Distant Promises

We have to go after Sareel Ja!

Accepting the quest

Let us return to Mamook for now. Perhaps someone in the Landsguard spied Sareel Ja as he fled.

Speak with the Landsguard messenger outside Mamook.

Optional dialogue

I have already apprised the Landsguard of what we discovered.

Where in the hell did Sareel Ja disappear to?

Glad to see you returned in one piece, Forename.

We heard from Alxaal. So Sareel Ja's schemes beyond the rift have been thwarted, then?

That is well. We've routed the last of the echoes on this side of things, thanks in large part to Bakool Ja Ja.

However, we recently lost contact with one of our scouts shortly after they reported sighting Sareel Ja somewhere near Gok Draak Descent...

Bakool Ja Ja is heading there now, but it would put our minds at ease if you were to accompany him.

Of course!

It sounds as if he's not far from the portal to Jeuno. We should hurry!

Optional dialogue

If Sareel Ja is heading to Gok Draak Descent, it stands to reason he may have entered the Skydeep Cenote. I fear for the guards stationed there.

Speak with the Landsguard soldier at the entrance to the Skydeep Cenote.

Optional dialogue

Does he truly intend to conjure more echoes?

Landsguard Soldier (Distant Promises)

What is he scheming now?

Sareel Ja... He took us unawares... We tried to stand our ground, but he forced his way into the Skydeep Cenote.

Bakool Ja Ja arrived but moments ago, and immediately set off in pursuit after taking our report. I hope he can handle that slippery snake...

If anyone would be fine, it's him!

That said, Sareel Ja is not wont to give up without a fight. We haven't a moment to lose.

Start of cutscene.

Within the Skydeep Cenote Inner Chamber

Perhaps I should make for the Mist Continent. No... It would be all too easy for them to track me there.

Sareel Ja spawns a portal.

I've no choice but to return to the rift.

Fighting is heard, and Bakool Ja Ja arrives, having incapicitated the Echoes guarding the entrance.

It's over, Sareel Ja! By the authority of the Landsguard, I'm taking you into custody!

Already they're upon me! I must set aside my pride, if only for a moment...

Sareel Ja kneels.

I beg you wait...my king.

Your king...?

If Tuliyollal is to return to its former glory, the Mamool Ja require a worthy leader to unite them. And there remain none more worthy than you─the elevated chosen.

Indeed, I have no doubt your father, too, longs to see you take your rightful place upon the throne. So come, Bakool Ja Ja. Come with me to─

So you would tempt the lapdog with not a bone, but a crown! I didn't expect your bravado to give way so easily, Sareel Ja.

(Grrr... You won't be gloating for long...)

The player, Prishe, and Alxaal arrive.

Ah! Wh-What fortuitous timing, you three! Please, will you not convince our dear Bakool Ja Ja here to stay his blade?

After everything you've done to sully the memories of our home for your twisted ends, you expect us to help you?

I, er... I wish to make amends! Yes─amends for my transgressions!

You were cursed as a child to never age, is that not so? Being made from memories as you are, it would be a simple matter to restore the flow of time to you.

I'm fine just the way I am, thank you very much. And since you admit you've done wrong, we should discuss punishment. Maybe a knuckle sandwich or two?

I-I-I can return you home─to Vana'diel! To perish in a world to which one bears no ties is ill befitting adventurers of your caliber, would you not agree? Let me send you back where you belong!

There's no denying I long to see our home... But I also long to see our friend here bring you to justice.

Without me you'll be stranded... You would really forsake your only means of returning home for this brute you've but recently met?

It matters not when we met, nor whether he means to repay any kindness shown him.

He's our friend. We don't need any more reason than that.

Fools! All of you!

Such childish naivety is why you could never be king!

And why you will inevitably play into the hands of Alexandria's queen!

Trust is how you find yourself a tool, used and cast aside like so much rubbish. But I will be a tool no longer!

If you would throw in your lot with the other refuse, then it would be my pleasure to mark this your grave!

You will die here, mourning the world you will never set eyes upon again!

The party and Sareel Ja clash.

You... You have strength enough to stand on your own. So why...?

What will you say?

Sometimes strength alone isn't enough.

It's more fun this way.

What good is joy without those to share it with?

Our time together has been pretty fun, hasn't it? Wouldn't have it any other way!

I will never understand such folly...

The Landsguard prepare to arrest Sareel Ja.

Live long enough, and maybe you'll find someone to thaw that icy heart of yours. After you've atoned for your crimes, of course.

Thank you, but...what will you do now?

What, you mean about us getting home? It's fine─really. This place has kind of grown on me.

???

Oh, my dear Prishe. Is remaining in this world truly your wish?

Shantotto!? But how?

Might we save the pleasantries for a more...tranquil space? I've grown tired of the unsightly décor in this place.

I take it you're an ally then...? Very well, let us return to Mamook.

End of cutscene.

Speak with Shantotto.

Optional dialogue

Sareel Ja may have outdone himself with this echo. I haven't seen the real Shantotto since we met in Windurst.

If the doll we fought before wasn't an echo, then... No, it couldn't be.

Start of cutscene.

These Mamool Ja have shown me no hostility. How novel─beastmen versed in civility.

But where is the one who escorted us here? Is it rare for their two-headed ilk to appear?

As head of their guard, he has simply gone to apprise them of what took place in the Skydeep Cenote. More importantly, Shantotto, might I ask─

Silence! I hear the deafening screech of the wheels in your mind turning. But fret not, you shall have the explanation for which you are clearly yearning.

To begin, as I'm sure you already know, I hail from Vana'diel. The one and only Shantotto.

And it was you two who bested this magicked doll. A rather amusing and unexpected sight, to see myself fall.

I thought it peculiar that an echo would pit a decoy against us...

Echo... An interesting name for the creatures we felled─much like you, born from memories of our home as well.

A truth anyone with eyes could plainly see. Well made, like my dolls—but no true article like me.

So it really is you, Docs!

Or rather, a doll created by the real you, who now speaks...through you? This is all a little confusing.

Docs...!?

Ahem! Even here, I'm glad to see you're the same as ever, my dear.

My cross-rift research was proceeding apace, when I sensed a disturbance in that interplanar space.

I was being watched. The nerve. The gall! To end his li─er...curiosity, I sent this magicked doll.

To find both Jeuno and Windurst here was quite the surprise. Not one, but two faithful replicas─I couldn't believe my eyes.

There was also a half-made Bastok, shoddy work at best. The echo of a certain engineer could have built it with zest. His absence meant there was no guilt in laying the city to rest.

And soon after we found you beset upon by more of those strange creatures. Not that they would prove more than a mere trifle for you, of course.

In that first instant we met, I knew right away you posed me no threat. And yet...

The thrill of a good fight fills me with such delight, I could hardly resist trying to set you both alight! Ohohoho!

As you might have guessed, Shantotto is wont to get a little...carried away when the mood strikes her.

In any case, you'll be happy to know that Sareel Ja, the fiend responsible for preying on the memories of Vana'diel, has been apprehended. You needn't worry about any more prying eyes in the midst of your work.

If the trouble has passed, then my work here is through. This doll would return home, but what of you two?

Both your levin cores appear compromised, so it's hard to say how much longer you'll survive.

Both our cores?

'Twould seem our battle with Shinryu took a heavy toll.

If you wish to come along, you need only ask. Ensuring your safe passage is a simple enough task.

The offer's appreciated, but I think I'd rather stay. There's still a lot of adventuring I've left to do with Forename.

I would stay as well. I'll not deny it is a choice made with some reluctance, but if my time is short, I would spend it here, on an adventure with my friends.

What will you say?

If you don't mind waiting, our adventure doesn't have to be here.

You mean to find a way to Vana'diel?

I'd rather you show me around Vana'diel.

An adventure in Vana'diel? Are you serious?

That's a wonderful thought, but how in the world do you plan to make it over there?

I suppose I shouldn't put it past you to find a way.

Then it's settled─we'll save our adventuring for Vana'diel!

With any luck, we'll have found a solution to our electrope predicament by the time you arrive.

But before we go, could we see maybe just a little more of Tuliyollal?

It's only right we say our good-byes, and I've still plenty left to pester you about, besides.

Did I hear that right? You're looking to take a trip around Tuliyollal? In that case, there's at least one place I'd like to take you along the way.

Noting the contrasts with Vana'diel has been a real treat, so I'm coming along too, and that's that, my sweet.

Just as well. Something tells me I would regret leaving you to your own devices...

I suppose the dirigible landing is as good a place as any to start. When you're ready, we'll meet you there.

End of cutscene.

Speak with Bakool Ja Ja in Tuliyollal and have Prishe and Alxaal accompany you.

Optional dialogue

It'd sure be nice to have one last taco before we go.

Your suggestion of visiting Vana'diel was surprising, and yet very like you. Seeking a means to travel between worlds sounds like an adventure all its own.

You have tribes resembling Moblins and Trolls as well. What other kindred races live here, pray tell?

I hope you haven't been waiting too long.

Before I tend to my own business, I'm sure there are a few places in particular you'd like to visit before returning home.

While you see to Alxaal and Prishe, I will show Shantotto about the city.

Once everyone has finished, we can reconvene at Xbalyav Ty'e.

If I didn't know better, I'd say Bakool Ja Ja has grown a touch more hospitable since first we met. Shall we start by paying a visit to the Landsguard?

They have been a pretty big help, haven't they? All right, let's head to Brightploom Post. Being our last time and all, I'd like to take in the sights a little along the way, if it's all the same to you.

Speak with the Landsguard messenger while Prishe and Alxaal are accompanying you.

Optional dialogue

Tuliyollal sure is a wonderful place...

Even should we be worlds apart, ours is an adventure I will never forget.

Part ways.

Adventure calling you away, is it? I understand. We'll wait for you over at the dirigible landing.

Far be it from us to keep you away from duty when it calls. We will await your return at the dirigible landing.

Regrouping after parting ways.

Ready to go? To Brightploom Post, then!

Glad to see you returned hale and whole. Shall we be off to Brightploom Post?

Interacting with objectives without escorts.

Your companions have yet to arrive. Be sure they are at your side before attempting to continue.

You must be accompanied by Prishe and Alxaal, and have them at your side in order to proceed with quest objectives.

Conversation points.

Talonmarch (X:7.7, Y:13.4): Discuss their memories of Yok Tural.

The Pelupelu over in Urqopacha sure have an interesting way of talking about money, don't they? Makes me want to go and visit just to hear them haggle.

They all seem to be such shrewd salesfolk, too. Always finding just what I was looking for before I even asked. Bleeding mind readers, I tell you.

During our time in Kozama'uka, the Moblins told me of the potsworn, and their practices to foster an environment for crafting the greatest gold- and metalwork in Tural.

Such disparate peoples working together in such a fashion is something you would never see in our world. It's perhaps what I'll miss the most when we return home.

Bayside Bevy (X:13.3, Y:12.3): Discuss their memories of Bayside Bevy.

Seeing the fresh produce at the stall over there puts me in mind of all the amazing food we've had here in Tural.

Alpaca steaks, xibruq pibil. <gasp> The mate tea cookies! Ugh, what I wouldn't give for more cookies! And the Alexandrians were no slouches with their cooking either, though I wasn't expecting cultivated meats.

<sigh> So many tasty foods I haven't had time to eat. So many desserts...

I feel I owe a great deal to the merchants of this market, and the supplies they furnished me with for our adventures.

One can never be too prepared─though Prishe would perhaps disagree, a look equal parts impressed and concerned on her face as she regards my bag full to bursting with potions.

Old habits die hard, I suppose.

Copperstone (X:14.2, Y:4.1): Discuss their memories of Xak Tural.

The other day I was talking to someone in the outskirts who was torn about going home to Tuliyollal, there being that thirty-year time gap and everything.

I know what it's like to lose time... Which is why I told them they should make that trip while they still can.

Even if there's people they lost in that thirty years, there could still be people here waiting for them. I wonder if they're already here.

Ah, before I forget─I meant to ask you about those talking catfish. Are they also considered one of the tribes of people here?

Whenever I see them, I instinctively wish to protect them and their adorable little faces.

Were they not so violent, I would be sorely tempted to take one back home with us.

Ah, welcome back! On behalf of the Landsguard, you have our sincerest thanks.

As I'm sure you already know, Sareel Ja is being held in one of our cells, and awaits sentencing by the Wing of Reflection.

There was a time when his crimes against Tural and the throne would have undoubtedly resulted in his death. That said, I believe redemption is not impossible─Bakool Ja Ja has proven that. Though there is also the matter of lives lost at Sareel Ja's hands...

But these are matters you needn't concern yourselves with any longer. I take it you'll soon be setting off somewhere?

We are, as it happens. Home... We thought it only right to come and say good-bye. Could you also pass along our thanks to Kikwezana?

Yes, of course. I've no doubt he'll be sad to see you go, as will the rest of the Landsguard. May you both have a safe journey.

If we have no other stops to make, then let us make for Xbalyav Ty'e.

Accompany Prishe and Alxaal to Xbalyav Ty'e and then speak with Alxaal.

Optional dialogue

Thank you again for all your help in dealing with Sareel Ja and the echoes. Safe travels, friend. I hope we meet again someday.

Well, here we are, though I see no sign of Bakool Ja Ja. Perhaps the tavernkeep has seen them.

Start of cutscene.

Br'uk Evu

Come with colorful company today, I see. Will it be just the three of you?

We're expecting two more, actually.

Sorry to keep you waiting. Addressing all her questions proved more time-consuming than I anticipated...

And address them he did, without a moment's hesitation. The Mamool Ja of this world have exceeded my─admittedly low─expectations.

Before you all leave, I wanted to treat you to one last round of tacos. Let's find a place to sit.

Prishe enjoys a taco.

Aren't you going to eat? I swear the tacos here in Tuliyollal will change your life!

While the offer is appreciated, this doll needs only magicks to be duly satiated.

Wow! These tacos are as amazing as Aunt Tii's!

Br'uk Evu

If I might have your attention, everyone. Today we would offer you all a special treat─a treat for the ears.

A special performance by Scoria, the up-and-coming songstress hailing from Alexandria!

Scoria begins singing (although no lyrics are heard in game). The tune is "Recollection" by Nobuo Uematsu.

Jasper

My, my, what are the chances we would meet again here of all places?

She's been practicing every day since you left, determined to realize her dream of becoming a songstress.

Imagine our surprise when Br'uk Evu approached us, asking if she could hold performances at his establishment.

Scoria finishes and the crowd applauds.

Scoria

Prishe! So, what did you think? I'm finally doing it─bridging the gap between Tuliyollal and Alexandria through music!

Absolutely incredible. I'm glad I got to hear you sing before I had to leave.

Scoria

Leave...? Does this mean you're finally going back home?

In that case, I'll just have to go and sing there someday! I'll be the best singer they've ever seen!

No doubt about that. Looking forward to it!

End of cutscene.

Speak with Prishe.

Optional dialogue

Something about him gives me deja vu. I've sensed a similar power, but from who?

That adventurer who's always traipsing about? I'm sure I'll have time later to figure it out.

A beautiful voice like that is certainly to be popular here in Tuliyollal. Hopefully she visits Mamook as well. My mother would love to hear her sing.

Strangers newly met forging bonds to last a lifetime. Is that not what it is to be an adventurer?

Mouthwatering tacos and an unforgettable serenading from Scoria. What more could I possibly want?

Time, I guess. But there's no point in trying to delay the inevitable.

All right! We're ready to go!

Then let us make for Jeuno without delay. The connection home is strongest there, and will help us on our way.

Will you be seeing us off, or are you planning to stay?

Accompany Prishe and the others to Jeuno? (Yes/No)

The player is teleported to Jeuno and the quest proceeds.

Speak with Shantotto in Lower Jeuno.

Optional dialogue

My brother still finds it hard to believe this Shantotto will be able to take them home, but I know she can. The power that doll exudes is palpable. Whoever's controlling it is a mage of the highest order.

Do you suppose most people in their world are so absurdly powerful?

I told the other echoes here that they can return to Vana'diel, but all chose to stay.

They said if they're fated to fade away anyway, they'd rather seek out new adventures here.

Adventurers really are a crazy sort, aren't they?

Despite our many trials and tribulations, I would not trade my memories of this place for anything in all the world.

For everything you've done for us, I thank you.

Start of cutscene.

If we have no further cause for delay, I shall plot a course for home and show you the way.

Concentrate on home, hold its picture in your mind. Reach out with all your heart and the path 'twixt worlds will answer in kind.

Several pictures of Vana'diel appear on the screen. Shantotto spawns a portal.

Ohohoho! Well done, I'm impressed. Pupils worthy of merits, and that is no jest.

I confess, you have potential─you're not just all bluster. Certainly better than a certain total loser could muster.

All right, then. Until we meet again.

Shantotto uses the portal. Prishe and Alxaal briefly glow purple.

I guess we may have overdone it a little with Shinryu.

We had a lot of fun times here, didn't we? And met so many interesting people.

I'll treasure these memories of Tural for all my days, however many that may be.

And I expect to see you in Vana'diel someday, you hear? That big world of ours will always be waiting.

Waiting for you.

It is strange to think I will soon live alongside those selfsame adventurers whose memories created me.

Stranger still that you too may someday cross paths with them.

Should that day ever come, I hope you will afford them the same kindness you gave me.

And invite them on an adventure, to create new memories all their own.

I hate to interrupt, but I don't think it's wise to waste any more of the little time they have left.

But...you should come back for tacos some time. We're comrades now, after all.

And we've always been short on those, eh, Brother?

Take care, you two. And safe travels.

Until next time, Bakool Ja Ja. Forename.

Prishe and Alxaal enter the portal, and then disappear.

End of cutscene.

Speak with Bakool Ja Ja.

It suddenly seems so quiet now...

Dry your tears, Brother. You still have me.

What tears!? Out of the two of us, I'm the strong one! ...<sniff>

We should be heading back to Mamook. I'm sure Mother is curious to know what's become of Alxaal and Prishe.

Speak with Miilal Ja in Mamook.

Optional dialogue

Just something in my eye...

Start of cutscene.

Ah, you're returned, Forename. But where are Alxaal and Prishe? Have they...?

Yes, Mother. They've returned home.

A bittersweet parting, I'm sure. Those you consider friend are few and far between.

I didn't say they were “friends”!

They...they're comrades. Prishe, Alxaal, and Forename. Nothing anyone says will change that.

It would be remiss of me not to offer thanks as well before you go. I shudder to think what would have happened not only to Mamook, but all of Tuliyollal had you not come to our aid.

Threatened by our own ritual magicks, no less. Never could we have imagined them being combined with electrope to serve such nefarious ends. Which is why the techniques for conjuring shades will henceforth be forbidden, never to be passed down to future generations.

We might have walked a similar path if not for you and Wuk Lamat.

We made many mistakes during the rite of succession. Hurt many people... Despite all we've done, we were given a second chance, and so long as there are those who believe in us, we will keep trying to live up to their expectations.

We've found the right path now, and won't stray from it again. We refuse to be a burden to our comrades...

Bakool Ja Ja...

It's not too late to find yours as well, Father. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that people need only the opportunity to change.

Perhaps you're right, son. Perhaps you're right...

If you're ever in need of help again, don't hesitate to call on me. Your enemies will rue the day they met Bakool Ja Ja!

Perhaps violence shouldn't be our first solution? You could learn a thing or two from the Vow of Reason, Brother.

Do you suppose Prishe and Alxaal made it home safely? I hope they can come back and see us someday.

What will you say?

Perhaps I'll find a way to go and visit them first.

They will. I'm sure of it.

The memories abiding within Jeuno stir once more. Perhaps the adventurers there have new knowledge to share with you.

End of cutscene.

Start of cutscene.

Alxaal, Prishe, and Shantotto walk through the rift. Alxaal looks back at the portal.

Something wrong?

It's nothing. Just...thinking on all we've been through.

It was some adventure.

Alxaal (Narration)

At the beginning of our journey, I had nothing.

No name. No memory of who I was. Only a vague sense of duty to guide me.

With each battle we found our way forward, and eventually I would remember.

I remembered what it was I was fighting to protect.

Something more valuable than any treasure.

You fight to protect it as well.

Which is why I know we will meet again.

Until that day...

Let's be off. Adventure calls.

Banner Text

We'll leave the light on

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

Good to see you, Forename. The woods have been blissfully quiet of late thanks to you and Bakool Ja Ja. Perhaps a little too quiet for his liking, I think.

It seems he still pays visits to Jeuno from time to time. He would never admit it, but I think he's lonely now that Alxaal and Prishe are gone.

If you've time to spare, I'm sure he'd be glad for your company.

Though we've stopped Sareel Ja, the magicks that created Jeuno have yet to fade. Needless to say, many here find it cause for concern.

But I see it as an opportunity, for that echo of a city may yet prove a bridge between our world and Vana'diel. You can be sure the Landsguard intends to keep it under close watch.

Bakool Ja Ja (X:8.6, Y:32.6)

While it's true that we stopped Sareel Ja, there's no denying the considerable harm he has caused. As head of the guard here, it fell to me to apprise the Dawnservants of the situation, and apologize for letting matters get so out of hand.

After hearing of everything that happened, all she could say was, “Well, I'm glad you could make new friends.” The nerve!

Well, she wasn't wrong, Brother.