Operation story: 14-12

Operation

Story

Previous 14-11	Next 14-13
Characters
Doctor Amiya Kal'tsit Nightingale Margaret Shining "Daughter" Confessarius Salus "Father" (Qui'sartuštaj) Qalid'čoa Confessarius Guard "Shopkeep" "Driver" "Miner" Mon3tr "Mother" "Receptacle"
Backgrounds
1 2 3 4 5 6

Before operation

Summary Shining honors her own promise before the Confessarii, and prepares to bring Nightingale back. The Followers' final member, Margaret, finally makes it to her friends.
"Mother"	Qui'saršinnag... Qui'saršinnag. Mama's here. It's alright, I just need to talk to your father for a bit. Didn't you want to look around outside? Just like the blue fowlbeast in your favorite story... the fowlbeast that can fly high up into the soft, lofty clouds. You can do it. You should live a free life. I'm sorry, my dear child... ...Mama will get you away from all of this.
<Background 1>
"Father"	Qui'saršinnag. Enough hiding. I know you're there. You followed her in secret when she came to find me. You witnessed... everything. That's good. You need not be afraid of the blood. You'll see much more in the future. Will I die? Of course, my dear. Look, this sword has pierced through my heart. It won't take long before the blood in this body dries up. Your mother... wants to leave me because of some pointless delusions, and have you leave me as well... But how is that possible? We have long been bound together by the myriad souls, we cannot be separated. Go, child. Touch your mother... can you feel it? Her pulse. This is the power of life, our cycle of life. Through rebirths like this, again and again, will our lives be perfected. I will always be with you. We... shall never part.
<Background 2>
"Daughter"	...
Confessarius	My dear Qui'saršinnag, you don't seem happy at all. Didn't the experiment go smoothly? The receptacle has been responding perfectly from the last few tests.
"Daughter"	When the ceremony is complete, what will happen to her?
Confessarius	Her? You mean the... receptacle? When it was born, its soul was no longer with us. After all, the Leader has been researching for so long just to craft a cage from a pure consciousness, to trick the King of Sarkaz. When that happens, the King's power will be transferred to you, and the receptacle will be useless. You can decorate it like a doll if you like, and bring her wherever you go. I do like to collect souvenirs too.
"Daughter"	It is none of your concern.
Confessarius	Hah, you're always so impolite with me. Want it out of your sight? Just dispose of it. Or... you could give it to me?
"Daughter"	Leave. Do not step into my laboratory without my permission ever again.
Confessarius	Why are you so... offended? The Leader and you have such different temperaments... well, it's fine. You'll soon become as gentle as he is. Who knows, I might even miss your current personality... Goodbye, Qui'saršinnag.
[The Confessarius leaves.]
"Daughter"	...
"Receptacle"	...
She looks through her mask at the girl on the stone bed, who returns her gaze. There is still work to do, and her father will not allow any delays. This altar, this laboratory... and the bloodline she was born into together form a cage around her. In the face of the Confessarii's calling for the past several millennia, her sorrow and suffering are insignificant. She does not control her own limbs, they are extensions of her father's will. She cannot stop or leave this altar fiddling with life and death, nor can she drop the soul-engraving white sword in her hand. Suddenly, a drop of water falls onto her busy hand. Who is the one shedding tears here...? Her, or the figure on the bed, who should be completely unconscious? "Qui'saršinnag." Distracted, she lifts her head, and sees a blue fowlbeast fly out of the cave and into the dusk outside.
<Background fades out>
Cracks appear on the cage. A consciousness that should not exist, yearning for freedom it could not possibly have. From this, hope is born. A Confessarius and a pure white receptacle. Qui'saršinnag and Liz. Shining... and Nightingale.
<Background 3>
[Storm clouds crackle above.]
Qui'sartuštaj	I'm hearing a din of discontent.
Confessarius Guard	Do not worry, Leader! Only a few enemies have broken into this place. They want to destroy the altar and stop the ceremony.
Qui'sartuštaj	Annoying pests. Send someone to clean them up. Surely I need not sully my hands with such trifles?
Confessarius Guard	Of course not— We shall eradicate all obstacles in your stead.
Qui'sartuštaj	Hm...
The Confessarius Leader looks at the girl dressed in white. She's so deep in sleep on the stone bed that she almost looks like she is not breathing.
Nightingale	...
Confessarius Guard	The "Receptacle"s' Originium Arts are stable, the ceremony will soon be complete. We're only a step away before Amnannam will open a path for you to the myriad souls. You will surpass the King of Sarkaz, supersede the myriad souls, and become the father of all Sarkaz.
Qui'sartuštaj	With our journey spanning thousands of years... this is how things should be. Before that, I will have to reunite with my kin to witness it together.
[Shining arrives at the altar.]
Qui'sartuštaj	Right on time, sister. I have been waiting for you.
<Background 4>
[Several Confessarius guards run past.]
Amiya	More Confessarius guards incoming... Maryla, let's part ways here. I can't guarantee I'll be able to keep you and your companions safe in our next fight. The roads should be safer once you leave this place. If you're willing to do so, you can continue heading east all the way out of Victoria.
"Shopkeep"	Your Highness... I'll never forget your kindness, no matter where I end up!
"Driver"	But what are you guys planning to do?
"Miner"	This blade of mine is still usable, if you need it.
Amiya	Don't worry, we have our own mission, and we're set on it. Please... take care of yourselves, and then... um, I hope you can live the life you want to live.
"Driver"	Your Highness...
Maryla takes a step forward and kneels on one knee before Amiya. The other two follow suit, all three faces bearing a rare solemn look.
"Driver"	You've gained the undying loyalty of a... no, three Sarkaz.
Amiya	Huh? Please... you don't have to do this...
The mercenaries hesitate for a bit before turning to leave, fading from your view.
Doctor	Good luck to them. / I hope Logos is doing well...
Kal'tsit	We have little time left, and the Confessarius altar is close.
Amiya	Logos helped us dispel the Confessarius illusions, and I can feel an unsettling energy disturbance here...
Doctor	So are we going in loud? / Any secret passage to the altar or something similar?
Kal'tsit	Time isn't going to let us slowly figure a surefire solution. We can't overlook the risks, but it's also important to take rational risks in our war strategies. Fortunately, the Sarkaz have done as much, and sent all their troops to the front lines. So we need only deal with the Confessarius's men.
Doctor	Theresis must trust Qui'sartuštaj a lot. / Why are the Confessarii in charge of the Amnannam advent ceremony?
Kal'tsit	The Confessarii play many roles in Kazdel. They are the King's advisers, bodyguards, shamans, and scholars. They travel between the Royal Courts, and have always been dedicated to exploring Sarkaz history, and researching the power of their blood. Theresis already planned to use the Shard to control Amnannam before invading Londinium, and the Confessarii definitely helped him out. Qui'sartuštaj's plan to usurp the King is also closely tied to Amnannam.
Doctor	What does Amnannam have to do with the King?
Kal'tsit	Qui'sartuštaj wants more than just the crown. He too, once possessed the King's power thousands of years ago. He did not manage to get the full picture, but he definitely sensed the King's power to influence others. "Control". The more you experience absolute power, the harder it is to resist temptation. Be it Theresa or Amiya, Qui'sartuštaj has been watching every single King and their successors in secret for a long, long time. His obsession with power compels him to extend his life by maniacal means without hesitation, just to seize control of that power once more. There is only one thing that can let him achieve his goal.
Doctor	..."Originium".
Kal'tsit	Yes. Through Originium, Qui'sartuštaj will be able to control the Sarkaz more than the King ever could.
Doctor	Shining and Nightingale... are also victims of his.
Kal'tsit	They never stopped resisting their fate... especially at such a critical moment as now.
Doctor	We have to stop Amnannam and its uncontrollable effects— / We have to stop the Confessarii from harming Rhodes Island's Operators— It's time to move.
<Background 5>
[Several Confessarius guards block the way.]
Kal'tsit	Mon3tr, hold off our enemies. Amiya, destroy the altar.
Amiya	Dr. Kal'tsit, I'm sensing something's up... I can't quite control... the King's power... That altar's influencing—
[Salus steps into the chamber.]
Salus	I've told you before. We've been researching the Crown for thousands of years. But you? How long has it been since you learned how to use it? I welcome you all to bear witness to this grand ceremony.
<Background 3>
Shining	...Qui'sartuštaj.
Qui'sartuštaj	Everyone here is waiting for you.
The Confessarius Leader smiles as usual, spreading his arms wide open as if welcoming his own child back after a long time away from home. Dozens of Confessarii stand on both sides of the mountain path in silence. Their eyes behind their masks hold fervent deference, completely ignoring the blood drenched Shining as she walks up the steps with her sword in hand.
Shining	I'm here to kill you.
Qui'sartuštaj	I know. How could I... not know that? Many years ago, mother showed up before father, before me, just like you have now. She always knew her own duty, and never thought to disobey me. But as you slowly grew, she developed a hatred to our family, the love I gave her... and the Confessarius's calling. I don't blame her at all, nor do I blame you. You are the same. Merely made a tiny, forgivable mistake. I will always accept you returning to my side.
Shining	You are a monster. Who are you to speak of love?
Qui'sartuštaj	Love and hate, life and death. They are fundamentally part of the same whole. Generations of Confessarii have passed their souls down through the same rites. This is my way of loving my family. Souls in death are purified in rebirth. Through death after death... we close in on the original, the purest and perfect being.
Shining	There is not a shred of that worthy to be... perfect. Qui'sartuštaj. Your true self died thousands of years ago. The white horned King of Sarkaz who defeated countless enemies, the legendary hero who built an everlasting Kazdel under the day and night—is long dead. What stands before me now is but a despicable man who lives in the shadows, a coward who sacrifices the lives of innumerable innocents to prolong his own. Who is it that tarnishes the soul of that original hero? It's you, King of Usurping Kings—You got so twisted seeking longevity. You are no longer worthy of that crown.
Qui'sartuštaj	...Perhaps. Qui'saršinnag... Sister. I, who was born with all my memories intact... know better than you, the history Qui'sartuštaj bears with his life.
The Confessarius Leader takes a step down. He calmly looks at Shining, and holds her hand trembling in rage.
Qui'sartuštaj	I know all too well the blood that is on my hands, as I remember all the love I have received. It was you who picked me up from the blood into your trembling arms when mother died. We are a true family, sharing the closest of blood, and sharing the closest of relationships. The nature of my soul may change, but the facts remain the same.
Shining	How could you... talk about that like so... Who was it...that killed my brother? Who was it, that turned him from a child who should have received his mother's love... into a non-existence from the very beginning?
Qui'sartuštaj	It was me. For millennia, Qui'sartuštaj has... died time and time again from betrayal, from his closest kin. You may see this as a punishment if you wish it so. However... what does that matter? You call me unworthy of that crown, but who else but me could possibly lead the Sarkaz on a path to our survival?! Qui'lon brought our people on a wandering path of no return, and Yliš's retreat into hiding would only make us weak. Even that pair of siblings, all they did was push Sarkaz into futile conflict, and let the crown slip into outblood hands! The Sarkaz... need a true King, an eternal King. I will reach our starting point, and together with the sins of Qui'sartuštaj and his blood, purge all of the Sarkaz's sins!
[Thunder booms loudly in the sky.]
Shining	...
Sin. The word intensifies the ire in Shining. Her father and brother were both possessed by this undying monster—while she and her mother lived under the madness of his shadow. To let him live, to kill him—both are afflicted with the curse. She has no path to go. She has nowhere to retreat. But there is no way she can stay here as is.
[She slashes Qui'sartuštaj.]
Qui'sartuštaj	...Ugh! You... made your move. Very good... Qui'saršinnag...
Shining	...I'll kill you. And then...
Qui'sartuštaj	Kill yourself? Is this what you call severing the bloodline's curse? The same stupidity I see.
Qui'sartuštaj grips Shining's sword with hand. Blood trickles down the pure white blade and stains her hand. A shudder rises from the depths of her soul.
<Background flashes>
Shining	—Ugh!
An overwhelming force flings Shining onto a crystal tree. The sharp black branches pierce through her abdomen. Fresh blood gushes down, and converges with Qui'sartuštaj's blood. The ancient tree long crystallized into Originium bursts a sudden pure white glow. In just a moment, countless little moons rise to the top of the tree. Every Confessarius begins to sing—
The myriad souls lie prostrate. Howling knocks on the door from beneath, tangible usurps the intangible. The Black Crown imprisoned, the offender perpetually innocent. Because kings are born before immortality.
[Despite her wound, Shining is able to get back up.]
Qui'sartuštaj	Look, even injuries as grievous as this will not infect you—this is the power of the blood you resist. Qui'saršinnag... I have been patient enough with you. But you stay stubborn, unwilling to accept all that belongs to you—your duty, power, glory. It's alright, just be good and stay aside, while I... complete the ceremony myself.
A crown woven of thorns appears in his hand. Moonlight shines onto the crown as it illuminates the crystal tree at the end of the steps. In that spot lies a stone bed lined with dead branches, and a curled up figure Shining knows too well atop it.
Shining	Liz... ...Wake up.
Qui'sartuštaj	Don't bother. Her consciousness is not where you think it to be.
Shining	She's inside the crown.
Qui'sartuštaj	Correct. I promised you that I would mend her soul. You need only wear the complete crown, and you can be together forever.
Shining	Together forever... in your cage?
Shining shuts her eyes. She strains to imagine... the time she spent together with Liz. They run in the woods, hand in hand. They cross the ice-cold creek together. With Liz worn out on her back, she walks the road home. Liz makes a small flower wreath and places it on Shining's head. A small blue fowlbeast follows them the whole time, chirping a cheery tune over their heads. It hovers, searches—and lands next to the sleeping white demon. It does not know why Liz is sleeping, and anxiously pecks at her cheek with its little beak. Until a black arrow pierces it. The fowlbeast vanishes, leaving only a blue feather that lands on Shining's shoulder.
Qui'sartuštaj	Enough. You know very well those are not her dreams.
Shining	Even if those memories were fabricated...
Qui'sartuštaj	They are fabricated, so why not accept your own power, and reshape her memory once more?
Shining	Liz... is Liz. She should be free. I will never shape her soul as I please ever again.
Qui'sartuštaj	Wishful thinking... Qui'saršinnag, my fragile child indulging in fantasy. You are that blue fowlbeast, thirsting for freedom, yet imprisoning yourself. I prepared everything for you, a perfect body, an ancient power, all you needed is to accept— But you betrayed me, you abandoned everything that belongs to you, and then? What did you gain? You sorely disappoint me.
Shining	...A new life. I was reborn into a new life after leaving you. Not as the Confessarius Qui'saršinnag, nor a puppet of my bloodline... But as Shining... ...As a member of the Followers.
Blue feathers prick her wounds. The slightest of stings momentarily rouses her from her bloodline-induced paralysis.
<Background flashes>
Shining	Come. Now... is the time. Find me. Find this tree. If it were you... ...You would certainly make it.
<Background fades out>
[A golden light glints in the dark sky.]
An opening pierces through the crimson clouds. The sunlight pours down— Everything around her becomes increasingly brighter.
Confessarius Guard	That's— It doesn't matter what it is, just hold it back! The ceremony has already begun, we can't let—Ugh! We can't stop it!
Light. Light and fog fills the air. The sun descends from the sky to repel the clammy moonlight.
[Margaret brandishes her swordspear.]
Margaret	— Sorry, the storm was too intense, so I took some time to locate you— Are you alright? Do you need a hand... Shining?
Shining	...I'm fine. But we have to save... Liz. And... stop Qui'sartuštaj. Lend me your strength— And dispel the darkness before my eyes.
Margaret	Of course. Let's go together. The road ahead of us... I'll illuminate our path.

After operation

Summary Shining and Margaret repel the Confessarius at the cost of shattering Nightingale's soul, and his servant Qalid'čoa carries him to safety. At the same time, Salus uses her own blood to boil the Blood of Teekaz.
<Flashback starts here>
<Background 6>
Shining	...
Margaret	Here you are.
Shining	...Nearl. You don't return to the landship often. Stay with Liz a bit; she's missed you.
Margaret	She just fell asleep. While you seem more exhausted than when I last saw you. Are you worried about Liz? I asked Dr. Kal'tsit, and she said Liz's condition is still under control— Is there... something you haven't told me?
Shining	I'm thinking... of a way to "cure" Liz for good.
Margaret	You've poured years into this, it just won't come quickly, so don't torture yourself over it.
Shining	What if... I told you a solution has always existed, only I've dared not try it?
Margaret	Shining. What exactly are you hiding from me? What is it you can't say?
Shining	... Nearl, this is a duty I must see through on my own.
Margaret	Do you think Liz and I will leave you? You know that won't happen.
Shining	My concern... has always been that you two might get hurt. I've decided to join Liz in searching for her memories. I shall accompany her... until we find the truth. However... Nearl— A time will come when I need you to protect Liz in my stead.
Margaret	I know. But I will protect and fight... for more than just Liz. Shining, I will stand for you as well.
[Shining smiles.]
Shining	Yes...
Margaret	We have always stood by each other. The Followers are as one. My oath remains, unchanged— Margaret Nearl and her swordstaff will be there for you, whenever needed.
<Background fades to white>
<Flashback ends here>
The swordstaff sweeps wide. A dazzling radiance repels a crowd of foes.
<Background 3>
Margaret	Every single Confessarius here... is a powerful foe. So that's why you weren't willing to spar with me, Shining. We saved quite a lot of money for Rhodes Island.
Shining	Our greatest foe... lies ahead.
Margaret	Alright. Let's settle this quickly.
Qui'sartuštaj	What a farce!
Shining	Careful!
[A Confessarius attacks Margaret with his sword.]
Margaret	*huff*—Hah. I can take it. Shining, my shield will protect you. You need only... advance.
A torrent of witchcraft washes toward them. Margaret's radiance is suppressed. Qui'sartuštaj stands on the top of the steps, day and night surging within his palm.
Qui'sartuštaj	So this is the help you found? Qui'saršinnag, what do you think our ceremonial altar is? A... meadow? For a Kuranta to frolic in?
Shining	——
[Shining slashes at Qui'sartuštaj.]
Qui'sartuštaj	Hmph, so her Arts can momentarily block my influence on you. And what of it? Your swordplay and Arts all come from me. You can't even harm me... unless I let you.
[Qui'sartuštaj casts his unique Arts. Time seems to slow.]
Shining	*cough* *cough*—Ugh!
Margaret	Everything's slowed down...? His Arts... affect the perception of time? Or is it something else...? Shining!
[Margaret protects Shining with her shield.]
Shining	...I'm alright. Your shield...
Margaret	...The first crack on this new shield of mine. But no matter, I can mend it with my Arts. A knight's shield will never weaken when protecting someone in need.
[Margaret swings her swordlance.]
Qui'sartuštaj	What a detestable light. Puny foal, I've killed so many pegasi like you... I've stopped counting. I smeared their golden blood on the walls of my Kazdel—so that my city would look as if forever bathed in the radiance of dawn. And their descendants would understand Kazdel is not a domain they can invade as they please.
Margaret	We're not in Kazdel. And you're not some homeland hero either. Heroes shed their own blood to clear the way for others. But you—All I see is your path to ascension drenched with the blood, tears and bones of others.
[Qui'sartuštaj dodges Margaret's attack.]
Qui'sartuštaj	Heroes? I decided long ago to give up being one. The hero people sing and praise... but is as fleeting as sand. No matter how I try to master the time I have, it does not stop for me. I will die, and the city I built will collapse. My beloved people will only be compelled to continue wandering. This hopeless cycle... torments every single Sarkaz, including me. As a sovereign, I have the responsibility and power, and ought to change my people's fate at the source. As long as the Sarkaz need no longer lie prostrate before beasts like you, as long as my Kazdel stands everlasting through days and nights—
<Background flashes black>
All the light around them rushes toward Qui'sartuštaj's palm as he speaks. Margaret's Arts, the Arts of the other Confessarii, and even... the little sunlight straining through the dense clouds. In his palm floats a small crown of thorns, as impenetrable as the darkest night. Nightingale floats up from the stone bed. Her eyes are still shut, her limbs lack strength, but her arms involuntarily open— When the last light has been caged, the crown will fall on Qui'sartuštaj's head.
Nightingale	...
Shining	Liz...!
Margaret	Shining, follow my light! Save her—
Shining	——
<Background flashes>
A sharp spear of light tears a path through the witchcraft barrier.
[Shining sprints towards the altar.]
Shining arrives before Qui'sartuštaj.
[Shining swings her sword.]
Night descends like a cage, and the only light comes from her blade. The soul glimmers on the tip of her sword.
<Background fades out>
Shining	...Liz. I return the true memories I once took from you.
No fields, no woods, no streams... and no flower wreaths. Only a girl huddled in a dark corner. The entire room serves as her cage, and she cannot tell day from night. Because she is merely a manufactured, empty shell. With no consciousness, or knowledge of pain or fear. she reacts to no Arts inflicted on her at all. Until—
Shining	In my obsession with exploring the soul... I left some... unnecessary vestiges in you when carving yours. You're... awake. You're starting to have emotions, and responding to them. The experiment will continue, I have to...
Create some illusions. Fill up that newborn soul with memories fabricated by Arts. To cover up the truest, scariest ones.
Shining	I think you should feel a little better, at least. You will feel truly alive, as if you've experienced... a bit of warmth.
No. Perhaps it was escapism. As long as I lost myself in those wholly trusting eyes, I didn't have to confront the cruelty of what I'd done to her.
Shining	I'm sorry. You should have remembered... Liz. You must remember all that we promised each other.
A blue fowlbeast emerges from the darkness. Gigantic grey-white eyes stare at Shining, and a tear slowly falls.
<Background fades to white>
<Background 3>
Nightingale	... ...Mm.
The girl in the air floats down. Shining and Margaret hear Nightingale's voice simultaneously in the frozen time.
Nightingale	I remember, Shining. You took me out of the darkest of rooms and we escaped... you accompanied me everywhere in search of medical help... And then we met Nearl, and two became three. We went many places, and saved many people. You often sighed with knitted brows in the middle of the night... but once I opened my eyes, you shifted to the warmest tone I know and told me about the beautiful things I missed on our journey. Nearl tried to teach me how to dance a few times. She'd hold me and spin... until I couldn't move anymore, and the two of you would help me, taking turns carrying me... When I'm at your side... It's as if... I really can fly. The two of you have made me what I am now. I am a member of the Followers... and a healer. I'll protect you both too. And fight alongside as well, to sever the gravest sins, to save... those shrouded in the eternal night. This is what the three of us...
<Background fades out>
Nightingale	...Promised each other.
Nightingale lands on the ground. Her staff and body emit an intense light. A giant cage appears, and catches Qui'sartuštaj's body within.
Qui'sartuštaj	Ugh—! The soul was completely under my control, why is this cage—
Nightingale
[Liz starts casting her Arts.]
Nightingale	Qui'sartuštaj, I'm stopping you because... I don't agree with a single word you've said.
[Her Arts grow stronger...]
Qui'sartuštaj	You...
[...Until she finally breaks free.]
<Background fades to white>
Nightingale	Shining, Nearl...
Shining grips her sword tight. Margaret tosses her swordstaff, and it hits right on target, the crown of thorns revolving in Qui'sartuštaj's hand. The trio are in complete sync with their thoughts and actions.
Qui'sartuštaj	—!
[Shining swings her sword at Qui'sartuštaj.]
Grab the flickering sliver of the soul, before day and night take control once more. A long path of blood is the only crack before her eyes.
Shining	I've found it, the essence of your soul. ——
[Shining slashes through Qui'sartuštaj's body.]
Qui'sartuštaj	... Qui'saršinnag... you...
Shining	What this body will become... I am unconcerned. If blood does control my will, then Liz and Nearl will pass judgement on me, in my stead as I am now. But I will not be your puppet. I will not conquer or rule in your name. Until death... I will be free.
Qui'sartuštaj	Free? You speak of freedom? Shall we give it a go? Qui'saršinnag, we are not easily parted. Try again... to leave my side. Try and see... how long you can run from me.
Shining	I will run no longer. Rather, I will—grant you an eternal death.
[Shining clashes blades against Qui'sartuštaj.]
Margaret	Shining—Retreat!
[An explosion rocks the altar.]
The moonlight above the tree tumbles down the cliff, and the ground violently rumbles as if about to turn upside down. The altar crumbles, and thick golden Originium liquid gushes out from the cracks. A figure appears without anyone noticing. He does not move fast, but manages to appear just in time to block Qui'sartuštaj from the Followers.
Qalid'čoa	We should leave.... ...Your Highness.
Qui'sartuštaj	Heh... So it's you.
Shining	Who's there—?!
[Shining attacks the new enemy, but he remains unfazed.]
Qalid'čoa	Followers... is it? In this era where valor is scarce, your radiance bedazzles. We shall meet again.
<Background flashes>
Shining	...
Qalid'čoa and Qui'sartuštaj's figures blend into the remains of the altar. The other Confessarii follow suit. The crown of thorns shot out of Qui'sartuštaj's hand earlier suddenly spins, and turns into a pitch-black shadow that flies up toward the sky.
Shining	...The Shard.
Margaret	In the eye of the storm... is that the "Amnannam" mentioned over the comms?
Shining	Dr. Kal'tsit, the Doctor, and the others... will they make it?
Margaret	Shining, you... uh, anything feel off?
Shining	I'm alright.
Margaret	This blood curse is indeed complicated. Wait, Liz... Liz?!
Nightingale	...
Shining	Liz... ...No. Your soul... why is it incomplete?! Did you fracture your soul... when you resisted Qui'sartuštaj?!
Nightingale	Shining... Nearl...
Margaret	I'm here. I've always been here, Liz.
Nightingale	Yes... I'm alright... You two have protected me for so long... so it's my turn... I want... the three of us... to be always...
Together.
[Liz collapses onto the ground.]
Margaret	Liz! Come, Shining! We'll treat her together!
Shining	...
Margaret	Shining?
Shining	It's futile. Our Arts can't heal such a grievous wound on her soul in this environment. Liz is unique, both her body and soul. Her birth was coincidental... no, I would rather call it a miracle.
Margaret	Then we...
Shining	Will first leave this place, and then plan our next move.
Margaret	What about Qui'sartuštaj? Do we just let him go?
Shining	His fate means nothing compared to Liz's safety—he means nothing now. Let us return.
Margaret	Yes, together.
<Background 5>
Salus	...Leader.
<Background flashes>
Mon3tr	(Furious roaring)
Kal'tsit	Qui'sartuštaj failed to cage the Black Crown.
Amiya	The altar's power has weakened... I can work through its influence now—
Kal'tsit	The altar's upper layer is breaking apart. Amiya, focus your attacks on the Blood of Teekaz.
Amiya	Right.
[Amiya fires her black Arts at the altar.]
Salus	... Hmm... Yes.
Amiya	You...
Salus	The King of Sarkaz has already sentenced me to death. But this is nothing new to me.
Amiya	You're clearly... in pain. You revere Qui'sartuštaj, but he left you behind like nothing. He treats you just like how you treat those Chimeras... exactly the same.
Salus	Don't waste your breath, King of Sarkaz. My feelings are nothing special. The Confessarii are of the Leader's blood. Though some are born more perfect than others... like Qui'saršinnag. Still others like myself were never in the running to be chosen at all. But I've never envied her. We only stand in the spot befitting us best. We were supposed to be inseparable. We are all limbs... of the same one body. There is no other group able to perform unprecedented miracles like we Confessarii can.
Doctor	You sure are dedicated. / ...How stubborn.
Salus	I am curious. Is there nothing you're strongly attached to? Doctor... Would you not make the same choice as I have, for your life's work, for those dear to you, and the ones who have fought by your side this whole time? Whether it be under some control or influence... it does not matter. To reach our origin, and create a completely new future. That's all I want.
Amiya	I can't... let you get close to the Blood of Teekaz.
Salus	Hah... Oh.
<Background flashes>
A black line pierces through Salus's body once again and strikes the altar's core at the same time. The Blood of Teekaz stills.
Salus	I'm so close... ngh.
Kal'tsit	Amiya, stop her! She's going to ignite—
Mon3tr	—!
[Mon3tr tears into Salus.]
Salus	It's fine, it's fine... My body... is just like a monster's...
She stretches out her broken hand towards that drop of blood. A curse known only to the Confessarii, inflicted upon the soul, upon all blood and flesh—
Salus	It will probably be a complete death this time. Before the Leader, before Qui'saršinnag, and before all my family... I'll take the first step... into the future I yearn for.
Salus smiles and throws herself onto the still heart. The Blood of Teekaz boils. A giant crimson vortex appears from the altar's core—
Amiya	...
In that moment, Amiya feels as if she's being watched. By Qui'sartuštaj, by the crowned without names, by the howling myriad souls... and the one she is most familiar with.
Amiya	Theresa...?
Kal'tsit	Amnannam. Salus used her own blood to complete the Confessarius ceremony. Quick, get away from the altar!