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Auld Lanxiety/Story
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Auld Lanxiety - Opening
The Joya rains down Kleshas—negative emotions—on the skies. Zooey attempts to stop it and restore balance, but her inexperience with worldly matters is her undoing. She is forced to retreat.
Zooey: Haha... The sea is so beautiful, no matter what the season.
A young woman, as lovely as a beach blossom, grins happily out at the waves.
Her name is Zooey.
And her mission is tied to the very fate of the world.
Grand Order.
A primal beast who exists to maintain balance in the world.
Her traveling companions named her Zooey.
Despite her innocent appearance, this young woman is in fact Grand Order made flesh.
It falls to her to thwart—or eliminate—those who threaten the balance.
Zooey: The waves are an even clearer blue than the sky. I could stare at them all day.
Zooey: But there's no time for that today.
There is a reason behind her appearance in the Auguste Isles, land of eternal summer.
She manifests in this realm whenever there is a threat to the balance of the world.
She was summoned into existence by the awakening of the primal beast Akasha.
However, Akasha is far from being the only threat to warrant Zooey's attentions.
Having deduced that Auguste could be the site of an unparalleled disaster, Zooey has come to investigate the area herself.
Zooey: This is...
Something zooms past Zooey and vanishes into the endless blue high above before she can catch a clear glimpse of it.
She peers intently after the mysterious object, hair whipping in the wind.
Zooey: So it's you...
Zooey: If you insist on being a threat to this world, then you will fall by my hand.
Joya: Gong!
Gooong!
Gooong!
Zooey: Desist.
Joya: Gong?
Goooong!
Goooong!
Zooey: You must be the Joya.
Zooey: Your purpose is to gather the Kleshas of the skies to maintain the balance of mortal desires...
Zooey: So what exactly are you doing out here?
Zooey: Your rightful place is at your sanctuary.
Joya: Gooong!
Zooey: Your duty is to absorb negativity, not to spread it. Cease this shameful conduct immediately.
As if in protest, the Joya begins to tremble and then spews Kleshas in Zooey's direction.
Joya: Gooong!
Gooooong!
Gooooong!
Zooey: Tch...
Zooey dodges too slowly and is drenched in the stored-up negative emotions of the skies.
No sooner have they touched her, however, than they are drawn back inside the giant bell.
Zooey: ...
Joya: Gong?
Zooey: You waste your time. Mortal sentiments have no effect on me.
Joya: Gong!
Zooey: Now it's my turn.
Zooey: Don't blame me if you can't keep up.
Zooey readies herself for battle.
Joya: Gooong!
The Joya may be capable of a swift exit, but it isn't equipped to fight Zooey, who has the power to eliminate all threats to the world's balance.
Zooey: Hah!
The bell is unable to defend itself against Zooey's barrage of attacks.
Every strike reverberates through its metal body, scattering Kleshas into the space around it.
Potent negativity rains down on the skies below.
Zooey: Oh no. Am I making it worse?
The realization stays Zooey's hand.
Joya: Go... ong.
Joya: Gooong!
Seizing on her hesitation, the Joya unleashes its full power.
Joya: Gooong!
Gooooong!
Gooooong!
Joya: Gooong!
(You who know not worldly emotions could never hope to purge their darkest incarnations from the skies.)
(You who know not worldly emotions could never hope to purge their darkest incarnations from the skies.)
Zooey: What... did you say?
Joya: Gong!
Gooong!
Gooong!
The Joya reveals to Zooey the strength of temptation.
Poisonous thoughts flood past her, cascading into the skies below.
It would seem the almost all-powerful Zooey has one flaw.
It isn't that Kleshas can't affect her—she is actually incapable of harboring them.
If the keeper of the balance were to be swayed by Kleshas, she would have no hope of performing her duty.
It is only logical that the primal beast born for that purpose should be above such mortal weakness.
And the Joya knows how to exploit that.
Joya: ...!
Zooey: If this keeps up, all the skies will be in thrall to these destructive emotions.
Zooey: The Joya is essential to maintaining balance in the world.
Zooey: So I can't just destroy it...
Joya: Gong!
Gooong!
Gooong!
Zooey: Yet allowing it to continue its rampage would be just as destructive.
Zooey: My hands are tied! Isn't there anything I can do?
Joya: Gooong!
(You who know not worldly emotions could never hope to purge their darkest incarnations from the skies.)
(You who know not worldly emotions could never hope to purge their darkest incarnations from the skies.)
Joya: Gong!
Gooong!
Gooong!
Zooey: Worldly emotions...
Zooey: ...
Zooey: I think it's time for a strategic retreat.
Zooey: I'm going to need help with this one.
Zooey: From others strong enough to resist their own negative emotions.
Joya: Gooong!
Gooooong!
Gooooong!
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 1: Encore, Encore! - Episode 1
Divine Generals Anila, Andira, and Mahira confer with (Captain) about the missing Joya. Vajra bursts in to inform them of a powerful negative aura on another island. Everyone heads out to investigate.
Andira: Ahh...
You're a genius, Mahi...
You're a genius, Mahi...
Andira: It's so warm... I feel like I'm soaking in a hot spring.
This is Andira, Guardian of the West-Southwest, Queen of Monkeys. She was the year spirit two years ago.
Anila: Hahaha... Indeed...
Anila: You have my thanks for creating this little paradise.
This is Anila, Guardian of the South-Southwest, Queen of Sheep. She was the year spirit three years ago.
Mahira: I'm glad the two of you enjoy the kotatsu so much.
This is Mahira, Guardian of the West, Queen of Roosters. She was last year's spirit.
Mahira: (Captain), Lyria, Vyrn, why are you hiding in the corner? Come join us!
Lyria: Yay! Okay!
Vyrn: Ahhh... So toasty!
(Captain) too is drawn in by the siren call of Mahira's kotatsu.
Village Elder: Lady Mahira, thank you for bestowing such a splendid gift upon us.
Village Elder: It's like a panacea to these old, aching bones...
Young Man: The heat just melts the tension away from my body and mind.
Mahira: I thought you could use it! Watching over the Joya must be particularly tough in the winter.
Mahira: That reminds me. The Joya hasn't come back yet, has it?
Young Man: No... We've seen no sign of it since it flew off.
Village Elder: The entire village has been out searching for it, but we've found absolutely nothing to go on.
Mahira: I see.
It's been a little while since the Joya went missing on New Year's Eve.
The year spirits assemble to discuss the Joya's continued absence.
(Captain) and company make an annual New Year's visit to the shrine under the current guardian's protection.
They've helped with the ringing of the Joya in past years, and so they are summoned to this meeting of the Divine Generals as well.
The Joya is still missing in action.
Anila: Hm?
Andira: Hmm?
Mahira: Cluck?
Village Elder: Is something the matter?
Mahira: I sensed something strange just now.
Andira: I felt it too, but what was it?
Anila: I can't tell either...
Vyrn: Lyria, did you sense anything?
Lyria: I don't think so...
As the Divine Generals ponder that fleeting impression...
Vajra: Everyone, listen! We've got a problem!
Garjana: ...
A young girl and her formidable canine companion burst into the room.
The girl's name is Vajra, Guardian of the West-Northwest, Queen of Canines, and spirit of this year. By her side is her faithful dog, Garjana.
Mahira: Oh, hello, Vajra. Looks like our instincts were correct.
Vyrn: What's all the hubbub, bub?
Vajra: There's something out there with a powerful aura just spewing Kleshas everywhere! We've got to go find it!
Andira: Kleshas? Where is it, Rara?
Vajra: It'll be faster if I just show you. Follow me!
Anila: Understood. No time to waste, everyone!
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 1: Encore, Encore! - Episode 2
The crew find themselves at one of Aoidos's concerts where his fans are going wild. Vajra explains this isn't the source of the aura she sensed, and everyone hurries off to pursue the true source.
Fangirl: I love you, Aoidos!
Fanboy: I worship you, Aoidos! This is my pilgrimage!
Aoidos: I'm so... so cold...
Aoidos: Do you feel the cold wind blowing? It's like the whole world is buried in ice.
Aoidos: I've got a little advice for all of you who haven't spent enough time this year worshipping at my altar.
Aoidos: The cold is not your enemy. It just isn't your friend.
Aoidos: So I'm gonna declare war on the cold... and light myself ablaze!
Aoidos: The only thing that can thaw this frozen body and free my blazing soul is...
Fangirl: Aoidooooos!
Fans: Haven! Haven! Haven!
Aoidos: ...
Aoidos: White mochi, high-flying kites, Aoidos...
Aoidos: Ahh, this world is so beautiful I can hardly bear it!
Aoidos: Okay! Are you ready to destroy the world with me? It's Judgment Night!
As Aoidos strums the opening chords, the crowd goes wild.
Aoidos is a crew member
Vyrn: Wow, Strummer Boy's got his very own pilgrimage going!
Lyria: He did say he'd be busy touring in the new year!
Lyria: Wait, Vyrn, weren't you supposed to—
Vyrn: We've gotta escort the Divine Generals... And besides, I'd already decided not to be a part of the tour.
Lyria: Hee hee. That's right. I forgot. But what a coincidence that this island was one of his stops!
Aoidos not in crew
Andira: Wow... What a roar!
Andira: That man certainly has a powerful aura, but... is it a Klesha?
Andira: It feels very similar to Mana—or you could call it pride—one of the six roots of all negativity, but...
Anila: Hm? Isn't that Aoidos?
Andira: Do you know him, Anila?
Anila: Not well, but I have heard that he is a renowned singer. It seems he has a great many devotees.
Andira: So he's pretty hot stuff then, huh!
Vyrn: What's it say here?
"Haven for the New Year... Aoidos Pilgrimage Tour"?
"Haven for the New Year... Aoidos Pilgrimage Tour"?
Lyria: The audience is so fired up!
Some of them actually look pretty red in the face... I hope they're okay.
Continue 1Some of them actually look pretty red in the face... I hope they're okay.
Andira: Well... As excited as they are, this doesn't feel like desires run amok.
Anila: No, I think this is merely a case of fervent music appreciation.
Aoidos is a crew member
Vyrn: Well, this is pretty much the usual for Strummer Boy.
Lyria: Yep.
Vajra: Hey, what are all of you standing around for?
Vajra: The source of all that negativity is this way! We need to hurry!
Anila: Oh, of course! We're on our way!
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 1: Encore, Encore! - Episode 3
Anthuria gives a dance performance that stirs her audience into a frenzy. Vajra senses a strong aura of Kleshas from her, so the four Divine Generals step in to purify the area.
Another crowd has gathered not far from Aoidos's concert venue.
Anthuria: Huff... Hah...
Anthuria: Mm... Ah...
Spectator 1: Ohhh, man! She's just too much, gong!
Spectator 2: Anthuria! Look this way! Just one glance!
Spectator 3: You're a goddess, Anthuria! A vision!
Anthuria is a crew member
Lyria: Look, it's Anthuria!
Vyrn: Hey, you're right! What's she doing here?
The crew spots Anthuria at the center of the throng.
Anthuria not in crew
At the center of the throng is a woman with long hair of brilliant, flaming red.
She bathes in the crowd's adoration, throwing herself into her dance with rapturous abandon.
Anthuria: Mnh... Ahh...
Gong, gong...
Gong, gong...
The air of longing in her murmured words only heightens the spell she casts over her audience.
Anthuria: Tee hee... Watch me... Watch me closer...
Anthuria: Hee hee... Look here... and here... and heeere...
Anthuria: Um... Gong gong...
Spectator 1: She's too hot to handle, gooong! I gotta get a closer look...
Spectator 2: Anthuriaaaa! Look at me! Notice me, gong!
Spectator 1: Hey! Don't just shove me and act like you didn't!
Spectator 2: Aw, put a sock in it, gong...
Spectator 1: Gooong! My precious Anthy would never look twice at a snot-nosed brat like you!
Spectator 3: Down in front! I can't see my radiant light, Anthuria, gong!
Spectator 2: Take your gonging paws off me, you gong dirty ape! This is my spot!
The mood of the crowd swings from excitement to belligerence and a shoving match breaks out.
Vyrn: Uh-oh. If we don't step in, we're gonna have a brawl on our hands!
Andira: Hey, wait! Everyone keeps saying "gong"! Do you think...
Vajra: Gar, go on ahead.
Garjana: ...
Lyria: Huh? Will Gar be all right on his own?
Vajra: Don't worry! Gar's a tough cookie and faster than any of us.
Vajra: We need to put a stop to this quickly before anyone gets hurt.
Spectator 2: I told you to keep your gongs to yourself, you—
Spectator 2: What the gong?
Spectator 3: Eek!
Spectator 1: Who let the dogs out?
Garjana leaps in between the riled up spectators, aiming to douse the flames.
Garjana: ...
The appearance of the imposing canine puts a temporary halt to the chaos.
Vajra: I'll handle things here. You guys get Anthuria to safety!
Vajra: I'll handle things here. You guys get that dancer to safety!
Anthuria is a crew member
(Captain) and company try to extract Anthuria while Vajra buys time.
Anthuria: Why, (Captain). Couldn't resist my performance? You're so sweet... Gong.
Anthuria not in crew
(Captain) and company try to extract the dancer while Vajra buys them time.
Anthuria: Hm? Are you a fan, sweetheart?
Anthuria: You have the most beautiful eyes, gong...
Anthuria: Tee hee... I could just drown in them...
Anthuria: What's your name, stranger?
Continue 2Vyrn: Enough chitchat! We gotta get you outta here!
Anthuria: What's your hurry? Stay a while...
Anthuria: All I want to do is dance. Dance my way into your dreams... Gong.
Anthuria is a crew member
Anthuria: Hee hee... Don't you want to dream a little dream of me, (Captain)?
Anthuria: Just say the word, gong, and I'll make all your dreams come true.
Anthuria leans in close to (Captain).
Lyria: Wh-what do you think you're doing, Anthuria!
Lyria: And (Captain), get a hold of yourself!
Anthuria not in crew
Anthuria: There's just something about you... I'm like a moth to a flame... Gong.
Anthuria presses (Captain)'s hands earnestly between her own.
Anthuria: Such warm hands...
Anthuria: And I think I feel a chill coming on... Maybe you could help me with that, gong...
Lyria: Wh-what are you saying!
Lyria: And (Captain), get a hold of yourself!
Continue 3Vajra: This is Raga... Lust. One of the three poisons among the six roots of negative emotion.
Vajra: She's completely under its control.
Andira (Event) is a crew member
Lyria: Raga...
Isn't that one of the three poisons we defeated with Andira?
Vyrn: Are there more Kleshas than just the three poisons?
Anila: It looks like we'll have to free her from Raga's grip in order to shake loose all these other people.
Anthuria: Please... Just let me dance, gong.
Anthuria: A private dance, just for you, if that's what you want.
Anthuria: Wouldn't you like that?
Spectator 1: Gooong! You interlopers keep your thievin' fingers off our Anthuria!
Spectator 3: Yeah, you can't keep her all to yourselves! Give her back!
Vajra: Hey, focus up. You guys have to deal with me.
Vajra: Now settle down.
Vajra and Garjana are such an imposing duo that the rowdy spectators are frozen in their tracks.
Anthuria: What's wrong with a little crowd-pleasing? Dancing is my livelihood, gong.
Anthuria: There's nothing better than feeling my passion ignite the crowd...
Anthuria: Look, I'll show you! I'll stoke the flames inside you!
Overtaken by Raga, Anthuria resumes her dance.
Anila: I've never seen worldly desires this intense!
Vyrn: Hey, Fire Girl, snap out of it!
Vajra: It's no use. With that poison flowing in her, logic doesn't stand a chance.
Vajra: Hm... I think erecting a barrier is our only option.
Vajra: We'll surround them all and banish these Kleshas!
Andira: Got it!
At Vajra's signal, the Divine Generals scatter in four directions.
Vajra: Here we go!
Guardian of the West-Northwest, Vajra!
Guardian of the West-Northwest, Vajra!
Mahira: Guardian of the West, Mahira!
Andira: Guardian of the West-Southwest, Andira!
Anila: Guardian of the South-Southwest, Anila!
Divine Generals: To battle!
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 1: Encore, Encore! - Episode 4
Anthuria awakes in (Captain)'s arms. Remembering her behavior under the influence of the Kleshas, she runs off mortified. As the Divine Generals ponder the source of all the negative emotions, Zooey appears.
Anthuria: Hhnnn...
The barrier cast by the four Divine Generals banishes Raga from the area. Anthuria and her audience slump to the ground, unconscious.
(Captain) catches Anthuria as she crumples.
Vajra: Phew. That should bring everyone back to their senses.
Anila: Don't worry. They should only be out for a moment.
Andira: Did you see that flawless teamwork, (Captain)? Weren't we something?
Lyria: You really were! Everything got all sparkly, and then it was like fwoosh!
Lyria: Your barrier was amazing!
Vyrn: You're not guardians for nothing! With you four around, we won't have to worry about those Kleshas for long!
Andira: Hehehe! I know, right?
Anila: Your faith in us is flattering, but we can't simply go around casting barriers all the time.
Vyrn: You can't?
Mahira: Creating a barrier requires a person's full strength, so maintaining one for long periods is physically and mentally draining.
Mahira: The efficacy of the barrier varies depending on how many generals there are to power it and on the area the barrier covers.
Vyrn: Huh.
Anila: Heh heh heh. That said, I was impressed with your performance, Andira, Mahira, Vajra.
Vajra: Really? Hahaha! Guess all that training Gar and I have been doing is paying off!
Vajra: But wow... Serving as year spirit has really polished each of your skills! I'm impressed!
Vajra: And I thought a ticked-off Anila was scary before. Right, Gar?
Anila: Humph...
Did you say something, Vajra?
Did you say something, Vajra?
Andira: Come on, Rara. Stop teasing Anila!
Garjana: ...
Garjana gives Anila's palm a quick lick.
Anila: Hm?
I suppose I'll let it slide for Garjana's sake.
I suppose I'll let it slide for Garjana's sake.
Anila: Heh heh... He's so warm and cozy. He reminds me of the kotatsu.
Anila: What a fine figure of a dog! Come here, you...
Garjana: ...
Andira: Don't leave me out! I wanna cuddle him too!
Andira drapes herself over Garjana and gives his ears a vigorous ruffling.
Andira: Hehehe! You're like a furry hot-water bottle. Who's a good boy? Who's my good boy?
Vajra: You've really got a thing for Gar's ears, don't you?
Andira: That's just how I say hello! His ears are so floppy, they're irresistible!
Mahira: And they're so silky. I just wanna pet them all day.
Vajra: Hahaha!
Gar loves all this attention!
Gar loves all this attention!
Garjana: ...
To show his appreciation, Garjana licks each of the generals' hands in turn.
Lyria: Hee hee. Gar really is adorable.
Anthuria: Nn...
Anthuria: What... What am I doing here?
Mahira: Oh, you're awake. How do you feel?
Anthuria: Huh? I...
Anthuria awakes to the sensation of warmth against her back. She blinks muzzily at the situation around her.
She spots (Captain) peering at her worriedly... from very, very close up.
Anthuria: Meep!
Anthuria: Wait, wait, what? Wh-what am I doing in your arms!
Anthuria leaps to her feet, blushing furiously.
Anthuria: I don't... What was I just...
Memories of her actions under the influence of Raga come rushing back.
Anthuria is a crew member
Anthuria: Just say the word, gong, and I'll make all your dreams come true.
Anthuria not in crew
Anthuria: Such warm hands...
Anthuria: And I think I feel a chill coming on... Maybe you could help me with that, gong...
Continue 1Anthuria: Th-that... wasn't me!
Anthuria: You have to believe me, I...
Anthuria: Don't look at me!
Vyrn: Hey, easy, Fire Girl!
Andira: Oh dear. There she goes.
Anila: The powerful desires that took hold of Anthuria... Do you think those were...
Mahira: The work of the most wanted bell in the skies? Yes.
Andira: I think so too. Must be.
Vajra: Yeah, that was no ordinary case of fandom furor. Something supernatural was definitely involved.
Andira: We still don't know where the Joya is, though, do we?
???: I may be able to help you there.
Mahira: Huh?
Lyria: That aura...
Vajra: Ack, it's too bright! What's going on?
Zooey: Anila, Andira, Mahira, Vajra.
Anila: Yes?
Andira: Huh?
Mahira: Hm?
Vajra: Yeah?
Zooey: I've been looking for you.
Zooey: I need your help. I need your power to banish Kleshas.
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 2: The Priestly Path - Episode 1
Zooey explains that the Joya has fled to a realm above the skies known as the cosmos. No one but Zooey can reach the cosmos, but only the Divine Generals are capable of banishing Kleshas.
Anila: All right, Zooey. Can you tell us what you know?
Mahira: You say you know the location of the Joya?
Zooey: Yes. Let me start at the beginning.
Zooey tells the Divine Generals about her encounter with the Joya.
Mahira: The Joya's rampage is only gaining momentum...
Zooey: If I use my full strength in an attempt to banish the Kleshas, I might destroy the bell itself.
Zooey: That would upset the balance of the world, which is the last thing I want.
Anila: I see...
Mahira: So the Joya is floating above us in the sky right now?
Zooey: Not exactly the sky. The Joya is in the cosmos.
Vajra and Lyria: Cosmos?
Andira: Anila, what's a cosmos?
Anila: I haven't the foggiest. It's the first time I've heard of such a place.
Zooey: To put it simply, it's a domain that exists above the skies.
Mahira: Above the skies?
Zooey: Yes. Mortals can't reach it. And the Joya is taking advantage of that strategic position to rain negative emotions down on the skies below.
Vajra: I don't really understand the details, but basically the Joya's running amok so high up that no one can touch it, right?
Vajra: That bell is getting on my nerves.
Andira: Yeah... Knowing its location doesn't do us much good if we can't get at it.
Anila: Banishing the Kleshas gathered by the Joya is our duty as Divine Generals...
Anila: But if we can't reach this cosmos you speak of, our hands are tied...
Andira: Aagh! If only we could get up there!
Mahira: How to get there...
Andira: What's the Joya doing up there in the first place?
Andira: It goes on a rampage every single year! Hasn't it cut loose enough?
Zooey: I must admit I have no idea what's motivating its behavior.
Vajra: Hmm... If I had to guess...
Vajra: Maybe it got sick of absorbing all that negativity every year?
Anila: Well, that is its function. Perhaps we simply have to accept the constant risk of it being overwhelmed by that task...
Vyrn: At this point, it's starting to feel like a New Year's tradition!
Anila: This is turning into quite the New Year's fiasco.
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 2: The Priestly Path - Episode 2
Mahira begins work on a way for one of the generals to reach the cosmos. Meanwhile the other Divine Generals begin training Zooey as a priestess so that she can banish Kleshas in their place.
Anila, Andira, and Vajra are discussing the possible causes of the Joya's behavior.
Meanwhile Mahira is lost in thought, brow furrowed. At last she speaks.
Mahira: No matter what caused the Joya to run away from home, the way I see it, we have two options.
Andira: You have an idea, Mahi?
Mahira: It's a long shot, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
Zooey: Right now I'd be grateful for any manner of countermeasure. Please tell me.
Mahira: All right. Well, the first option is getting one of the Divine Generals into the cosmos.
Mahira: We're the only ones who can ring the Joya after all.
Vajra: But Zooey just told us that we couldn't get there.
Mahira: Yes, but...
Mahira: If I really push my floatification, it might be possible.
Zooey: Floatification?
Andira: I see! With Mahi's floatification, we might all be able to reach the cosmos!
Vajra: Oh, you're right! Mahi can get anything airborne!
Vajra: You're a genius, Mahi!
Mahira: Um, you guys, I haven't done anything yet. I'm not even sure it's possible.
Mahira: This is the first I've heard of this place too, so it's all hypothetical.
Vajra: Well, I have faith in you!
Mahira: Mm... I'll do my best.
Mahira: On to my second suggestion. This is the one I favor, because I think it has a better chance of success.
Mahira: We could pass on our duties to Zooey, since she's the only one actually capable of going up there.
Zooey: To me?
Anila: But Zooey said she couldn't face the Joya.
Mahira: Not as she is now, no.
Andira: What does that mean?
Mahira: Zooey said she needed our powers.
Mahira: We can't go to the cosmos, so I think what she needs is for us to literally lend her our powers.
Mahira: Zooey, you realized that with our abilities you would be able to put the Joya in line, didn't you?
Zooey: That's right. If I had your powers, I would be able to stand against it.
Zooey: Then I could put a stop to this madness.
Lyria: So...
Mahira: Still, I don't think our powers alone will be enough.
Mahira: Ringing the Joya is a ritual which can only be performed by people with certain powers.
Mahira: Which means we'll have to train you as a priestess.
Zooey: A priestess?
Mahira: Yes. That would also give us a chance to judge whether you have what it takes to banish Kleshas.
Zooey: I see...
Mahira: Theoretically it's possible.
Mahira: If you can handle the power of a Divine General, you should be capable of anything.
Mahira: Not knowing something is just a chance to learn. Everyone has to start somewhere.
Anila: So the only options are for us to become able to reach an inaccessible realm...
Anila: Or to entrust our duty to Zooey, who isn't a Divine General.
Anila: We have to bet on the likeliest option.
Mahira: That's about the size of it.
Anila: Well done, Mahira. I never could have come up with such fine solutions.
Andira: Yeah, Mahi's the best! So now we need to teach Zooey how to banish Kleshas, right?
Vajra: Sounds like fun! I'm still in training myself, so we can train together!
Zooey: Thank you. I'm counting on you.
Mahira: I'll see what I can put together for the "into the cosmos" option. Just as Plan B.
Mahira: Huh... I guess this means those strange results I calculated when I was trying to track the Joya were actually correct?
Mahira: Cock-a-doodle-dum. Wing-a-doodle-fly.
Andira: Hehe, there she goes! Mahi's already going into calculation mode.
Anila: Heh heh... No use talking to her when she gets like that.
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 2: The Priestly Path - Episode 3
Before she can don the robes becoming of a priestess, Zooey has to undergo a purification rite. No sooner is she ready for training to begin than the generals sense another strong negative aura. They set out in pursuit.
The Divine Generals and the crew split up to prepare for the showdown with the Joya.
The plan to have Zooey carry out the Divine Generals' mission makes steady progress.
(Captain) and company have returned to the Grandcypher to do their part.
Anila: You need to dress properly to perform this ritual.
Anila: I was certain there was some extra priestess garb around here... Now where was it?
Andira: What did it look like? I'll help you search!
Anila: Thank you. You start over there, and I'll take this side...
As the two hunt for the priestess clothes, Vajra peers curiously at the dragons hovering around Zooey.
Vajra: I've been wondering for a while now. Are those dragons your partners?
Zooey: Yes. This one is Dyrn, and the other is Lyrn. They were born of my magic, but now they have minds of their own.
Vajra: Wow, from your magic? That's so cool!
Zooey: I can control them if I want to...
As Zooey speaks, the two dragons frolic around her, tugging at her hair.
Zooey: Hehe... But not all goes smoothly when I'm in skydweller form.
Vajra: Hahaha, the little rascals! They remind me of a few pups I could name back home.
Vajra: Hey, Mahi! Come look!
Mahira: Hm...
This is only a hypothetical value of X, but if I calculate based on that supposition...
This is only a hypothetical value of X, but if I calculate based on that supposition...
Vajra: Ahh, that's right. Can't disturb her while she's in calculation mode.
Vajra: Your dragons are really cool, but have you met Gar?
Garjana: ...
Vajra: He's strong and thoughtful and always there to help me out of a jam!
Zooey: I see.
Vajra: Gar is my right-hand canine, my buddy, my family, and the best partner in the skies!
Garjana: ...
Zooey: You're the strong but silent type, aren't you, Gar? And a paragon of loyalty.
Zooey: A worthy companion for one of the Twelve Divine Generals.
Vajra: Hahaha! Right?
Andira: Ah! Anila, is this the right box?
Anila: That's the one. Nice work, Andira.
Anila: All right, Zooey. I'll need you to cleanse your body, then change into these clothes.
Zooey: Cleanse my body?
Vajra: A purification rite! C'mon, let's go!
Zooey: What kind of rite is this?
A little while later, a properly purified Zooey dons her priestess garb.
Zooey: Wwaachoo!
Zooey: Nnnh... Purification is no simple feat. But I suppose you all had to go through it.
Vajra: Yeah, you're starting to look the part now!
Anila: Indeed you are. And the clothes suit you.
Zooey: Do you think so? That's nice to hear.
Zooey: But let's get down to business. Please teach me how to banish Kleshas.
Anila: Don't be hasty. There's nothing we can teach you until we actually have some negative emotions to banish.
Vajra: !
Vajra: Strong Kleshas incoming!
Anila: Huh? That's almost too much of a coincidence.
Anila: Zooey, I want you to watch us perform our duty, so you can begin to understand how our abilities work.
Zooey: Understood.
Vajra: I'll go get (Captain) and the others!
Andira: Mahi, hold down the fort till we get back!
Mahira: Mm, yes.
This would be the optimal position for the tail assembly.
This would be the optimal position for the tail assembly.
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 2: The Priestly Path - Episode 4
On another island, Erunes possessed by Kleshas try to run Human and Harvin children out of their village. A Draph priest appears and banishes their evil thoughts with his flute.
Meanwhile on another island...
Human Boy: ...
Harvin Boy: ...
Demagogue: Gong! This land belongs to the Erunes. No one else is welcome here.
Demagogue: We are proud Erunes.
Demagogue: Peace will only flourish when the Erunes live here alone, gong.
Demagogue: Variation is a sin. Appearance, ability, thought... Differentiation of any sort is the root of conflict.
Demagogue: It is only right that we weed it out, for the sake of peace!
Enthralled Erune 1: That's right! Get out, gong! We don't need Humans in this village!
Human Boy: ...
Enthralled Erune 3: You too, pip-squeak! You should just clear out!
Harvin Boy: ...
Enthralled Erune 2: All you do is make trouble for the rest of us!
Enthralled Throng: Yeah, gong! Get out!
???: Ooooh...
Enthralled Erune 1: What was that?
???: ...
Enthralled Erune 3: Who the heck are you?
???: I am a wandering monk who travels among the islands in search of forbidden requiems that lie in ancient ruins.
Enthralled Erune 2: Well? What business do you have here, gong?
???: Drifting through this world, I alight on this island to find base ignorance—the stain of Avidya—running rampant.
???: Such sadness.
Such wretchedness.
Such wretchedness.
Enthralled Erune 1: Listen, you creep...
Enthralled Erune 1: Gong back to Valtz or wherever you're from!
???: To divide and devalue one's neighbors—Could there be greater folly, deeper impoverishment of spirit?
???: This humble priest cannot allow such foolishness to pass.
Enthralled Erune 2: You've got a gate over yer yap, so why don't you shut it! Or do you need it gonged for you?
???: Poor souls, so twisted by temptation that reason no longer reaches you.
???: Come, let my flute bring peace to your storm-tossed souls.
The man produces a flute and brings it to his lips.
The deep, pure notes weave through the crowd, quelling the turmoil in those souls distorted by their darkest yearnings.
Enthralled Erune 2: What... What is that sound?
Enthralled Erune 1: Stop... playing... gong...
As the melody envelops them, the adults in the area lose consciousness and collapse one by one.
Human Boy: Are they asleep?
The dumbfounded boy—quaking with fear behind the stranger—ventures a tentative question.
The man ruffles the boy's hair and speaks in the gentlest voice he can muster.
???: Fear not, young one. I merely soothed the fever of these people poisoned by evil thoughts.
Harvin Boy: Evil... thoughts?
???: Unforgettable desires slumber in the heart of every mortal.
???: When allowed to go unchecked, they lead people astray into the worst kinds of folly...
???: Your neighbors were blinded to the light of reason, clinging doggedly to their mistaken beliefs.
???: The violence of their words was the product of evil thoughts allowed to fester like an untreated wound.
Human Boy: Oh...
???: I have taken their pain and will shoulder it in their stead.
???: Happiness in this life is found when one looks honestly at oneself.
???: Though their path be mired in darkness, never forget that it leads into the light.
Human Boy: ...
Okay! I understand.
Okay! I understand.
Harvin Boy: Thank you, mister!
???: How rewarding a thing is a child's smile... It is peace itself.
???: These people should soon regain their senses now that they have thrown off the yoke of their Kleshas...
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 3: Shadows of Doubt - Episode 1
At their next stop, the Divine Generals are thronged by devotees. While the others humor their hosts, Vajra and Zooey head out to investigate the source of the Kleshas.
Vajra: That's strange. The Kleshas I was sensing in that direction suddenly vanished.
Lyria: What's the matter?
Vajra: I sensed some other strong negativity off that way, but it seems to have disappeared.
Andira: Huh? Kleshas don't just disappear on their own, do they?
Vajra: That's why I'm confused...
Vajra: But anyway, we're here! What we're after is on that island there!
Rosine is a crew member
Lyria: Wait... Haven't we visited this island before?
Villager 1: Oh my... Are you...
Anila: Forgive the unannounced visit. You see, we sensed the presence of strong Kleshas—
Villager 1: The Divine Generals!
As word spreads that three of the Divine Generals have come to the island to perform their duty, the residents fly into a frenzy of preparation to show their hospitality.
Villager 1: Welcome to our humble island. We are honored to have you. Gong.
Villager 1: We don't have much, but we certainly hope you'll enjoy your time with us... Gong.
The residents set plate after plate in front of their guests.
Vyrn: This is an awesome spread! You generals sure are popular!
Anila: It isn't us individually. The name of the Twelve Divine Generals has been famed throughout the skies since time out of mind.
Anila: In particularly devout areas it is not uncommon for us to be welcomed this way.
Vyrn: Sure, but do we have the time to be relaxing like this?
Vajra: He has a point. Let's get back to finding the source of negativity.
Anila: Indeed. We should be going...
Villager 2: Ah, wait, Lady Anila!
Villager 2: We prepared this tribute especially for you! Gong.
Anila: Hm?
Villager 2: Three years ago, I visited the South-Southwest Sheep Temple... Gong.
Anila: Ah, I see...
Villager 3: L-Lady Andira! I have something to tell you as well! Gong.
Andira: Me?
Villager 3: Yes. I still haven't given you thanks for the blessing you granted me two years ago! I want to show you my gratitude now, gong!
Andira: There's no need. I was only doing my duty as Guardian of the West-Southwest.
Andira: Nothing makes me happier than knowing that a visit to my temple brought you good fortune.
The generals are suddenly thronged by their devout believers. Unable to brush them off, Anila and the others find themselves at a loss.
Vyrn: Wow... This is nearly as bad as the New Year's crowds at their temples.
Andira: Please, everyone, don't push! Someone's going to get hurt!
Anila: Responding to their piety and lending them support is also part of our duty...
Anila: I apologize...
Vajra: Well, yes! That also comes with the territory!
Vajra: But you don't need all of us for that, so why don't I leave this to you?
Vajra: Gar, Zooey, and I will sniff around the island and see if we can find the source.
Anila: Good idea. When we finish here, we'll join you.
Villager 3: Lady Vajra, please don't go! Gong.
Vajra: Oh, I'm all welcomed out. Just make sure you treat the rest of my friends right, okay?
Zooey: Shall we?
(Captain) and company stay with Anila and Andira.
Villager 1: (The real Divine Generals wouldn't split up. I smell a rat. Do you think these kids are the miscreants we've been looking for?)
Villager 2: (How dare they pose as Divine Generals! As if they could fool us!)
Villager 3: (As if it wasn't enough that they kidnapped our precious granny! Gong!)
Villager 2: (We can't let on. Who knows what they'll do if they realize we're onto them!)
Andira: Hm...
Villager 3: Uh... Lady Andira... is something gong?
Andira: Nope. Don't mind me.
Villager 3: Come, come! More food! We can't let our guests' plates stay empty! Gong.
Andira: ...
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 3: Shadows of Doubt - Episode 2
Vajra and Zooey find Rosine in the woods, where the old woman has been stranded since her back went out. Rosine gives them senbei as thanks for saving her. Zooey senses a strange power baked into the rice crackers.
Vajra: Why is this island so big? I can sense something, but it's awfully diffuse...
Vajra: I got a faint whiff of it from the villagers who welcomed us earlier, but we really need to pin down the source.
Zooey: What is this source you keep mentioning?
Vajra: To put it simply, it's a poison. Just by existing, it risks contaminating everything around it.
Vajra: You can banish Kleshas all you want, but if you don't deal with the source, they'll only keep spreading.
Vajra: It seems the Joya is scattering that poison everywhere.
Zooey: I see. Thank you for sharing that with me.
Vajra: Haha, there's more where that came from!
Vajra: Hey, do you smell that? Something around here smells delicious.
Zooey: No, but I heard a voice just now.
???: Is... is someone there?
Vajra: Hey, you're right!
Hello? Where are you?
Hello? Where are you?
???: Oh, thank goodness! I'm over here!
Zooey: Rosine? What are you doing out here?
Rosine: Doughy! I'm so glad to see you!
Zooey: So you're the one who's been calling out to us.
Zooey: Are you all right? What are you doing out here?
Rosine: Oh my goodness me! I'm certainly glad to see you young ladies. My name is Rosine.
Continue 1Rosine: I'm terribly embarrassed, but the truth is I was out gathering some of the wild plants that grow in these mountains when my back went out. I've been stuck here since!
Rosine: I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't happened along!
Zooey: Lyria told me you were away visiting your hometown... It seems you've had rather an unlucky trip.
Rosine: I'm sorry to be such a bother to you all...
Rosine not in crew
Rosine: Thank you ever so much for saving me. What are your names?
Vajra: My name is Vajra. This is my partner, Garjana.
Zooey: My name is Zooey.
Rosine: Veggie, Garjaja, and Doughy?
Vajra: Eh?
Rosine: Tee hee hee. Your names are so precious.
Vajra: Um... My name is Vajra.
Rosine: Ah, yes. I see, I see...
Vajra: Haha, well, it's not important.
Vajra and Zooey help Rosine onto Garjana's back to bring her back to town.
Vajra: The nights are cold in the forest. You must've had a rough time of it.
Vajra: Don't strain yourself. Just relax and let Garjana carry you.
Rosine: Thank you so much.
Thank you too, Garjaja.
Thank you too, Garjaja.
Rosine: Oh, I almost forgot. Doughy, Veggie, how about some senbei?
Vajra: You have senbei?
Vajra: Yaay! Yes, please!
Zooey: Senbei? What's that?
Vajra: It's a crispy rice cracker. You'll love it!
Rosine: Here you are, dear.
Zooey: Ah, thank you.
Zooey: Crunch, crunch...
Zooey: What's going on? I suddenly feel all warm inside...
Rosine: Tee hee hee. That's because the secret ingredient is love, dear.
Zooey: Why is it that mortals can make such delicious food... that brings such warmth?
Zooey: And that isn't all. I sense a mysterious power hidden within this cracker.
Rosine: I'm glad you like it, dear.
Rosine: Shared meals always taste better.
Rosine: There's one for you too, Garjaja. There's a good boy.
Garjana: ...
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 3: Shadows of Doubt - Episode 3
The source of all the negative emotions on the island turns out to be a group of ne'er-do-wells. They accuse Zooey and Vajra of kidnapping Rosine and won't listen to reason until it comes to blows.
The little party make their way back, munching on rice crackers.
On their way they meet a group of villagers.
Villager 4: It seems a bunch of gonging kids came to town impersonating the Divine Generals!
Villager 5: They must be after Granny's senbei, gong!
Villager 6: There's no gongin' way we'll let them take it!
Vajra: Hm?
Vajra: Look, Zooey. We've found the poison. It's right here.
Zooey: Those people?
Vajra: Yes. They're harboring much stronger negativity than the villagers we met earlier.
Vajra: There's no time to get Anila and the others. We'll have to handle this ourselves.
Zooey: We're outnumbered. I can fight, but I don't know how to banish Kleshas.
Vajra: We'll figure something out! Make sure you watch how I do it, Zooey!
Zooey: Understood.
Villager 6: Who the gong are you?
Villager 6: Speak of the devil! What are you slimy so-and-sos whispering about over there, all sneaky-like?
Rosine: My, my, my. Hello, dear! Are you out for a stroll too?
Villager 6: Granny!
Villager 6: I knew it was you imposters who kidnapped Granny, gong!
Rosine: Eh?
Vajra: Huh?
Zooey: We've done no such thing.
Villager 5: Liar! What is Granny doing on your hellhound, then?
Zooey: I am no liar. We met her in the woods.
Villager 4: How stupid do you think we are, gong? She's been missing since yesterday, and now she shows up with you? You've been keeping her prisoner in the woods, haven't you!
Vajra: Hey, easy now. Take a breath.
Zooey: Listen to me. We found her lying at the base of a cliff—
Villager 6: A cliff! You pushed her off a cliff? Are you out of your minds?
Vajra: Hey, hey. Do you have wax in your ears?
Villager 5: You...
Villager 5: You heartless monsters! Gong!
Zooey: Heartless, you say...
Zooey: I know what great warmth mortal hearts are capable of.
Vajra: Zooey, it's not worth arguing with them. They've been poisoned by Vicikitsa. It clouds them with suspicion and doubt.
Zooey: Hm?
I see.
I see.
Villager 6: Enough chatter! Any fool can see that you kidnapped Granny!
Vajra: I'm starting to lose my patience. This is getting us nowhere.
Vajra: It's like talking to a brick wall without the people skills.
Villager 6: Silence! Give Granny back!
Vajra: Sure, whatever.
Are you ready, Zooey? Let's cool these guys off for a start.
Are you ready, Zooey? Let's cool these guys off for a start.
Zooey: Ready and waiting!
Villager 4: You're in for the clobbering of a lifetime, gooong!
Vajra: You're all fired up, huh?
Vajra: All right! Gimme your best shot!
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 4: The Captain's Pop Quiz - Episode 1
Vajra and Zooey return to find most of their friends asleep and Andira surrounded by irate villagers. Rosine frees the villagers from the Kleshas possessing them by feeding them all senbei. To better understand worldly thoughts, Zooey asks Vajra to explain Kleshas.
Anila: Zzz...
Lyria: Zzz... Mmm...
Vyrn: Zzzzz...
With the crew snoring peacefully all around her, Andira alone remains sleepless.
Andira: I thought it was strange. The aura of a Klesha pervades this entire island...
Andira: Every single resident has been possessed by Vicikitsa. They're filled with suspicion.
Villager 1: ...
Andira: There was sleeping powder in the food, wasn't there? What was your plan exactly?
Villager 3: Damn, so you figured it out! Why didn't it affect you?
Villager 3: Didn't you eat any of the food?
Andira: No. Something smelled fishy about the whole thing.
Villager 3: What did you say, gong?
Andira: Oh, I did have some water. I guess no one tampered with that.
Villager 2: What an ungrateful little brat. You should accept people's hospitality graciously, like your little friends.
Andira: The Joya's influence is so strong here that (Captain) and the crew's resistance to temptation was bound to weaken.
Andira: Anila is too softhearted to baldly refuse someone's kindness.
Andira: And I'm not that good with new people.
Villager 2: What an unpleasant child you are, gong!
Villager 3: That's why we couldn't trust you!
Villager 3: Besides, you're the ones who kidnapped our granny!
Andira: Eh? What are you talking about?
Villager 1: She's just one little kid! Grab her, tie her up, and make her cough up where she's keeping Granny!
Villager 2: Get her! Gong!
Andira: Adults ganging up on one little kid...
Andira: Out of control negativity really is a poison!
Andira: But I'll bring you back to your senses!
Andira pulls out a few strands of her hair and blows on them.
Andira: Infinite diversity in infinite combinations... Transform!
Andira: You watch over Anila and the others and keep them safe!
Villager 1: That technique... Are you really Lady Andira?
Villager 2: It's just a trick! Has to be! There's no way the real Divine Generals would visit this backwater village!
Andira: You still doubt my identity, even now?
Andira: Uuugh, you're hopeless!
Andira: Light as a feather... Come, my cloud!
Andira: Here we go!
Andira: Absolute freedom in endless skies!
Andira: Go, Nyoi Bo!
Villager 3: Waugh! What are you doing! Stop it this instant!
Andira: You said you lost a beloved grandmother... Why aren't you out looking for her?
Andira: This is no time to be chasing your own tails! Wake up!
Vajra: Hm? What's going on here?
Andira: Rara!
Andira: The food was laced with sleeping powder. Anila, (Captain), and the others are all out cold!
Vajra: What? There's just no end to the bad behavior on this island. Need a hand teaching them a lesson?
Andira: No, wait. These people lost someone important to them, and—
Zooey: Everyone, listen!
Villager 1: Gong?
Andira: Eh?
Vajra: Hm?
Zooey: Let's all eat these senbei together!
Standing beside Zooey is none other than Rosine with a huge batch of freshly-baked rice crackers.
Rosine: Tee hee hee.
Villager 3: Rosine, gong!
Villager 2: Granny!
Rosine: The senbei is ready, everyone.
The villagers are startled to see Rosine.
Villager 3: Is it really you? Are you really Rosine?
The wide-eyed villagers stare at their beloved granny.
Under the influence of Vicikitsa, however, they still seem unable to trust the evidence before their eyes.
Andira: So their missing person was Rosine.
Andira: So this is the granny everyone was missing.
Rosine: Dear me... What's wrong?
Villager 3: What's wrong?
Villager 3: I don't know if I can trust you!
Villager 2: What if you're an imposter too?
Rosine: What's that?
Rosine: Oh yes, oh yes. Listen, everyone. May I say something?
Rosine: Tee hee hee. I've gone and baked a whole mountain of senbei.
With a bright smile, Rosine walks around and presses a freshly-baked cracker into each villager's hand.
Rosine: Eat up, everyone.
Rosine: We'll have ourselves a nice little tea party.
Rosine doesn't give them a chance to refuse. Her smile and her kindness begin to loosen the bonds of doubt binding her fellow villagers.
As they obediently eat the rice crackers Rosine baked for them, the forbidding atmosphere begins to lighten, and the villagers' expressions relax.
Villager 4: This is... Rosine's cooking!
Villager 2: Oh my... What have we been doing?
The sunshine of Rosine's smile and the familiar, homemade taste of her baking cleanses the suspicion from the villagers' hearts.
Zooey: I knew it...
Rosine: I'm dreadfully sorry I caused you all to worry so much by going off into the woods alone.
Rosine: Can you ever forgive me?
Rosine: I promise not to travel by myself anymore. I couldn't stand to think of you all worrying on my account.
Through the good offices of the Divine Generals and the power of senbei, everyone on the island is freed from the influence of the Klesha.
And so the island returns to normal, filled with kind, peaceful residents.
Andira: Say, Rara. We did actually purify the island of its poison, didn't we?
Vajra: Yes. It was clinging to the villagers who were wandering around in the forest.
Andira: Glad to hear it.
I never realized just how dangerous Vicikitsa could be.
I never realized just how dangerous Vicikitsa could be.
Vajra: Me neither. But that doubt took hold because of how worried everyone was about their granny.
Vajra: Which is proof of just how strong the bonds are between the villagers. This is a pretty nice place!
Zooey: It truly is.
Vajra: What should we do now though?
With Vicikitsa banished from the villagers' hearts, Vajra and the others are back on the Grandcypher enjoying a moment of calm.
Beside them, (Captain) and the others are still sawing logs.
Vajra: We can't really lift off until (Captain) wakes up.
Andira: True. I don't think any of them will be up for a while either...
Andira: Yawn...
I ate too many senbei. I'm stuffed...
I ate too many senbei. I'm stuffed...
Andira: I'm starting to think (Captain) and the others have the right idea. Good night...
Zooey: Andira's asleep too. She must be tired. She had to handle things here while we were gone.
Vajra: Yeah, and by herself too.
Zooey and Vajra stand guard over the Grandcypher while they wait for everyone else to wake up.
Zooey: Vajra, may I ask you something?
Vajra: Of course you can! What's up?
Zooey: Just what are Kleshas?
Vajra: Kleshas?
Zooey: I've given it a lot of thought, but I can't puzzle it out on my own.
Zooey: I don't have worldly thoughts or desires. That's why I need your powers.
Zooey: If I am to serve as a priestess for a time, I feel like I should better understand the concept.
Vajra: Hmm. It's kinda tough to put into words.
Vajra: "Worldly desire" is an easy way of putting it, but you can't just lump all Kleshas together under "greed."
Zooey: Hm... All right.
Zooey: ...
Vajra: ...
Vajra: Zooey, why are you in such a rush?
Vajra: We're working together now!
Zooey: ...?
Vajra: Where you fall short, we'll pick up the slack. If there's something we can't do, you'll step in.
Vajra: Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Gar's always helping me out too.
Vajra: Agonizing over what you don't know won't help you learn it. You have to pick things up as you go along, bit by bit. That's what I do anyway.
Zooey: ...
Zooey: You have a point... Maybe I was worrying too much about my shortcomings.
Zooey: Working together...
Zooey: Yes. You're absolutely right. Thank you.
Vajra: Oh! But that desire you have to learn is kind of worldly, isn't it?
Zooey: Eh?
Vajra: Too much selfishness can lead to disaster...
Vajra: But everyone needs to think of themselves at least a little. How else would they have hopes or aspirations?
Vajra: For example, you want to learn about Kleshas.
Vajra: You need to know in order to better accomplish your mission, right?
Vajra: That's a bona fide worldly desire right there.
Zooey: Really? So even I can harbor Kleshas?
Vajra: Hehe. It's fun talking to you, Zooey. You're so serious.
Zooey: I see. I'm fun to talk to.
Vajra: All right! I'm gonna take Gar for a walk and do a little patrol while we're at it.
Vajra: Can you, Dyrn, and Lyrn guard the ship while I'm gone?
Zooey: You can count on us.
Dyrn: ...
Lyrn: ...
Zooey waves goodbye to Vajra and Garjana from the Grandcypher deck.
Zooey: ...
Zooey: Can I really learn to banish Kleshas?
Vyrn: Yaaawn...
What a great nap...
What a great nap...
Lyria: Mmmm...
Lyria: Oh, good morning, Vyrn, Zooey...
Zooey: Good morning. Is (Captain) awake yet?
Vyrn: (Captain)? Nope. Still in dreamland.
Vyrn: Hey, when did we go to sleep anyhow? Last thing I remember, we were having a feast in the village...
Zooey fills the two sleepyheads in on what happened.
Lyria: Oh my goodness!
Vyrn: Wow, you guys had it rough while we were taking a snooze.
Lyria: I'm so sorry... We were fast asleep when you could've used our help...
Zooey: It isn't your fault. Kleshas were to blame.
Vyrn: Say, why are you the only one here, Miss Flippy-Hair?
Zooey: Andira and Anila are asleep. Vajra and Garjana went out on patrol.
Lyria: So that's why the three of you are on watch!
Meanwhile...
(Captain) wakes up belowdecks and blinks around at the room.
Somehow the familiar quarters feel a little off...
Choose: Where... am I, gong?
A glance to the side reveals that Vyrn is nowhere to be found.
Lyria: Oh, (Captain). Good morning...
Lyria: Well, more like afternoon. Ehehe.
Zooey: Ah, you're awake. Everyone else is already—
Choose: Where's Vyrn, gong?
Lyria: Huh? He's right—
Vyrn: Hey, sleeping beauty! Nice of you to join us!
The sight of Vyrn makes (Captain)'s brow furrow.
Vyrn: Hey, what's wrong?
Choose: You're not Vyrn, gong!
Vyrn: Huh? What's up with you?
Vyrn: Are you sleepwalkin' or something? You know who I am!
Lyria: Wait, Vyrn! Something's not right. What's with those "gongs"?
Zooey: (Captain) looks just like those villagers did when they couldn't even believe their own eyes.
Vyrn: You're right!
(Captain), don't tell me you—
(Captain), don't tell me you—
Lyria: (Captain)'s been infected by Vicikitsa?
Vyrn: You gotta be kidding me!
Vyrn: (Captain), get a grip!
Lyria: The Kleshas got (Captain)! What do we do, what do we do?
With Anila and Andira asleep, it would seem there is nothing to do but wait for Vajra to return. However...
Zooey: Don't worry.
Lyria: Huh?
Zooey stares keenly at (Captain) for a long moment... then whips a senbei out of her pocket.
A delicious aroma wafts from the little rice cracker.
Zooey: Eat this, (Captain).
Zooey: It was enough to banish the suspicions of those villagers, so it should work on you.
(Captain) eyes the senbei dubiously, suspicious of what might be in it.
(Captain) turns away.
Zooey: You don't want it?
Vyrn: Of course not... If even my handsome mug doesn't look familiar...
Vyrn: No way are snacks from a stranger gonna sound like a good idea!
Lyria: Yeah...
Lyria: Total stranger danger...
Zooey: Humph. There's always force-feeding.
Lyria: Don't do that! (Captain) could choke!
Zooey: That's true...
Lyria: Um, let's take a rain check on the senbei, okay? I'm sure (Captain) will enjoy it once the whole possession thing is sorted.
Zooey: Very well.
Zooey's shoulders sag in defeat, the proffered cracker still in her hand.
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 4: The Captain's Pop Quiz - Episode 2
(Captain) wakes up possessed by the same doubt which plagued the villagers. To prove he is the real Vyrn, the little dragon must answer question after question from his suspicious captain.
(Captain) finally shakes off the effects of the sleeping powder.
But the crew's relief is short-lived, as it seems their captain has been possessed by Vicikitsa and lost the ability to trust.
Vyrn: Have you really forgotten me, (Captain)?
Lyria: (Captain), this is the real Vyrn! I promise!
Choose: Prove it, gong!
Vyrn: Prove it how?
(Captain) ponders for a moment before hitting on an idea.
Choose: You have to answer my questions, gong!
Vyrn: What questions?
The captain explains that only the one true Vyrn, (Captain)'s constant companion, would know the answers to these questions.
Zooey: That makes sense.
Vyrn: W-well, bring it on then!
Vyrn: I... I know you like the back of my hand, (Captain)! No way can you stump me!
Lyria: Vyrn...
Zooey: A test of the bonds of friendship... This is truly fascinating.
(Captain) thinks back over their adventures...
(Captain): When we visited Levin... You remember Albert, leader of the Sky Knights? What was his best friend's name?
Vyrn: That's easy!
Choose: Yurius
Vyrn: It was Yurius!
Lyria: Hehe, that was easy!
Despite Vyrn's correct answer, the suspicion in (Captain)'s eyes remains unchanged.
Choose: Lucius
Vyrn: Uh... Wasn't it Lucius?
Lyria: V-Vyrn, that's not—
(Captain)'s suspicion deepens.
Choose: Heles
Vyrn: Um... Heles? Or something... like that. Right?
Lyria: Aaah, Vyrn, that's not it...
(Captain)'s expression grows colder and more closed off.
Continue 1Lyria: Come on, Vyrn, you can do it!
Forbidden to help by (Captain), Lyria looks on anxiously.
(Captain): When we were up against the greatest crisis we'd ever faced, Lyria came up with a special technique for me. What was it, gong?
Lyria: Vyrn, you know this one! It's that one! You know...
Vyrn: Okay, don't tell me...
Choose: Ultimate Flash
Vyrn: Was it Ultimate Flash?
Lyria: Oh, Vyrn, think! It was something more captainy!
Choose: Go Go Captain Punch
Lyria: Yaaay! Vyrn, you remembered!
Vyrn: Of course I did! The three of us are partners!
Choose: Lohen Wolf
Lyria: Noooo!
Vyrn: Wait, wait, do-over! I wasn't ready!
Continue 2Zooey: Haha. Lyria is quite the reliable ally.
Vyrn: What's next? Keep 'em comin'!
(Captain): Which alchemist gonged the ultimate alchemical riddle of existential dissolution?
Vyrn: It was...
Choose: Clarisse
Vyrn: Clarisse!
Lyria: Nice going, Vyrn!
Choose: Cagliostro
Vyrn: Uh... It had to be Cagliostro, right?
Lyria: Ahhh, Vyrn, no!
Choose: Promethia
Vyrn: Wait, I know... Wasn't it Clarisse's mom?
Lyria: You're not even close! Vyrn, you silly lizard!
Vyrn: Huh? Lyria, how could you!
Continue 3Zooey: I'm learning so much. Perhaps I ought to take notes.
Vyrn: I'm not just a pretty face, y'know!
(Captain): When the three of us cooked for Charlotta, captain of the Lumiel Order of Holy Knights, name the song Lyria sang for us, gong!
Vyrn: Ha! That's a cinch!
Choose: The Cooking Song
Vyrn: She sang The Cooking Song!
Lyria: I knew you'd remember, Vyrn! After all, we wrote the lyrics together.
Choose: Someone's in the Kitchen with Dante
Vyrn: Uh... It's right on the tip of my tongue... It was... Someone's in the Kitchen with Dante!
Lyria: No! I can't believe you forgot, Vyrn. We sang it together!
Choose: Delicious Bread
Vyrn: Delicious Bread? That has a familiar ring to it, but I'm not so sure...
Lyria: You're so close! That's the song we sang when we cooked with Baotorda.
Continue 4Zooey: Lyria, you seem to have all the answers, but it's not getting any easier...
Lyria: I'm sure Vyrn knows! He never leaves (Captain)'s side!
Lyria: I believe in you, Vyrn!
(Captain): Tell me Jasmine's ranger name, gong!
Choose: Turquoise
Vyrn: Turquoise! That's it, right?
Lyria: No... That's what Walder kept calling her by accident.
Vyrn: Dang it! That goofball got it stuck in my head!
Choose: Tiger's Eye
Vyrn: It was Tiger's Eye! No doubt about it!
Lyria: You got it! Hee hee. Jasmine really liked it too.
Choose: Onyx
Vyrn: Hmm... Come on, I've got this. It was Onyx, or something...
Lyria: I don't think there even was an Onyx Ranger.
Continue 5Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 4: The Captain's Pop Quiz - Episode 3
With no help on the horizon from any of the Divine Generals, Vyrn does his best to answer increasingly tricky questions about his adventures with (Captain).
(Captain) is as suspicious as ever, and there's still no sign of the Divine Generals.
The captain continues to grill Vyrn while Lyria and Zooey look on.
(Captain): What kind of seafood did we eat last summer with the Eternals, gong?
Choose: Sea urkin
Vyrn: Sea urkin!
Lyria: Nice going, Vyrn!
Vyrn: How could I forget? I still have dreams about that meal!
Choose: Ultra-megacrab
Vyrn: Wasn't it ultra-megacrab, or something like that?
Lyria: That's... kind of close... I think the crab came earlier though...
Choose: Watermelon
Vyrn: Seafood... seafood...
Uhh... watermelon?
Uhh... watermelon?
Lyria: Vyrn... You're not old enough to make dad jokes...
Continue 1(Captain): Gong. Do you remember Anne, the most talented student at Mysteria Academy? What did she summon with her magic?
Choose: Ghosts
Vyrn: Summoning is all about talking to ghosts, right?
Lyria: No! If it was that easy, this wouldn't make much of a test!
Choose: Procris
Vyrn: Oh, I know. It was Procris.
Lyria: Well, that was sort of a summoning... But I'm
the one controlling Procris now.
Choose: Paragon spirits
Vyrn: Paragon spirits! Io was going on about how impressed she was with Anne for doing it.
Lyria: Yeah! That really blew Io away!
Continue 2Zooey: I didn't think mortals could wield such power... Skydwellers never cease to amaze me.
(Captain): Who do Dorothy and Claudia work for on Sharom Island, gong?
Choose: Constance
Vyrn: Her name is Constance! I wouldn't forget Ms. Queeny.
Lyria: Hehe. I wonder how Constance is doing.
Choose: Constantia
Vyrn: Constan... tia?
Lyria: Vyrn, you need some memory training!
Choose: Constantinople
Vyrn: Constantinople!
Vyrn: No wait, let me change it!
Lyria: People might like it better that way.
Continue 3(Captain): What was the main ingredient of the pillow kebabs we ate in Akino, gong?
Choose: Beans
Vyrn: Beans!
Lyria: They were so good! Ooh, I wanna go back and have some more!
Choose: Pillows
Vyrn: Well, pillow is right in the name, so... that?
Zooey: So... pillows are in fact edible... I will have to try them.
Lyria: Zooey, please don't take a bite out of your pillow. That was a complete shot in the dark.
Choose: Eggs
Vyrn: Eggs? I feel like I remember kind of an eggy flavor...
Lyria: Huh? Really? I could've sworn there was bean paste involved...
Continue 4Vyrn: Aren't we done yet?
Vyrn: Grrr... I'm not going out without a fight!
(Captain): Vice-Captain Vane was in charge of one team of White Dragon recruits during their entrance exam. What was their team name, gong?
Vyrn: Okay, now this I know...
Choose: Team Kitten
Vyrn: Team... Kitten?
Lyria: Noooo!
Lyria: Although... that would be pretty cute.
Choose: Team Chickadee
Vyrn: It was Team Chickadee! Vane introduced us all.
Lyria: Yes! Hehe, I love that name. So cute!
Choose: Team Chicken Strips
Vyrn: Team Chicken Strips, or something in that neighborhood?
Lyria: That's not it...
Lyria: And you're making me hungry, Vyrn!
Continue 5Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 4: The Captain's Pop Quiz - Episode 4
Vajra encounters Bakura, who uses his flute to exorcise Kleshas from a villager. Impressed with his abilities, Vajra brings Bakura back to the Grandcypher.
While Vyrn is battling his way through (Captain)'s pop quiz, Vajra noses out the aura of more Kleshas.
Vajra: We're getting closer... There's more poison ahead.
Vajra: I'll go on foot from here. Thanks, Gar.
As she alights from Garjana's back, the pair's ears prick at the sound of movement.
Vajra: Hear that, Gar? We've got company.
Enthralled Villager: The Kleshas gathered by the Joya have been banished yet again, gong!
Enthralled Villager: I must report to the Joya! How dare these impudent mortals defy its glorious gong! I'll report them all!
Bakura: ...
Enthralled Villager: Who gongs there?
Bakura: My flute plays to herald the approach of someone bound by worldly misery.
Enthralled Villager: Who the gong are you!
Bakura: I have come to bring salvation to the afflicted.
Enthralled Villager: Gibberish! You're here to interfere with the Joya, aren't you!
Bakura: Poor soul, enmeshed in desire. My flute will banish the evil thoughts enshrouding you.
Bakura: Shake off your bonds and return to the light...
Vajra: What's he up to?
Vajra: That music...
Vajra: What a haunting melody. Filled with kindness, and yet so melancholy...
Enthralled Villager: Urrgh... S-stop, gong... Joya...
Freed Villager: ...?
Huh?
Huh?
Freed Villager: What was I just... What have I been doing all this time?
Vajra: The Kleshas are gone...
Bakura: ...?
Vajra: So the Joya escaped and started scattering Kleshas everywhere. It's been chaos.
Bakura: The Joya's outburst has invited quite the calamity.
Vajra: Yeah. But I never thought I'd see anyone banishing Kleshas with a flute! That was really something!
Bakura: I merely soothed a tormented soul. That is a far cry from banishment.
Vajra: The important thing is you exorcised what was possessing him.
Bakura: To bring him peace, I severed the bonds chaining his soul to worldly things. The Kleshas were deprived of their host.
Vajra: Oookay. I don't really get the mechanics, but I still think you and your flute are a force to be reckoned with!
Bakura is a crew member
Vajra: We should be getting back to the Grandcypher.
Bakura not in crew
Vajra: Hey, where are my manners? I'm Vajra, and this is Garjana.
Vajra: You're traveling around helping people who've been overcome by Kleshas, right?
Vajra: We're pretty much doing the same thing. Why don't you come along?
Continue 1Bakura: Very well.
Lyria: Don't give up, Vyrn! I know you can do it!
Zooey: Vyrn, look at (Captain)'s eyes. Your captain still doesn't believe you.
Vyrn: I... I know!
Vyrn: Dang it, (Captain)! I want my partner back!
Vajra and her companions return to the Grandcypher to find a strange scene unfolding.
Vajra: What's going on here? What are you guys up to?
Lyria: Vajra! Help! Can you turn (Captain) back to normal?
Vyrn: (Captain) caught a bad case of Vicikitsa. Keeps saying I'm an imposter, no matter how much proof I give!
Vajra: Wow, I turn my back for a second...
Zooey: I tried using a senbei, but (Captain) wouldn't eat it...
Bakura: Allow me.
Bakura is a crew member
Lyria: Bakura!
Vyrn: Mad Hatter!
Bakura: To think that a kind soul like (Captain), so devoted to friendship, could doubt the most steadfast of companions...
Bakura not in crew
Lyria: Oh! Who is this?
Vajra: This is Bakura! He's gonna be a huge help banishing Kleshas!
Bakura: A crew forgotten by its captain... Could there be a sadder sight?
Continue 2As Bakura plays, the mask of suspicion on (Captain)'s face begins to crack.
Vyrn: Is... Is it working?
As the melody winds to a close, the pain and doubt cedes to (Captain)'s familiar, gentle expression.
Vyrn: (Captain)... Are you...
Lyria: You're back to normal, aren't you? Oh, thank goodness!
The memories of being possessed by Vicikitsa flood back, and (Captain) grabs Vyrn in a fierce hug.
Vyrn: Yooou...
Vyrn: You big doofus! How could you forget your partner! After all we've been through together!
Vyrn burrows into (Captain)'s arms, crying tears of relief.
Zooey: So this power is not limited to Rosine's senbei... Bakura's flute is also effective...
Zooey: ...
Anila: Mmmm...
I feel like I slept for ages...
I feel like I slept for ages...
Andira: Hmm? What's up with all of you?
The crew gains another strong ally in the struggle against the negative emotions pervading the skies.
And now they are almost prepared to take the fight to the Joya.
Zooey: ...
Zooey: I have something to say.
Zooey: I would like to withdraw from priestess training.
Anila: What are you saying?
Andira: Zooey, you're the only one who can reach the cosmos. Without you...
Zooey: I'm sorry to have wasted your efforts, but watching you has made me realize what needs to be done.
Zooey: I know what my role is in all this.
Zooey: Can you give me some time to prepare?
Zooey: So that we can stop the Joya and avert calamity...
Vajra: ...
Zooey: Until I'm ready... I'm entrusting the skies to you.
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 5: Fandom Furor - Episode 1
The frustrated Joya distills a host of Kleshas into their most potent form and pours them into the charismatic Aoidos. With his music as a vehicle, negative emotions spread throughout the skies.
Joya: Gong...
Gooong...
Gooong...
The Kleshas which rained down on the skies have vanished.
Joya: Gong...
Gooong...
Gooong...
Try though the Joya might to flood the world with negative emotions, somehow balance persists.
The bell's designs to lure skydwellers down the path of self-destruction remain unrealized.
Joya: Gong...
Gooong...
Gooong...
The Joya ruminates. How to foil these fools who stand in its way?
What it needs is a patsy. Someone with the ability to spread the negativity the Joya has stored far and wide to the four corners of the skies.
Joya: Gong...
Gooong...
Gooong...
Joya: Gooong...
Gooooong!
Gooooong!
Joya: Gooong...
Goooong...
Goooong...
Passion that borders on madness. The roar of a crowd whose screams of appreciation could as easily be taken for agony or rage.
The source of this maelstrom of adulation stands at its center.
The musician's fingers fly furiously over his instrument.
Aoidos: ...
Fangirl: Aoidoooos!
Fanboy: Haven! Haven! Haven!
Aoidos's music swirls around his audience, seizing them in its current, whipping them into his orbit.
Joya: Gong...
Gooong...
Gooong...
As the Joya observes, it begins to condense the Kleshas it has gathered from all over the skies.
It distills them into the purest, most potent negativity imaginable...
And pours it down on Aoidos.
Aoidos: Ahhhh!
Sound is the perfect medium to spread the Joya's message. And what better mouthpiece could there be than this charismatic musician who holds so many souls in his sway?
Aoidos's voice rises over the heads of the crowd. It swells until the air vibrates, until the very ground trembles beneath their feet.
Woman: Hm... He's usually home by now... Where could he be?
Woman: What... What's that sound?
Woman: !
Woman: He's cheating on me, isn't he, gong!
Woman: If he thinks he can play me, he's got another thing gonging! I'll wring his scrawny neck!
Apprentice: Is this right?
Senior Apprentice: Hey, watch it! You gotta hold it like this, see? I'm always tellin' ya—
Senior Apprentice: Hey. Do you hear music?
Senior Apprentice: ...!
Apprentice: !
Senior Apprentice: Are you listening to me, you little screwup? How many times are you gonna waste my time like this, gong!
Apprentice: If I'm a screwup, it's because you're a lousy teacher!
Senior Apprentice: Say that again an' I'll gong you into next week!
Apprentice: Gimme your best shot! I've been wanting to smack the smug off you since we met!
Joya: Gong...
Gooong...
Gooong...
Aoidos's song draws all who hear it into chaos. As it rumbles through the skies, the storm of Kleshas leaves mayhem in its wake.
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 5: Fandom Furor - Episode 2
Mahira finishes her invention meant to take the generals to the cosmos and hurries to rejoin her friends. Meanwhile (Captain) and the others spot the descending Joya and head to Aoidos's concert venue to intercept.
Mahira: Finished...
This entire time, Mahira has been working on her plan to address their cosmic problem.
At last she sets down her tools and wipes her brow.
Mahira: This reminds me of when I used to gaze up at the sky and wish for flight...
Mahira: I never thought I'd be sending my friends to even greater heights...
Mahira: I'm a little conflicted...
Mahira looks out her window onto a dark and forbidding sky.
Mahira: Kleshas...
She had split off from the group to pursue the possibility of reaching the cosmos.
Now the sight of the Kleshas' taint gradually staining the skies gives her pause.
Mahira: I hope they're all right...
Anila: The Joya went down in that direction, right?
Vajra: Yeah! It should be northwest of here!
When they spot the Joya descending from the cosmos, (Captain) and company hurry to intercept it.
Anila: What... is this? It's like the sound itself is slithering over my skin... It's foul!
Andira: I can feel it all through me... Like it's in my bones...
Andira: It's like the Kleshas are dancing in step with it, growing stronger with every beat of the music...
The music roars around them, bringing with it the ever more oppressive aura of negative emotions.
The sound pulses through the air, making ears ring and teeth chatter, relentlessly bombarding the crew with Kleshas.
Vajra: Cover your ears! Stay calm and centered!
Anila: Bakura, can't you cancel it out with your flute?
Bakura: Against this clamor, my flute's voice would be like the buzz of a beetle's wings in the face of a gale.
Anila: Of course... I apologize!
Vajra: Gar, if it looks like I'm losing my grip, I want you to bite my hand.
Vajra: Or my leg. Just make sure I keep my head!
Garjana: ...
Lyria: (Captain), are you okay? I brought lots of senbei!
Vyrn: Rosine baked up a huge batch for us! If your memory starts feeling fuzzy again, stuff your face!
The crew struggle to keep moving as they are battered by Kleshas stronger than they have ever faced.
Vyrn: Wha... What the heck is going on over there?
Vyrn: Guys, look!
Ahead of them, Aoidos stands onstage. The surrounding horde reaches out to him, screaming his name with unbridled desire.
The spectators' faces are warped, voices transformed... More like ravening beasts than the people they once were.
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 5: Fandom Furor - Episode 3
The concert venue seethes with fans turning violent in their desperate lust for Aoidos. The Divine Generals have no choice but to cast a barrier to banish Kleshas from the entire area.
Fangirl: Aoidooooos! Ooooh, please, gong!
Fanboy: I love you, Aoidos! You're mine! No one else can have you, gong!
The audience is a writhing mass of struggling limbs, fans clambering over one another in their desperation to reach their idol. They scream for his attention amidst the throb of the music.
Aoidos: Gong... More... Give me more... More pathos...
Aoidos: You gotta up the dose... Don't leave me unsatisfied...
Aoidos: You say you love me... So give it to me, gong!
Aoidos: I want it... I want your love... Want it all over me...
Aoidos's fingers fly over his instrument, licks lashing out above the heads of the crowd.
His Klesha-crazed fans reach out for him, hunger naked in their eyes, seeking to drag him down from his pedestal.
They roar with frustrated lust when he eludes their grasp, laying waste to whatever they seize in his stead.
Even as they are knocked down and bloodied by their fellow devotees, Aoidos's followers remain undaunted. In fact it only seems to fan the flames.
Lyria: This is awful! They'll kill each other at this rate!
Vajra: Aoidos is the source of all this—the poison! I've never seen one this potent!
Vajra: If we can exorcise his Kleshas, everyone else should come to their senses, but...
Aoidos is surrounded by a veritable sea of worshippers, thousands upon thousands of lust-crazed fans.
Anila: We can't get anywhere near him like this.
Andira: But we won't have time to purify each of these people individually before—
Vajra: There is a way!
Andira: What?
Vajra: Look, Zooey's counting on us!
Vajra: She told us to maintain the balance until she got back, and I know we can do it!
Anila: ...
Andira: What's your plan, Rara?
Vajra: We can cast a barrier around this whole area!
Andira: A barrier?
Anila: I don't see any other way to deal with such a high concentration of Kleshas in one place.
Vajra: While we're standing here talking about it, that music is spreading even further!
Anila: If we hope to put a stop to this madness with the Joya, we'll have to deal with this first.
Andira: You're right. This is what we've been training for!
Vajra: That's more like it! Let's show 'em what we can do!
???: Swoosh!
Vyrn: Wh-whoa! Did you see something zoom past just now?
Mahira: Sorry I'm late, everyone. Your ticket to the cosmos has arrived.
Andira: Mahi!
Vajra: Not a moment too soon!
Mahira: I heard your plan, Vajra. I'm on board.
Vajra: Hehe, you're always swift on the uptake, Mahi!
Vajra: (Captain), we're gonna need you to back us up!
Vajra: No one's ever erected a barrier this size.
Vajra: We'll need someone still on their feet afterward, in case something goes haywire.
Vajra: Can you guys get our backs?
Vyrn: You got it! Don't worry about a thing!
The Divine Generals scatter to find the best place for each of them to anchor the barrier.
Anila: Ready to go?
Vajra: Yeah!
Mahira: Ready!
Andira: Okay!
Divine Generals: To battle!
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 5: Fandom Furor - Episode 4
A purified Aoidos is moved by the power of Bakura's flute. The priest and musician join forces, and their duet flows out across the skies, banishing Kleshas as it spreads.
A warm glow envelops the area. When it fades, the scene around (Captain) and the crew has changed completely.
The thunderous music fades, and the crazed spectators crumple at the foot of the stage.
The only sound to be heard is the melody of Bakura's flute.
Lyria: Did all the fans pass out?
Anila: Ugh...
Andira: Hngh...
Mahira: Phew...
Vajra: Oof...
Exhausted from casting the barrier, the Divine Generals also slump to the ground.
Lyria: Oh my gosh! Are you all okay?
Vyrn: Hang in there, guys!
Vajra: Ahaha... We're fiiiine. Just kinda pooped.
Vyrn: You don't look fine...
Vajra: I don't sense any more Kleshas. Aoidos and the rest of these people should be fine now.
Vyrn: That's a relief! You guys were great!
Andira: Just gimme a second... I couldn't lift a finger right now to save my life.
Mahira: That wiped me out too. I guess I'm still just a pullet... I have a lot of training ahead of me.
Anila: I think I'll take a brief respite myself.
Aoidos: ...
Aoidos: What's... going on?
Aoidos stands bewildered on the stage.
Aoidos: What happened here?
Aoidos: Have I been shedding memories again, like so many tears?
Bakura: ...
Lyria: Bakura...
Aoidos: ...
Aoidos: That melody...
The solemn notes of Bakura's flute wrap gentle arms around the storm-tossed crowd.
Aoidos: I remember now...
Still unsteady on his feet, Aoidos gingerly picks his way toward the flute player.
Aoidos: Let's jam, Holydos.
Bakura: Jam?
Vyrn: Holydos? I already named this guy, Aoidos! He's the Mad Hatter!
Aoidos: We were caught in a whirlpool of boiling desire...
Aoidos: Burning, drowning, overflowing with lust. Unable to rein it in...
Aoidos: I strive to provide a heaven for wounded souls with my music...
Aoidos: What a blind fool I was! How self-absorbed!
Aoidos: But this lost babe was given a second chance.
Aoidos: Four goddesses descended from on high and swaddled me in a shimmering veil...
Aoidos: And as I nestled, nearly napping, suddenly I heard a tapping, as of someone gently rapping...
Aoidos: Rapping on my spirit's door. That was your song, Holydos, and nothing more.
Aoidos: With my power to reach people, and your ability to open people's hearts, imagine what we could do together. Our sound could ring out across the skies!
The Divine Generals listen to the exchange between the two musicians onstage.
Vajra: It's true that Aoidos's music has already spread Kleshas outside the reach of our barrier.
Anila: Aoidos can reach a huge audience. If he could spread the sound of Bakura's flute just as far...
Anila: It could undo a lot of that damage.
Bakura: ...
Bakura: Very well.
Bakura: The road to enlightenment is long. Helping each other find peace along the way is a worthy endeavor.
Aoidos: Ha ha... I knew you'd say that, Holydos!
Aoidos: Okay! Ready to destroy the world with me?
Bakura: I will join you in a song...
Aoidos: Judgment Night!
Aoidos launches into an energetic performance with his fallen fans at his feet.
The strains of Bakura's flute wind around Aoidos's notes. The fusion of their two melodies spreads beyond the boundaries of the village, beyond the island, and across the skies.
Woman: That lying cheat! Death's too good for him, gong!
Woman: !
Woman: He's only late coming home because he's such a hard worker...
Woman: How could I have doubted him?
Apprentice: !
Senior Apprentice: ...!
Apprentice: I... I can't believe I was so ungrateful after all you've taught me!
Senior Apprentice: It was my fault for losing my temper. Can you forgive me?
Andira: Their music really does seem to have healing powers...
Anila: Aoidos's desire to reach people and Bakura's enlightenment do make a powerful combination.
Vyrn: Wow! I guess rock 'n' roll really can save your soul!
Lyria: Look! Everyone's starting to wake up!
The prone audience members rise to their feet as if lifted by its power.
Fangirl: Ah... Aoidos!
Fanboy: Heaven... Heaven!
Fanboy: Hea—vuwargh!
However, many of them find themselves wounded or simply exhausted and sink back to their knees.
Lyria: Eep! Is there a healer in the house?
Andira: Have no fear—Andira is here!
Andira: Unborn, Undying!
People's wounds begin to close before the crew's very eyes.
Lyria: Andira, you're amazing!
Andira: Healing is my specialty!
Vyrn: Good thing we've got you around!
Joya: Gong...
From its position far above the skies, the Joya sees that Aoidos has been freed from its influence.
Joya: Goooooong!
Trembling with fury, the bell streaks down from the cosmos.
Joya: Gooong!
Gooooong!
Gooooong!
Mahira: H-hey, is that—
The Joya has finally emerged from hiding. Its sights, however, are locked on the stage.
It swoops up the priest and the musician and blasts off once more toward the cosmos.
Anila: What!
Vyrn: It just kidnapped Strummer Boy and the Mad Hatter from right under our noses!
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 6: Auld Lanxiety - Episode 1
The Joya swoops down, kidnaps Aoidos and Bakura, and flees. Zooey returns and asks to borrow the Divine Generals' powers in order to pursue it. In a show of trust, the generals comply.
Aoidos and Bakura are snatched right in front of (Captain) and company.
Before the crew can lift a finger to stop the Joya, the trio is gone.
Vajra: Oh no! Where's it taking them?
???: It's time to bring down the curtain on this whole affair.
Lyria: Wah!
Zooey: Thank you for taking care of things while I was gone.
Vyrn: Miss Flippy-Hair!
Vajra: Zooey!
Anila: Zooey!
Mahira: Zooey!
Andira: Zooey!
Zooey: Anila, Andira, Mahira, Vajra.
Zooey: Please lend me your strength one last time.
Zooey: I will need your powers to do what I must.
Zooey: I haven't spent long among you all in skydweller form...
Zooey: But there is one thing I've learned in that time.
Zooey: Each person has their part to play.
Zooey: Each mortal has their own strengths and failings.
Zooey: That's why you must cooperate to survive, isn't it?
Zooey: Kleshas may be the inevitable result of self-centered thought and runaway desire...
Zooey: But the shared experience of those inward-facing thoughts allows skydwellers to respect one another and live side by side.
Zooey: You helped me realize that, Vajra.
Vajra: Zooey...
Zooey: Just as I am an ally of the skies, I wish to be your ally as well.
Zooey: I don't know whether or not that desire is detrimental to my mission...
Zooey: But that is how I feel.
Zooey: Even if I should one day change my mind, for now I...
Vajra: Zooey, are you...
Zooey: At any rate, it is time for me to perform my duty. I need to put a stop to the Joya's rampage.
Zooey: For the sake of peace in your world...
Zooey: I can't allow it to claim any more victims.
Zooey: I realize I may be pushing you too far, but I need you to entrust your powers to me.
The Divine Generals have been driven to their limits already in the performance of their duty.
But they have trained too hard to throw in the towel for something as trivial as exhaustion.
Vajra: Hey, we're no amateurs! This is just a warm-up for us!
Vajra: I'm ready to put my life on the line if that's what it takes to protect the skies and to help you out, Zooey!
Vajra: That's why we put our faith in you and waited for you to come back!
Anila: That's right! Are you all ready?
Mahira: Ready and waiting.
Andira: Hehe, I'm good to go!
Zooey: Haha... I'm glad you're on my side.
Zooey: All right. It's up to you then!
Anila: The truth of all creation is within my grasp...
Andira: Let the light of understanding illuminate the skies...
Mahira: Cock-a-doodle-dum. Wing-a-doodle-fly...
Vajra: Gods above, heed my call...
Divine Generals: Gilded Heaven Strike!
Zooey: Here I go!
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 6: Auld Lanxiety - Episode 2
Confronted among the clouds by a gun-wielding Zooey, the Joya drops its hostages. Before Aoidos and Bakura can plummet to their doom, Mahira appears aboard her new airship and catches them. Relieved, Zooey heads to the cosmos for the final showdown.
Joya: Gooong!
Gooooong!
Gooooong!
Aoidos: Let go of me!
Aoidos: I don't have time for a joyride! I have music to make!
Bakura: Oooooh...
Zooey: Stop.
Joya: Gong?
Gooong!
Gooong!
Zooey: Release those people.
Zooey: The skies will not fall to negativity. Your plan has failed.
Joya: Gooong!
Gooooong!
Gooooong!
Zooey: If you won't listen to reason, you leave me no choice.
Zooey: I'm not the same opponent you faced before.
The fugitive Joya holds its hostages under one arm and a log in its other hand.
Hoping to shake Zooey off and escape to the cosmos, it swings at her with its makeshift weapon.
Zooey: Is that the best you can do?
Zooey counters its attack with ease and sends the log flying.
Joya: Gong!
Zooey: Release your hostages or else.
Zooey levels her gun at the Joya and fires. The bullet grazes the bell.
Joya: !
Zooey: That was a warning shot. The next won't miss.
Joya: Gooong!
Gooooong!
Gooooong!
Floating far above the clouds, the Joya senses it has met its match. It lifts its arm and releases its two hostages.
Still tangled together, Aoidos and Bakura plummet through empty air.
Zooey: !
Zooey takes off after them as fast as she can.
The Joya seizes the opportunity to escape, making for the cosmos.
Aoidos: Never have I experienced such a thrill, felt so truly alive!
Aoidos: Not once!
Bakura: Ooooargh!
Aoidos: Ahhhhh!
Zooey: (Can I save them in this skydweller body?)
???: Zooooey!
Zooey: ...!
Mahira: Swoosh!
Zooey: Mahira! Everybody!
Mahira: Leave Aoidos and Bakura to us!
Mahira: Clucky-Doodle, deploy net!
The crew is riding Mahira's latest invention. A huge net shoots out below the little airship.
Aoidos: Huh?
Zooey: What a relief...
Zooey: Thank you, Mahira. Is this what you've been working on?
Mahira: Yes. This is my midsize airship, the Clucky-Doodle.
Mahira: I didn't want you to go to the cosmos alone, so I really burned the midnight oil to finish it.
Mahira: We're comrades, Zooey. We're in this together.
Zooey: Mahira...
Anila: That's our Mahira!
Vajra: There's nothing you can't do!
Andira: It's not just an airship! It's built to reach the cosmos, so—
Lyria: Huh? Did you hear that?
Mahira: Uh-oh... Looks like we've exceeded the weight limit.
Mahira: I designed it to carry the four Divine Generals, (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn...
Mahira: I didn't provide for any extra passengers.
Andira: What? What's gonna happen, then?
Vajra: Are we gonna crash?
Mahira: We'll have to make an emergency landing.
Andira: Whaaat!
Mahira: Don't worry. We have extra fuel, so we won't crash.
Mahira: I guess we can't go with you after all, Zooey.
Mahira: We'll get these two to safety. The rest is up to you!
Vajra: Show that bell what you're made of, Zooey!
Zooey: I will. Its rampage has gone on long enough.
Zooey: It's time for me to do my duty and restore balance.
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 6: Auld Lanxiety - Episode 3
Zooey attacks the Joya with a barrage of bullets imbued with the Divine Generals' power, and the Joya is pacified at last. Zooey knocks it back down to the skies so that the Divine Generals may complete the bell-ringing ceremony.
Zooey: ...
Zooey: Show yourself.
Zooey: !
Zooey: (What does my desire to protect people mean for the skies?)
Zooey: Got you!
The Joya attacks, firing bullets of condensed negativity, but in so doing reveals its hiding place. Zooey rapidly closes the distance between them.
Zooey: Take this.
Joya: Gooong?
Zooey: (I'm not supposed to feel mortal emotions...)
Zooey: (But getting to know (Captain) and the others changed me. I want to help them. I want to understand their worldly thoughts.)
Zooey: I fashioned these bullets from the powers of the Divine Generals.
Zooey: You won't be able to withstand these.
Zooey: (They showed me the warmth of the mortal heart... and I want to keep them safe.)
Zooey: (Vajra said my desire to learn was a worldly one.)
Zooey: I told you—I'm not the same opponent you faced before.
Zooey: ...!
Zooey: (But the only reason I manifested in this world was to protect it...)
Zooey: (No matter what warmth I may share with skydwellers, no matter how much I may come to understand them...)
Zooey: (My duty to the world must come first.)
Zooey: (I am the keeper of balance...)
Zooey: (An ally of the world...)
Zooey: No... I... I don't want to give up these feelings!
Zooey: Take this!
Zooey: You have a role to play in the world too!
Zooey: Your duty is to gather the excess Kleshas that plague people's minds and maintain this world's balance.
Zooey: I can't blame you for falling prey to that negativity, for becoming selfish and losing control. That's the nature of those feelings!
Zooey: There may be times like this when you're so overwhelmed that even the Divine Generals can't rein you in.
Zooey: But whenever that happens, I'll be there to put a stop to your rampage.
Zooey: As many times as it takes!
Zooey: I'll take up whatever burden they can't bear!
Zooey: You can't help what you are and what you have to do. Neither can I.
Zooey: Everything and everyone in this world has a purpose. I have to repay the skydwellers who taught me that.
Zooey: That's why I'm here now. That's why I have to stop you!
The Joya grinds to a halt under Zooey's onslaught.
Zooey: Finally...
Zooey: It's up to you guys now!
With all her strength, Zooey sends the Joya flying down toward the sky realm.
Auld Lanxiety - Chapter 6: Auld Lanxiety - Episode 4
The Joya is back in its sanctuary where it should be. As the generals prepare to ring it, they are interrupted by an annoyed neighbor complaining of the yearly clamor. To banish both his negativity and that which is stored in the bell, the ringing begins.
Joya: Gong... Gong...
Mahira: Hey, look!
Andira: It's the Joya! Zooey stopped it!
Anila: So she did. And she managed it alone!
Joya: Gong...
Mahira: Ah... The sanctuary finally feels complete again. It just wasn't right without the Joya in place.
Andira: Yeah! It really gave us the runaround this time!
Anila: Thanks to Zooey, we can finally complete our duty.
Joya: Gong... Gong...
Anila: Don't let down your guard! The Joya still has Kleshas stored up inside it.
Vajra: You're right!
Vajra: Let's give it another 108 whacks before it goes off the rails again!
Vajra: (Captain)! Everybody! Wanna give us a hand ringing this bell?
Vyrn: You got it!
Lyria: Ringing the Joya is our tradition. Of course we'll help!
Vajra: All right! Leeeet's—
Testy Neighbor: Shuuut uuup!
Vyrn: Huh?
Testy Neighbor: Every. Single. Year! Do you even spare a thought for the people who live around here?
Testy Neighbor: All we want is peace and quiet, and instead we get bells clanging all night fit to wake the dead!
Testy Neighbor: Take your Joya and your Kleshas and go jump in a lake!
Anila: ...
Andira: ...
Mahira: ...
Vajra: ...
Vyrn: Hey, now, listen—
Anila: Leave this to us, Vyrn.
Lyria: Guys?
Anila: I want you to listen carefully.
Testy Neighbor: Listen to what!
Anila: We ring the bell to clear away the negative emotions that have tainted the past year.
Anila: That way everyone can greet the new year fresh and unburdened.
Mahira: By the end of the year, the Joya is brimming with 108 kinds of negative emotions drawn from people throughout the skies.
Mahira: It keeps all that negativity inside itself, so that it won't trouble us.
Andira: It carries our burdens for a year, and that's no easy task.
Andira: We have to show our appreciation on New Year's Eve by lightening that load!
Andira: That's what the bell ringing ceremony is for!
Anila: Thinking only of yourself, your own inconvenience and displeasure, is a vice. We cannot continually place our own desires above the well-being of others.
Anila: Allowing that selfishness free reign over your psyche would have fearsome consequences...
Mahira: The Joya works to save you from that. Don't you think we should thank it?
Mahira: You may not realize it, but all skydwellers are in the Joya's debt.
Andira: Yeah. So complaining about the noise when you should be saying thank you...
Andira: Shows some pretty bad manners!
Anila: Very well said.
Andira: All right, guys. We're gonna ring it all out. This cranky customer's selfishness...
Mahira: And all the Kleshas the Joya's stored up!
Vajra: All together now!
Vajra: You ready, (Captain)? 108 blows!
Vyrn: Stand back and enjoy the show, Mr. Grouch!
Lyria: Come on, (Captain)!
Auld Lanxiety - Ending
The Joya rings out unseasonably late, but everyone who hears it feels like the new year has now officially begun. Although she is meant to be the ally of the world, free from any personal biases, Zooey realizes how much she values her bonds with the Divine Generals, (Captain), and the crew.
Joya: Gong... Gong...
Female Villager: Oh... I hear the Joya ringing...
Male Villager: Come to think of it, I never did hear it on New Year's Eve.
Male Villager: It didn't quite feel like the new year had come without it.
Female Villager: Happy New Year. Let's make it a good one.
The Joya's sonorous tones ring out across the skies as day dawns.
Skydwellers step out of their homes into the rosy light and let the pleasing sound wash over them.
Andira: Guess the Joya's back to normal!
Anila: Yes, it would seem the crisis has passed.
Vyrn: Geez. This bell is a real handful!
Lyria: Hehe. But it going rogue is just proof of how hard it's been working!
Anila: Haha... That's certainly one way of looking at it. You have a very charitable heart, Lyria.
Mahira: I really wanted to go to the cosmos though...
Andira: Sorry, Mahi... You put in all that work, and we didn't get to really test out your invention.
Mahira: No, it's okay. It turned out my calculations were off anyhow.
Mahira: I underestimated the altitude involved. Clucky-Doodle wouldn't have made it that high.
Andira: Wow, the cosmos is that high up?
Anila: It's difficult for me even to conceive of such a place.
Vajra: Mahi, I'm sure you can figure out a way to get to the cosmos or anywhere else you wanna go.
Vajra: You already built this amazing machine!
Mahira: Hehe. You always have such faith in me.
Vajra: Of course I do! You're my comrade in arms after all!
Andira: Hey, it's not just Rara, y'know!
Andira: I believe in you too, Mahi. And I know how hard you work!
Anila: Hehehe. I am no exception.
Anila: I believe you can fly to heights no skydweller has attained before.
Mahira: Hehe... Thank you, guys. I'll definitely try.
Zooey: I see you handled things here.
Mahira: Zooey!
Vajra: Zooey! Nice job up there!
Anila: Thanks to you, the Joya is back where it should be. You have my gratitude.
Zooey: Don't thank me. I wanted to do it.
Andira: ...?
Zooey: I still don't know what sort of influence this desire of mine will have on the world.
Zooey: I exist in order to maintain the balance. What sort of person I am myself should be of trivial importance.
Mahira: Zooey?
Zooey: Even so, I enjoy being here with you while this world is at peace.
Zooey: Standing by you makes me incredibly happy.
Zooey: You gave meaning to my mission. Thank you.
Vajra: You don't hafta be so formal! We're friends!
Andira: Yeah! We weathered this crisis together!
Mahira: Do you think the Joya will go on another rampage this year?
Vajra: Who knows. Just please not another fiasco like this year!
Zooey: Indeed.
Vyrn: Hehe! With you guys around, Kleshas don't stand a chance!
Anila: Ha... You make it sound so easy.
Zooey: Hehe...
She appears whenever the balance of the world is threatened.
What does that world truly mean to the one who exists only to protect it?
What will the bonds forged by this crisis mean for the world?
How will they affect the choices made by this young woman who shoulders the fate of the skies?
Only time will reveal what her future holds.
Auld Lanxiety
The End
The End