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Of Fading Flowers and Falling Feathers: Act III
Guns and Wings
The Flower-Feather Clan's flying trials have officially started, but a shocking sight greets those at the site...
Go to the trial site
Chasca:
Hmm? Ah, 여행자 and Paimon... You came...
Paimon:
Yup! And it looks like we made it just in time! Although... can't say the same for the qucusaurs. Bit of a low turnout, huh?
Chasca:
Yeah... You'll see why soon enough.
Allpa:
Alright, get ready! Three, two, one... fly!
Everyone manages to fly up into the sky on their Phlogiston Wings...
Coyllur:
Whoa! We're really flying!
Zhunan:
I feel light as a feather... Haha, I'm flying without a qucusaur!
Traveler:
These Phlogiston Wings are awesome!
Paimon:
What the... What's going on!?
Paimon:
Paimon can barely believe her eyes... How did they fly all on their own?
Traveler:
What happened while we were gone?
Chasca:
The merchants we ran into that day were selling a product called "Phlogiston Wings."
Chasca:
It's a flying machine worn on the back. To operate it, you just use a hand-held trackball that controls the flow of gaseous phlogiston.
Paimon:
That's incredible...
Chasca:
Yeah. If our tribe — well, if Natlan mass-adopted this technology, it would revolutionize our mobility and responsiveness in times of crisis...
Chasca:
...Just think of the countless tragedies that could be averted.
Traveler:
...
Zhunan:
I... I feel like I'm dreaming... Did I really just... fly on my own? Without the help of a qucusaur?
Coyllur:
You'd better believe it! Plus, you just passed the flying trial! Right, Elder Allpa?
Allpa:
...
Zhunan:
...Elder Allpa?
Mukki:
Um... Should this really count as a pass, if we did the trial using Phlogiston Wings?
Coyllur:
Why not? The scoring rubric is about flying performance. It doesn't specifically say you have to ride a qucusaur, does it?
Mukki:
Maybe, but... I mean, even Chasca had to ride a qucusaur in her trial, right? And the whole point of the trial is to test both your flying technique, and your ability to work with a saurian companion.
Coyllur:
Well, if we can fly by ourselves... maybe we don't have to test the latter anymore.
Allpa:
Chasca, 여행자, what are your thoughts on this new invention?
Coyllur:
You see! Even 여행자 agrees!
Chasca:
Hmm... I agree that they have strategic value. But I don't think it makes any sense to evaluate candidates by the current testing standards if they're using Phlogiston Wings.
Zhunan:
...!
Coyllur:
Whyyy? Zhunan finally mustered the courage to go through with this, and now you're saying it doesn't count!?
Chasca:
We don't have any experience using these wings in battle, nor is it immediately obvious how to incorporate them into the existing systems in our tribe.
Chasca:
Taking a longer-term perspective, I think we need to start by getting thoroughly acquainted with how these things work. Then we can develop a new trial format with new assessment criteria, tailored to candidates using the Phlogiston Wings.
Allpa:
Mmm... You all raise valid points. But Chasca, while your proposal sounds perfectly reasonable, it would probably take years to put it into practice.
Allpa:
We lost so many people in that war... These Phlogiston Wings could be exactly what we need to strengthen our forces and boost morale in this trying time.
Allpa:
And as for real-world battle experience... There will be plenty of opportunities to gain that. I have high hopes for you, Zhunan.
Zhunan:
Huh...
Coyllur:
Hey... Stop staring into space! Say "thank you"!
Zhunan:
Oh, uh — thank you! Thank you, Elder Allpa!
Allpa:
You have nothing to thank me for. Remember... the way you got your wings back was by relying on yourself.
Warmi:
...Elder Allpa! Bad news — qucusaurs are attacking the merchants again!
Allpa:
Again? Okay, everyone stay put while I— Hmm?
Chasca runs out without saying a word.
Paimon:
Huh? Chasca...
Go and rescue the caravan
A furious Qucusaurus is confronting some merchants. Looks like things could kick off ay any moment...
Young Merchant:
It's back... It found us again!
Elderly Merchant:
Run! Get out of here!
???:
Cheep...
Isidore:
Curses... She's really riled up this time!
Isidore:
Hey, stop running! We'll never outrun a creature with wings! Get back here and let's fight!
???:
Cheep...
Chasca:
Stop, all of you!
Elderly Merchant:
...Chasca! Wonderful! Quick, get rid of that thing...
Chasca:
...
???:
...
Young Merchant:
Uhh... What's going on? Why isn't she doing anything?
Chasca:
So it really is you...
Chasca:
...Sister.
Paimon:
Wait, "sister"? That qucusaur is Chasca's sister?
???:
...
???:
Cheep...
???:
Cheep!
With an angry shriek, the Qucusaurus soars up into the air.
Chasca:
Coya, wait!
Talk to Chasca
Paimon:
Chasca... A—Are you okay?
Chasca:
Phew... I'm fine, sorry for making you worry.
Traveler:
You're not going to keep following her?
Chasca:
No point. She's an expert at hiding her tracks. Once she's shaken you off, you'll never catch up to her.
Chasca:
...At least, I always used to lose to her at hide-and-seek when we were kids.
Traveler:
When you were kids?
Chasca:
Well, yeah. You know I was raised by qucusaurs. Anyway, she and I grew up in the nest together... her name's Coya, and she's my "big sister."
Chasca:
We played together all the time, chasing each other through treetops, or mountaintops. It felt like it would go on that way forever... Until the day I was sent back to live with the humans.
Chasca:
Not all qucusaurs are friendly towards people. Coya, for instance — she's fine with me, because we grew up around each other, but she's not fond of other humans.
Chasca:
When "Mom" decided to send me away, Coya strongly protested, and after I left, she became more and more reluctant to interact with humans...
Paimon:
Maybe she thinks that... humans stole you away from her?
Chasca:
...It's a possibility. But in any case, we still stayed best friends at first.
Chasca:
I had a hard time adjusting to life in the tribe, so whenever something went wrong, I'd run off into the wild and vent to Coya.
Paimon:
Ah, so that's what Uncle Cusco was talking about. He said you seemed to prefer hanging out with saurians to your own kind back then.
Chasca:
Yeah, I did... but then gradually, everything changed. With a new mom and dad, a new tribe, and Chuychu...
Chasca:
I started getting curious about these humans, and made an effort to understand their behavior. The more time I spent with them, the less I spent with Coya...
Chasca:
And then, one day... it was Coya's turn to leave the nest. She sought me out and asked if I was willing to leave the tribe and go live in the wilderness with her.
Chasca:
As far as I can remember... That was the first time she ever approached a human settlement on purpose.
Paimon:
So... how did you answer her?
Chasca:
Well, I wouldn't be standing here talking to you if I'd said yes.
Traveler:
In other words, you turned her down?
Chasca:
No, I... I was torn. On the one hand, I'd already made up my mind to embrace my new family, and accept my human identity.
Chasca:
But I also knew that Coya wasn't a fan of humans, and I didn't want to disappoint her... *sigh* She took my hesitation as an answer.
Chasca:
She saw it as a personal betrayal, threw a huge fit, and then flew off. We hadn't seen each other since... until today.
Chasca:
Not for lack of trying, though. I tried asking Mom where Coya's new nest was so I could talk things out with her. But Coya had already asked Mom not to tell me where she'd moved to.
Chasca:
It must be hard for Mom, being stuck between her two daughters, so I didn't press the issue, and I didn't go looking for her.
Traveler:
But after today's events...
Chasca:
Mm, if things carry on like this, I need to make sure I find her before anyone else... Even if she doesn't want to see me.
Chasca:
For now, let's bring the wounded back to the tribe, and see what Mutota and Elder Allpa have in mind.
Return to the Flower-Feather Clan to discuss the situation
After tending to the wounded, Mutota gathers everyone for a meeting...
Pixica:
...So, I hear there's been another Qucusaur attack.
Huascar:
Hah, I knew it! They're wild animals, and they can't be trusted!
Mukki:
Hey! Show a little respect, the qucusaurs are our partners!
Huascar:
Hmph, maybe in the flying squad, but they don't give a hoot about the rest of us!
Pixica:
Well, now that we have the Phlogiston Wings... Do we even need the qucusaurs anymore?
Mukki:
Are you kidding? How are we supposed to protect our tribe without them?
Pixica:
...I—I didn't mean it like that!
Huascar:
Huh! "Protect our tribe"? Or are you just scared that your precious flying squad will lose its prestigious position?
Mukki:
You take that back!
Mutota:
*sigh* ...Things are changing so quickly...
Allpa:
Chasca, there's a conflict emerging there... aren't you going to nip it in the bud?
Chasca:
The whole tribe's talking about this now — breaking up a single fight won't solve anything. The real source of conflict here is the Phlogiston Wings... and what happened with Coya.
Mutota:
On any other day, people would just brush this attack aside. After all, clashes between wild qucusaurs and humans are no more common than those between people.
Allpa:
But now that the Phlogiston Wings have entered the equation, it's sparked a debate over whether our tribe needs the qucusaurs at all...
Mutota:
I worry that we risk repeating the mistakes of the Cinder City... Back then, Lord Och-Kan's hatred of the saurians nearly destroyed the peace forged by the Pyro Archon...
Mutota:
Chasca, to prevent things from deteriorating further, I'd like to task you with restoring peace to the tribe.
Chasca:
I will.
Mutota:
여행자, you've already done so much for Natlan, and the Flower-Feather Clan has no right to ask more of you, but...
Traveler:
Say no more. I'm in.
Chasca:
...Thank you.
Paimon:
And don't forget about Paimon! Just leave this to us.
Allpa:
...This whole situation has unfolded so quickly that it's put us on the back foot. To tell the truth, it makes me a little suspicious...
Chasca:
You think someone might have orchestrated all this?
Allpa:
It's possible... Leave it with me. I'll look into it.
Allpa:
Also, Chasca... Could you try to keep a low profile while you're out there digging around? We don't want to give our hand away.
Chasca:
I'll do my best.
Paimon:
Okay... So where should we start?
Chasca:
This all began with Coya's attacks. If we can find out what led her to do it, that should give us something to work with.
Traveler:
But will she even talk to us?
Chasca:
...Unlikely. Given how she reacted when I showed up, I don't think she's forgiven me.
Chasca:
If you want to resolve a conflict through dialogue, sometimes you need a third-party facilitator... Let's go see my "mom."
Visit Chasca's "mother"
Paimon:
Wow, so this is where you used to live as a child?
Chasca:
Mm-hmm... When I was little, we used to do this thing where I'd jump from the top of this tree, and Coya would fly over from the platform and catch me in midair.
Chasca:
Or sometimes, we'd both fly from the treetop together, then after some aerial maneuvering, she'd throw me up onto that platform.
Chasca:
After we got a bit older, we went to the nearby shores looking for even greater heights...
Paimon:
Aah, stop! You're gonna give Paimon a heart attack...
Chasca:
Oh, really? I just thought it made a fun story...
Chasca:
Then I'll share some more with you when there's time. Anyway... back to the matter at hand.
Chasca:
...♪
Chasca whistles, and a Qucusaurus flies over from behind the mountain and lands in front of you.
???:
Cheep...
???:
...Cheep?
Chasca:
Hey, Momma Bird, I'm back. My last visit was only a week ago, wasn't it? See, I visit you more than I visit Papa Cusco.
Chasca:
I brought a couple of friends with me. These are 여행자 and Paimon.
Chasca:
여행자, Paimon, this is my Mom. Her name is... "Chimpu." In the human tongue, anyway.
Chimpu:
Cheep!
Paimon:
Uh... hi!
Traveler:
So you understand saurian language?
Chasca:
No, not really... I don't speak it as such, but I can sort of get the gist — although, only with Mom and Coya, since I spent my formative years with them.
Chasca:
Even then, it's basically a best-guess based on their sounds, body language, and expressions. Seems to work about nine times out of ten, anyway.
Chasca:
As for whether Mom understands me, I can't always tell. But somehow, we still manage to communicate... Call it the family bond, I guess.
Chimpu:
Cheep?
Chasca:
Don't worry, I'm doing well. But... I think Coya might be in some trouble.
Chasca explains the situation to Chimpu through a series of gestures...
Chasca:
...I know she's never been a fan of humans, but she's never deliberately attacked them before, either. What's behind this sudden change?
Chimpu:
Cheep...
Paimon:
Does, um... Auntie Chimpu know anything?
Chasca:
...Doesn't look like it. Coya hasn't visited her in a long time.
Chasca:
...Then, could you please tell me where she's living nowadays? I really need to talk to her.
Chasca:
If this animosity between her and the tribe continues, then... the next time there's an incident, I don't know if I'll make it there in time.
Chimpu:
...
Chimpu:
...Cheep.
Traveler:
What did she say?
Chasca:
...She said she'll take us there.
Chasca:
Thank you, Mom.
Go to where Coya lives
Paimon:
This is a really remote location... Guess she was trying to get as far away from humans as possible.
Chimpu:
...Cheep.
Chasca:
...We stay here? Mm... Okay, got it.
Chasca:
여행자, Paimon, Mom says we should stay out of sight for now. She'll talk to Coya first.
Chasca:
Coya is very hostile toward humans right now, so if we show up unannounced, it might just make things worse.
Traveler:
Got it.
Coya:
...
Chimpu:
...Cheep?
Coya:
...Cheep!
Chimpu:
Cheep...
Paimon:
Uhhh... Any idea what they're saying?
Chasca:
Hmm... Sounds like things are more complicated than I imagined.
Chasca:
...There's evidence in this area suggesting that Coya might have been the victim of a human attack.
Paimon:
What!?
Coya:
...Cheep.
Chimpu:
Cheep!?
Chasca:
No...!
Traveler:
What's wrong?
Chasca:
It's Chime, Coya's child... the attackers kidnapped her!
Chasca:
"They came over the sea... under the cover of night... and they took Chime."
Paimon:
What the heck? Who would do such a thing!?
Chasca:
"I searched day and night... and finally found them..."
Chimpu and Coya are attacked by some people who were lying in ambush nearby, and they both fall to the ground...
Coya & Chimpu:
...Cheep!?
Young Merchant:
Oh, yeah! Tepal's contraption is working like a charm! Got 'er in one!
Elderly Merchant:
Hey, there's another one... Wait, is that the one that got away last time?
Isidore:
Who cares, just get 'em all! Tepal pays us per catch!
Coya:
Cheep...!
Chasca:
...!
Paimon:
Chasca...!
Talk to Chasca and company
Isidore prepares to spread his Phlogiston Wings and fly off, but the trackball malfunctions...
Isidore:
D—Don't come any closer, or I'll... Uhh, go, Phlogiston Wings, take me outta here! ...Aah!
Paimon:
Uh-oh, looks like it malfunctioned!
Chasca:
(This is bad... Mom and Coya are already injured, and if that thing explodes right next to them...)
Isidore:
Help! Uh, Elemental Energy suppresses it! Please, someone—
Chasca:
Get back!
Chasca:
...!
Paimon:
Uh... It's still going... And it's getting worse!
Chasca:
Guess we need a more permanent solution. Alright then...
Chasca:
Hurrrh!
Chasca throws the malfunctioning trackball into the distance... Moments later, a huge explosion rings out over the ocean.
Isidore:
...*panting*...
Isidore:
That was too close... I thought I was gonna die...
Traveler:
That can still be arranged...
Isidore:
Eek!
Chasca:
Answer us honestly. Were you the ones who attacked Coya before?
Isidore:
I, um... No, it was, it was...
Coya:
...Cheep.
Chasca:
Well, she says it was you.
Chasca:
Just tell me. Who sent you here?
Isidore:
I—It was Tepal! He told us to catch all the wild qucusaurs we can find!
Isidore:
And... he also said that this qucusaur has become a thorn in his side... so it needs dealing with urgently...
Chasca:
"Tepal"? Huh, sounds familiar... But where from...?
Traveler:
So, where is he now?
Isidore:
Um... He tends to send his orders in writing...
Isidore:
He pretty much never communicates with us in person. When he does, he wears a mask to hide his face...
Isidore:
And whenever we trade qucusaurs for Phlogiston Wings, we deal with his henchmen.
Paimon:
So you didn't even make those wings!
Isidore:
All we did was slap some labels on them and transport them over here, to make them look like they're imported...
Chasca:
...To make it harder to trace their origins.
Traveler:
Why does he want you to catch qucusaurs?
Isidore:
Uh... I don't know, honest!
Chasca:
Well, that's mighty convenient, huh? What about if I held a gun to your head, would that change your answer?
Isidore:
N—No need! I'm sorry, I'll tell you everything I know!
Isidore:
Tepal doesn't tell us much, but he's always stressing that he wants them alive... So that gives us some clues...
Isidore:
This is just a best guess, of course, but we suspect that the gaseous phlogiston stored in the trackballs... is drawn directly from the qucusaurs.
Paimon:
What!?
Coya:
Cheep!
Chasca:
Easy now, you're still injured... Hey, keep talking.
Isidore:
Yes Ma'am... So, the gaseous phlogiston has to be highly refined in order to power the Phlogiston Wings. The slightest imperfection can have disastrous consequences, as you just witnessed...
Isidore:
But the qucusaurs have a natural ability to process gaseous phlogiston, so... if you use them as an intermediary, then...
Coya:
Cheep!
Chasca:
That's enough... So, the qucusaurs you took. Where are they now?
Isidore:
Uh... Tepal should have them... But no one knows where he's based apart from him and his henchmen.
Isidore:
We've tried looking for it ourselves. Even followed them a few times. But we always end up losing track of them...
Paimon:
Random thought: Maybe they're hiding up in the sky...?
Traveler:
I guess this means we can't go after the ringleader yet.
Chasca:
Tepal... Tepal... I'm sure I've heard that name. Maybe it was...
Allpa:
Chasca! 여행자!
Paimon:
That voice! It's Allpa!
Chasca:
Elder Allpa? What brings you all the way out here?
Allpa:
Well, I was patrolling nearby when I heard the sound of an explosion... What's going on?
Traveler:
Let me fill you in...
You explain Tepal's scheme to Allpa...
Allpa:
I don't believe it...
Chasca:
Elder Allpa, does the name "Tepal" ring a bell to you? I feel like I've seen it written down before... maybe in a list of candidates for the flying trials.
Paimon:
Huh? So he's a member of your tribe, then?
Chasca:
No... If he was a member of the Flower-Feather Clan, I'd definitely know him.
Traveler:
Shall we head back to the tribe and do some investigating?
Allpa:
...
Allpa:
...Now that you mention it, I do remember a young man from outside our tribe who came to participate in our flying trials once.
Allpa:
You were away on a mission at the time, which is probably why you don't remember him.
Allpa:
He was a craftsman from the Children of Echoes, but he'd always dreamed of soaring the skies. So he wanted to join our flying squad.
Chasca:
The Children of Echoes? That's rare.
Allpa:
But despite his best efforts, he unfortunately failed to pass the trial and gain the qucusaurs' approval.
Allpa:
In the end, he went wingless, and returned dejected to the Children of Echoes.
Paimon:
Wingless, huh... Maybe he invented the Phlogiston Wings to get revenge on the qucusaurs?
Allpa:
Perhaps... or maybe it's simply his way of dealing with his regrets over his past flying endeavors.
Chasca:
...Either way, it doesn't excuse his abuse of the qucusaurs. I'm gonna take these guys back and expose the truth to the tribe. It's time for this conflict to end.
Isidore:
Aah...!
Allpa:
Easy, Chasca. Remember what I said about keeping a low profile?
Allpa:
The ringleader still hasn't shown himself, and this man's allegation about powering the Phlogiston Wings with qucusaurs is only speculation.
Allpa:
Bringing these men to the tribe now won't win over any current supporters of the Phlogiston Wings. In fact, it may even escalate the conflict further.
Allpa:
...After all, many are mistrustful of the qucusaurs after recent events.
Chasca:
...Is that why Tepal waited until now to try to capture my sister?
Isidore:
I—I don't know! I mean, he did tell us to spread negative rumors about the qucusaurs, and slip some Mora to anyone opposed to them, but...
Paimon:
But Coya only attacked humans because they stole her child!
Allpa:
Nevertheless, we will be hard-pressed to change people's minds while emotions are running high — unless we have irrefutable evidence...
Traveler:
...You mean, we need to catch Tepal himself?
Allpa:
Bravo, my thoughts exactly. In the meantime, leave these men with me — I'll escort them back to the tribe.
Allpa:
I'll take the other members of their crew into custody, too. They won't get another chance to stir up trouble.
Chasca:
Fair enough... I guess finding Tepal is gonna be the key to resolving this conflict. Let's hope the Children of Echoes have some info on him.
Coya:
Cheep...
Chasca:
Sorry, whatever it is, it'll have to wait till this has all blown over. I have to fix this situation before it spirals out of control...
Chimpu:
Cheep...
Chasca:
Mom, Sis... rest up, and get well soon. I gotta fly.
Everyone departs, leaving only Chimpu and Coya...
Coya:
...
Chimpu:
(...If you're worried, go ahead and follow her.)
Chimpu:
(Don't worry about me. Mom can take care of herself.)
Coya:
(...Got it.)
Coya attacked humans to rescue her daughter. The clues point toward a craftsperson named Tepal...
Go to the Children of Echoes to gather intel
Paimon:
So Allpa says that Tepal's from the Children of Echoes. But how do we track him down? Just... ask around until we find him?
Chasca:
Let's start by talking to someone we know. It'll be faster that way. At this time and place, I'll bet the easiest person to find is:
Chasca:
Wakey-wakey, Xilonen.
Xilonen:
*yawn* Ah, it's you... Ugh, okay... Give me a second, I'll come down...
Xilonen:
*yawn*...
Traveler:
Seems like you two both love climbing trees...
Chasca:
I climb trees to fly further and see farther. I don't usually stop for a nap.
Xilonen:
Well, we're not all like you — always full of energy, even after flying around all day... So. You've come all this way and interrupted my precious nap time. Might I inquire as to why?
Chasca:
I'm sorry, Xilonen, but it couldn't wait. Does the name "Tepal" mean anything to you? He's a craftsman, apparently.
Xilonen:
Tepal? Yes, that rings a bell... I think that's Puma's child.
Traveler:
Is he in the tribe right now?
Xilonen:
Nope, I'm afraid you're a few years too late... Why are you looking for him?
Traveler:
It's a long story...
You try to explain what happened simply and briefly...
Xilonen:
"Phlogiston Wings"? Wow, okay. The kid actually pulled it off... Well, looks like no more rest for me today.
Paimon:
Pulled it off? You mean he's tried making something like this before?
Xilonen:
Yeah, he started trying to build a flying machine right after he got back from the Flower-Feather Clan.
Chasca:
So right after he went wingless, then... Was this flying machine anything like the gun you made me?
Xilonen:
You mean, your gun that's harder to tame than the proudest qucusaur? No, he wanted to build something that allows anyone to fly freely, even if they're not naturally gifted.
Xilonen:
But... he never got very far back then, though. Blew up his workshop a few times and barely made it out alive. I never really kept up with him after that.
Xilonen:
His parents traveled a lot in their youth, and only returned to the tribe after he was born. But they settled in a remote area, and don't interact with other people much.
Xilonen:
Which means, most people in the tribe don't know them very well... Your best bet is to chat to his direct family.
Xilonen:
I'll go get Puma. Wait for me in front of the workshop, I won't be long.
Go to Xilonen's workshop and wait there
A short while later, at Xilonen's workshop...
Xilonen:
I'm back. Allow me to introduce Tepal's mother, Puma.
Paimon:
Hello! We're—
Puma:
Save the pleasantries. I don't want to spend any longer talking about that boy than I have to.
Paimon:
...Huh?
Puma:
I disowned him long ago... He is no child of mine!
Puma:
All he cared about was his pipe dream of reaching the sky... We tried to talk sense into him, but he was obsessed!
Puma:
Hmph... Then when he left us, he spouted some nonsense about building a workshop in the sky to avoid the constant criticism of us ground-dwellers...
Puma:
He left his notebook behind. Whatever questions you have, you can look for them in there — I'm done talking about him.
Puma:
He is no son of mine... He never called me "Mom" anyway...
Chasca:
...
Paimon:
Wow, they've really fallen out... Paimon sure wasn't expecting that...
Xilonen:
Her husband, Tepal's father... he passed away recently, and Tepal didn't even bother to show his face at the funeral.
Xilonen:
If you ask me, that was probably the final straw for Puma.
Xilonen:
I'll go keep her company. If there's anything else you need, just come and find me.
Chasca:
Thank you.
Paimon:
Okay, so this notebook is the only lead we've got now, right? What's in there?
Chasca:
Hmm... some early designs for the Phlogiston Wings... and some theorizing about an airborne workshop.
Chasca:
Ochkanatlan, the Cinder City... Looks like that's where he got his technological inspiration from.
Paimon:
So he was serious about the workshop in the sky? But that's such a big project for one person... do we think he actually pulled it off?
Paimon:
...Oh! Yes! The one from the trial arena that was super high up!
Chasca:
That balloon has been there for a while, and everyone's been wondering how it got up there. But... what if that's the wrong question?
Chasca:
What if it started off even higher up, above the clouds and out of view, and it only descended to its current height due to some kind of malfunction?
Traveler:
In other words, it could be...
Paimon:
...Part of Tepal's workshop?
Chasca:
Seems likely. If Tepal's base had been hiding above the clouds this whole time, that would definitely explain why Isidore couldn't find it...
Paimon:
Paimon totally called it... But um, how do we get up there? Chasca, can you even fly that high?
Chasca:
By myself... possibly. But with a passenger, no chance.
Chasca:
I doubt even Phlogiston Wings could take you up that high... at least, not without that "relic" Tepal mentioned in his notebook.
Paimon:
Yeah, and he's probably holding onto it... We'll have to find another way.
Traveler:
Can you fly up that high, Paimon?
Paimon:
Nope, that's waaay beyond Paimon's altitude! Also, would you really expect Paimon to go up there and take on Tepal all by herself?
Chasca:
Let's not worry. Just because we can't think of a solution doesn't mean no one else can. I'm not the only flying expert in my tribe, you know.
Paimon:
Oh, good point. We should go ask Elder Allpa!
Chasca:
And Mutota. He was quite the flying ace back in the day, too. Let's head back and see what they suggest.
Return to the Flower-Feather Clan and discuss the plan
Mutota:
Chasca, you're finally back! Things are getting really tense in the tribe. Have you made any headway with your investigation?
Allpa:
Some people think we arrested the merchants just to support the flying squad and crack down on the Phlogiston Wings.
Chasca:
We've found some promising leads, but there's a major obstacle standing between us and the irrefutable evidence we need...
Chasca explains what you found out about Tepal, and your theory about the airborne workshop...
Mutota:
A relic from the Cinder City? Ugh... so Och-Kan's still managing to sow discord, even after all these years...
Allpa:
An airborne workshop... and a hot air balloon above the trial arena... And that's where you're trying to get to now?
Traveler:
Any ideas how we can get up there?
Allpa:
Neither Phlogiston Wings nor a qucusaur can take you that high up. Do you really think that's where Tepal is hiding?
Mutota:
Hmm... You know what... There might just be a way.
Paimon:
Really!?
Mutota:
Do you still remember those spouts in the arena? When they were all blocked, the gaseous phlogiston was trapped and unable to flow.
Mutota:
But now, it's flowing freely. If we were to block them up again...
Chasca:
You mean... All of them except the one at the very top of the arena? To build up the pressure there?
Mutota:
Precisely. With all the gaseous phlogiston flowing through one spout, it would create a high-pressure wind current...
Paimon:
And then we just ride it up into the sky.
Mutota:
Yes. It has its risks, but with Chasca's abilities, I think she could manage it...
Allpa:
It's an extremely risky approach... but I agree that it's feasible.
Mutota:
If you want to give it a try, check with Inkanak at the trial grounds. She can explain how to block the spouts.
Mutota:
Chasca... If anyone has a hope of seizing this evidence from the high heavens, it is you.
Go to the trial site and talk to Inkanak
You hurry to the trial arena and explain the situation to Inkanak...
Inkanak:
Goodness me... That is a very bold idea...
Chasca:
Maybe so, but we have to act fast. What's the quickest way for us to block off the spouts?
Inkanak:
From a technical perspective, I'd have to advise taking some measurements and carefully planning this out first... But I'm guessing that's not what you want to hear?
Traveler:
Right.
Inkanak:
...Then we'll have to take the rough-and-ready approach. See the solid phlogiston over there?
Inkanak:
Our prior inspections revealed that some kind of stable structure has formed inside, making it highly damage-resistant...
Inkanak:
It's not without its weak points, but unless they're all struck at the same time, the structural integrity won't be threatened...
Paimon:
So... what happens if we do strike them all at once?
Inkanak:
It'll collapse.
Chasca:
...Okay, I see where you're going with this.
Inkanak:
Yeah, you got it! As long as you hit all the weak spots at once from the right angle, the solid phlogiston will fall right on top of the spout, and block it up.
Chasca:
You're right about "rough and ready"... Sounds like my kind of plan.
Go to the top of the mountain
Paimon:
It actually worked... But wait, how are Paimon and 여행자 supposed to get up there?
Chasca:
Coya can give you a lift. She's actually been following us this whole time.
Coya:
...
Paimon:
Wow... Paimon didn't notice at all!
Traveler:
Why didn't she come and join us?
Chasca:
Probably because she didn't want to get too close to humans... Or maybe just me. But right now, we need her power.
Coya:
Cheep...
Paimon:
Whoa! You didn't even have to summon her...
Coya:
...Cheep.
Chasca:
Yes, up there... That's probably where Chime is.
Chasca:
Alright. Let's go have a little talk with this Tepal.
Get on the hot air balloon
Paimon:
Ugh... Oof... Paimon's never flown that fast before... She feels ready to throw up...
Traveler:
At least we made it in one piece.
Chasca:
Ah-hah... just as I thought. It might look like a regular hot air balloon from the outside, but up close, it's clearly been heavily remodeled.
Chasca:
And sure enough, it only descended below the cloud line because the custom-built machinery malfunctioned.
Traveler:
Can you tell what the issue is?
Chasca:
I should be able to figure it out, with Tepal's notebook. Thankfully, I know a little DIY from fixing up my guns when they're having issues.
Chasca:
Mm-hmm... That should just about do it. Now all it needs is a nice, hard kick...
Paimon:
Uh... Maybe that works on your guns, but...
Paimon:
Huh!? We're really moving!
In the distant skies, far from the surface, the airborne workshop bears silent witness to the amassing and annihilation of obsession...
Enter the airborne workshop
Paimon:
Here it is, the workshop in the sky... You gotta see it to believe it.
Paimon:
Makes you wonder why Tepal even bothers with Phlogiston Wings when he has tech like this.
Chasca:
Well, according to the notebook, the platform beneath us runs on components from the Cinder City. Those can't be mass-produced.
Chasca:
Also, I have some doubts about its mobility after seeing how it moved just now...
Chasca:
For someone like Tepal, who dreams of flying freely, this definitely doesn't cut it.
Paimon:
But if he's got that relic, he should be able to make a set of prototype Wings for himself, right?
Paimon:
Why bother making a whole flying workshop so he can mass-produce them?
Paimon:
But this doesn't add up... If he's already achieved the power of flight, then he must have bigger dreams we don't know about. But what?
Chasca:
With any luck, we'll find the answers in his workshop.
Investigate the airborne workshop
Paimon:
Why won't it fly away like the others? Is it...
Coya:
...Cheep.
Chasca:
...She's still breathing, but barely.
Chasca:
By the looks of it... Tepal was using these cages to extract phlogiston from the qucusaurs.
Chasca:
Once a qucusaur is drained of phlogiston, it becomes too weak to move... We'll have to come back for these ones after dealing with Tepal.
Traveler:
There's another notebook here.
Chasca:
Let me see... Looks like a record of his phlogiston research.
Chasca:
Log No. 330. With the support of ██, I was finally able to launch the airborne workshop.
Tepal:
Even though it relies on the relic for eighty percent of its power supply, I've at least taken the first step.
Tepal:
Log No. 348. Research on the relic is progressing well. I should be able to replicate the technology and scale up production very soon.
Tepal:
██ has proposed a name for this groundbreaking invention: the "Phlogiston Wings"... I think I'm getting close. Soon, I will achieve my dreams!
Tepal:
Log No. 377. Encountered some issues with the new smaller-model Phlogiston Wings. The gaseous phlogiston showed some volatility during the refinement process.
Tepal:
██ thinks we should proceed at a more cautious pace with the refinement experiments... But after so many past failures, I have to prove that I will succeed this time.
Tepal:
Log No. 114. Ran an experiment using qucusaurs to refine gaseous phlogiston. It was a success.
Tepal:
Log No. 117. I have started recruiting merchants and hunters to capture wild qucusaurs.
Tepal:
Log No. 121. Major breakthrough in the efficiency of phlogiston yield...
Paimon:
Huh... So many parts have been crossed out!
Chasca:
Yeah, probably the contact he alluded to in his other notebook... Guess he has a benefactor.
Paimon:
Um, did anyone else notice how the numbering system in this notebook suddenly changed half way through?
Traveler:
Yeah, and the tone seemed to change a lot, too...
Chasca:
We haven't got time for textual analysis, I'm afraid. Grab the notebook and let's press on.
Investigate Tepal's records
Paimon:
Hey, look here! More of Tepal's notes!
Traveler:
Let's hope there's some useful information inside.
You scour Tepal's notes for info...
Tepal:
Log No. 403. ██ introduced me to some new comrades who fully support my ideas.
Tepal:
I told them that some saurians are blessed with wings, and some people with natural gifts, while the less fortunate among us can only look on longingly as they seize the skies...
Tepal:
But I also told them that progress can erase individual differences. Think of the tools humanity has made to fight back against wild beasts, the law we have put in place to even the playing field between the strong and the weak...
Tepal:
I promised them that our research will be the new frontier of human progress. With our Phlogiston Wings, the power of flight will no longer be for a select few to enjoy. Imagine a world where the skies are for all to share!
Tepal:
I only hope that when we finally achieve this goal... ██ will be proud of me.
Chasca:
"Imagine a world where the skies are for all to share"... Yes, what a wonderful world that would be...
Chasca:
If only it were possible. We could respond faster... and so many tragedies could be prevented.
Chasca:
But Tepal... What about the saurians you're draining dry of phlogiston?
Chasca:
You're not sharing the sky... You're stealing it!
Chasca:
Bad move... I won't let you get away with it.
Traveler:
Chasca...?
Coya:
Cheep...
Chasca:
I'm fine. Let's keep moving — I don't think we'll find anything else here.
Continue investigating the airborne workshop
Chasca:
Looks like we've reached the center of the workshop...
Paimon:
And still no sign of Coya's baby...
Coya:
Cheep!
Chasca:
Let's search this area for now. If we still can't find Chime, we'll double back.
Traveler:
Okay.
You split up and begin your search...
Paimon:
*gasp* Chasca, 여행자! Come quick!
Chasca:
What is it? Did you find Chime?
Paimon:
Not yet, but look... it's another one of Tepal's notebooks!
Chasca:
...Alright.
Tepal:
Log No. 428. We decided to restart the experiments on phlogiston refinement, but without telling ██.
Tepal:
This is the final obstacle to the success of the Phlogiston Wings project. We cannot fall at the last hurdle!
Tepal:
Log No. 436. Earlier today, ██ suggested using qucusaurs as an intermediary to extract refined phlogiston. It's certainly feasible, but...
Tepal:
Anyway, as long as our secret experiment succeeds, I'm sure ██ won't bring it up again.
Tepal:
Log No. 443. We will conduct the experiment tomorrow. ██ birthday is coming up, so hopefully we'll have a birthday surprise for her.
Tepal:
Log No. 444...
Tepal:
...
Paimon:
Huh? Why is this log empty?
Chasca:
...I guess whoever wrote down the log number was prevented from recording the results.
Traveler:
There's more. Let's keep reading.
Tepal:
...Log No. 0.
Tepal:
We lost many comrades in the accident... Among them our friends, lovers, and children...
Tepal:
But we cannot stop now. We will keep their legacy alive, and carry their dreams forward.
Tepal:
As of today, we are scrapping the artificial refinement method. Instead, we will focus all our efforts on phlogiston extraction from live qucusaurs.
Tepal:
They are arrogant beasts whose existence in the wild serves no one but themselves. Their true worth lies in their sacrifice for the sake of human progress.
Tepal:
To facilitate our operations, we will gradually move the airborne workshop closer to the Flower-Feather Clan, even as we continue to expand it.
Tepal:
All this, we do to create a world where the skies are for all of humanity to share.
Tepal?:
All this, we do... to make Tepal's dream a reality.
Paimon:
Given the way this is written, not to mention the fact that the numbering has started over from zero... It kinda sounds like this is someone new. Does that mean that Tepal's already...?
Traveler:
But in that case, who have we been pursuing?
Chasca:
There's also a letter tucked into the end of the notebook... It's from Puma.
Puma:
...Tepal, I don't know where you are right now, so I don't know how to reach you... My best bet is to send this letter to the Flower-Feather Clan.
Puma:
Your father is gravely ill. I know we've had our differences in the past, but he is still your father... Won't you come and visit him, please?
Puma:
I know you never liked him, and cared even less for me... All you've ever yearned for is the sky... and your birth mother.
Puma:
But we'll still be waiting here for you if you do come back. This may be the last chance you'll get to see your father.
Paimon:
So Puma's not Tepal's real mom? Huh... Well, she did say he never called her "Mom," but Paimon assumed she was just venting...
Chasca:
We know that Tepal's father passed away quite recently, and this letter looks recent. By contrast... the writing in this notebook is old and faded.
Chasca:
...It looks like the real reason Tepal didn't attend his father's funeral is because he'd long since passed away himself.
Chasca:
If we ask ourselves why this letter was sent to the Flower-Feather Clan, why Tepal always yearned for the sky, and how he got his hands on a relic from the Cinder City...
Chasca:
...It all points to one answer.
It turns out that the real ringleader behind it all was none other than Allpa. She descends upon the airborne workshop on her Phlogiston Wings.
???:
That's right. Tepal was my child... he was born during my days as a wingless wanderer.
???:
His birth gave me new hope. I wanted to become the kind of mother who spent her days as a valiant rider, soaring the skies... not an aimless, wingless nobody.
???:
But his father wanted to settle down, to give his child a safe, sheltered life in his tribe... We fought about it constantly, until the love we once had for each other was gone.
Allpa:
He started a new family with another traveler who was also looking to return home... and I went back to the Flower-Feather Clan, alone.
Paimon:
Allpa!
Allpa:
...I had no idea that despite being raised among the Children of Echoes, my child still harbored dreams of the skies.
Allpa:
Can you imagine, Chasca? The joy and surprise I felt when he showed up at my door, asking to join the flying trials...
Allpa:
Or how proud I was when he said he wanted to prove his own worth, rather than relying on my position as elder...
Allpa:
...And then, the anguish that overcame me when he was rejected by the qucusaurs and became wingless, just as I had after my injury...
Chasca:
...You've got a lot of nerve showing your face here.
Allpa:
Heh... Don't take this the wrong way, Chasca. I'm not here for a fight. I just want to talk... isn't that your preferred way to resolve things?
Allpa:
I trust you've learned of Tepal's wish on your way here: "a world where the skies are for all of humanity to share."
Allpa:
If only his dream can be realized, no one will ever have to lose their wings again. Our aerial prowess will be greater than ever before...
Allpa:
War will never again come at such a great cost... The loss of Chuychu is a tragedy that need never be repeated.
Allpa:
So tell me, Chasca... Do you really wish to see the Phlogiston Wings forever grounded and gathering dust?
Chasca:
...Nothing you've said excuses all the conflict you've caused.
Allpa:
You mean the arguments back at the tribe? It was a necessary measure. Sometimes, this is the only way to accelerate the pace of progress.
Coya:
Cheep...!
Allpa:
Is a mother harming her children when she coaxes them into swallowing a bitter pill? Of course not. It is a brief moment of suffering for the greater good, and the child will come to understand this in due course.
Allpa:
The Phlogiston Wings are that bitter pill. We will never progress as a tribe if we cling to the scraps the Qucusaurs offer us.
Allpa:
Once the people have embraced the Phlogiston Wings, they will never look back — even if they learn how the refined phlogiston is sourced.
Allpa:
They will convince themselves that the sacrifice of a few qucusaurs is a small price to pay for our dominion over the skies.
Allpa:
But this I had not anticipated... I barely had the chance to introduce the Phlogiston Wings to the tribe before you found this place...
Chasca:
Your plan was hardly foolproof.
Allpa:
Heh... Yet, it can still be salvaged. Chasca, 여행자, you are the hope of humanity.
Allpa:
I'm sure you have your doubts about my methods, but know that my love for humanity and for Natlan is genuine.
Allpa:
You know me, Chasca, and you know that I've always treated everyone in the Flower-Feather Clan as my own children.
Allpa:
As fellow humans... surely you can understand my perspective?
Paimon:
Hey! Quit the quips, this is serious!
Chasca:
Allpa, Natlan doesn't belong to humans alone... and truthfully, neither do I.
Coya:
Cheep...
Chasca:
How many times has the Abyss invaded Natlan now? And yet despite how much stronger it is than us, Natlan still stands as a nation of humans and saurians.
Chasca:
"Peace imposed by force will crumble in a matter of days... Because social bonds are what hold a civilization together." Weren't you the one that taught me that?
Chasca:
And yet, you would break the bond we share with our saurian companions to take more power for ourselves? That's as stupid as hacking your own arm off to use it as a club!
Allpa:
...They are wild beasts, driven purely by instinct. How could they possibly understand human social bonds?
Paimon:
Ugh... How did someone like her ever become a rider!?
Allpa:
Hah, you overestimate them. They bow to the strong and shun the weak — that's all there is to it! They never gave Tepal a second glance when he was at his lowest, nor me when I returned injured from the Cinder City...
Allpa:
It's all about survival of the fittest for them, plain and simple. They obeyed me once I proved myself stronger than them, but the moment it serves them better, they'll abandon me in a heartbeat!
Chasca:
You're wrong, Allpa... They only reject the Wingless because they don't want to fly anyone to their death.
Allpa:
Hmph... Chasca, I will promise you this: Only the unruliest wild qucusaurs will be used for phlogiston extraction — the ones who have nothing else to offer to humanity...
Coya:
Cheep...!
Chasca:
Well that's too bad, 'cause I know a few "unruly wild qucusaurs" who don't think that idea's gonna fly. Namely my mom, my sister... and me.
Chasca:
And the others? To us, they're friends, family, even children... So if you want to put any of them in one of your cages, you're gonna have to go through us!
Allpa:
Is that right? I knew you might be difficult to convince — maybe this will change your mind.
Chime:
Cheep...
Coya:
Cheep!
Paimon:
Chime!
Chasca:
Allpa!
Allpa:
Careful, don't make any rash decisions... Unless you want to see her suffer.
Chime:
Cheep!
Paimon:
Oh no... That's one of the extraction cages!
Allpa:
I told my subordinates to take control of the tribe while I was away. Luckily for them... our strongest warrior and our most powerful ally aren't there to stop it.
Chasca:
Take control...? What are you planning to do with Mutota and his supporters!?
Allpa:
Merely accelerate their inevitable downfall — they cannot stand in the way of progress forever... It is not the move I wished to make, but I'm afraid you and your friends forced my hand.
Allpa:
And since you insist on opposing me too, I have no choice but to keep you here until the dust has settled.
Chasca:
Hah, so that's what you meant by, "I just want to talk." You never intended to negotiate, you just wanted to stall us.
Allpa:
No, Chasca, I genuinely hoped I could win you over.
Allpa:
You are the strongest warriors we have. Put down your weapons, and I promise you that no harm will come to this young saurian.
Allpa:
I just need you to stay here for the next couple of weeks or so, while my people consolidate their power. Then, I will give her back to you, and you'll be free to leave.
Traveler:
You really think the Pyro Archon is gonna let you get away with a coup?
Allpa:
...As long as the majority supports our vision, even the Pyro Archon cannot meddle in our internal affairs.
Chasca:
Your vision is deranged... and the Flower-Feather Clan will never support it!
Allpa:
You sure about that? Then wait here and see. Time will tell.
Paimon:
What do we do? Even if the whole tribe fights back, Mutota's in grave danger...
Allpa:
Stop delaying the inevitable. Drop your weapons and get into the cages. Now.
Paimon:
Ugh... She's still holding Chime hostage... Is there really no other way?
Chasca:
...
Coya:
...
Coya:
(I'm sorry, Chime...)
Coya:
(I might have to do something... unmotherly.)
Chime:
(...Do it, Mom.)
Chime:
(I don't want to be a burden... What kind of warrior would that make me?)
Chasca:
Coya...?
Allpa:
Huh? What are you yapping about?
Allpa:
...Stand down. Drop your weapons, now! This instant!
Allpa:
Ugh... Aah!
Coya charges at Allpa, knocking her down, and the "relic" rolls over to the other side.
Allpa:
No! The relic...!
Traveler:
...Now!
Talk to Chasca and company
The "relic" begins to go haywire, erupting with unstable electric flares which ignite fires all over the whole workshop...
Allpa:
...Ugh!
Paimon:
No... What is she doing!? She'll bring us all down with her!
Allpa:
...But why? We stabilized the relic...
Chasca:
Maybe it got damaged in the fight? If we don't think of something fast, this whole workshop is gonna fall apart!
Allpa:
No... They're directly beneath us... My beloved tribe...
Chasca:
...Okay!
Chasca:
Ugh...
Chasca:
It's too powerful... This ain't a toy like last time... I don't think I can just throw it aside.
Coya:
Cheep...
Chasca:
But... But we need to get it far away before it explodes. Then the tribe will be safe, and so will this workshop.
Coya:
...Cheep?
Chasca:
...Coya, remember when we were kids? Come on, let's take this thing high up into the sky.
Coya:
Cheep...!
Chasca:
Don't worry, I know I can get rid of it before it explodes... We're talking some surface wounds at most.
Chasca:
...All I need is for you to catch me at the end. Just like old times.
Coya:
...
Chasca:
I can't hold it back anymore, we have to go— Argh!
Allpa:
Don't be insane!
Allpa attacks Chasca from behind while the relic is going wild...
Chasca:
Allpa! What are you...
Allpa:
You're a fool, Chasca... Why would you choose such a risky solution?
Allpa:
We cannot entrust the safety of our tribe to this wild saurian.
Chasca:
I'M the fool!? You really think you can stand a better chance than me?
Allpa:
Haha... Hahahaha!
Allpa:
Sure, it may be asking too much for an ex-Wingless to escape the blast radius in time.
Allpa:
But I can fly it a safe distance away... even if it's the last thing I do!
Allpa soars up into the sky with the "relic," while Chasca, riding on Coya's back, moves swiftly to close in on her. Suddenly, Coya grabs Allpa by the back of her neck, and the "relic" slips from her grasp. Chasca dives down and reaches out to catch it before forcefully tossing it high up into the air. Just as it is about to explode, Coya flies in front of Chasca to shield her from the impact.
Talk to Chasca and company
Chasca:
Coya! Are you hurt? Let me take a look at you!
Coya:
Cheep...
Chasca:
What do you mean, "I'm fine?" Didn't I tell you to catch me on your back? Why did you try to shield me from the blast!?
Coya:
Cheep...
Chasca:
"Accident"? Yeah, right! ...Seriously, you're as stubborn as ever...
Paimon:
Chasca! Coya!
Chasca:
Hah... How are things looking here?
Chasca:
...I think that's putting it mildly.
Chasca:
I owe you one... Again.
Chime cries out from her cage. With a great effort, Coya walks over to her side.
Chime:
Cheep...
Coya:
Cheep...
Chime:
Cheep...?
Chasca:
...Allpa, be honest. Do you still think qucusaurs can't form bonds?
Allpa:
...
Tepal:
...Mom, I'll figure out the refinement problem. I'll find a way.
Tepal:
...You don't need to worry about it.
Tepal:
...I just need some more time, that's all I ask... Please, just trust me. Just this once.
Allpa:
...
Chime walks out of the cage, and mother and daughter embrace.
Chime:
Cheep!
Coya:
Cheep!
Allpa:
The Flower-Feather Clan yields to the strong... and it's up to the winners to define what "strength" means.
Allpa:
So it looks like... it's my turn to yield.
Coya:
Cheep...
Utterly exhausted, Coya faints.
Chasca:
Coya? ...Coya!
Return to the Flower-Feather Clan
Chasca:
So... You're absolutely sure it's not because of the explosion?
Cusco:
....Yes, for the ten-thousandth time, I'm sure. The blast barely touched her. The reason she fainted was old injuries playing up, compounded by over-exertion in recent days...
Cusco:
The moment she finally relaxed, all the built-up stress finally caught up with her — and no wonder... Honestly, she's just like you...
Cusco:
Anyway. Now you know how we feel when you go off risking life and limb! Your mother and I would both appreciate it if you lived less dangerously... You know she wrote to me from the Masters of the Night-Wind, just to scold me for not doing enough to keep an eye on you?
Cusco:
If she wasn't so busy with work, you can bet she'd come back here and chew us both out in person!
Chasca:
...I'll find an opportunity to apologize to her, I promise.
Cusco:
You'd better! No more avoiding us, okay? And don't get me started on all the check-ups you've missed...
Chasca:
Got it, got it... Huh... Coya?
Chasca:
...You're awake! I'll... I'll go let everyone know...
Cusco:
Hey! But we're not done talking...!
Cusco:
*sigh*... What are we gonna do with her, hmm? Even after everything that's happened, she still hasn't figured out how to start the conversation with you...
Cusco:
She keeps saying, "I don't think Coya has forgiven me yet"... But if you ask me, she's the one who's scared to open up and have an honest conversation!
Cusco:
For all her confidence, she's a very sensitive soul underneath... You'd think as a peacemaker, she of all people would know how to reconcile with her family after a falling out...
Cusco:
...She must have been a handful growing up. Thank you for being there for her.
Coya:
...
Cusco:
And, of course... Thank you for keeping her safe when you were up there in the sky.
Paimon:
Coya, Uncle Cusco! We're here!
Traveler:
What were you talking about just now?
Cusco:
...Hmph! I was just telling her that she's not to go chasing danger with Chasca ever again!
Mutota:
Cusco, I understand how you must feel... But it's all thanks to Coya and Chasca's efforts that the airborne workshop didn't come crashing down on our heads.
Paimon:
Oh, Paimon almost forgot to ask... They didn't hurt you while we were gone, did they?
Mutota:
Thankfully, when her co-conspirators tried to arrest me, I was out coaching Coyllur and Zhunan.
Mutota:
The two of them were a huge help. They took care of things while I went around rallying the resistance... So in the end, Allpa's would-be revolt didn't really get off the ground.
Mutota:
And as it turns out... not all of the Wingless want to see our dear saurian friends replaced with Phlogiston-powered gizmos.
Mutota:
I'm so sorry you got mixed up in this, by the way. We should have caught on to Allpa's scheme sooner... We could have saved so many qucusaurs from getting hurt...
Coya:
...
Mutota:
Most of the airborne workshop has now been dismantled. We've just left one small, harmless part intact... and repurposed it as a jail for Allpa and her cronies.
Paimon:
Let's see how THEY like being locked up in a sky prison!
Cusco:
...So, it looks like there's just one last conflict left to resolve. Peacemaker, you're up.
Chasca:
...*sigh*
Chasca:
I said it had to wait until things had blown over, didn't I... And now they have... But I still have no idea what to say.
Chasca:
...Coya, I just want to say... I'm sorry for how things went down back then.
Coya:
...
Coya:
(There's nothing to be sorry about. Human or saurian, we all grow up, and form new bonds with new family and friends.)
Coya:
(And now, I've come to understand why you chose to stay among the humans.)
Chasca:
Huh? Does this mean, you're... you're not mad at me anymore?
Coya:
(...That's right.)
Paimon:
There's that family likeness coming through again...
Traveler:
Paimon... Zip it.
Chasca:
But... that day, when we ran into each other...
Coya:
(Alright... I admit, I was angry in that moment. I thought you were their accomplice...)
Chasca:
Huh... So then... when did you finally make your peace with it?
Chime:
(Moooooom!)
Chimpu:
(Hey! Slow down!)
Paimon:
Aw! It's Chime and Chimpu, they're here too!
Chime:
(Mom, are you okay?)
Coya:
(Mom is fine, love... We're all doing well.)
Chasca:
...
Coya:
(...I guess it was when... it was my turn to embrace a new family of my own.)