For Our Saurian Companion

Huh? Why are all these people gathered around? Did something happen?

Let's go take a look!

How's it looking, doc? Is there... any hope for him?

Chill, bro. I'm thinking.

This dude's... Milray, right? What a lil' champ... Barely made a noise, despite all the pain he must be in. Did he fight in the war?

That's right. We'd never normally send such a young Tepetlisaur into battle, but we couldn't stop him. Developed a real knack for sneaking past us and running off to the frontline to fight the Abyss.

He's a smart one, that's for sure. Might not be the strongest, but he ran rings around those Abyssal monsters.

We even awarded him a Warrior's Medal after the war ended. But then he took a turn for the worse a few days ago. He's been having fainting spells ever since...

Poor little guy... Already a battle-worn veteran, yet still so young.

*whimper*

Hey, Kachina, what's going on here?

Traveler, Paimon, long time no see.

So basically, there's this young Tepetlisaur in our tribe called Milray. We're not sure what's wrong with him, but he's been getting weaker and weaker by the day. Ifa's taking a look at him.

Naiyan, who he grew up with, is here too. We're all really worried about him.

When my daughter got lost in the mountains, it was Milray who helped bring her back.

To think that he made it through the war, but now that peace has finally come... *sigh*

Steady there, bro. We'll find a way.

And you are...

Ah, you're that... Qucu-Thesaurus from the vet clinic!

Huh? What are you on about?

So this "Ifa" you just mentioned is actually—

Hey, yo, everyone, please chill! I think I've got this figured out.

For a juvenile saurian, he showed remarkable courage in the war, but he's too young to be using that much phlogiston.

As a result, he developed a rare pathological change. The initial symptoms might not have been obvious, but he's gone untreated for so long that his condition is now very serious.

You mean he originally got sick during the war, but the symptoms only just started to show up now?

That's right. He may have just been acting tough this whole time... Didn't want his friends stressing out over him.

Wooo... Rrrooo!

Rroooh...

Ifa, there must be something you can do, right? Please, help him!

Something this rare? I don't have anything on hand that can treat it.

Good news is that I read about a similar case back when I was still studying. The scroll mentioned two essential ingredients.

First up, an herbaceous perennial known as an "Ocean Zephyr"... Though they can grow practically anywhere, they're exceedingly rare.

The second... Honestly, I couldn't figure it out back then either. The name recorded was "Sacred Flame Crystal," but there wasn't much else to go on beyond that.

Sacred Flame... Like the one burning in the Stadium?

When Mualani and I took part in the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame, we collected loads of Contending Sparks during the team stage.

Apparently they're sparks from the Sacred Flame itself. They even make you feel all warm and fuzzy while you carry them! Do you think these Crystals might be something similar?

From the name, I'd say we're lookin' for a rarer, purer form of Sacred Flame.

You sure there's even such a thing? We've been in Natlan for ages now, but we've never come across anything like that.

...So it would seem, as it happens.

Huh!?

For real, Uncle Pacal?

It's a coincidence that I've even heard of it. Apparently, the people of Natlan knew how to make a special kind of "Sacred Flame Crystal" way back when.

I'm not sure exactly how they did it, but the other chiefs might know something... I'll go ask them.

Thank you, Ifa, your diagnosis was a huge help. Mind if I keep you a little longer?

Sure thing, dude. I'll stick around until we've got some results.

Great. In that case, let's go our separate ways for now. Milray needs some proper rest, and he's not gonna get that with so many people gathered around.

I'll let you all know as soon as there's any news. Fingers crossed, he'll soon be on the mend.

What up, my dudes?

Haha, hey, come on, chill.

The name's Ifa, a vet from the Flower-Feather Clan. This here's my assistant, Cacucu. Dude's all about copying what others say.

We're...

Traveler and Paimon, yeah? Everyone's heard all about you two — you're absolute legends!

The total package: Brave, wise, and strong... Best hero duo I've ever seen, no contest!

Aw, hehe, you're making Paimon blush!

Truth is, I spent the war treating wounded saurians. Never got a chance to fight alongside you.

You saved so many saurian lives. That was an amazing contribution too!

Yo, thanks bro! I appreciate that!

There was always a long line outside Ifa's clinic back then. Even Cacucu was so busy he was running around like a headless chicken.

Seriously! Seriously!

True that... more wounded were pilin' up by the day.

Dude, the Abyss is no joke, sneaky enough to hit us right where it hurts. Lots of docs have dropped at their posts over the last few years...

There's some fresh talent rolling in recently, I'm hoping they can step up quick. But vet med's no joke. There's a ton of challenges to overcome before you can be a qualified vet.

That's rough...

No matter how hard you hit the books, you're still gonna run into all kinds of weird diseases that are hard to treat. Like Milray's — so rare it doesn't even have a name.

If my old man hadn't forced me to read all kinds of different stuff when I was a kid, I'd probably only be able to suggest a more conservative treatment. It's true what they say, bro — there's always more to learn.

Oh, so your dad was a vet too?

Yeah, totally. Our family's medical knowledge has been passed down over generations. My old man started steering me toward being a vet when I was a kid, schooling me on all kinds of herbs. And man, if I forgot anything, out came the broom.

My family's been vets for generations now. No clue who it was that kicked off the tradition though, you know?

Back when I was a kid, my dad said something about our skills being "medicine born of guilt"... But the reason we got into it doesn't really matter — what matters is that it's useful.

Guilt? Sounds pretty strange to Paimon. Usually, you only feel guilty when you've done something wrong...

Who knows? After he passed, there wasn't anybody else I could ask. I figure it's because guilt gnaws at anyone practicing medicine. When you fail to fix someone up... I've been there.

So I'm gonna do my best to make sure that doesn't happen this time. I don't recall ever seeing a record of any patient with his malady who was successfully cured, so maybe Milray will be the first.

You've got this, bro.

Heck yeah, I do.

Oh? Looks like the chiefs are back. Let's go see what they have to say.

The last time I was here, I remember seeing him happily rolling around with Ayo. This is so sudden...

Well, as the saying goes, "illness strikes like a landslide." It's not uncommon for people and saurians to just collapse overnight.

Given that he first fell sick during the war, he's done well to make it this far.

Hey, little guy, are you okay? Does it hurt?

For one so young to risk life and limb on the field of battle... This, too, is a responsibility we adults must bear.

Whoa, all six tribal chiefs in one place! Not something you see every day...

Haha, it's true that we used to hardly ever meet up like this. The affairs of our own tribes were usually enough to keep us all swamped.

These days, though, group dinners on our days off have practically become the routine, so don't look too surprised.

Group dinners? More like group mooching! You guys always seem to end up at my place... So shameless.

Well, your cooking is too good to resist. You've seen how hopeless the rest of us are in that regard... *ahem* Anyway, let's get down to business.

Ifa, we've been informed about the situation. Once again, it's a good thing you were here to help out.

Milray and the other Tepetlisaurs have helped transport goods for the Flower-Feather Clan in the past. We won't just stand by and watch while he suffers.

I just happened to come across a record of a case like his back home, but I don't know anything about this "Sacred Flame Crystal."

I haven't heard of it either. Can the Sacred Flame even take other forms?

It can indeed. While I've never seen this happen in the flesh, I have read references to it in woven scrolls.

In ancient Natlan, besides the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame, there is said to have been another way to produce Sacred Flame, known as the "Bloomflower Trials."

It was a combat exercise held jointly by the six tribes that was even more intense than the Pilgrimage, so they occasionally yielded an even purer form of Sacred Flame.

Sacred Flame Crystals!?

For real? How have I never heard of that...?

Simple. The Bloomflower Trials haven't been held for centuries.

Is there some hidden story behind this?

Something seems to have happened the last time they were held, but it was so long ago that I don't know the specifics.

The more reasonable explanation is this — that people once believed these Sacred Flame Crystals to be vessels of extraordinary power, and that warriors could use them to enhance their own strength.

In reality, they turned out to be far less miraculous than hoped for. In some rare, very specific circumstances, they proved irreplaceable, but they were not so different from the regular Sacred Flame in essence.

The Pilgrimage produced enough Sacred Flame, making the Bloomflower Trials obsolete. And thus, they were forgotten.

Ah, I get it. So to save Milray, we have to revive the Bloomflower Trials and get all six tribes to take part. That sounds rough...

I'd say we'd be better off not treating it like some kind of hassle.

All six tribes need to take part, sure, but not everyone has to show up. We can keep it voluntary, so warriors who happen to have time can sign up and fight it out of their own accord.

Since the war ended, the Pilgrimage has become more like a tournament for our warriors to compete in and keep themselves in shape, so why not let them hone their skills on a fresh new stage?

We should never drop our guard completely, even in times of peace. Put like that, it seems high time we restarted the Bloomflower Trials.

I'm with you on that. Nothing gets the blood pumping like a contest to see which tribe's the strongest, huh?

No objections on my part.

I'll go discuss this with the others. I'm sure there'll be plenty of warriors who'll be itching to take part.

I can't speak for everyone else, but I can guarantee that Mualani will be there — there's nothing she loves more than a lively occasion.

And I guess your vote was a foregone conclusion, eh, Pacal? Great, we're all in agreement, then.

Nice!

...Thanks, everyone, it really means a lot.

Let's head back to our tribes and see how many people are willing to sign up. If interest is high, we'll hold a big event, but if not, we'll keep it small.

Agreed. Rules will be crucial too. A competition without rules is just mindless violence, and that's not what we want.

I'll draw up an outline. Let's meet up at the Speaker's Chamber later — after all, we'll still need the Pyro Archon's final approval.

Oh yeah, and we'll also need some Ocean Zephyrs to cure Milray. Who'll go gather them while we're organizing the Trials?

I've got that covered... I just noticed that some of Milray's friends have shown up.

You mean these saurians? You're right, there's all sorts. Seems like he's quite the popular little fella, huh...

Cacucu, can you hit them up and ask if they'd be down to lend a claw?

Sure thing, bro. I've got you, bro.

Hah, must be nice having a saurian companion who can talk...

Well, if that's everything, how about we call it a day?

Alright. See you later.

Ifa, let's head back — and bring these saurians along too. We've gotta teach them how to identify Ocean Zephyrs.

Seeya, little guy. We'll come visit you again soon.

Whoa, they sure are quick on their feet!

Guess they're chiefs for a reason — when they decide on something, it gets done right away...

More the "Let's sleep on it" type, are we, Paimon?

Hehe, but that's what you're here for, right? Whenever Paimon puts things off, even for just a while, you'll handle them straight away!

Oh wow... No way, bro!

Even Cacucu's done with this conversation...

I'll go spread the word. Kachina, you gonna sign up?

O—Of course!

In that case, let's head over together. Traveler, Paimon, see you at the Speaker's Chamber in a bit.

See ya!

So far, so good! At this rate, Milray will be better in no time.

*whimper*...

Huh, you're awake? Wanna try getting a bit more sleep?

Rrrrawrrr...

You think so? Is he feeling hungry, then?

Hey, Cacucu! Can you help us transl—

Ugh, long gone! Oh no, he does seem pretty anxious... What are you trying to say, little guy?

*Rrraw* *cough* *cough*

Everything okay, Milray? Do you wanna eat something?

Wh—Why don't I go pick you some fruit?

Thanks for looking after me, Naiyan. I'll be fine...

Hello, Milray and Naiyan.

Oh? Who are you...?

Haven't seen you around here before, hmm... Have you come to visit Milray, too?

Yeah! I just wanted to tell you that you have nothing to worry about, okay? Those nice humans have found a way to cure you.

It won't be long before they've gathered enough Ocean Zephyrs and Sacred Flame Crystals, so hang in there — you'll be on the mend soon.

Sacred Flame Crystals... *cough* *cough*

Milray...

That's exactly what I'm worried about. Those nice humans have no idea how dangerous Sacred Flame Crystals are...

...Dangerous?

Yes, very dangerous. They can beguile human hearts, turn friends into enemies... The humans must be very careful...

(Milray struggles to say something else, but he soon falls unconscious once more.)

("Beguile human hearts"? The chiefs didn't mention anything about that before... Could there be unknown risks associated with using Sacred Flame Crystals?)

(But, more importantly... If even the chiefs know nothing about this, despite all the knowledge they possess, then where did Milray and Naiyan come to hear of it?)

Naiyan, who told you guys that Sacred Flame Crystals were dangerous?

A mysterious Qucusaur we met while fighting those big monsters... He was the one who told us.

I still remember how our friends were all running around in a panic the first time Milray passed out...

Not this disease, not again... We'll need to find Ocean Zephyrs and Sacred Flame Crystals...

But Sacred Flame Crystals can beguile human hearts, turn friends into enemies... What should I do?

Where did this Qucusaur find out, then?

I don't know... He often said things we couldn't understand. Apart from us, no other little saurians wanted to play with him, and as far as I could tell, he didn't have any human companions either.

But I'm sure he wouldn't have lied to us. He's saved us many times, and we're very close friends.

I really, really hope that Milray recovers soon. But if Sacred Flame Crystals genuinely are that dangerous... I don't think that's the way he would want to be saved.

Don't worry, I'm here to help.

I'll remind the humans to be careful. In the meantime, you take good care of Milray, alright? Just make sure he doesn't worry too much and gets lots of rest.

You'd do that for him? Thank you so much!

(This is becoming more mysterious by the minute. With Mavuika and the six chiefs present, I'm sure everything will be alright — but still, I'd better find a chance to talk to Mavuika about it.)

I've read through your proposal, and it sounds like a great idea.

Even if it wasn't for Milray's situation, there'd be many reasons to start holding the Bloomflower Trials again. How many warriors have been signing up?

Far more than we anticipated.

Our warriors sure are fired up! The ones who came late even held a protest outside the signup booth, so we had to make an exception by adding a few more spots.

So many people have signed up that we've had to divide the competition up into main matches and exhibition matches. Each main match will pit two different tribes against one another, while the exhibition matches will see three tribes going up against another three.

I'm planning to limit the number of spots for the exhibition matches. Accidents are more likely in tangled melees, so with fewer contestants, we can ensure that any injuries will be attended to promptly.

Well, you've clearly thought this through with care. You have my approval — and don't worry, I'll find a way to fund it.

Thank you, Archon!

Where will the Trials be held? I'll stop by later to see how things are going, but I won't be taking part. Wouldn't want to spoil everyone else's fun.

The main venue will be near the Stadium of the Sacred Flame, with additional arenas set up around the various tribes.

Alright, I'm all out of questions. Keep at it, everyone, and thanks for your hard work.

In that case, we'll be off. It's time we started organizing crews to set up the venues.

Traveler, Paimon... Good luck.

Huh? Good luck with... what, exactly?

Hey! It's been a while, you two. Are you here about the Bloomflower Trials too?

Yup, we sure are. Sounds like everything's going to plan!

"Bloomflower Trials"... The name alone fills me with nostalgia. I first heard about it from my dad, who first heard about it from his dad, my old grandpa.

Guess that means they were last held at least 500 years ago...? Wait a sec, no, it must have been much earlier than that, then...

Whoa, when you put it like that, it does feel kinda surreal that we're doing something that hasn't been done in such a long time!

True, but I've got a good feeling about this. We'll pull it off, rest assured.

Hmm? What makes you ask?

We've heard rumors that Sacred Flame Crystals can "beguile human hearts"...

Hmm... I've never heard such a rumor before. And rationally speaking, it just doesn't even seem possible.

The rules governing the Ode of Resurrection have protected Natlan for many long years, and these rules are themselves fueled by the Sacred Flame's power. We've been working with the Sacred Flame all this time, and we've never noticed anything unusual about it.

In essence, Sacred Flame Crystals are just another form of the Sacred Flame. I can't imagine how they could possibly "beguile human hearts."

That's very true.

So please, be at ease. And besides, even if they did harbor some kind of evil power, it will not cause any real trouble in the Natlan we now live in — not if I have anything to say about it.

Our main priority right now is to hold the Bloomflower Trials so we can collect enough Sacred Flame Crystals to heal that little Tepetlisaurus.

Hehe, it's so reassuring to have you on our side, Mavuika.

Well, there are some things even I can't handle.

For example... It just came to my attention that you've got some people waiting for you outside.

Huh? Who could they be?

You'll find out soon enough... Go on, now. Don't keep them waiting.

Alright, so this is our base. According to the rules, all we have to do is capture three of their bases in a row, and we win!

Let's go over our game plan.

Hehe, the Almighty Dragonlord K'uhul Ajaw needs only lift a claw, and... Poof! All that you behold shall be turned to ashes!

Mess up our match, and I'll lock you up till it's all over.

*grumble*... You killjoy!

Hehe, we're a real dream team! Let's just charge right in!

We know each other pretty well, so working together should be a breeze. Still, let's not get careless.

There are a lot of cliffs nearby, so our vision will be obscured. They could ambush us from the high ground too.

In that case, let's follow the water instead!

See that flag over there — that's the Collective of Plenty's base, right?

We'll approach swiftly on the water, sweep in and capture the base, then move up to the high ground!

I like the way you think.

I trust your judgment too, Mualani.

Alright then! Time for me and my Sharky Surfboard to strut our stuff!

I'll take point! Everyone, follow me!

Finally, you're here!

Traveler, Paimon. So basically...

Hold up, what happened to "first come, first served"? What I'm saying is, I get to go first!

Huh, what's going on? Why has everyone turned up all of a sudden?

Umm, so...

*ahem* So, you know about the Bloomflower Trials, right? I— I mean we, were wondering... Have you decided which tribe you'll join? If not, how about the People of the Springs?

Uhhh, what—!?

We're allowed to take part too!?

Given that the Trials haven't been held in so long, we're creating a new set of rules for them, separate from the ones for the Pilgrimage.

All of the chiefs have agreed. But whether or not you compete, or which tribe you support... Well, that's completely up to you.

As the hero who saved Natlan, your participation would be a huge morale boost for whoever you choose to join. In other words, recruiting you is every tribe's top priority right now.

Oh, so that's what's going on! No wonder Chief Acatl wished us good luck just now... He must have known this was coming!

Hehe — and that's all for the chit-chat. I hope you're ready for some serious incentives.

How do you like the sound of luxury hot spring vouchers? I'll even throw in a selection of fine gifts from the shop!

Luxury hot springs... Sounds like Paimon's perfect vacation!

If you join the Scions of the Canopy, we'll hold a great barbecue in your honor. The finest quality meat, all you can eat.

And if you join right away, you'll even stand a chance of being taken on as a sidekick of the Almighty Dragonlord, K'uhul Ajaw!

Yeah, no one wants that.

Kinich, you little—

All you can eat barbecue... *salivating*...

Join up with the Collective of Plenty, and I'll provide a year's worth of training sessions and a personalized nutrition plan to help you become stronger than you already are.

Umm... Paimon's not too keen on training, but getting stronger does sound tempting...

All I've got to offer are freshly picked vegetables. But I can guarantee they are really tasty.

Ooohh, could Paimon get some samples?

Fancy some flying lessons? Or you could just hitch a ride. I'll take you soaring through the skies myself.

Flying's kinda what Paimon does for a living, but flying around with Traveler sounds like it could be a lot of fun too!

I—I can bake Saurus Crackers and Grainfruit Chips!

Ohh, Paimon loves those too... This is such a tough choice.

Not just 'cause the freebies are tempting, but also because picking one tribe feels like we're betraying all the others...

Y'know what? Paimon's decided... to leave this one to you.

Uhh, Paimon's pretty sure that isn't an option...

Actually, it's not a bad idea... It could work for the exhibition matches, at least.

There'd be three tribes on one side versus three on the other for those. So, first half, you're on our side. Second half, on theirs. Sounds fair enough, right?

Huh, I hadn't thought of that... Pretty clever.

What, really? Then as for those perks you mentioned earlier... Hehe...

Don't worry, my offer still stands. Enjoying ourselves is the number one priority here!

So it's settled, then? For the first half of the exhibition match, you'll fight alongside us Scions of the Canopy, People of the Springs, and the Children of Echoes against the other three tribes.

Haha, feels just like the old days when we used to fight side by side. We're gonna be unstoppable!

Alright, it's nearly time. Let's get ready and head over there together.

Here by the water route, just as expected... Classic People of the Springs thinking.

Huh...? They saw through our plan?

No choice but to face them head on now.

I'm ready!

Alright then, time for a real showdown!

You're finally here, Gramps.

If I'm back home too late, my vegetables will get thirsty...

Don't worry, we'll make this quick for ya!

Alright, we've taken the Masters of the Night-Wind's base too.

Look, up there on the mountain — the flag of the Flower-Feather Clan!

Wow, looks like they're already on high alert.

Yeah. Not only do they have the high ground, but they're highly mobile, too. With our current forces, a frontal assault won't be easy.

Looks like I showed up right on cue, huh?

Yay, you're here too, Xilonen!

Let's save the small talk for when the flag's in the bag.

Now that backup's arrived, let's split up into two teams.

I'll lead a frontal assault to draw their fire.

The rest of you find another route up and strike directly at the heart of their base.

Hehe, I can taste our victory already!

Well, would you look at that. You managed to find a gap in our defenses somehow.

But this is just the beginning, so stay on your feet... if you can.

We're not gonna lose!

Well said. Let's do this.

Let's have ourselves some fun!

Phew... Does that mean we've won?

Hehe, told you we'd be unstoppable!

Well that was pretty exhilarating, even as battles go.

You can say that again! I was still fighting off Qucusaur Riders halfway up the mountainside when I heard you'd already taken the base.

That was well played!

Yeah, the going would've been way tougher if we had fought our way up...

How about the Sacred Flame Crystals? Did anyone manage to get their hands on some?

I found a few shards, but they were only about as big as Grainfruit Chips. I gave them to the marshals from the Masters of the Night-Wind on our way back.

Yes, and they gave them to me.

Granny Citlali! Are you here to take part in the Bloomflower Trials too?

I devised the techniques for the main matches, so of course I would show up.

Those marshals handed the Sacred Flame Crystals over as soon as they saw me.

I did a quick tally. At this rate, we should have enough by the event's end.

That's awesome!

(Even Citlali didn't notice anything strange about the Sacred Flame Crystals. Am I just overthinking this?)

Well, since everything's gone so smoothly, why don't we hit the hot springs tonight?

I'm all for it. There's nothing like letting our hair down after a hard day's work. And good food and drink wouldn't go down badly either.

How about we head over there together? You can all hitch a ride on Turbo Twirly!

Sorry, but I need to head back to the workshop to finish up some forging commissions first. Let's meet at the People of the Springs later this evening.

I need to help at the shop anyway, so I'll pick up some snacks there. See you all tonight!

I might be a bit late. If you're all there earlier, feel free to start without me.

Great! Paimon can't wait!

...Sure!

In that case, I guess I'll be off too. See you tonight!

Hurry up, guys! You're the last ones left!

Come on, I'll take you to get changed.

You remember where the changing rooms are, right? I'm pretty sure I showed you last time.

Time sure flies... Ahh, sorry, let's save the reminiscing for later! Let's go!

Woohoo! Let's get this party started!

Ah, this is the life! Hear this, hot spring, I hereby bestow upon you the name of the Almighty Dragonlord!

All the fatigue just floats away... If only we could do this every day!

Aren't you gonna join us, Xilonen?

I'm not a huge fan of being in the water. This right here's more my kind of spot.

...And last, but not least: "Surf, Turf, and Perch."

Ah! That smells amazing!

Hold your horses! There's a time for fun and games, and it's not when there's delicious food already on the table... Wait for Paimon!

Mwahaha, take that, Kinich! Bow before my greatness!

Hey, watch it Ajaw! You're splashing water everywhere!

Whew...

This is so tasty! Traveler, you've gotta try it!

...

Kachina... Teyvat to Kachina! I made Saurus Crackers, come have some!

Ahh... O—Okay! I'll be right there!

Kinich, you churlish— Unhand me! Let me go!

Whew, thanks for sticking around to help me clean up!

No problem at all, we had a blast!

Parties are always extra lively when you guys are here! It was so much fun.

By the way, I couldn't help feeling that there was something on Kachina's mind during dinner...

Hmm, it's strange... She usually comes to me for advice when something's bothering her.

Maybe this is something... different? Sorry to do this, but could you try asking her?

Of course! We'll ask the next time we're alone with her.

If there was something we could do to help, there's no way we'd stand by!

Thanks, that makes me feel a lot better!

Anyway, I'll be heading off now too. Just remember, you'll always be welcome to come hang out with me at the People of the Springs!

Bye for now, see you soon!

...

...

A new competition brings a new challenge... And who knows? Maybe even a whole new story.