???: What a pity. I thought you gentlemen would recognize me.
Beneath the black hoods, faces are hard to distinguish.
They instinctively take a step back, gripping their weapons.
The woman removes her black robe, revealing an extravagant gown.
J: Have we met before? Wait, I know, gimme a sec.
He nudges Pioneer's elbow.
J: Damn, when did I mess with this girl? She's gonna eat us alive if she finds out I don't remember her!
Regarding J's overconfidence in his charms, Pioneer really wants to roll his eyes, but he lacks the ability—a heartbreaking defect of a mannequin.
Pioneer: My apologies, ma'am. We simply didn't expect to see you. We're new here, and the sight of this place took us aback.
Eternity: I see. Allow me to thank you again for your "alms." chuckles I can forgive your surprise. You're certainly not the first to react in such a way.
Eternity: You don't look like merchants or believers, and even the way you were invited is unique. You must be the special guests of the ceremony.
J: Th-that's exactly who we are! We got lost. That's why we look a bit messy. Haha.
Eternity: chuckles What lovely young people! Now, may I see your invitation from the Order of Enlightenment?
J's smile freezes in place.
The question races through his head: "Is it merely a casual question or an order?"
Eternity: Look at you! Hah hah! There are no invitations. It was just a joke, sweethearts. Relax.
Eternity: I have no interest in those outdated rules. Where there are customers, there is business. Every coin I earn is as glorious as the last, no matter whose pocket it's from.
Eternity: And, amidst your confusion, I smell a good deal.
Eternity: On the other hand, it is good manners to notify our host of the arrival of new guests. I'm sure they'll provide a satisfying reward in return.
Eternity: Hmm, you've given me quite the dilemma. What to do? I wonder ...
A clear hint and a threat that can't be ignored.
Unfortunately, whatever her toll might be, they can not afford it, or anything else at the moment.
The two poor men look at each other, then turn to their only possible savior.
Matilda: Wh-what?! Don't look at me! Where's your money? There's no room in my budget for any extra expenses!
Eternity: In that case, how about another deal?
She extends an unexpected olive branch.
Eternity: I recognized that thing on your back the moment I saw it, young sir, and those calloused blacksmith's hands.
J: ...
Eternity: Oh, look. You've wrapped it so tightly for fear of it being recognized, but that thing can't be hidden. Since you've lugged it all the way here, why not show it to me?
He involuntarily takes a step back, hiding the shaft behind him.
J: No. It's totally worthless.
Matilda lets out an exasperated sigh as she makes up her mind to help.
Matilda: Fine! I'll make the payment!
Eternity: ...
The lady accepts the hefty bribe but, in an instant, loses her smile.
She murmurs faintly to herself.
Eternity: This crystal ribbon ... Ah, would you look at that? This is Beryl Bouanich's money. Then you, little lady, must be her daughter.
Eternity: This will be quite a show!
Matilda: Huh? What are you talking about? Anyway, I showed you my sincerity. Now it's your turn.
The lady steps back, no longer interested in the trifles set before her.
J: Hey, hey! Where do you think you're going? We haven't asked you anything yet!
Eternity: No need, sweetheart. I already know what you're going to ask. chuckles A good merchant always knows what a customer needs.
Eternity: Your friend has been waiting for a long time.
Eternity: Oh, and here's some free advice: don't get too close to the altar.
She points in the direction of the massing crowd, where the flames and revelry have come to an end.
Flickering torches casting out distorted shadows.
A chant rises above the shrieking of critters and stamping feet.
J: Hey, what's that?
J: ...
She vanishes into the crowded marketplace.
He can only shrug.
Leaving behind the fawning merchants, they venture deeper into the celebration.
And the deeper they venture, the greater the joy on the crowd's faces. It is as if they were deaf to the mournful wails and cries echoing around them.
Pioneer: Gosh, J. That's Madam Gloria, isn't it? I thought she went home after she lost her son. What is she doing here?
J: Not just her. The artists from the trailer camp are here, too.
J: And that's Reno, the gambler who ran away from home, and Caster, the human who sells fake divination. All our lost friends. They're all here.
The missing people of the New Age Market huddle by the walls. Their faces are gaunt, yet smiling into the fire.
Pioneer steps forward and drapes a filthy, floor-length blanket over a grieving woman.
Pioneer: What are you doing here, ma'am?
Madam Gloria: Oh, Mr. Pioneer. I haven't seen you for ages. What a joyful evening this is! Please, take a seat.
Her smile is warm and inviting, yet tears stream down her face.
The baby in the swaddling blanket is strangely calm.
Madam Gloria: Come and see my lovely child, Mr. Pioneer. I'd prayed countless times to the Sufferer, and finally my wish was granted. He has returned to me from the land of the dead.
Pioneer: But, Madam Gloria ...
Pioneer: This is just a wooden statue! Can't you tell?!
The smoke is spreading, drifting into Matilda's line of sight.
Matilda: ...!
Matilda: Don't get any closer, Mr. Pioneer! There's no way to wake them up. They are lost in their own imaginations.
Matilda: Look! There's hallucinogenic incense burning on the altar. Hold your breath! We have to get out of here—quickly. We can't help them if the hallucinations get to us too! We'll come back for them when we can!
Matilda: J, what are you doing?! We need to go!
Matilda pulls Pioneer back onto the main road, while J remains standing there, motionless.
The believers notice the oddity and turn their heads.
Believer: Why are you intruding on his joy?!
Believer: Can you not see that he is enjoying the grace granted by the Sufferer?
Matilda: Damn! J! J!!
In the distance, J remains frozen.
Her shouting proves futile, only drawing more attention to herself.
Believers: Desecrator! Leave that faithful believer alone!
Matilda: Damn! Damn!!
COMBAT
The bonfire blazes hotter and hotter.
The sound of the fallen hitting the ground merges into the thunderous footsteps of their advancing comrades, all going unheard.
Matilda: J! Hey, J! What are you doing? We have to get out of here!
She tugs at his arm, but J remains frozen.
In the distance, the chanting becomes clearer.
Chanting: Faced with sorrow, eyes shall be blinded.
Chanting: Open your arms and offer us your senses as proof of devotion.
J: Paulina?
J: Are you ... Paulina?
Chanting: Place your palms upon your eyes.
Chanting: Feel joy and happiness. Become one with the Sufferer.
Paulina: coughs
Paulina: You're too late.
Chanting: Recall the origin of your soul, and return to the one and only home.
Elysium.