Parting Ways [Flashback.] U Lutri: ...There we go! We did it, Xin! Xin Dicus: Yeah! We pulled it off! These ancient characters carved into this tablet, there's no mistaking it, it's an Arca Song! U Lutri: The Arca Song of Heaven? Xin Dicus: No... probably not. I think it's the Sea Turtle's Arca Song, the one mentioned in Manni's old records. U Lutri: Ah, that one... We can still sell it for a fortune, to the Empire or the Federation, who cares. Xin Dicus: True enough! U Lutri: We’re unstoppable together! What's the next target? Xin Dicus: I’m doing the next one alone. U Lutri: Why? Don’t be so cold. I'll help you. Xin Dicus: That's not it... I want to do this one by myself. U Lutri: ...Did I do something wrong? Xin Dicus: No, you didn't. You're the best Song Seeker there is. You’ve got a bit of a rotten personality, though. U Lutri: Then why... U Lutri: Rethink this, Xin. We're a perfect match. Nothing scares us when we're together. U Lutri: You said it yourself, didn't you? Born into a world like this and... Xin Dicus: Born into a world like this and experiencing a moment where nothing scares me for the very first time. Xin Dicus: No matter what happens, Lutri protects me, and I protect Lutri. Xin Dicus: You find what I miss. Even in moments so scary I want to scream, I can close my eyes and trust I'll be fine. Xin Dicus: It's the best. There's no sense of security like it anywhere else. U Lutri: ......So why? U Lutri: You didn’t wanna split the rewards? Xin Dicus: No, it's not like that at all. It's more like... Xin Dicus: I feel scared sinking so deep into that security. U Lutri: Scared? Xin Dicus: Yeah... What if this became our norm? If I got completely used to this beautiful security... Xin Dicus: I'd probably lose the ability to search for songs on my own. Xin Dicus: I wouldn't be able to Song Seek without you around anymore. U Lutri: Ah........... U Lutri: Ahaha! Isn't that just fine, though? Xin Dicus: No it's not. I like being alone. U Lutri: So do I. But I've got no complaints if it’s with you. A partner like you is one-in-a-million. Xin Dicus: I get it, but still. U Lutri: For the first time in my life, I thought it'd be fine if the world ended as long as I was next to you. U Lutri: I'd be fine getting swallowed by the darkness and disappearing if it’s by your side. Xin Dicus: Don't say cute stuff like that. U Lutri: Don’t take it like that, it's about meaning. Xin Dicus: Meaning? U Lutri: I can feel like there's meaning to it. Xin Dicus: To dying? To living? U Lutri: Hmm... both, maybe? Well, forget all that. U Lutri: Let's do this, the two of us. Xin Dicus: I’m sorry. U Lutri: Wh...Are you serious... Xin Dicus: Let's meet up sometimes, have a drink or two. U Lutri: No thanks. Xin Dicus: Why though? U Lutri: It's half-assed and way too convenient for you. Stop fucking with me. Xin Dicus: ........... Xin Dicus: If you're ever in danger, I'll come help. U Lutri: Don't need it. Xin Dicus: I'll definitely help you. U Lutri: ........... U Lutri: You're seriously breaking up the partnership? Xin Dicus: I’m seriously breaking up the partnership. U Lutri: Kh...You're the worst. Xin Dicus: You were the best. U Lutri: Past tense. You’re the absolute worst. Xin Dicus: I had fun adventuring together. I won’t forget that blue sky we saw together till I die. U Lutri: Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say. Xin Dicus: Yeah. Thanks. U Lutri: Guh........... Xin Dicus: See ya. [Back to the present…] Rao Nyx: The song on the tablet you got wasn't complete? Xin Dicus: Right. There's probably a first half to it somewhere. Rao Nyx: Huh... How can you tell? Xin Dicus: You can tell right away once you're used to reading them. Though I guess my skills have gotten rusty. I should've checked on the spot. Xin Dicus: I'm planning to go look for the tablet that has the first half tonight. Wanna come along, Rao? Rao Nyx: Of course, I'll accompany you. By the way, where are we headed? Xin Dicus: The palace treasure vault. Rao Nyx: The palace treasure vault?! Won't we be executed if they catch us?! Xin Dicus: Wanna sit this one out, then? Rao Nyx: ...I'll accompany you. Xin Dicus: There’s no need to push yourself, though. I did manage to break in once. Xin Dicus: But apparently the Emperor was nearly assassinated, so security might be tighter now… [BZZZZT!] Xin Dicus: Hm? Rao Nyx: What's this thing? A bug... an Echo? Xin Dicus: ...That's Lutri's...! Rao Nyx: Lutri? Xin Dicus: My old partner, sort of... there we go...! Rao Nyx: What are you doing, catching weird bu- Xin Dicus: Chomp! Rao Nyx: You ATE it?! Xin Dicus: For an Echo this small, it's easier to read the information once it's in my stomach. Rao Nyx: Information? Echoes carry information? Xin Dicus: Ah, hold on a sec... Rao Nyx: (Is he talking to something from inside his own stomach?) Xin Dicus: ...Ahh. The Federation, huh... That’s a bit far off... Xin Dicus: Hmmmmmmm... Rao Nyx: (He eats Echoes...I wonder if you can smoke them and preserve them...?) Xin Dicus: Well, this will have to do. Xin Dicus: (Xin's Arca Song) Xin Dicus: All right, let's head to the palace. Rao Nyx: Are you sure about this? Xin Dicus: Yeah. You're a capable guy, right? To be continued...