Crossroads of Fate

Raid Event: Fractured Futures

Episode 2

Crossroads of Fate

Previous Quest

Crossing Time

Next Quest

The Unleashed Ones

Summary

The prince once again goes back in time to stop Aurelius, and once again, Audric bars his way. While they struggle, Aurelius's body is taken over by the Other. In order to stop his changed father, the prince faces off against fiends summoned by the enemy.

Dialogue

We're back... ...... My liege? What is it? I was just thinking about that man who called himself Audric. Who could he be? Does he really know something I don't? Am I making a terrible mistake here? Will you desist in your efforts to travel the chain of causality, then? Honestly, Chronos? I'm afraid. Should I really be doing this? Changing the very flow of time? I would have your answer. ...No. I can't afford to become a prisoner to fear and doubt. Chronos, lend me your power once more. I am ever here for you, my liege. The Binding Ruins... Three hundred years ago, my tribe was entrusted with watching over the gates to all such sealed ruins. I still waver as to whether or not their opening proves my honor or disgrace. Your answer will be determined by our results, but worry not—I am certain this day will long be remembered as the day which saved our entire kingdom. It is pretty to think so. The Sacred Shard rests within. Let us go. *pant* My father's already gone deep into the ruins! We have to hurry! This cannot happen. You! I told you I would not permit you to interfere, did I not? Stand aside, Audric! No. Please! If I don't stop my father right now, something is going to happen that can't ever be undone! I know this all too well. What? And it precisely BECAUSE I know this that I cannot allow you to interfere! I don't have time for this! If you won't move, I'll force my way through! Fool! Do you think such a reckless attack will avail you of anything?! You will either choose to obey me, or I will force you to do so! Hrk! H-he's so strong! I'm not going to be able to... My liege, stand back! No! He's collapsing the ceiling! Hrrrgggh! Thank you, Chronos. I am pleased to help, but do not rely on it overmuch; as I am now, I can do little more than you just saw. Come on—we need to reach my father while there's still time. This is the Sacred Shard of these Binding Ruins. Its power? Most impressive. I can sense as much simply by looking at it. Indeed. This power will prove our kingdom's salvation. Let us back to to the capital with it at once! Father, no! Don't touch that Shard! Euden?! How did—Hrgh! T-this power... It cannot be... AAAARGH! Your Majesty, what's wrong?! Guwaaarrrgggh! King Aurelius! What are you—AAAAGH! Heh heh heh... Y-Your Majesty? ...Wait. You're not His Majesty, are you? AAAAH HA HA HA HA! GLORIOUS! At long last, I am awakened once more! I will overrun this land of yours, Alberius, and prove to all the depths of your idiocy! Gyaaaaah! We're too late... Everyone, back away from my father! Prince?! What in blazes is going on?! There's no time to explain. Right now, my father is a danger to us all! The Sacred Shards were detestable things that restrained me. But now that I have my body, they are nothing. Heh heh heh... A piece of me is returned! This is the moment! Haaaah! Gragh! Who are you?! I am the instrument of your ruin, Other! No! Audric, stop! Why do you stay my hand?! Do you not understand this fiend merely wears the face of your father?! You know who Aurelius truly is right now! I... And you know the tragedy that awaits should he be permitted to leave this place! We must cut out this evil by the root here and now, Euden! Ah, it makes sense to me now. You have cast off the yoke of causality! And yet, this only proves how great my power truly is! Perhaps so—but it ends now, when you have but a single piece of yourself! Aaah ha ha! It's true that my powers are but newly awakened...but I have more than my own power in this body! By the pact, come forth! Grant me power! No! This cannot be! ROOOAAAAAR! Zodiark! Graaaagh! Aaaah ha ha ha! Even the power of the six loathsome Greatwyrms is mine to wield! This dragonblood is useful indeed... Urk! Zodiark, take hold of your senses! The pact does not bind your heart! Your voice is...familiar. Fight this, Zodiark! His heart may not be bound by the pact, but so long as I am his master, he will bend the knee to me. GRRRAAARGH! If I cannot control you freely, dragon, I can still drive you to madness. We'll never be able to strike with Zodiark in the way! Please, Zodiark! Hold yourself back, if only for a moment! I will...resist! He stopped attacking! Now's our chance! Haaaaah! Look out! What?! Graaaagh! Where did those fiends come from?! He created them! Fools! With three hundred years of miasma accumulated, I can create as many fiends as I wish! And while you busy yourself with my friends here, I'll busy myself with overrunning this kingdom! Stop! AAAH HA HA HA HA!