Blizzard Immunity

(Talk to Natasha)

Nat, do you have something to ask?

Natasha: (Trailblazer), can I talk to you for a moment? I have a favor to ask. Something... rather personal.

Of course, Nat.

Natasha: I want to thank you again for recovering the wonder medicine. It meant a lot to me.

Natasha: But disposing of Vache's reagents isn't enough to solve the medical supply shortage. Many of my patients can't be seen promptly, and my stock of medicine is running low.

Natasha: Thanks to you, the route to the Overworld through the Furnace Core has reopened. I'd like to use it to return to the surface and see if I can get some help.

Help from whom?

Natasha: I knew you'd be interested.

If you need recovery meds, I've got some in my bag...

Natasha: Hehe, funny as always, (Trailblazer).

Natasha: Remember my adoptive parents I mentioned to you a while ago?

Natasha: After the reopening of the Furnace Core passage, I had an idea. I wrote a letter and asked Sampo to deliver it to my parents' old address.

Natasha: I didn't have high hopes, but amazingly, Sampo brought me my mother's reply.

Sampo being a gentleman... a rare occurrence...

Natasha: Hehe, that's exactly what I thought when I got her letter.

Sampo couldn't have forged it, could he?

Natasha: No, I recognize my family's handwriting. We are all doctors after all.

Natasha: Mom said they still live at the old house, but they're not working on the front lines anymore. They should still have some connections in the medical school and the hospital, though.

Natasha: If I'm lucky, maybe I can convince them to send extra medical supplies to the Underworld.

Natasha: Of course, that's not the only reason for me to go back to the surface... I can't wait to visit my parents again, and I can tell from my mom's letter that they feel the same.

Natasha: If possible, I would like you to go with me, (Trailblazer).

Of course.

I won't say no to you.

Natasha: ...Wonderful, that's such a relief.

Natasha: I've sent another letter to my mom telling her to find us near Fountain Plaza. Don't worry, I know my way around the Administrative District.

I have other things to attend to...

Natasha: It's okay, I understand. You must have some important things on your plate? Don't let them get ahead of you.

(Talk to Natasha)

Natasha: ...this place doesn't seem to have changed much from what I remember.

Natasha: ...Oh, there you are. Sorry, I got distracted watching the crowds.

Natasha: (Trailblazer), look at the busy flow of people — life in the Overworld carries on as usual, as if nothing has happened.

Natasha: We're a little early. I've got an idea...

Natasha: I want to buy my mom a gift. (Trailblazer), you're more of an Overworld local than I am now. Any suggestions?

How about flowers from Eversummer Florist?

Natasha: Flowers, huh?

Natasha: That's a great idea. I've been underground for so long, I almost forgot what flowers smell like.

Natasha: Flowers it is then, (Trailblazer). Can you lead the way?

How about watching a play at Golden Theater?

Natasha: A play... hmm...

Natasha: Sounds fun, but there's a chance it won't suit my mom's taste. Let me think...

Natasha: Oh, yes! I remember there was a florist in the Overworld. How about we head over that way?

Natasha: I've been underground for so long, I already forgot what flowers smell like.

To Neverwinter Workshop...

Natasha: Workshop? I'm not too sure about that... Let's see if we have other options.

Natasha: Oh, yes! I remember there was a florist in the Overworld. How about we head over that way?

Natasha: I've been underground for so long, I already forgot what flowers smell like.

(Talk to Natasha)

Natasha: Eversummer... Was that always the name? Seems I was too young to get the irony back then.

Natasha: ...Sorry, don't mean to sound cynical. Maybe it simply represents the people's hopes up here.

Natasha: Now that I think about it, sending flowers is quite the tradition in my family. Mom, dad, Vache, and I... whenever something good happened, we sent each other flowers to celebrate.

Natasha: Do you want to hear a flower story, (Trailblazer)?

Let's hear one, Nat.

What was your mother's favorite flower...?

Natasha: Each year for their anniversary, my dad would send my mom a bouquet of Ball Peonies wrapped in red paper.

Natasha: I heard that Ball Peonies represent "love that knows no end..." It does fit their marriage.

What was your father's favorite flower...?

Natasha: My father is a famous surgeon in Belobog. Because of his fame, people in medical circles paid great attention to his surgeries... He always had a lot of stress to deal with.

Natasha: Each time he finished a tricky operation, my mom and I would buy a single stem of Sunshine, then pin it on the chest pocket of his apron.

Natasha: Sunshines represent "warmth and love of light..." For patients on the verge of death, my dad might have been the only light to penetrate the darkness around them.

What was Vache's favorite flower...?

Natasha: Vache... Out of everyone in my family, I think he probably appreciated flowers the least.

Natasha: Still, I remember the day he received his offer from the medical academy. My parents took me to the florist and we bought him the most expensive Marquise stem in the shop.

Natasha: When we gave him the flower, he failed to hide his smile. You can't imagine how hard it was to get him to smile.

What's your favorite flower...?

Natasha: As an orphan, I never knew my birthday. My adoptive parents took me to the Overworld and made the day I joined the family my birthday.

Natasha: Each year on that day, my parents would give me a bouquet of First Snow. The number of stems represented how many years had passed since I joined the family.

Natasha: I only found out later that First Snow represents "beautiful memories." My parents gave me a beautiful childhood, and I still haven't had the chance to thank them for that...

I see. Shall we go to the florist?

Sorry, not right now...

Natasha: ...You're right, not the best moment for distant memories, I don't want to waste your time.

Natasha: (Trailblazer), will you choose some flowers for my mom?

Natasha: To me, every flower carries a different meaning — it would take me ages to decide.

Natasha: Don't worry. I don't think my parents will be picky about the flowers they get. Quick, that florist is looking at us.

(Talk to Natasha again)

Natasha: Oh, hey (Trailblazer). I thought you went to choose some flowers?

Natasha: Or did you want to hear some family flower stories?

Let's hear one, Nat.

(Return to previous dialogue options)

Nothing. I'm going to go pick out some flowers.

Natasha: Thank you for doing this, (Trailblazer).

(Talk to Vaska)

What flowers should I pick for Nat...

A bouquet of Ball Peonies, please.

Vaska: Aww... Ball Peonies, is it? One second, I'll get it ready for you...

A bouquet of Sunshines, please.

Vaska: Hm? Sunshines, is it? One second, I'll get it ready for you...

A bouquet of Marquises, please.

Vaska: Aww... Marquises, is it? One second, I'll get it ready for you...

A bouquet of First Snow, please.

Vaska: Aww... First Snow, is it? One second, I'll get it ready for you...

You wait for Vaska to get the flowers for you...

Vaska: There you go, sorry for the wait. Hope to see again you soon!

(Obtain Ball Peony, Sunshine, Marquise, or First Snow, depending on the Trailblazer's choice)

(Talk to Natasha)

Natasha: All done? May I have a look?

(If Ball Peonies was chosen)

Natasha: Ball Peonies...

Natasha: Nice pick, (Trailblazer). I wonder if dad still sends mom flowers on their anniversary...

(If Sunshines was chosen)

Natasha: Sunshines...

Natasha: Nice pick, (Trailblazer). Dad's not young anymore, he probably doesn't have to do operations solo these days. I hope he's looking after himself...

(If Marquises was chosen)

Natasha: Marquises... Expensive...

Natasha: Thank you, (Trailblazer). To be honest with you, it reminds me of Vache... Don't worry, good memories only.

(If First Snow was chosen)

Natasha: First Snow...

Natasha: Thank you, (Trailblazer). It reminds me of carefree childhood days... Those times were pure and innocent, just like these petals.

Natasha: I knew you'd pick the right flowers. Mom and dad will be so happy.

Natasha: Let's go, my mom will be there soon. Best not to leave old folks waiting!

(Approach Natasha's parent)

Natasha: Mom!

Vanessa: Nat... Nat! Is that you? Oh come here, my darling...

Natasha and her adoptive mother share a warm embrace...

Natasha: It's been too long, mom... too long.

Natasha: Sorry, I don't usually get this emotional... How have you been, Mr. Oswell? Thank you so much for taking care of my parents these last ten years.

Butler Oswell: I'm doing fine, Miss Natasha, just fine... Look at you! You've blossomed into a fine young woman. Such a pity that your father...

Natasha: ...Dad? I was wondering where he is. Is he...

Natasha: Ah...

Vanessa: ...It was three years ago, Nat. No need to be sad... he passed away very peacefully.

Natasha: ...

Natasha: I'm so sorry mom... I'm so sorry. For ten years, I left you both in the Overworld. Mr. Oswell, I'm sorry you had to bear all this weight.

Butler Oswell: Don't be, my dear... It is my honor to look after your parents.

Vanessa: It's not your fault that they sealed off the passage between the surface and the underground. Don't be so harsh on yourself, daughter.

Natasha: ...

Natasha: Mom... I have so much to say to you, but there's an urgent matter that needs your help.

Natasha: I apologize. I wish this were a happier reunion... but there are too many suffering with sickness in the Underworld. You're the only person I can go to for help.

Vanessa: There's no need to apologize, my child... I've heard of your deeds down there and I know you've saved many lives. Your father... he would be proud of you.

Vanessa: We have many connections in the medical academy. No matter what you need, be it medicine or data, I should be able to get it for you.

Vanessa: Be the doctor you always were, Nat. We have all the time in the world to catch up later...

You discuss the details about the medicine supply work in the Underworld...

Natasha: ...

She's a great mother.

Natasha: She's always been there for me.

I'm sorry about your father...

Natasha: It's alright, (Trailblazer). I was prepared... Although it still hurts to hear it from mom.

Natasha: With her help, we'll be able to ease the Underworld's medical supply shortage. That's good news for patients who'd lost hope.

Natasha: I really wish I could spend the whole day talking to her about the old days. But sadly now is not the time.

Natasha: Let's head back to the Underworld, (Trailblazer). We need to spread the good news.

Butler Oswell: Miss Natasha! One moment please!

Natasha: Mr. Oswell? I thought you headed back home with mom. How come...?

Butler Oswell: I apologize, Miss Natasha! As a matter of fact... there's something I have to tell you in person.

Natasha: Something that mom isn't supposed to know?

Butler Oswell: You haven't changed a bit — smart and sensitive. The fact of the matter is... in the first two years after the passage was closed off, I received many letters from Master Vache.

Natasha: ...What? Letters from Vache? Are you certain, Mr. Oswell?

Butler Oswell: Of course, Miss. I recognized his handwriting. You'll see what I mean when you read the letters yourself.

Butler Oswell: Actually... those letters were intended for your eyes only. The delivery address was the Underworld, but because of the sealing off of the passageway, the letters were sent back to your old house, to me.

Natasha: I don't understand — did you not show them to my parents?

Butler Oswell: I... I'm sorry, Miss. I opened one of them out of curiosity. Master Vache stressed in the letter that your parents must not know what happened to him...

Butler Oswell: That's why I put the letters in a secure place, waiting to hand them to you when we could meet again.

Natasha: ...

Butler Oswell: I... I'm not sure if I did the right thing, Miss Natasha. I just didn't want your parents to feel that their son was so close and yet so far away...

Natasha: ...Do you have the letters on you, Mr. Oswell? Let me take a look.

Butler Oswell: Of course, of course — here... You can tell it's the young master's handwriting.

(Opens Vache's Letter)

Natasha: ...

Natasha: "The cold has revealed to me my arrogance. How can a child who grew up in warmth ever begin to comprehend a cure to bitter cold."

Natasha: He... Vache didn't give up on his research into Blizzard Immunity... even after he left the city.

Natasha: "I live in abandoned houses under broken roofs and continue my experiments. One step after another, I've made breakthroughs. I'm trembling, not because of the cold... but because I can feel I'm getting closer to the answer I seek..."

Natasha: If what's in here is true, then Vache must have built a lab somewhere in the Snow Plains... and even made progress in his research. But how can that be...

Do you believe it?

Natasha: There'd be no point in him lying to me in the letters. Still, it's possible he may have gone completely insane before he started writing them...

Maybe he went mad...

Natasha: It's possible. But what if he was still sane when he wrote this down...

Natasha: (Trailblazer), I need to leave the city to recover my brother's research data. Are you willing to come with me?

Sure thing.

Butler Oswell: Leave the city? You are taking too much risk, Miss Natasha...

It's dangerous outside the city walls...

Butler Oswell: This young (gentleman/lady) is right. Danger is everywhere beyond the walls of Belobog...

Natasha: I know, Mr. Oswell. But I have a hero with me — (he/she) saved the Underworld. I'm sure (he/she)'ll protect me, right?

Natasha: Vache... It's been so many years. Are you still alone in the blizzard...?

Natasha: ...Ignore me... I'm just talking to myself. Let's go, (Trailblazer). It's time to face my past head-on.

(Upon entering the snow plains)

Natasha: Such harsh cold... It's hard to imagine anyone surviving in these conditions.

Natasha: Unless Blizzard Immunity is real...

Natasha: Let's hurry up, (Trailblazer). We need to find any clues that Vache may have left behind before both of us become ice sculptures.

(Investigate the location)

Natasha: Here, this looks like lab equipment. Maybe Vache left it behind.

Natasha: Still, it's all just used test tubes, beakers, and other vessels. No sign of any sample reagents, or lab notes for that matter...

Maybe things were too harsh here for record-keeping...

Maybe his memory's too good for lab notes.

Natasha: I know my brother he's — meticulous when it comes to medical experiments. There's no way he wouldn't document his results.

Natasha: (Trailblazer), I want to go deeper into the Snow Plains. Can you press on any further?

Natasha: *shivering* Gosh... The temperature keeps getting lower... but we can't give up halfway.

The Trailblaze protects me. It's you I'm worried about...

Natasha: Hehe, no need. Don't you underestimate the leader of Wildfire.

I can warm you up if you'd like.

Natasha: Hehe, that's very kind of you. Don't you underestimate the leader of Wildfire.

Natasha: Let's press on then, (Trailblazer).

Natasha: This may not sound like me, but... I hope that deity the Architects worship can grant us some luck.

(Obtained Vache's Letter, Blizzard Immunity Lab Records (Part I), and Blizzard Immunity Lab Records (Part II))

(Approach Silvermane Guards)

Silvermane Guard Sentry: ...Citizens? Outside the walls? Hey, you two, stop right there!

Natasha: That's a Silvermane Guard. Is he yelling at us?

Natasha: Ah, I'd almost forgotten... No one can leave Belobog without authorization. Looks like we need to talk our way out of this, (Trailblazer).

You explain your identity and purpose to the patrolling Silvermane Guard.

Sentry Leader: I can't say you sound suspicious, but... I can't just take your word for it either...

Silvermane Guard Sentry: Captain, look at her necklace... Maybe she's telling the truth.

Sentry Leader: ...!

Sentry Leader: It's... the same as Dr. Vache's.

Natasha: My brother does wear an identical necklace... Do you know him?

Sentry Leader: Are you really his sister? Dr. Vache saved a lot of my soldiers!

Natasha: Saved... your soldiers?

Sentry Leader: Yes. Take a look at the guards patrolling outside the city. All of them are risking their lives.

Sentry Leader: Aside from the monster-related casualties, we lose men to frostbite every year.

Sentry Leader: But thanks to the medicine the doctor leaves us, my soldiers are able to withstand the cold. They can make camps in the Snow Plains as footholds for our patrols... If it weren't for the doctor, we would have long since frozen to death.

Natasha: Medicine... Blizzard Immunity...

Where is Vache now?

Sentry Leader: ...We don't know.

Sentry Leader: Doctor Vache is... elusive. My squad only met him once, and he didn't seem like the talkative type. He leaves the medicine at specific locations and our patrols go there to collect it.

Sentry Leader: The medicine is extremely potent — a small vial can keep someone warm for a week.

Is there enough for all of you?

Sentry Leader: The medicine is extremely potent — a small vial can keep someone warm for a week. We have over half our stock left.

Sentry Leader: Doctor Vache is... elusive. My squad only met him once, and he didn't seem like the talkative type. He leaves the medicine at specific locations and our patrols go there to collect it.

Sentry Leader: Speaking of the doctor, it's been a long time since we last saw him... at least two or three years. I hope he's alive and well...

Natasha: So he really did have a breakthrough in the Snow Plains...

Natasha: Did the medicine have any side effects for you?

Sentry Leader: ...Side effects? Not that I know of. If there were a problem, it'd be that we couldn't go back to the city until the effect had worn off...

Sentry Leader: ...because the city would be too hot for us. We'd break a sweat just sitting idle, haha.

Natasha: ...

Natasha: Thanks for the information. We're planning to head deeper into the Snow Plains to find my brother.

Sentry Leader: ...Seems like you've made up your mind. I'd really like to send some of my men with you, but we can't leave our posts.

Sentry Leader: Here, take this medicine. If what you two told me is true, I'm sure you're more than capable of handling yourselves out there.

Natasha: Thank you, captain. We'll take it with us.

(Approach the location)

Natasha: Hold on! That's a big guy over there.

Natasha: Did you see that? There's something on the monster's back.

Natasha: Oh, the Blizzard Immunity. Shall we drink it? It's your call.

Let's drink the Blizzard Immunity.

Let's not drink it, it's time to fight some enemies.

(Approach the monster)

Natasha: I'm ready, (Trailblazer). The doctor's got your back.

(Enter battle)

(During battle, if Blizzard Immunity was drunk)

Natasha: Can you feel it, (Trailblazer)? It seems like Vache's medicine is working.

Natasha: So warm...

(After battle)

Natasha: It's done, (Trailblazer).

Natasha: That was my first time seeing you in battle... you've got some moves, don't you? No wonder you were able to save the Underworld.

Natasha: Let's have a look over there. My gut tells me we should find something connected to Vache...

(Investigate the lab)

Natasha: These are... records of his experiments.

Natasha: It's Vache's handwriting. This must be the location of his final lab. (Trailblazer), come have a look.

Natasha: His last experiment was nearly two years ago. What happened after that? His notes seem to suggest he was working to improve Blizzard Immunity.

Natasha: Brother... where are you? What happened...?

Let's call it a day, Nat.

It's time we headed back...

Natasha: ...

Natasha: Sorry, I needed to take a moment.

Natasha: After seeing the letters Mr. Oswell kept for me, I was hoping things might've ended differently. I shouldn't have asked you to come with me to such a dangerous place.

You miss him, right?

Natasha: ...I do.

What is your feeling towards Vache...

Natasha: ...He was my family, and someone I used to look up to.

Natasha: I can't forgive him for what he's done. But nor can I say I don't miss him...

Natasha: I... maybe I should feel glad. The medicine might not have been what he wanted it to be, but it came to something... Maybe he found some inner peace...

Too bad his victims won't ever share that peace.

Natasha: ...You're right. There can be no forgiveness for the crimes he committed. He didn't deserve the title of "doctor."

People will remember Dr. Vache.

Natasha: ...They'll remember him as a murderer... as someone whose evil experiments brought great harm to the innocent. Vache doesn't deserve to be remembered as a "doctor." I know that very well.

Natasha: But maybe this Blizzard Immunity can now bring benefit to others... even if it was made by a monster.

Natasha: Human beings really are conflicted life forms...

What now?

Natasha: I'll take his records and data with me and continue what he started. One day, the world will see a perfect Blizzard Immunity.

Natasha: Before we leave, (Trailblazer), I'd like to ask for another favor — the last one, I promise...

(Approach Natasha)

You and Natasha put up a headstone for Vache...

Natasha: ...That should do. Hope it can withstand the snow.

You ought to put an epitaph on the headstone.

Natasha: You're right. Let me think...

Is Vache worth you doing all this for him?

Natasha: I don't know. It's just something that suddenly occurred to me.

Natasha: People write things on headstones, right? Let me think...

Natasha: "...Here lies Vache, my brother."

Natasha: That'll do. Thank you for helping me, (Trailblazer). I feel like a great weight has been lifted.

Natasha: So long, brother. Hope you don't forget dad's teaching.

Natasha: "A doctor does not get to choose his or her patient, my children. Remember, never say no to those who come to you for help. Never."

(Complete)

(Visitor Verification)

(Natasha has become a visitor to the Express. You might come across Natasha when you return to the Express)

(Obtained "Kindling")

(Achievement Unlocked The Outskirts Here Are Quiet)

Post-Mission

(Talk to Natasha)

Main article: Boulder Town § Dialogue