Time Stops, and Starts Again

Raid Event: Fractured Futures

Episode 4

Time Stops, and Starts Again

Previous Quest

Chronos Clash/Beginner

Next Quest

A Future of Despair

Summary

After the prince loses to Chronos, the masked woman who looks like his sister Zethia is slain. Filled with regret, the prince enlists Audric's aid in an effort to stop Chronos's actions before they are even allowed to begin.

Dialogue

Gaaaaaaaaah! This is the end, Chronos! Hraaaaagh... Did we...do it? I would commend you on a job well done, but alas, no job has been done at all. I do not end. His wounds are healing! No...not healing. He's reversing time! I have no end. Only a beginning. Gah! Now let us revisit that beginning anew! *pant* *wheeze* This...is impossible... Your struggle is futile; I am without end. The battle can continue into eternity. I can't...keep going... Your strength flags—see how you cannot even lift your own sword. Yield, for your own sake. Now, Auspex. Prepare yourself. No! Stop! Ah! Dammit, you stupid body! Move! MOVE! Vanish unto the ends of time, Auspex! AAAUUUGGGHH! Zethia! Euden... Forgive me... ZETHIAAAAA! Wha...? Is this...the Halidom? It appears we have been drawn back by your chain of causality. But Zethia... She's... This is my fault. It's all because I had to go and meddle with the past. It's my fault she was killed! I offer neither sympathy nor consolation. As you say, your own naive decision- making invited this situation. And with Chronos gone from this time, we shall not meet again. Farewell, Euden. Audric, wait. Have you further business with me? I need your help. Explain. Whenever Chronos and I traveled in time, you were there. Do you have some kind of power that allows you to follow him? I do, yes. Then please take me to Chronos! Bring me back to wherever he was before he and I first met! I see. By defeating him at that point, you hope to undo all that has transpired. Are you certain of this course of action? Trying once more to manipulate causality might well make you no different from the Other. I know what I'm suggesting might well be an affront to the goddess herself... But I can't just sit here feeling sorry for myself if there's something left to try! He may yet be a child, but I suppose he will not remain young and immature forever... What's that? Nothing. I understand why you wish to undertake this plan. However, there is a critical flaw you have not considered. I am only able to transport MYSELF in time while tracking Chronos. I cannot bring others along with me. There must be something you can do! I said the flaw was critical; I did not say it was fatal... It has been some years, Cassandra. Well, bless my stars! Never thought I'd live to see the day when Au— Audric. My name is Audric. Heh heh. Fair enough, ＂Audric.＂ I'd just love to sit for a spell and jaw about what's happened to you lately, but I'm guessing we don't have time. Forgive me, but such inquiries will have to wait for a later day. Um, Audric? Who is this? Do you not remember me, young man? Land sakes, but I remember you! You're little Euden! Sorry, have we met? Well, I suppose it's little wonder you don't remember. I left the castle while you were still wailing in your cradle, after all! This is Cassandra. She was once the royal court sorceress of Alberia. When I was a baby? But she's so... Um... Young? Oh, but you are a sweet boy to say so! Now hush with all that talk and let a lady have her secrets, mmm? I remember what little crybabies you twins were! Little more than wailing lungs, the both of you! Save the reminiscing for later, Cassandra. I need your aid in an urgent matter... Hrm. So this dragon has the power to manipulate time and change causality, eh? I can't get into specifics, but there is a connection between Chronos and I. And because of that, I am able to go to wherever—and whenever—he is. However, it is a trip I can only take alone. And you want to take the young man, yes? Heavens, that's but a trifle! So you can help?! See, moving through time is no different than moving through other worlds. I'll just trust you on that one. What we call ＂other worlds＂ are worlds of alternate possibilities. ＂What if someone somewhere did this?＂ ＂What if something somewhere was that?＂ ＂Other worlds＂ are the worlds of those possibilities. Hm. I see now. That explains why I... If I had to guess, dearie, I think Chronos has the power to track down and visit these alternate worlds. So with that being the case, all you need to do is find the world Chronos is in, then use the space between worlds to head on over there! The space between worlds can be used like that? Oh, not normally! You wouldn't have the foggiest idea where the place you're looking for actually is. But right now, you've got—heh— ＂Audric＂ with you. His connection to Chronos should allow him to find the world you need. So this might actually work! Well, it's dynamite on paper, at least. Okay then, Audric! Let's get ready to... Um, Audric? ...... What's wrong? I would ask once more about your resolve, Euden. The world Chronos inhabits is a future that may be far afield of what you expect. You may find it difficult. You may even see things there that are more terrible still than the death of your own sister. Knowing this, would you still go? Hmm... I'd be lying if I said I'm not afraid, but the chaos wrought by Chronos is my responsibility. I have to make that right, no matter what horrors or challenges I might face. Please, Audric. We have to do this. Very well. Then we will go together to the unimaginable future!