Beyond the Beyond: Update 108: And Then... (Epilogue)

[ladyabaxa]

Beyond the Beyond: Update 108: And Then... (Epilogue)

The game's official ending might have rolled but that doesn't mean the story I've laid out is quite done. If you're looking for bonus material as has been seen previously that will come with the next update - as will the act 5 recap. That said it's time for the epilogue to play out!

Over in Marion Town Sir Galahad and Percy face the prospect of going back to the castle. All in a day's work?

Mom you didn't have to come with us.
Why you'd think she was worried we'd wander off this road we know so well.
That's enough out of you two. You've already made me worry enough for another full lifetime.
Mom the odds of another attack on the castle are practically zero.
That's not what has me worried.
Sonya, those years are hopefully behind us.
Then why am I hearing rumors that Prince Edward has some mission he's preparing for?

So you've heard about that.
Of course I have. Who do you think everyone in Isla comes to when they have questions?
I can't stop the young prince. I can only advise him and his father.
That diplomatic tone... You're sounding more like your old self these days.
Dad's been well trained.
I'm just trying to keep all of Marion calm until the king figures out who he wants to replace Kevins. That's all.
I hope that's soon.
I miss Isla too.
Finn might return sooner than we expect.
No matter how soon Kevins won't be in any state to lead the knights for some time. Before either of you raise any objections no I don't plan on sticking around to watch him recover. The king will probably call a meeting of the ministers soon.
To figure out who should start kissing butt for a promotion.
*sighs* Too true...
Yours is one they'll be, err, kissing.
She's gotcha there, Dad.
I wish it were any other way.

 

In Simone village young Tont continues to adjust to having his human form back. Oh and his training continues. Not that his adventure hasn't already given him copious amounts of training but I suppose there's more to magic than just summoning entities to beat up monsters. That only works in Pokemon games.

Tont stop fidgeting! You have to focus.
I know, I know. This is all just so... BORING!
This is training, child, not entertainment. Without discipline you have no hope of joining the masters.
But I'm already halfway there!
And you won't make it the rest of the way without discipline.
Ahh! Not you too, Dad! Why did I even come back to this village?
Because this is the only place your true form could be restored?
Fine. Make sense. See if I care!
I think my son is just angling to convince Master Zeon that he should be sent anywhere else.
I'm not gonna spend my whole life in Simone!
The longer you delay your training the longer you'll be forcing yourself to stay here.
UGH! I gave up adventuring for this?
Oh dear me. I thought that maybe you decided to do the decent thing and come home to your family.
Okay, okay, Dad. That's check and mate.
Good! Now stop making this harder then it has to be.
You're never going to forgive me, are you?
Ahem! I'm still here, waiting for you to be done with this little tantrum of yours.
I know. I know. Focus. Concentrate. Feel the mana flow around me. Tap into the cosmic power all around us.
...
Seriously though. Are you ever going to forgive me?
Give me at least ten years to think about it.

 

Prince Edward and Sir Samson have some unfinished business within the Cave of Spirits.

There's still time to turn back if you have doubts.
This is just an exploratory mission. If it really is as bad as Finn and Annie said then we can figure out a plan of attack.
(1) The villagers mentioned something about a monster.
A kraken that lives in the caverns.
And I won't have it killing any more of my people.

The soldiers head into the Cave of Spirits ahead of the prince. Soldierly duty and all that.

We might not be able to do anything about this creature.
Finn described it as being trapped deep in the caverns so we shouldn't have much trouble retreating if things turn sour.
Probably some deep waterway down there.
If need be I can bring in a crew to dig access tunnels.
You think your father will go for that?
I can never be sure what my father is thinking but I can probably convince him if I try.
Hmm...
What is it?
Oh I was just thinking that this, uh, kraken might make for a worthy fight.
You... haven't had enough of those?
One day I'll be an old man yelling at the newest batch of squires to face me if they think they're so tough.
And then?
And then I probably throw out my hip trying to land the first punch.

 

Over in Barbaros the process of rebuilding the castle continues on day by day. Fortunately the holes in the castle walls just means monsters come within sight of one princess who's faced much worse in her life. Day by day fewer try to press their luck. Even monsters can learn a lesson or two. Or go extinct. That's also an option.

Lorele, Lorele! Where are you going?!
Don't worry. I won't be gone long.
Sarah don't bother the princess. She's a busy woman.
It's all right. Someone should know where to find me.
But you still haven't told me where you're going.
I'll be leaving the castle for a while. Don't worry though. I don't expect any trouble.
Oh.
...
Can I go with you?
Once you've completed the basic lessons then... maybe.
Is that a promise?
Sarah how can you ask such a question? You know Princess Lorele can't promise something like that!
Is that true?
As long as you keep up your training no promise will be necessary.

Just then a soldier approaches.

(3) Princess we're ready for you.
Very well. Tell the men I'll be there shortly.
You'll be super careful, right? We don't have another princess to fall back on!
*chuckles* My father used to say the same thing.
Did you ever listen to him?
I listened and howled and fumed and fought that much harder against my trainers.
(3) And might I say, princess, that we're all glad you've grown out of doing that.
You'd best be careful or I'll really put you through your paces on this mission.
(3) *gulps*
(1) Ha, ha, ha! And to think Kanaar believes he has a chance of winning our princess's hand!
What? You can't get married! These guys will just cramp your style!
*flushes red with embarrassment*
I think that is the nicest compliment anyone's ever given me.

 

In Luna the (sometimes retired) pirate Domino contemplates what he should be doing with his remaining years when a group of scruffy looking ruffians approach. Oh wait they're just sailors. Easy mistake to make.

I was wondering when you guys were going to show up.
(1) No hard feelings, I hope.
I should gut you feckless cowards for abandoning me but... I've never been a big believer in that part of the pirate code anyway so I suppose I'll just stand here to hear you out.
(2) That was some sort of demon, wasn't it?
(1) In that shrine.
Oh I remember. An unpleasant minion of Shutat, that one. It's dead by the way.
(1) We heard you had a new crew but it was, what? Only temporary?
Some kids who needed my help. If you're going to ask me if I'm taking on a new crew the answer is yes.
(1) Then we do have a chance!
You scags are gonna have to work hard to regain my favor.
(2) Just tell us what to do.
*fiendish smile*

(1) On second thought maybe we should just find a captain who hasn't got a head full of crazy schemes.
Would I put you all in unnecessary danger?
(2) Haven't you already done that?
That was necessary. Doesn't count.
(2) Well I for one am glad you've still got some spirit in ya!
I am retired from piracy though. That's not going to change.
WHAT?!
Never fear. I have other tasks that need doing and you men can help me. If you've got the guts!
(2) As long as there's treasure or good pay involved I'm up!

Elsewhere...

Sir Samson is something wrong?
I just had the strangest sensation that someone was laughing at me behind my back.
(1) There are more bones over here!
*scowls* And I have a pretty good idea who's doing the laughing.
But... we're the only ones here.
Pay it no mind. It's not important right now.

(I do believe Operation Mess With Samson is a go, captain!)

 

In a remote corner of the world pointed towards by a single obscure hint a mage who happens to be named Merlin strolls towards the only entrance to his cavernous home.

These old bones of mine just can't handle the damp air like they used to.
...
And now listen to me, talking to myself. But who else would I talk to? I guess I could go outside...

A noise draws the mage's attention towards the entrance.

What's that?

Oh! It seems I have a visitor.
Woof, woof!
Oh well excuse me. Two visitors.
So there is a cave way up here.
That cave happens to be my home.
So you're an actual cave man?
Cave wizard. Now, what brings you here, young man?
Finn told me where I might find you. You're Merlin, right?
That I am. I was told you'd be coming by.
Told? By whom?
A simple question with an answer too complicated for now. Suffice it to say you and your companion are in need of returning to your proper places and I'm the man to do just that.

 

Over on the little island where a boss battle once took place a trio of orks emerges from the shrine that once housed the Final Tablet. They're a bit bummed.

(1) Don't give me that. Sir Dagoot told us not to come looking for him unless there was an emergency.
(3) Oh why him? Why?! *wipes tears away*
(2) Now don't go all mushy-brained on us. We all knew Sir Dagoot was riskin' his life.
(3) That doesn't mean it's fair he's dead. I bet it was those kids that Mistress Ramue was complaining about!
(1) I think we'd better be more worried about what we're going to do now.
...
(3) *sniffles* What ARE we going to do now?

A few hours later on the battleship...

(3) Ahh! The smell of sea air! I think this just might be the life we are meant for!

The other orks come up on deck in rapid succession.

(2) You're not gonna start singing are you?
(3) Would that be so horrible?
(2) You can't carry a tune like Sir Dagoot did.
(1) Don't get him started. He'll go on and on about needing practice and that always leads to more singing.
(3) But it's true! We'll never get any better if we don't practice.
(2) We have more important things to do right now.
I hope so, mortal. Your bickering is tiresome.
(1) Not to worry, Larry. We found what we were looking for downstairs.

With that the orks don new garb that might mark a new brand of terror on the high seas... assuming this ship's crew can get it together for more than an hour or that their appearance doesn't send everyone who sees them into laughing fits.

Then it is agreed. This ship is ours now!
But what are we going to do with it?
Sail around. Waylay other ships on the high seas. Raid defenseless villages.
Fire the cannons whenever we feel like it!
(2) Oh lord...
What was that?
(2) I didn't say anything, mortal.
We should decide where we want to strike first.
Ugghh, it's awfully late in the day for that. Do you think it could wait until tomorrow?
Yeah! We need to break out the grog in Sir Dagoot's memory!
Good point, mateys. Captain, keep us headed into calm waters. We can't have a proper memorial toast in rough seas.
(1) You're the captain, mortal. I just steer.
Well then just steer us like I said.
(1) *grumbles something incomprehensible*

 

Finn and Steiner are making their way through the endless rolling clouds that form the Abyss. There's a whole lot of nothing in every direction.

You're awfully quiet back there. Makin' me nervous, Finn!
Oh. Sorry. I just got to thinking...
A dangerous habit!
I know!
...
How much further do you think we have to go before we see the Underworld?
Don't know. Can't see or smell anything yet.

Suddenly the Light Orb starts glowing.

Huh?
Something wrong up there?

A bright flash of light momentarily blinds Finn as he springs back in alarm.

When he opens his eyes Annie is in front of him.

Why does it suddenly feel like I have two people riding me?
That's because you do.
Whu... How?
You didn't really think you were the only one who could clone their Light Orb, did you?
Uh, well, I hadn't really given that any thought.
Well you should have!
Why are you here?
Are you trying to imply that you don't want my help in facing whatever dastardly dangers lie before you in the Underworld?
...You practiced saying that, didn't you?
Maybe. I notice that you're avoiding giving me an answer.
I don't want you following me into the Underworld if it'll be extremely dangerous.
Well too bad because I'm not abandoning you to face this danger alone.
Aww, Miss Annie cares!
Sis, you don't...
Don't have to tag along? Don't have to put myself at risk? You think I don't know that?
Now there's a loaded question.
We've traveled the world, fought monsters, faced down demons, and fought Vicious Ones together. If I didn't back out at any point along that path I'm not backing out now.
But what about your folks? About Percy?
I... sort of left a note for them in Isla. I'm sure if we ever return to Marion I'll get an earful from them but it'll be worth it.
Krayr! Come on, Finn. You turn into a big sourpuss without any friends around. Wait, let me amend that. Human friends around.
Okay, okay. You're here now, sis, and we should reach the Underworld soon so I guess that ship has sailed.

 

Next time on Beyond the Beyond - Act 5 wrap-up

Update One hundred and seven | Index | Update One hundred and nine