... And the nurseries you talked about have also become deserted because of Marana...

Aranakula wants to fill the nurseries with flowers. Nara have forgotten Aranara, but it's fine. Nara will see the flowers.

Aranakula...

Nara Traveler, Paimon, thank you. Aranakula won't forget.

Aranakula will return to the "rest stop" now. Arapandu will be happy to know that the monument is now clean.

Will Nara Traveler and Paimon return to the "rest stop" with Aranakula?

Traveling with Golden Nara feels so safe.

A Nara... and something that flies?

Yeah, Paimon's Paimon, and Paimon can fly. Oh, and he's Traveler.

You must be Arabalika. Speaking of which, you don't seem afraid of us at all.

Golden Nara has Arapandu's scent.

Oh, well, Arapandu did actually ask us to come...

No malice. If you wanted to harm Arabalika, you would have attacked when the Big Iron Chunk was still moving.

Ooh, yeah, that sure would've been what they call "hitting an Aranara when they're down"... Wait. Hold on, we wouldn't do anything like that.

Why not? If Arabalika was your enemy, attacking from both sides is a good tactic. Even animals do it when hunting.

Hmm... You have a point.

Getting confused, Paimon?

...Anyway! We definitely won't "hit an Aranara when they're down"!

Aranara are our friends, after all.

Yes, that's right! Aranara are our friends! We won't hurt our friends!

Hmph.

Uhh... Why does he seem dissatisfied...

But Paimon doesn't think she did anything wrong... Urgh... Aranara have such strange tempers...

Oh right, Arapandu said that Arabalika's Ararakalari is very powerful. He must have used his Ararakalari to defeat that Ruin Guard earlier!

Paimon knows about Ararakalari?

...Y—Yeah, of course Paimon knows! It's... It's that thing! That really, really powerful... ability!

Hmph.

Woah! Paimon feels like he's looking down on Paimon again...

Let's focus on the task at hand.

Yeah... We're here to help heal the Varuna Contraption! We should be able to find a branch and some leaves here too, right? Why doesn't Paimon see them?

What branch? What leaves? They are more like roots.

Really? Is that true? But Arapandu said...

The Varuna Contraption gets power from the root system spread throughout Vana.

Oh... That kinda makes sense...

And the roots are underground.

The Stone and Iron Chunks here do not belong to Aranara. To go down, we must defeat Iron Chunks. Iron Chunks are very strong. But Golden Nara is also not weak.

Of course! Traveler has defeated countless Big Iron Chunks already.

Oh? Then Arabalika wants to see how strong Nara is!

Huh!? Why did he burrow underground... Oh! Could he have already gone to the Ruin Guard?

Traveler, let's follow him!

Hmph. Arabalika admits you have some skills.

He praised us! Hehe.

We can prepare to go underground now. Follow me.

Okay, let's follow Arabalika quickly.

We've defeated the Big Iron Chunk. Follow the water. We will go under the ground.

Arabalika has not been here for a long time. Everything has changed. Maybe there are also Big Iron Chunks under the ground. Arabalika smells iron. Bad smell. Be careful.

Nara Traveler is strong. No need to fear. But Paimon is like Aranakula. Weak. Be careful. Mushroom might eat you.

Urgh... Anyone would look weak compared to you, okay? We met many Aranara before, but Paimon doesn't think any of them can defeat a Ruin Guard with one blow...

Paimon knows too little about Aranara. Aradasha would defeat a Big Iron Chunk before you could blink.

Aradasha's Ararakalari was very powerful in the past.

In the past? What about now?

Now? Aradasha is not in the "now." That's why Arabalika must train even harder. Train Ararakalari.

Paimon wishes she could learn how to use Ararakalari too...

It was playing this recording.

I'm counting on you, Paimon!

Leave it to Paimon! You can leave everything to Paimon!

Paimon loves to dream. A good thing? A bad thing? Can't tell. But we need to look for a stone device. Make water go away. We cannot go underground otherwise.

Aranara can dig into the soil, but not water.

Okay, Traveler, let's have a look around!

They seem... they seem broken! They aren't moving at all! Whew. Th—That really gave Paimon a fright back there.

Hehehe! So, it's just a bunch of rusty Iron Chunks, eh?

Careless Paimon. Vana is dangerous now. You will get in trouble.

Mm... Arabalika is so strict.

You're just too careless, Paimon.

Is that true? Well... If Paimon's as strict as Arabalika, will Paimon be as strong as him?

Paimon, you should be stricter on yourself and not to others.

Okay, then Paimon'll have strict requirements for herself... starting tomorrow!

Anyway, since the stone branch is here, now we need to...

We need to make three other rocks face it.

H—He took the words out of Paimon's mouth...

Speaking of which, Arabalika doesn't talk like the other Aranara. He doesn't use metaphors at all.

It really is more direct and easier to understand!

Arapandu thinks a lot. Arabalika doesn't think much. Arabalika only knows how to protect.

Arapandu once protected Vana with Nara Varuna. They drove away the unknown black mud. Healed the Varuna Contraption.

It has been a long time since Nara Varuna left Vana. Maybe she won't come to Festival Utsava anymore.

Arapandu must know. It has been so many years since then. Enough time for a small seed to grow into a towering tree. Nara who leave Vana will never return.

But Arapandu wants to heal the Varuna Contraption again. For Vana. For Festival Utsava. For Nara Varuna.

Paimon gets it...

Arabalika never met Nara Varuna, but her story is remembered by Vana.

Arabalika doesn't think as much as Arapandu. Arabalika only knows that he must become strong to protect Aranara and Vana.

Nara Varuna is no longer here, but Aranara can still heal the Varuna Contraption.

Yup! We'll help out too!

Something is wrong with the smell of iron. Nara Traveler, Arabalika will leave this to you. Will wait here.

Paimon doesn't know what you sensed, Arabalika... But oh well. Paimon's sure you know more about the forest than us!

Anyway, Traveler, let's start looking around here for the three scattered leaves.

Smells of too much iron. Not good.

Phew... That was scary! It's a good thing that Arabalika helped out.

Arabalika told you so. Paimon is careless. Will get in trouble.

Alright, alright... Paimon's got it...

Ruin Guards are here to do their job too, you know.

Yeah, guards should be guarding something against trespassers. After all, we're outsiders to them.

Nara Traveler and Paimon are outsiders to Vana. Not Arabalika. The Huge Iron Chunk is making no sense.

Arabalika will teach it sense.

Woah... Um, Paimon will become more sensible in the future!

I'll hold you to your word, Paimon.

Of course! Tomorrow... No, starting from now!

Only Aranara can awaken the stone here. Leave the rest to Arabalika, Nara Traveler and Paimon.

Ooooh!

We're one step closer to healing the Varuna Contraption! Once it is healed, there won't be so many spores in Apam Woods anymore... Just thinking about it makes Paimon's nose itch...

The Varuna Contraption will purify rainwater. There will not be black rain or so many spores.

But there should still be mushrooms. Be careful, Paimon. You might get eaten by them. Like Aranakula.

Yes... Paimon'll be careful!

Arabalika no longer needed here. Arabalika will return to the "rest stop" to look for Arapandu. Nara Traveler and Paimon, will you return with Arabalika?

Yes. It is dangerous in Vana. Traveling together is safer.

Oh! We finally found you! You're Arakunti, aren't you?

One might not be.

Huh? What do you mean by that?

Because one might be a tree, or rain, or a dream of Vana, or the strings of a musical instrument.

Uh...

Paimon didn't understand a word of what he just said! Did you, Traveler?

Paimon feels like she knows the meaning of each individual word, but they stop making sense once you string them together into a sentence.

Why are the Golden Nara and the small flying thing here to find Arakunti?

Paimon's not some small flying thing! Wait, Paimon actually is a flying... Argh! Anyway, Paimon's... Paimon!

Your "Golden Nara" also has a name, and that's Traveler.

Arapandu told us that you're in the Grove of Dreams and he sent us to check up on you.

You can tell Arapandu that Arakunti is fine, the Grove of Dreams is fine, and the humid dreams are also fine.

Okay... Traveler, let's head back and talk to Arapandu.

...Or maybe not! We came here to heal the Varuna Contraption! That was close. Paimon was almost led by the nose...

You can tell Arapandu that Arakunti doesn't want to lead Paimon by the nose.

Arapandu probably doesn't want to know that.

Paimon doesn't want to either! What on earth is going on with this Aranara!?

I recall Arapandu saying...

He said, "Arakunti's more distant from Nara." Does that mean Arakunti doesn't know how to communicate with people?

Actually, we're the ones who don't know how to communicate with Aranara.

Oh! That's right... We're the ones who should try to follow the local customs and learn how to communicate with them.

But now that you mention it, how do Aranara communicate, anyway?

What do you think, small flying thing?

If the Golden Nara doesn't know, what would the small flying thing know? Why don't we just ask the amazing Arakunti?

Can you tell us exactly how Aranara communicate with each other? We really wanna learn!

Why do you want to learn? Nara is Nara, Paimon is Paimon, and Aranara is Aranara.

Ah, Arakunti sees. Paimon also wants to turn into a seed and be buried in the soil?

No! Not at all!

Does the Golden Nara want to become a seed?

No, thanks.

Too bad. Seeds are nice.

We've almost forgotten what we came here for. It's for Festival Utsava!

We need to heal the Varuna Contraption for Festival Utsava so that the weather will return to normal and there will be no more of those nasty spores.

Paimon is right. It's for the sake of Festival Utsava, and for the sake of the center of the blue earth.

A humid Grove of Dreams is good, but the "spores" are bad. The mushrooms that can run are bad too. There is also too much rain, so the mushrooms have become difficult to cook.

Hey, see? You can be clear after all!

We are going to heal the Varuna Contraption. Come with Arakunti, Nara Traveler and Paimon.

The roots of a big tree. Excellent. A wet breathing can be heard, a drowsy tune.

Huh... Paimon still can't understand what you're saying, Arakunti, but whatever!

Speaking of which, Paimon didn't think this place would be so large on the inside. Guess this is what they mean when they say "more than meets the eye," huh? Also, is it just Paimon, or does this place feel very different from other places?

Are we going to look for the "leaves" that feed energy to the Varuna Contraption in a place like this...?

It's here, but it's not here. One can hear its voice, smell its breath, see its veins... But Paimon can't find it.

Huh? What was that about...

If Paimon can't find it, then what about me?

The Golden Nara can see the melody, like the cool breeze of night, the sudden fall of a raindrop, the thousand dream-fragments of a lake's broken surface.

Well, that sure sounds impressive.

As expected of Traveler!

Hehe.

Hehe... Wait! You're stealing Paimon's line, Traveler!

Nara Traveler turning into Paimon... is even scarier than dancing with mushrooms within Marana...

Can't imagine that...

That's why this kind of thing won't happen! Best that it never does...

And Arakunti, can't you be more clear? Where in the world are we going to find the "leaves" of the Varuna Contraption?

In dreams.

Wait... Then why didn't you say so in the first place!?

Because you didn't ask "where" in the first place.

Huh... Paimon thinks that the Aranara way of communicating has hit her all of a sudden!

Arakunti, can you tell us where each of the three "leaves" we're looking for is located?

Yes.

Wow, so you really only answer questions that are asked directly, huh... Okay, so where are these three locations?

Over here, over there, and on the other side.

Uh-huh... Wait, you're not describing anything!

Aaaand Paimon is defeated.

Hey! Paimon's defeat is your defeat! They're the same thing! Arakunti's words can't be counted on... So how are we supposed to find those three locations?

The Varuna Contraption was made by the most remarkable Aranara, so the links between the "branch" and the "leaves" are invisible yet visible.

Nara Traveler can see Aranara, and if you can see the traces of Aranara, you can find your way.

P—Paimon can't believe she understood that!

We'll find it if we follow the trails of Aranara, right?

Oh, come on, at least give Paimon the chance to answer this time, would you?

Humid dream, dry dream... Ding dong, tick tock, rustle... It's Vana's tune...

Nara Traveler? The "leaves" are in the dream, and the "branch" is here.

We're back!

Arakunti heard you. The whimpers have turned into a gentle tune, but to merge it into the great flow of sound, we still need...

We still need your help, Arakunti! Hehe, Paimon'll be counting on you!

Arakunti knows.

Oh! Then there shouldn't be any problems now, right? Paimon hopes we can heal the Varuna Contraption soon, or Apam Woods will be full of spores... Just thinking about it makes Paimon... Achoo!

Paimon can't believe that you Aranara have no reaction to spores... How are you not affected at all?

Aranara are not unaffected. Aranara just cook mushrooms. But spores are too small and too many to catch.

When the Varuna Contraption wasn't broken, Vana didn't have so many mushrooms, so healing the Varuna Contraption could make everything better. Except Marana.

Things will surely get better.

Yeah, we'll help too!

We will find a way to deal with Marana too.

Is Nara Traveler Nara Varuna?

Huh? Why are you asking that all of a sudden?

Arapandu said that Nara Varuna was a golden, brave Nara. Together with Aranara, she healed the Varuna Contraption, drove away the black rain and mud, and brought back the sun and moon.

Nara Traveler has also helped Aranara to heal the Varuna Contraption, and you're a golden and brave Nara, right?

But isn't Nara Varuna someone from a long time ago...?

Did Nara Varuna not return to Vana? Is Nara Traveler a completely different Nara?

Can different Nara have similar melodies?

Arakunti has not met Nara Varuna, but Arapandu has talked a lot about her.

Her melody must be the same as Nara Traveler's. Listening to it will surely bring happiness.

Yeah, Paimon's always happy when she's with Traveler! If Traveler leaves Paimon one day, like Nara Varuna left the forest...

...

Arapandu must be waiting for us at the "rest stop." Return with Arakunti, Nara Traveler.

Let's go.

Right, let's head back!

Nara Traveler, and Paimon, thank you for helping Aranara. Arapandu senses that the branches blocking the stream in various places have been removed.

Oh! So we can go and heal the Varuna Contraption now, right?

Soon, but not yet. The root system is deep underground, and the entrance is in the center of the Varunastra.

The Varunastra... You've mentioned that before, haven't you, Arapandu?

It's a manifestation of the power of the Varuna Contraption. When it displays its power, it will be taller than the tallest tree in Vana. Nara Traveler and Paimon saw it before.

Do you mean that place from which water jets out occasionally? Are we seriously going through the center of that thing!?

That's right!

What if it activates just as we go in...?

The water jet is so high, and it looks really powerful too... Paimon can't figure out how we're going to get into its center...

Guess we can only get in from above.

Well, Paimon can fly, but you sure can't!

Why? We can just make it stop.

It can stop!?

It couldn't before, but thanks to Nara Traveler and Paimon's help, the power of the Varuna Contraption has been partially restored. Now, Aranara can make it stop.

Wow, we did such an amazing thing by coincidence!

Well, it's not so much of a coincidence...

Ah, true. It was really difficult to find the Grove of Dreams...

Nara Traveler, Paimon, let's go together. The green branches have bloomed. It's almost time to bear fruit.

The entrance to the underground... It's opened up!

I feel like something's missing...

Hmm, that's true! Look at this giant, empty hole... Well, at least it's not a hole in our hearts.

Let's go down together, Nara Traveler and Paimon.

But we must be careful on the road ahead. It is dark and sunless underground. The place where seeds used to sleep peacefully has likely become the lair of the Fungi.

Nara Traveler and Paimon are Aranara's friends. Aranara do not have great power, but if you are in danger, Aranara will try to protect you.

Nothing to fear. Arabalika is around.

We've been through gales and high water! This won't scare us.

There shouldn't be any great winds down there. Water, maybe, but no big waves.

Hm... So you're still taking our words at face value, huh, Arakunti...

"Gales and high water" means that a person has been through a lot.

Arakunti understands now. Paimon's words are difficult to understand.

Paimon would say the same to you!

Anyway, Fungi aren't scary at all! If this really is their lair... we'll have all-you-can-eat mushrooms for dinner tonight!

Traveler, let's hurry down once you're ready!

Th—This is much deeper than the Ruins of Dahri... Paimon didn't expect this place to be so deep underground.

And there are so many spores! Just seeing them is unbearable enough...

The spores are covering the Varuna Contraption...

It must've been left by the bad guys... Ugh... The bad guys could be close by...

Toughen up, Aranakula. Do not back down. We are already here. We solve the problem, whether it be spores or Fungi. This is all for Vana.

The Varuna Contraption must be very sad to be covered by spores like this.

Yes... Being covered by spores... Just the thought of it is kinda scary...

Let's hurry and clear the spores away.

Yup! We'll handle this just like when we cleaned the Yasna Monument up, eh?

Aranara are not too late, but... bad seeds grow faster than good seeds. Oh, Nara Traveler, please clear the bad seeds away...

Arapandu will look for answers about Vimara Village too. Please be patient.

Is Nara Traveler going to take care of the nursery with Aranakula? There is nothing there yet...

But if you plant seeds, they will soon grow into beautiful flowers...

Hmph.

...

Nara Traveler. Do not be as careless as Paimon.

Golden Nara! Heeey ♪

Mushrooms yummy! Hey hey ♪

(Arakunti seems to be fully immersed in the music.)

Paimon thinks we're safe... for now?

Nara Traveler, thank you for your bravery. The bad bugs gnawing on the roots of the Varuna Contraption have been cleared away.

The branches scattered all over Vana are also sending us their power. Now Aranara can heal the Varuna Contraption.

It was no trouble.

Paimon told you, the Fungi are nothing! Paimon wouldn't be scared even if there were ten more of them! Heh!

Paimon knew you wouldn't be scared of the Fungi, Traveler. Hehe...

Everyone was doing their best to fight the bad guys earlier. And then there was Paimon...

Not a drop of effort!

That's not true! P—Paimon gave it her all to cheer for Traveler! C'mon, Traveler, you felt Paimon's sincerity, didn't you!?

Yes, I did.

Hehe, see? We're one heart and one mind!

Anyway, Arapandu thanks Nara Traveler and Paimon for helping Aranara so much. Now it's Aranara's turn.

Hooray! We'll be able to say goodbye to those nose-tickling spores soon!

Wow! The air is much cleaner now!

I can breathe freely now.

Hehe, peace returns to the Ashavan Realm! Paimon doesn't know about those Fungi in the forest though...

After that, the bad guys may leave, or they may not. But the Varuna Contraption has already been healed, and there won't be so many spores anymore. Aranara will not let the bad guys destroy Vana.

The nurseries will be revived too, right...?

But Marana is still here. Aranara have a lot to do.

Eh, you're so strict, Arabalika. We've finished one thing, haven't we? Just let Aranakula be happy for a bit!

Hmph.

Same old Arabalika.

*sigh*... Paimon doesn't know what will satisfy him.

No sense of urgency. Paimon is careless. Will get into trouble.

Oh, Paimon's heard that one before. Paimon's not careless! Paimon's always careful!

Looks like somebody hasn't learned their lesson.

Oh right, Traveler. Wasn't there something else we wanted to ask Arapandu?

About the children of Vimara Village...

It's about the odd things that have happened in Vimara Village to the east. The children living there sometimes disappear for a period of time, but will always return safely...

Paimon's sure that you Aranara know more about the forest than we do. It would be great if you do know something.

Strange things about Vimara Village... Arapandu doesn't know now, but Arapandu will make a note of it. Other Aranara might know.

Arapandu will return to Vanarana later. Perhaps the answer will emerge then.

About the Varuna Contraption... Nara Traveler, now you know that Aranara music can control the contraption.

Hmm. Traveler, you've studied Aranara music before as well, right? Does that mean that we can control the Varuna Contraption too?

Nara Traveler, like Nara Varuna, has been proven to be worthy of Aranara's friendship.

Arapandu is willing to teach you the music to control the Varuna Contraption.

Great! But will we really have to go so deep underground every time we play...

Paimon is not very smart. The Varuna Contraption gets power from all over Vana...

So you can also control the Varuna Contraption from other parts of Vana.

Come on, that's Aranara trivia! You can't expect us to recall all that!

Nara Traveler, Paimon, thank you for your help. Vana will never forget this, and neither will Aranara...

I hope to see you at Festival Utsava.

We will meet again in Vanarana. May you have a carefree time, Golden Nara, and may Aramuhukunda watch over you.

It's even more impressive when you see it up close...

The Varuna Contraption is a creation of the Lord of Dendro. It sends forth water that brings life, turning Valuka into Vana, replacing that which was once yellow with green, and turning barren land into a land full of life.

It sounds miraculous. "Water that brings life"... Wow...

Speaking of which, Paimon ate the soup Arapas made earlier. That was made with the water from here, right?

His soup doesn't have a special effect, right...

Huh? Would that happen you, or Paimon?

If Paimon gets any younger than she is now...

You'd become like a Cicin.

Oh come on, Paimon won't become *that* small!

So Paimon wants water...

Everyone shares water, food, and also their findings.

Arakunti will play music to Paimon and tell her things about Vana that she doesn't know.

Arabalika won't come to see Paimon so often. But will bring mushrooms. Cook for her.

Arabalika will not do such things.

Ooh, that sure sounds like such a cozy life! ...Wait! Paimon won't turn into a seed! What is this, some kind of scary forest that you can't leave once you enter!?

...It's even scarier when you think that these words are coming from these sweet-looking Aranara!

You'll grow strong and bear fruit quickly, Paimon.

Hey! Don't you start saying that scary stuff too!

Nara and Paimon won't stay in Vana like Aranara do. Aranakula knows this.

Aranakula knows... Nara Traveler and Paimon have other missions and will leave Vana, like other Nara...

We have to complete the Aranara mission now and stop the Varuna Contraption in order to go down and remove those bad bugs and heal the machine.

It's even more impressive when you see it up close...

The Varuna Contraption is a creation of the Lord of Dendro. It sends forth water that brings life, turning Valuka into Vana, replacing that which was once yellow with green, and turning barren land into a land full of life.

It sounds miraculous. "Water that brings life"... Wow...

Can this water be consumed? Will it have any special effects?

Huh? Would that happen to you, or Paimon?

If Paimon gets any younger than she is now...

You'd become like a Cicin.

Oh come on, Paimon won't become that small!

So Paimon wants water...

If Paimon becomes a seed, Aranakula will take good care of her, water her properly, and put her in a sunny place and loosen the soil for her.

Arakunti will play music to Paimon and tell her things about Vana that she doesn't know.

Arabalika won't come to see Paimon so often. But will bring mushrooms. Cook for her.

Arabalika will not do such things.

Ooh, that sure sounds like such a cozy life! ...Wait! Paimon won't turn into a seed! What is this, some kind of scary forest that you can't leave once you enter!?

...It's even scarier when you think that these words are coming from these sweet-looking Aranara!

You'll grow strong and bear fruit quickly, Paimon.

Hey! Don't you start saying that scary stuff too!

Nara and Paimon won't stay in Vana like Aranara do. Aranakula knows this.

Aranakula knows... Nara Traveler and Paimon have other missions and will leave Vana, like other Nara...

We have to complete the Aranara mission now and stop the Varuna Contraption in order to go down and remove those bad bugs and heal the machine.