Diantha's Farewell Tour
It turns out that Xolotl's true intention is to have Diantha learn more about the world, in preparation for her future role as head priestess. Diantha asks to join the crew to help fulfill that prophecy.
Diantha: Xochitl Island. It owes its prosperity to miracles brought on by the song and dance of five maidens revered by the island's residents.
Diantha: Maiden worship dates back to the War. It all started with a skydwelling warrior and his canine friend, Xolotl, caught up in a revolt against the Astrals.
Diantha: Having been abandoned by his skydweller friend after being transformed into a primal beast by the Astrals, Xolotl rampaged through the skies in grief and sorrow.
Diantha: But it was through the song of a certain five girls that Xolotl was able to find solace.
Diantha: The once discarded Xolotl found new friends in those five, and has granted Xochitl Island his protection ever since.
Diantha: The five girls who soothed Xolotl's pain gave rise to the maiden tradition still passed on today. But at some point, those roots were forgotten.
Diantha: This resulted in catastrophe as the deeply saddened Xolotl once again began rampaging.
Diantha: That's when a heroic crew came in to save the day. We maidens worked with the people of Xochitl Island to calm Xolotl down.
Diantha: With the threat taken care of, peace returned to the island. But as long as the island continues to prosper, history is bound to repeat itself.
Diantha: People of Xochitl, I beseech you to please never forget your god, Xolotl. Doing so would break his heart.
Diantha: And that, is why I've recorded my thoughts here. There, done writing.
No longer a maiden, Diantha continues her training as a musician and an apprentice priestess.
In addition to practicing instruments, Diantha is also swamped with compiling material on the legend of Xolotl.
Diantha: Phew, that should do it for today. I'm beat.
Linaria: What's keeping you up so late?
Diantha: Oh, Linaria. I was working on my book. I finally have all the material I need from the village.
Diantha: But after I started writing, I realized there's so much more I need to look into.
Diantha: For example, where did Xolotl come from? How did he meet his skydwelling friend?
Linaria: Hey Diantha, are you actually practicing your instruments? I wouldn't want you to screw up your performance.
Diantha: Haha, no worries. See? I've got callouses on my fingertips from pressing down on the strings all day.
Linaria: No kidding. You've really been giving it your all.
Linaria: I'm looking forward to the next performance. Even though you'll just be playing music, I bet you'll be more popular than the rest of us!
Diantha: That's not true. You know how embarrassed I get in front of people.
Linaria: You were always number one as a maiden. The crowds went crazy for you.
Linaria: But when it's my time to leave the group, the fans are going to love me even more! I'll make sure of it!
Diantha: Haha. It should be easy enough for you, Linaria.
Linaria: Hehe, you bet!
Linaria: Yawn, I'm getting sleepy.
See you tomorrow.
Diantha: Good night.
Although she makes fewer public appearances nowadays, Diantha is much busier now than when she was a maiden. But she finds it fulfilling.
One day, Diantha observes the ceremony to choose the next maiden.
Head Priestess: The ceremony to choose the next maiden shall commence. Watch closely, Diantha.
Diantha: Yes, Head Priestess.
Standing on a ceremonial altar in the outcropping of a cave, they listen attentively to the sound of the wind.
When the wind blows from all directions into the cave, it is said that the name of the next maiden can be heard in the howling.
Diantha: (The sound of the wind... I can hear it... It's strange though, almost as if it's talking to me in person. Xolotl's power must be at work.)
Diantha: (What's it saying...
Di-an-tha?)
Diantha: Wait, did it just say Diantha? Head Priestess, does the next maiden share my name?
Head Priestess: That's strange... There's no one named Diantha among the new prospects this year.
The two consider the possibilities.
Diantha: Maybe it's asking me to continue being a maiden?
Head Priestess: But that would mean...
Head Priestess: Shh! The prophecy continues!
Diantha: (Leave... the... island...)
Diantha: Diantha-leave-the-island...
It wants me to leave the island?
Head Priestess: That's what it sounded like to me too. I never imagined we'd receive instructions from Xolotl in place of the next maiden's name.
Diantha: Instructions? Does that mean I really have to leave here?
Head Priestess: If we are to follow Xolotl's prophecy, that is correct.
Diantha: Wha—
Diantha: Whaaat?
The next morning...
Diantha: Sigh, what am I going to do... I couldn't get any sleep at all...
Harie: Diantha, is something wrong?
Diantha: Harie! You've got to listen to me! Oh no, what am I ever going to do?
Harie: Hey, calm down. I'm here for you. What happened?
Diantha clings to Harie while crying and desperately trying to explain everything.
Harie: All of that happened at the ceremony?
Diantha: Usually, the chosen girl immediately becomes the next maiden. I guess I'll have to leave to make room for her.
Diantha: You know, I was never crazy about being a maiden and I guess Xolotl wasn't too happy about that.
Harie: It's hard to imagine Xolotl being such a petty person—I mean dog.
Canna: But, hey! It's not like Xolotl is banishing you forever. You can come back anytime, right?
Harie: Ah, morning, Canna. You know, you might be on to something.
Harie: Xolotl might have told you to leave the island, but he never said you couldn't come back, right?
Diantha: True, but then when would be the best time to come back?
Harie: Maybe at the next prophecy? Or maybe it depends on how Xolotl's feeling?
Diantha: When will the next prophecy be? It's usually when a maiden finishes her term, but...
Canna: That would be next year at the earliest. So all you have to do is live outside the island for a year! It's only half the time you spent as maiden!
Diantha: Ehehe, that's true, but... An entire year, huh...
Diola: Yawn.
Mornin'.
Diantha: Oh, Diola! Do you have any updates on Xolotl? Preferably on what he's thinking right now?
Diola: Huh? Aw, I think I forgot my lunch...
Diantha: Hello? Did you hear me?
Diola: Ah...
Diantha: Did something happen?
Diola: Ah...
Diantha: Did you learn something new about Xolotl? Like when I can come back to Xochitl?
Diola: Ah...
Diantha: Hellooo. Diola?
Diola: Ah-choo!
Diantha: Ahaha, sorry. I didn't realize you were just trying to sneeze.
At that moment, Diantha notices a distressed presence in the corner of the room.
Linaria: ...
Diantha: Linaria... you heard everything?
Linaria: Why, Diantha? I've been looking forward to dancing to your music this whole time.
Diantha: And I wanted to play for you. But this was decided at the ceremony.
Linaria: No!
Linaria: No, no, no! Why does it have to be like this! Can't we do anything about it?
Diantha: Sigh, as an apprentice priestess, I can't ignore what I was asked to do.
Linaria: Come on, everything will be just fine! Xolotl isn't the type to push us away!
Linaria: ...
Linaria: But then again, if it was decided at the ceremony, I guess there's no other way.
Diantha: Hey, cheer up. I'll still be practicing even if I'm not on the island.
Linaria: Yeah...
Over the next few days, Diantha continues preparations to leave the island. The day of her departure finally arrives.
Diantha Fan 1: Aww man, to think that we'll never see Diantha on stage again...
Diantha Fan 2: Oh, she'll be back, but I'm still sad to see her go...
Linaria Fan: Umm, Head Priestess? Will Diantha be okay? I heard there'll be an escort for her?
Head Priestess: Yes, Diantha will be safe. I've called upon a reliable crew to protect her.
Head Priestess: They should be here soon... That's their ship!
Diantha looks up to see the glistening blue hull of the Grandcypher.
Diantha: (Captain) and everyone else are here... The time to leave has come...
Head Priestess: Diantha, don't fret too much over it. A future head priestess should broaden her horizons.
Diantha: Yes, Head Priestess.
Head Priestess: Ah, right. I should give this to you.
The head priestess takes out a short wand affixed with a golden sphere at the top.
Diantha: What's this?
Head Priestess: This musical wand is a sacred treasure of the island. It's, in a way, a portable altar.
Head Priestess: If you hold it up to your mouth and sing, it'll be as if you're singing at the altar.
Head Priestess: Oddly enough, your powers as a maiden remain intact. I'm sure the wand will come in handy.
Diantha: Thank you, Head Priestess.
Head Priestess: Why don't you try it out first?
Diantha: Okay...
Diantha holds the musical wand to her mouth.
Echoey Voices: One, two! One, two! One, two! Ayayayayayayay!
Diantha: Yikes! Did those voices just come from this wand?
Head Priestess: This wand contains the passion and enthusiasm of not just your fans, but also that of the entire island.
Diola: Let's not forget the protection of Xolotl either.
Diantha: But didn't Xolotl want to send me away from Xochitl?
Diola: That's not it, Diantha. Xolotl knows you've been wondering about the outside world, and doesn't want you to hold back for the sake of the island.
Diantha: But a message telling me to get off the island is a bit different from one telling me to see the world...
Diola: Yeah, well... I guess he's not very good with words. He is a dog after all.
Diantha: So I'm not being kicked out? Ahh, thank goodness.
(Captain) and company finally arrive. They are welcomed by the island's residents.
Head Priestess: Well then, (Captain). I'm leaving Diantha in your hands.
Diantha: (Captain)... Teehee, it's been too long.
- Glad to have you aboard!
- Just doing my job.
Choose: Glad to have you aboard!Canna: Ahaha, (Captain)'s so suave! You guys are the best!
Diantha: I'm lucky the head priestess chose you, (Captain). I would've been afraid to go with anyone else.
Choose: Just doing my job.Linaria: What's with that attitude, (Captain)? You don't really want to bring Diantha along, do you!
Diola: That's not true. (Captain)'s just a bit shy.
Continue 1Harie: Perfect! With (Captain) around, Diantha can be at ease traveling the skies.
Diantha Fan 1: I guess we won't be seeing Diantha at the altar for a while.
Linaria Fan: Don't take it too hard, buddy. She'll be back.
The island's residents try to stay positive as they see off Diantha.
Diantha: Well, I'm off, then. Sorry, Linaria!
Linaria: It's okay, Diantha! Just as long as you come back in time for the next performance!
Diantha: But that's next week! (Captain) and the crew have other plans too! I don't think I'd be able to make it.
Linaria: Well, then...
Linaria: Send me a letter! I won't be able to sleep without knowing whether you're practicing or not!
Diantha: Sure, you got it!
Linaria: Every week, Diantha!
Diantha: Haha, I promise.
Linaria: If you don't, I... Sniff...
Diantha: Hey, enough crying already.
Linaria: Ehehe, I'll see you off to the ship.
When Diantha wipes Linaria's tears away, Linaria grabs her hand and walks with her to the Grandcypher.
Diantha Fan 1: Diantha's gone...
Linaria Fan: You all right, buddy? You're getting all teary-eyed.
Diantha Fan 1: It's complicated, man. I'm just so happy seeing their tearful goodbyes. Maybe this isn't so bad after all...
Linaria Fan: You think so too, huh?
Diantha: I'll be on my way!
Diantha: Take care, everyone!
After a touching farewell from everyone on the island, Diantha departs with the crew.
What awaits for apprentice priestess Diantha beyond the skies?
Promised Letter
The crew stops by an island to investigate the legend of a silver dog. Seeing how the island's residents speak of it as a terrible, rampaging beast, Diantha begins to speculate that it might not be Xolotl after all.
Diantha: Dear Linaria,
Are you well?
I'm doing great, and I make sure to practice my instruments every day!
Diantha sits at a table within the Grandcypher.
She is busy writing a letter to Linaria, as promised.
Diantha: It's so different outside of Xochitl Island that I'm learning new things every day.
Diantha: I now see why Xolotl wanted me to leave the island.
Diantha: I learned so much about Xolotl when we stopped by this island the other day.
Days earlier...
Diantha is eager to pick up everything she can to become the next head priestess.
The crew comes across a most curious rumor at one of their pit stops.
Vyrn: Hm, an old legend?
Diantha: Yes. The tale of the bronzed man and his silver dog is pretty well known in these parts.
Diantha: They say that the man rode off on the back of the dog after the battle with the Astrals.
Diantha: What concerns me is the part about the silver dog. They describe it as so large it devoured even dragons.
Vyrn: Yeah, they say the same thing in Xolotl's legend.
Diantha: Exactly, which leads me to believe the entire story is actually a reference to Xolotl.
Lyria: Sounds interesting! We'll just have to dive deeper, then!
Diantha: Umm, (Captain)... Can I stay on the island a bit longer to look into this?
- Of course!
- Absolutely not!
Choose: Of course!Diantha: Yay! Thanks, (Captain)!
Lyria: Haha. Let's do what we can, Diantha!
They decide to stay on the island and begin asking around about the island's past.
Choose: Absolutely not!Diantha: Huh? But... why not?
Diantha: What am I going to do...
I left the island hoping to learn new things, and now... Sob...
Diantha: I won't be able to return to Xochitl at this rate...
Vyrn: Why are you making her cry, (Captain)!
Lyria: Don't joke around like that! Diantha takes this seriously, you know!
- Sorry...
- I don't want you to go!
Choose: Sorry...(Captain) is quick to console Diantha after the scolding from Vyrn and Lyria.
Diantha: Ahaha, so glad you changed your mind, (Captain). I'm sorry but I couldn't help myself.
Vyrn: What! You were only pretending to cry?
Diantha: Haha, I figured (Captain) has a soft spot for tears.
Vyrn: Geez, you know (Captain) way too well!
They decide to stay on the island and begin asking around about the island's past.
Choose: I don't want you to go!Diantha: Huh?
Lyria: What's wrong, Diantha?
Diantha: So that's how (Captain) sees me.
Diantha: As a maiden, I was never able to make any friends outside the island.
Diantha: So I thought it would be great if I could become friends with (Captain).
Diantha: Haha, knowing how (Captain) feels about me makes me feel much better!
Lyria: Teehee, don't forget about the rest of us! We're all your friends, too!
They decide to stay on the island, and begin asking around about the island's past.
Continue 1Townsperson 1: Ah, the silver dog? You must be talking about the really vicious dog that wreaked havoc across the island with its master.
Townsperson 2: Around here, the words silver and bronze together stand for the trouble-making duo.
Diantha: If the silver dog they speak of is Xolotl, it's amazing how the legend has been passed down.
Vyrn: You know, what if the silver dog they keep talking about is actually some other pup?
Diantha: But it has so much in common with Xolotl. I want to find out just a little bit more.
The sun begins to set as the crew walks around gathering info. Just as they decide to return to the inn...
Girl: Waaah! I'm scared!
Woman: Honey, there's nothing to be afraid of. It's only a saying.
Vyrn: Hm, what's up with the kid?
Woman: On this island, we tell the kids that the big bad silver dog eats all the naughty children.
Girl: Eeyaah! Too scary!
Woman: I didn't think she'd get so scared. What should I do.
Diantha: Well, there is one thing we can do.
Diantha: Did you know there's a song that can calm down the silver dog?
Girl: Huh?
Diantha: If you sing this song, you can become friends with the silver dog!
Diantha sits down next to the little girl.
Diantha: Thank you for everything!
You are my most cherished treasure.
One, two, I love you!
Diantha begins to sing quietly. As if by her powers as a maiden, the little girl's tears stop flowing.
Diantha: A long time ago, the silver dog calmed down after hearing this song.
Diantha: So even if the silver dog comes, all you have to do is sing this song.
Girl: Wow, that's amazing! Thanks!
Woman: Thank you so much. I've never seen her so afraid before.
Girl: Hey, can you try singing that song in the forest? It's right over here!
The girl runs off with surprising speed.
Diantha: The forest? Hey, wait!
Woman: Oh no, why is she going to the forest again? I just told her to stop going there because of the monsters!
Vyrn: No time to waste! Let's go get the kid back, (Captain)!
Promised Letter: Scene 2
A little girl the crew meets on the island leads Diantha and crew deep inside a forest, where they find a giant stone statue of a silver dog. Diantha suspects that it might be related to Xolotl and decides to console it with song and dance.
Girl: It's this way!
Diantha: Wait for us! Don't go alone!
Vyrn: Geez, does she have any idea how dangerous this is?
The crew follows her deeper into the forest...
And they come out to a clearing where they find something most unexpected.
Vyrn: Whoa! What's this thing?
Diantha: A giant statue... So this is the dog, huh... Seems to be made of marble.
Girl: Ahaha. Isn't it amazing? This has to be a statue of the silver dog!
Diantha: Yeah, you're probably right.
Vyrn: Hm, I'd be scared too if I knew this was going to attack me.
Diantha: ...
Diantha is at a loss for words as she looks at the statue.
Diantha: This is a statue of Xolotl. The silver dog the villagers were talking about was Xolotl after all.
Lyria: Huh, how can you be so sure?
Diantha: I'm not. I just get that feeling.
Girl: Hey, the song! Can you sing it?
Diantha: Sure.
Diantha: This is a fairy tale.
A world where people have forgotten how to believe.
As Diantha sings with her eyes closed, her body gets into the groove and naturally begins to dance.
Diantha: (One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four... Step, step...)
Diantha: (This is strange... It feels so different from when I'm rehearsing for a performance...)
Diantha: (Haha, this is fun...)
Girl: Wow! You're awesome!
Vyrn: Totally! I could watch this all day.
Lyria: Wow! Your singing and dancing are incredible, Diantha!
But here in the forest, the gnarled ground is vastly different from the altar she is so used to dancing on.
Diantha: Aah!
Lyria: Yikes! Are you okay, Diantha?
Diantha: Ouch... Ahaha, I just tripped.
Diantha: This brings back memories... It was a total disaster when I tripped on the altar.
Vyrn: Hahah! I was scared stiff when that creepy statue on the altar started growling.
???: Groar...
Diantha: Hehe, like the growl just now? No, wait...!
???: Groar...
Diantha: Uh-oh, is Xolotl angry that I tripped?
Monster: Grooaar!
Vyrn: Ack, there was something hiding back there? Let's get it, (Captain)!
Promised Letter: Scene 3
The next morning, Diantha returns with (Captain) to the statue's forest. When her maiden powers bring about the shadow of a giant beast, she realizes its connection to Xolotl, and hopes to piece together the deity's forgotten story to pass on to others.
Diantha: Now that was a surprise...
Lyria: Whew, thank goodness it wasn't Xolotl.
Vyrn: If it was Xolotl, I don't think we'd be able to stop it again!
Diantha: Hey, don't say that. I'm counting on you here, you know.
Diantha: Well, now that the silver dog has heard my song, everything should be okay.
Girl: Yeah, that makes Xolotl my friend! I'll come back to play with it again!
Diantha: Haha, just be sure to come with an adult next time. It's getting dark. We should head back soon.
Girl: Yeah! Thanks for playing with me today!
(Captain) and company escort the girl back home and spend the night at the inn.
The next morning...
Diantha: Good morning, (Captain).
Diantha: I'm thinking of going back to that forest from yesterday. Can you come with me?
(Captain) and Diantha head for the white statue they found the day before.
Diantha: I wanted to leave behind a sketch of this statue.
Diantha sits down on a log and begins drawing in her notebook.
(Captain) sits beside Diantha, all the while peering into her notebook.
Diantha: I wonder who made this statue? With how majestic it looks, I can only imagine the people here worshipped it as a god.
Diantha: Just like on our island, Xolotl was never really forgotten—just remembered as an evil being as the years passed.
Diantha: ...
Diantha: You're so sensitive.
You can try to hide it, but we know the kindness in your eyes.
She finds herself humming along as if trying to console Xolotl.
Just then...
Diantha: Hm? (Captain), do you feel that?
(Captain) and Diantha look at each other in confusion.
???: Rrrr...
Diantha: !
The two feel a strong breath from behind them.
???: Sniff...
The one breathing on them turns out to be a giant beast.
Although the beast has no intention of fighting, the two are frozen in place, unable to move.
The beast howls in their presence before finally walking off with heavy footsteps.
Diantha: My goodness, what was that all about?
(Captain) shrugs in confusion.
Diantha: I was only able to see part of its fur, but it looked just like Xolotl! Maybe they're brothers?
Diantha looks up at the statue in front of her.
Diantha: I imagine Xolotl being as big as this statue.
It was no doubt the miraculous power of Diantha's song that brought forth the beast.
But whether the beast was a physical manifestation or a mere vision is another issue.
Diantha: I witnessed something incredible.
Diantha: My training in instruments, and my studies to become the head priestess are going well.
Diantha: There's so much more I want to see before returning to Xochitl. Let's hold a performance together when I get back.
Diantha: Take care, and say hello to everyone for me.
Love,
Diantha
Diantha: Sigh, I hope everyone's doing okay.
Diantha puts the letter in an envelope, and seals it with her insignia.
The letter allows Diantha to keep in touch with Xochitl and provides her with emotional support.
Diantha's journey as an apprentice priestess is only just beginning.
Although the truth behind the legend of Xolotl and his warrior friend lies scattered across the skies, she may one day uncover the truth.