A Small Incident
Yggdrasil and Yaia join (Captain) and the others in investigating a forest. Yggdrasil is summoned away from the group by the fairy king Leos, who entreats the primal beast to aid his people in chasing the mortals from the island. After Yggdrasil refuses, the fairy king casts a spell on her, causing her to shrink as she slowly transforms into a fairy-like being.
(Captain) and the crew are investigating a forest at the behest of the residents of a nearby town.
A strange phenomenon assails anyone who enters.
After gathering information from the townspeople, the crew convenes to sort through their findings, fresh juice from the general store in hand.
Lyria: It's... It's a monster, isn't it?
Yggdrasil: ...
Yggdrasil pats Lyria's head in a reassuring manner.
Vyrn: Could be... The townsfolk do seem awfully shook up by whatever it is.
Villager 1: Last time I went into the forest, I heard this terrifying voice telling me to get out. I didn't see anyone around, though.
Villager 2: I was enveloped in some weird mist-like stuff, and next thing I know I was back at the town entrance.
Villager 2: I had definitely made my way into the deepest parts of the woods at that point...
Villager 3: I was shoved into a lake in that forest by some mysterious force. Was there someone else there? Nuh-uh, it was just me.
Vyrn: It looks like we've done just about as much asking as we can. Why don't we head in for ourselves?
(Captain) nods in agreement at Vyrn's proposal.
Yggdrasil: !
The crew's conversation seemingly excites Yggdrasil. Her hands shake as she sips her juice.
Vyrn: You all right, Yggs? Careful, the juice'll spill...
Vyrn: Wh-whoa! Yggs's startin' to glow!
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil blithely continues to drink her juice, ostensibly unaware of what is happening to her body.
The golden light radiating from her skin grows ever more brilliant.
Lyria: Is this the same as what happened last time? It feels a little different, though...
Yggdrasil: ...
Once Yggdrasil finishes her juice and sets the empty vessel down, the glow fades.
Lyria: Wh-what just happened?
Vyrn: Maybe it's just Yggs' way of saying that the juice was amazingly delicious?
Vyrn: That's what we decided last time, too.
Lyria: Oh... Oh yeah...
Yggdrasil: ?
Yggdrasil tilts her head inquisitively as (Captain) and the others chuckle among themselves.
???: I found her. I must tell the king...
(Captain) and the crew finish their preparations and head to the forest.
Lyria: Nghh...
Yaia: Nghh... Big Bro...
Frightened by the overwhelming atmosphere of the dense forest, both Yaia and Lyria cling to (Captain).
(Captain) cannot help but flash a pained smile.
- Maybe you should have remained behind?
Choose: Maybe you should have remained behind?Yaia: No! No, I can do this. Because I heard from someone back in the town that there's an herb in the forest that can cure anything.
Yaia: So Yaia will be brave, for Dad...
Yaia: Eek! Nghh... Yggy, can I hold your hand?
Lyria: M-me too!
Yggdrasil: !
Nodding her head, Yggdrasil joins hands with Yaia and Lyria.
With (Captain) and Vyrn leading the way, the crew traverses deeper into the forest.
Though the forest air is stifling, the crew make steady progress toward the center of the leafy canopy.
As if to stop them in their tracks, however, a thick fog begins to swathe over the crew.
Vyrn: Hey, hey! We can't even make out forwards and backwards with all this fog.
Yaia: Sob... Are we lost?
???: Way... This way...
???: Won't you come this way and play? Play with us... forever!
Lyria: Eep! I just heard... a voice...
Yggdrasil: ?
Vyrn: Y-yeah, I heard it too... But there's no one here besides us, right?
Lyria: I-I think so, but it's hard to tell with all this fog...
Yaia: Sob... Could it be... m-monsters?
Vyrn: What should we do? Head towards that voice? Or maybe we should head back for now...
Yaia: Nghh... Big Bro... Do you know where we came from?
An unsettling sense of dread befalls the crew.
The path they have thus far tread is concealed by the abundant trees.
Yggdrasil: ?
Vyrn: Hey, now what's goin' on?
Yaia: I wanna go back to the ship...
Lyria: I-it'll be all right, I'm sure of it!
Vyrn: I guess we've got no choice but to check out where that voice is coming from.
(Captain) nods at Vyrn's suggestion.
Vyrn: Let's be real careful, now. Will you let us know if you sense anything weird, Yggs?
Yggdrasil: !
With a reassuring nod from Yggdrasil, the crew proceeds deeper into the fog.
The group cuts through the murky haze with the utmost of caution.
After some time, the fog suddenly dissipates.
Vyrn: Oh, are we in the clear now?
Yaia: Oh no, Big Bro!
Lyria: Yggdrasil has disappeared!
The crew frantically looks about for any sign of the primal beast.
Vyrn: But weren't you both just holdin' hands with her?
Lyria: Y-yes, I'm sure of it...
Yaia: Mm-hm, but as soon as the fog went away I couldn't feel Yggy's hand anymore...
Yaia: Nghh... Come back, Yggy...
Vyrn: Can you sense Yggs' presence, Lyria?
Lyria: Let me see...
Lyria: Oh, yes! Over there!
- Let's hurry.
Choose: Let's hurry.(Captain) and the crew rush over to where Lyria has sensed the primal beast's presence.
Meanwhile...
Yggdrasil, now separated from (Captain) and the crew, looks on in bewilderment at the fairies in front of her.
Yggdrasil: ?
Leos: Welcome, o primal beast, born of the Astrals. I am Leos, king of the fairies residing in this great wood.
Leos: Please accept my apologies for forcing you to come to this place.
All of the fairies present turn to face Yggdrasil and bow in unison.
Yggdrasil: ?
Leos: Now, with that being said, we have something we would request of you.
Yggdrasil: ?
Leos: I beseech thee to enter into pact with me, and become queen of this forest.
Leos: And in your new role, we would have you chase all mortals from this forest. Nay, from this very island itself.
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil is shocked by Leos' entreaty. She shakes her head in rejection.
Leos: I was afraid that our plea would fall on deaf ears.
Leos: By refusing, you leave me no choice. I will have your cooperation yet.
Leos begins conjuring a magic spell.
Yggdrasil: ?
Something pierces Yggdrasil's body, and it begins to glow a dazzling white.
The gleam subsides to reveal that the primal beast has become as a small child.
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil is astonished at her new appearance.
Leos: This forest serves as home to us fairies, and it serves to magnify our powers.
Leos: I have sensed, o Yggdrasil, that you and us are not so different. The flora has a profound effect on our existences.
Leos: As long as we reside here, my power is more than enough.
Leos: The spell I have just cast on you brings your existence closer to that of a fairy—to be as us.
Leos: That you have diminished in stature is proof enough of that fact.
Yggdrasil: ?
Leos: Your transformation will continue on, and you will find yourself unable to neglect my appeals.
Yggdrasil: ...
Leos: Until the time comes at which I have need of your powers, I would have you get to know the trees of this wood.
At Leos' words, the roots of a certain nearby tree stir and spring to life. They grasp at the dazed Yggdrasil, restraining her in place.
Yggdrasil: !
Leos: Once again, I must ask your forgiveness of our rather extreme methods. We would be helpless without your powers.
Leos: After all, no mortal can stand in your way—
As if they had been able to sense Yggdrasil's despair, (Captain) and the crew burst forth from the depths of the weald.
(Captain) slices away at the roots binding Yggdrasil.
Yggdrasil: !
- Are you okay?
Choose: Are you okay?Yggdrasil: ...
Yggdrasil responds with a nod, a clear expression of relief upon her face.
Vyrn: Phew... We finally found ya, Yggs.
Yaia: But Yggy's gotten so tiny!
Lyria: Oh my, you're right! What's happening?
Lyria: Even her presence as a primal beast feels off somehow...
Fairy 1: Tch, how did you all find this place?
Leos: Worry not about such trifle. We must secure Yggdrasil!
Fairies: Yes, my lord!
The fairies gather around the crew, making it evident that they intend to attack as a group.
- We need to run!
Choose: We need to run!Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil and the crew begin their dash back into the forest depths.
Lyria: Oh no, the fairies are still chasing after us!
Vyrn: Let's just keep going! They're bound to give up at some point...
Yaia: Eek!
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil and Yaia trip over the tangle of the forest floor.
Lyria: Yaia! Yggdrasil! Are you both okay? Are you hurt?
Yaia: I'm okay! I didn't even feel nothing!
Though Yaia is able to get back on her feet, Yggdrasil looks at the others with a pained expression.
Vyrn: Yggs... Can you move?
Yggdrasil: ...
Tears begin to well up in the primal beast's eyes.
(Captain) rushes to her side and picks her up with ease.
- Hold on!
Choose: Hold on!Yggdrasil: ...
With a nod, Yggdrasil tightens her grip around (Captain)'s neck.
The crew resumes their escape into the forest depths.
Vyrn: Huff... Huff... No way they'd chase us this far, right?
Yaia: Huff... Haa... Yaia can't run anymore!
Yggdrasil: ?
Yggdrasil glances at Yaia.
Coming down from (Captain)'s arms, she approaches the small girl.
Yaia: What is it, Yggy?
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil grows flustered as she motions towards Yaia's now-empty hands.
Lyria: Oh, is she trying to tell us something? Yaia's hands... Gasp!
Lyria: Yaia! What happened to Charley Horse?
Yaia: Hm?
Yaia: !
Yaia begins searching frantically for the missing stuffed animal.
Yaia: Oh no, Charley Horse... He's gone...
Vyrn: Could you have dropped him back there when you tripped?
Yaia: Ah, maybe! I'm going back for him!
Lyria: What! You can't go back there now, it's much too dangerous!
Yaia: No, Charley Horse is family. I hafta find him!
- Let's look for him together later, okay?
Choose: Let's look for him together later, okay?Yaia: B-but...
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil seeks to comfort the bawling Yaia.
Yaia: Yggy?
Lyria: I think she's saying that we'll be able to find him as long as he's in the forest.
Yggdrasil: !
Yaia: Really? Can you really find him?
Yggdrasil: !
Yaia: Oogh, okay. Yaia will do her best to stay strong.
Vyrn: Let's get back to the village and figure out what to do next.
Vyrn: Yggs here can also help us understand what the heck is going on.
Yggdrasil: ...
At Vyrn's suggestion, the crew heads back to the village to recuperate.
Beliefs
After successfully rescuing Yggdrasil and returning to the village, the crew begins to plan their next course of action. A fairy by the name of Feino inhabits Yaia's beloved stuffed doll Charley Horse to speak with the crew and tells them of the mortals who lay waste to their home and capture fairies to sell to wealthy buyers. (Captain) and the crew agree to act as a mediator between the fairies and the mortals, and they head off to negotiate with the village mayor.
After escaping from the fairies of the forest, (Captain) and the crew have made their way back to the village.
They review the current situation at the village inn.
Lyria: So all of those strange things we encountered in the forest, from the voices to the fog... It was all the work of the forest fairies?
Yggdrasil: !
Vyrn: And the fairy chief, or king or whatever... He wants to chase all the people off of the island...
Vyrn: But you didn't agree to help him, so that's why he made you small... Do I have that right?
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil nods her head in confirmation.
Vyrn: I guess we won't be getting much of anywhere unless we do something about those fairies, huh?
Lyria: What do we do? It may be best to just talk to the fairies directly...
Yaia: Hyaaah!
Yggdrasil: ?
Lyria: Yaia, what's wrong?
Yaia: Ch-Charley Horse... He's turned into a monster!
Vyrn: What? Whaddya mean—
Yaia motions frantically toward the window.
They see the figure of the stuffed animal suspended midair outside the window, its eyes eerily devoid of any expression.
Charley Horse?: ...
Yggdrasil: ?
Vyrn: Okay, just who's out there playing puppetmaster?
Charley Horse?: Charley Horse... So that would be this doll's name, it seems. How incredibly quaint.
Yaia: Huh? Charley Horse just talked!
Yggdrasil: !
Charley Horse?: Oh, my apologies. I did not mean to startle you.
Yaia's beloved stuffed animal turns to face a shocked (Captain) and everyone else gathered in the room.
Lyria: Is that really you, Charley Horse?
Feino: Well, no, I am not known by that name. I am a fairy of the forest, and my name is Feino.
Yggdrasil: !
The talking doll's words put the crew on guard.
Vyrn: A fairy? Why do you look like Charley Horse, then?
Feino: I possess no great amount of power on my own, so I have need of a vessel if I am to leave the confines of the forest.
Feino: It was very fortunate for me that the child dropped her doll.
Feino: I have merely assumed the form of this "Charley Horse" temporarily.
Yaia: Nghh... And you didn't even ask me first...
Feino: I am sorry for troubling you so. Would you allow me to borrow his form for just a bit longer?
Feino: I will return him to you as soon as my business is finished.
Feino pleads gently with the girl.
Yaia: O-okay. I trust you, Mr. Fairy.
Feino: Thank you, Yaia.
Yaia: Now we don't have to go looking for him either. Thank you, Mr. Fairy.
With a smile on her face, Yaia bows her head at the floating doll.
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil and the others appear relieved to see the placated Yaia.
Vyrn: Well, I suppose it's about time you told us why you possessed poor ol' Charley Horse here and are paying us a visit.
Feino: Of course. I have a request for Yggdrasil, and by extension, all of you.
Feino bows deeply at Yggdrasil and the rest of the crew.
Feino: Please, if you would. Become as a bridge between the mortals and the fairies.
Yggdrasil: ?
Feino: As you are now aware, our king, Leos, intends to chase everyone from the island.
Feino: He does this with the intention of protecting all of us fairies.
Lyria: How do you mean?
Feino: Our people have lived in that forest since time immemorial.
Feino: It is only recently that mortals have begun to roam under those trees.
Feino: They come seeking a flower that only blooms in the forest, said to be able to cure any ailment.
Yaia: That must be the same one I'm looking for...
Feino: The mortals leave a path of destruction in their wake—overgathering the forest resources, cutting down trees, dumping their refuse...
Feino: There are even those who capture us fairies with the intention of selling us to wealthy buyers.
Yggdrasil: ...
Yaia: Oh no, Mr. Fairy...
Feino: Our home is falling to ruin, and many of my brothers and sisters have disappeared.
Vyrn: I see what you mean, now... About your king intending to protect his people.
Feino: Yes. If this continues, our very existence is under grave threat.
Feino's words bring immense discomfort upon everyone in the room.
Vyrn: Why would you come to us for help, then? I couldn't even imagine doing anything as terrible as you just said, but why trust us?
Vyrn: Shouldn't you hate us?
Feino: I do not believe that conflict is the road we should be following. Us fairies will suffer greatly, too.
Feino: I do not want to see any more of my brethren hurt.
Feino: I know that many good souls exist among the mortals.
Yggdrasil: ...
Feino: And I know this because I, too, was captured to be sold.
Feino: I was saved by a skyfarer, who returned me to my home in the forest.
Yaia: A skyfarer? So just like Big Bro!
Vyrn: Okay, I getcha. As skyfarers, you believe we should be able to help you out.
Feino: Yes, but perhaps even more than that fact... Yggdrasil has placed her utmost trust in you all.
Feino: I, too, choose to place my trust in you.
Yggdrasil: !
Feino: Would you take me up on my request?
Feino: I care not if our two kinds cannot be friends.
Feino: I simply wish us to be able to co-exist... without conflict.
Feino bows at (Captain) and the crew once more.
- We will do what we can.
Choose: We will do what we can.Feino: You have my thanks.
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil offers a pleased expression as (Captain) agrees to help.
Vyrn: First, I say we should take it up with mayor. As our client, I'm sure he'll want to be in the know.
Lyria: Yes, and perhaps we can think of some solution to this whole problem together.
Yaia: I wanna help too!
The crew begins to discuss in earnest their plans going forward.
Yggdrasil approaches Feino and takes his hand. She leads him away from the others.
Feino: Lady Yggdrasil? What is it?
Yggdrasil: ...
Feino: Ah yes, your body... I am sorry, but I do not know of the magic cast upon you.
Yggdrasil: ...
Feino: I am sure King Leos is able to reverse the spell.
Feino: Though your appearance has become more like that of a fairy, I know that your core essence remains unchanged.
Feino: A primal beast with the attributes and powers of a fairy...
Feino: What could the king be thinking?
Yggdrasil: !
An expression of relief graces Yggdrasil's face.
The two return to the crew's discussion.
Beliefs: Scene 2
While (Captain) is speaking with the village mayor, Yggdrasil, Yaia, and Feino are confronted by King Leos and a detachment of fairies. Two fairy hunters take advantage of the squabble, and capture everyone in sight.
The crew have made their way to the mayor's residence to tell him of Feino's plight.
Yggdrasil, Feino, and Yaia stroll about outside.
Yaia: Here you go, Yggy! Juice!
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil begins to sip happily from the container.
Yaia: Yggy! You're glowing again!
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil makes a surprised face as she notices the glimmer from her body.
Feino: Is this the first time you've noticed?
Yggdrasil: ...
Feino: I see... I presume you were too focused on drinking to notice it before.
Yggdrasil: ...
Yaia: Feino, is Yggy okay?
Feino: Yes, do not worry, child. This is normal for one such as us.
Yggdrasil: ?
Feino: We share a deep connection with the flora and with the very land itself.
Feino: When we consume of the water and fruits of the land, our bodies radiate a deep glow.
Feino: It is thanks to this that we were able to locate Lady Yggdrasil.
Yaia: Oh, so that's why you know so much about Yggy!
Feino: Indeed, though Lady Yggdrasil really seems to enjoy her juice.
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil nods at Feino's observation, a resplendent smile on her face. She continues to sip the juice.
Yaia: Ah!
Yaia drops her cup.
Yaia: Oh no... Yaia's juice...
Yggdrasil: ...
Yggdrasil tries to comfort the young girl by sharing some of her own juice.
Yaia: You're sharing with Yaia? Is that okay?
Yggdrasil: !
Yaia: But I know you love your juice so much!
Yggdrasil: ...
Yggdrasil's expression makes it clear that she doesn't mind.
Yaia: Thank you, Yggy!
Yggdrasil: !
The young girl is all smiles once more.
Yggdrasil pats her head.
Feino: Lady Yggdrasil, it seems that you possess a certain favor for this girl.
Yggdrasil: !
Feino: Your sister, you say? But this child is a mortal...
Yggdrasil: ?
Feino: No, I suppose it is nothing to be worried about. A question, though, if you will?
Yggdrasil: ?
Feino: Lady Yggdrasil, you are not of the mortal sphere.
Feino: Why is it that you care so much about Yaia... No, the whole crew?
Feino: I was under the impression that primal beasts exist to serve the Astrals.
Feino: That your very existence would be in contention with the sky dwellers. And yet...
Yggdrasil: ...
Feino: You trust the mortals? And you have grown to love them?
Yggdrasil: ...
Feino: I see now that (Captain) and the rest of this skyfaring crew must all be exceptional people...
Feino: That is most enviable... If only we could have shared the same kind of relationship with the mortals until now...
???: That would not have been possible, under any circumstance. Why can you not accept that?
The voice echoes throughout the village. They turn to see Leos and a group of fairies.
Feino: King Leos, why are you here?
Leos: Is that not obvious? I have come seeking Yggdrasil.
Yggdrasil: !
Feino: King Leos, please listen, as I have asked these mortals to help us.
Feino: I know that chasing away the mortals would not be in the best interest of the fairies, I say this for our sake!
Feino: It only breeds conflict, and as a result, our brothers and sisters will be—
Leos: Silence.
Feino: King Leos, I beg of you!
Fairy 2: Say no more, traitor!
Feino: Argh...
Yaia: Feino!
Leos: Do not concern yourselves with this traitor. There are more pressing matters at hand.
Leos and the fairies shift their sights to the primal beast.
Leos: Yggdrasil, I would have you come back with us.
Yggdrasil: ...
She shakes her head in fervent refusal.
Leos: It would appear your transformation has not progressed as far as I would have preferred.
Yggdrasil: ...
Leos: What? You would have us seek a way to coexist?
Leos: I am not sure what kind of ideas that traitor has given you, but know that he speaks utter nonsense.
Leos: It is clear that only one choice remains before us. We must drive the mortals away.
Yggdrasil: !
Leos: I've heard this drivel time and time again. There is no other way. We must drive away the mortals... I will protect my brothers and sisters...
Leos: And I will have your cooperation, Yggdrasil.
The fairies exert an overwhelming presence.
Yggdrasil and Feino take on a defensive stance.
Yaia: Stop!
Leos: ?
Yggdrasil: ?
Yaia: Yggy is part of our big family!
Yaia: We won't let you take her away!
Leos: A primal beast and mortals—family? What utter nonsense!
Yaia: Nonsense?
Feino: He means to say that he finds the idea too much to believe.
Yaia: Really?
Yaia: Well I don't think so! I really love Yggy, and she loves me!
Yaia: And that's what family is!
Yggdrasil: ...
Leos: You are being fooled. There is simply no way for mortals to coexist peacefully with those not of their own kind.
Yaia: You're wrong!
Leos: Why must I argue with this child?
At Leos' command, the fairies point their weapons at Yaia.
Yaia: N-no...
Yggdrasil: !
Leos: "Do not lay a finger on her," you say? I care not about this child.
Yggdrasil: !
Leos: So you will come with us, then? I would have had you say that sooner.
Leos: My patience has run thin—
Poacher 1: Now!
A group of men leap out from the thicket.
Fairy 1: Wh-what? Identify yourselves!
Fairy 2: When did they—
Poacher 1: This will make for a damn fine catch. Don't let a single fairy escape!
The men use a variety of hunting tools to capture any fairy in their path.
Poacher 1: Hehe, and to think that we didn't even have to enter the forest to get such an awesome haul.
Poacher 2: Got that right. I dunno what they were thinking but I'm all for it.
Leos: I recognize those voices... The scoundrels who have been hunting my brethren!
Leos: Release my brothers and sisters at once!
Leos prepares a spell to use against the fairy poachers.
His magic flickers out before he even has a chance to attack.
Leos: What!
Poacher 2: Too bad. We've made sure that you won't be causing us any trouble.
The men raise their arms to show off some bracelets.
Poacher 2: As long as we're wearing these, your puny fairy magic does no more damage than a speck of dust to the face.
Poacher 1: So why don't you make this easy and just come along with us now...
Leos: Let me go at once!
Poacher 1: Hey, come on now. If you resist, you'll just end up hurting yourselves. We can't have our valuables go and depreciate themselves like that.
Poacher 2: What about these brats?
Poacher 1: Leave them be. We're after the fairies, and nothing more.
The men continue to round up the fairies as Yggdrasil and Yaia look on in horror.
The primal beast soon steps between the men and their prey.
Yaia: Yggy!
Poacher 2: Huh? You got a problem? We were just gonna leave you alone, but now...
Yggdrasil: !
Poacher 1: Hey, stop messing around over there!
Poacher 2: This kid is trying to get in our way.
Poacher 1: Hey, you brats got a death wish or what?
Poacher 1: If not, I suggest you beat it right now!
Yaia: Nghh... What should we do, Yggy?
Yggdrasil: ...
Yggdrasil grows ever more troubled as she witnesses both the fairies' capture and Yaia's desperate plea.
Feino: Lady Yggdrasil, I leave everything to you—
Poacher 2: What's with this freaky doll thing? Is it also a fairy.
Poacher 2: Whatever, throw it in with the rest of 'em.
The poacher stuffs Feino into his bag.
Yaia: Oh no! Charley Horse! Feino!
Yaia reaches for the bag holding Feino and Charley Horse captive.
Noticing her rescue attempt, one of the poachers pushes the girl out of the way.
Poacher 2: Did you not understand us the first time, you little brat?
Yaia: Eek!
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil rushes to Yaia's side and begins checking the girl for injuries.
Poacher 2: I believe we made it clear that nothing good is gonna happen to anyone who tries to interfere, yeah?
Yaia: Sob...
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil prepares her powers to protect Yaia.
However, the primal beast soon discovers a harsh reality.
Yggdrasil: ?
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil: !
No matter how she may try, Yggdrasil cannot draw any power from the land.
Poacher 2: What's this other brat tryna do?
Poacher 1: Who cares. Let's get—
Lyria: Yaia? Yggdrasil?
Vyrn: Heeey, where are you guys?
Yaia: Lyria! Vyrn! Over here—
Though the chance to call for help presents itself, the poachers are quick to grab Yaia and cover her mouth.
Poacher 1: Tch, those kids had friends nearby?
Poacher 1: We need to get outta here, stat. It'd be a huge pain in the ass if we were to be found out now.
Poacher 2: Yeah, but what do we do about these kids?
Poacher 1: They're comin' with us for now. We can think about what to do with 'em later.
Poacher 2: Roger...
The poachers load Yaia and Yggdrasil onto their cart.
Yaia: Mmph! Big Bro, hel—
Yggdrasil: !
Poacher 1: Time to get outta here!
The men make their escape in a hurry, Yaia and Yggdrasil in tow.
Beliefs: Scene 3
King Leos and the fairies are about to be sold off to a potential buyer, but Yaia risks herself to obstruct the transaction and Yggdrasil entraps the hunters in tree roots, averting the immediate danger. After witnessing Yaia's self-sacrifice on their behalf and Yggdrasil's aid in restoring parts of the forest to its former beauty, King Leos agrees to try and coexist with the mortals on the island.
Yggdrasil, Yaia, and several fairies have been captured by a group of fairy poachers.
The poachers have brought them to their base of operations.
Poacher 1: In you go!
Yggdrasil: !
Yaia: Eep!
They shove Yggdrasil and Yaia into a dungeon cell together, and lock the door behind them.
Yaia: Sniff... I want dad and Big Bro...
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil attempts to calm the crying girl by stroking her head.
Feino: I am sorry. This is all my fault...
Yaia: Nuh-uh, Feino didn't do anything bad.
Yaia: It's my fault for trying something so dangerous.
Yggdrasil: !
Yaia: Yggy?
Feino: I believe that she is trying to say that everything will be all right, so please cheer up.
Yaia: Really? Can I see dad and Big Bro again?
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil nods her head and smiles.
Yaia: O-okay. Yaia will be strong.
Yggdrasil: !
Poacher 1: Tch, this wasn't even part of the plan. These kids really put us in a bind.
Poacher 2: There's always something, damn it.
Poacher 1: No use grumbling about it now.
Poacher 1: Time to get in touch with our best customer. We've got quite the catch for him.
Poacher 1: After finishing with this sale, we'll dump those kids back at the village somehow and then bolt off the island.
Poacher 1: We should be fine, but we need to tread carefully.
Poacher 2: So we'd be leaving this island? Then what?
Poacher 1: We should have plenty of dough after this sale to keep us set for a while. We need to lay low elsewhere until things settle down.
Poacher 2: I suppose... But after things settle down, it's right back to huntin' fairies, right?
Poacher 1: Yeah, there's no job more lucrative across the entire skies.
Poacher 2: Got it. Better hope we don't get any competitors cropping up on this island, though.
The two poachers carry on with the conversation and leave the room.
Leos: Surely you understand now, Yggdrasil. The true face of a mortal in plain sight.
Yggdrasil: ...
Leos: They will waste no time in persecuting what they deem to be "other."
Leos: Perhaps now you can sympathize with my plight.
Yggdrasil: ...
Leos: It seems that my hope is in vain.
Leos: So you still will not help us?
Yggdrasil: ...
Yggdrasil nods at Leos' surmisal, hugging Yaia tightly.
Yaia: Yggy?
Yggdrasil: ...
Leos: You would have me believe that there are many mortals of pure heart, like this child?
Yggdrasil: ...
Feino: Lady Yggdrasil is right. The mortals are not all of evil intent.
Feino: King Leos, just before in the village... Yggdrasil's companions were seeking a way for us to cooperate with the mortals of the island.
Feino: There is surely a way forward without conflict.
Leos: And if those negotiations were to fall through?
Yggdrasil: !
Leos: You would have me place my trust in those mortals? Even if you say that—
Fairy Connoisseur: I see, I see! You were not bluffing! Today's selection is quite delectable indeed!
The poachers return, accompanied by a woman draped in gaudy clothing.
She stands in front of the cell, her eyes scan each fairy in the same way one would appraise a precious stone.
Fairy Connoisseur: Yes... I will take every last one of them at your price.
Poacher 2: A pleasure doin' business!
Fairy Connoisseur: And what of these... children?
Poacher 1: It's a long story... Please fear no trouble, ma'am. They're going right back to that village after this.
Fairy Connoisseur: I see... Well then, I leave the rest to you.
Poacher 2: Hehe, of course.
The poachers unlock the cell and approach the occupants.
Yaia: Hey, mister! You better not be mean to the fairies.
Yaia: Say you're sorry and let us go, or else I'll get really mad!
Yggdrasil: !
Yaia and Yggdrasil attempt to hide the fairies behind their backs.
Yaia: Yaia is sorry too, so please—
Poacher 2: You just never know when to shut up, do ya, kid? You've been a huge thorn in our sides this whole time. Now just be quiet!
The poacher raises his hand to strike the young girl.
Yaia: Big Bro!
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil moves to defend Yaia from the poacher.
The building begins to shake violently, and myriad tree roots burst up through the floor.
Poacher 1: Y-yikes! Let's get outta here!
Fairy Connoisseur: Wait right there! You cannot possibly be thinking of just leaving me here!
Poacher 2: Ahhh!
The roots wriggle their way through the debris and wreckage with ease. With their hideout in ruins, the poachers now find themselves firmly restrained by Yggdrasil.
Yaia: ...
Yggdrasil: !
Though all of the others can only stare on in stunned silence, Yaia approaches Yggdrasil and hugs the primal beast tightly.
Yaia: Yggy?
Yggdrasil: !
Feino: Lady Yggdrasil, Yaia worries immensely about you.
Yggdrasil: !
Yaia: I-I'm sorry.
Yaia: I just want to protect everyone.
Yaia: Just like Big Bro...
Yggdrasil: ...
Yggdrasil smiles back at the girl in understanding.
Leos: ...
Leos: We will all be crushed at this rate.
Yaia: N-no! Let's get out of here, everyone!
Yggdrasil, Yaia, and the fairies make their escape from the collapsing building.
Just as everyone safely exits the crumbling edifice, the final pillar of support gives way.
Yggdrasil: !
Feino: Do not worry, Lady Yggdrasil. Everyone, including those vile poachers, is safe from harm.
Feino motions towards the figures of the poachers. They are still bound by Yggdrasil's roots.
The primal beast breathes a sigh of relief.
Yggdrasil: ...
Feino: To think that this is the full extent of your power... It is quite astounding.
Yggdrasil: ?
Feino: What we have just witnessed is even more extraordinary than usual. Though you could not use your powers back in the village, you wonder why you were able to use them now.
Feino: I suppose that is because...
Leos: It is because you are now even closer than ever to the existence of a fairy.
Leos: Back in the village, you were not yet accustomed to the new form you were taking on.
Yggdrasil: ...
Lyria's Voice: Yggdrasil! Yaia! Are you all right?
A familiar voice closes in on their location.
Lyria, (Captain), and the crew come running towards the wreckage.
Yggdrasil: !
Yaia: Big Bro!
Yggdrasil and Yaia run off to meet the crew.
They both cling to either side of (Captain).
- Are you hurt?
Choose: Are you hurt?Yaia: Nope, we're A-okay!
Yggdrasil: !
Lyria: Phew... That's a relief.
Vyrn: Geez, you guys really gave a us a scare.
Vyrn: What even happened here, anyway? Those guys aren't lookin' so hot...
Feino: Please allow me to explain everything.
Feino shares everything that transpired since (Captain) and the crew went to meet with the village mayor.
Vyrn: I think I get the picture. So these guys are those fairy hunters?
Fairy 1: It's all because of these mortals that so many of my brothers and sisters...
Fairy 2: Our home is in shambles as well...
(Captain) and the crew glance around the wood.
Just as the fairies say, they see evidence of cut-down trees and heaps of refuse piled high.
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil approaches (Captain) and motions with her hands.
- Um...
Choose: Um...Feino: She wishes to restore the forest... That is what I sense that she is trying to convey.
Yggdrasil: !
- Please do.
- Can your body handle it?
Choose: Please do.Yggdrasil: !
A faint smile graces Yggdrasil's lips. She nods at (Captain)'s request.
Choose: Can your body handle it?Yggdrasil: ...
Yggdrasil nod's intently at (Captain).
With any doubts dispelled, (Captain) agrees to let the primal beast do as she pleases.
Continue 1In the blink of an eye, where once only stumps stood, trees now flourish; colorful buds and green leaves spring to life on their branches.
Fairy 1: Incredible... Yggdrasil...
Yaia: Yay! Way to go, Yggy!
Yggdrasil: !
Leos: The mortals will make short work even of this...
Yggdrasil: ...
- Don't worry.
Choose: Don't worry.Feino: What do you mean by that, (Captain)? So your discussion with the mayor was...
Vyrn: It went well. They agreed to stop going in to the forest just to wreck the place, and even agreed to help plant new trees and pick up the trash.
Lyria: They also agreed to keep an eye out for poachers, and to stop them if they ever encounter any more.
Lyria: Above all else though, they promised to not disturb the forest depths ever again!
Lyria: A box will be set up at the forest entrance to collect any complaints that you may have from here on.
Feino: A marvelous idea. We can easily share our thoughts and concerns with the mortals that way.
Feino: What say you, King Leos? Is it not an excellent proposal?
Leos: Yes, but...
Yggdrasil: ...
Leos: Indeed, things must not be allowed to continue as is...
Yggdrasil: ...
Leos: We must think about the future of this land and all of its inhabitants?
Yggdrasil: ...
Leos: ...
Leos: I still find myself hesitant to trust the words of these mortals. However, if they can all prove me wrong, just as that child has...
Leos: If the Yggdrasil who restored our great forest, too, can place her faith in them...
Leos: Then I suppose that I will give them one last chance.
Feino: Then it is settled!
Leos: Yes. I agree to the proposal.
Yggdrasil: !
Feino: Thank you, My King.
Lyria: And with that, we've completed our job too!
Vyrn: Sure did! But what do we do about lil' ol' Yggs here?
All eyes shift towards the diminutive Yggdrasil.
Yggdrasil: ...
Leos: Yggdrasil, have you not the intention of remaining with us in the forest?
Leos: Though we have come to an agreement today, I doubt that the distrust between our people will simply disappear so soon.
Leos: It would be of great relief to me and to many if you were to stay here.
Leos: Our trust in you is unshakeable.
Yggdrasil: ...
Leos: It would seem you are not content with ending your journey with these people.
Yggdrasil: ...
Yggdrasil glances back at the crew once more. She turns to Leos and nods her head energetically.
Yggdrasil: !
Leos: I see... If it is your wish to remain with these people, then I have no right to protest otherwise.
Leos: Please, wait just a moment.
King Leos summons forth a magic circle.
The light it emits envelops Yggdrasil's body.
Yggdrasil: !
Leos: I have halted the transformation magic and reversed all progress made until now.
Yggdrasil: !
Leos: Yggdrasil, if for any reason your faith in mortals has been shaken, please know that you will always have a home here with us.
Leos: We will accept you with open arms.
Yggdrasil: ...
Leos: That won't be happening, you say... I pray that one day I too may have my faith restored.
Yggdrasil: !
Yggdrasil smiles at the king's words.
Her face displays her absolute trust in (Captain) and the crew.