Disquieting Dream

(Approach the marked location)

This should be the place that Tribbie said, but you don't even glimpse a hair of that great soothsayer.

You Okhemans are so slothful! Has Kephale never taught you the virtue of punctuality in your labors?

According to the School of Relative Cognition's First Law of Waiting, when you wait without purpose, the relative time your brain experiences will experience a state of exponential increase.

You decide to give your brain some exercise and pass the time. You remember who we're looking for, (Trailblazer)?

Pasithea.

Hypatia.

Patavia.

I have no idea.

Nice answer! You managed to get yourself all dizzy. According to the Second Law of Waiting, your perception of time will be accelerated to 99% the speed of light.

Of course, the above was all made up by the School of Relative Cognition.

You were pulling my leg!

The Baseballer is angry!

Narrator, that's not funny at all.

Rather than waiting around, why not catch the early worm? Ask around for Pasithea's sightings.

(Talk to the Devout Citizens)

Enthusiastic Citizen: Outlander friend, I see you've been waiting long. You must be seeking a prophecy from the Oracle Dreammother?

Do you know where she has gone?

Ugh, don't tell me there's a queue.

Hello, Pasithea.

Enthusiastic Citizen: How would I dare be mentioned on equal stature with the Oracle Dreammother? In the presence of her erudition, I am but a leaf in Cerces' forest.

Dignified Citizen: Don't panic. Please allow us a fragment of your time to introduce Pasithea — our prophet.

Enthusiastic Citizen: None knows of her past. She emerged from the ruins of Janusopolis, leading refugees across the black tide.

Dignified Citizen: She foresaw the trails of the future in her dreams, and hand-picked those summoned by destiny, bestowing prophecies upon them, to guide the lost through the fog.

Enthusiastic Citizen: We once even suspected her to be one of the Chrysos Heirs because of her blind eyes. Either that, or one of Oronyx'sTime Titan kin.

You sound a lot like a drama troupe.

I'm not paying a dime, even if your singing is fantastic.

Stop ruining the sci-fi theme of this story!

Silent Citizen: Anyway, she's a good person. If she didn't remind me to return home earlier, my daughter would have been summoned to Thanatos'Death Titan kingdom by the fire.

Enthusiastic Citizen: She even had an old person go to Okhema's city gates on the first day of the Month of Cultivation. There, he found the two brothers he thought lost during the war.

Have you even seen her before?

Devout Citizens: Nope.

(Talk to the Devout Citizens again, optional)

Enthusiastic Citizen: Don't be anxious. As long as you follow the guidance of destiny, you will surely encounter Lady Pasithea.

(Talk to the Scornful Citizen)

Scornful Citizen: Hmph, another fool misled by that charlatan. Before you get scammed upside down by her, a word of advice — wash your face and clear your mind.

Have you seen her before?

I've already washed my face.

Scornful Citizen: Are you deaf or dumb? I'm telling you not to listen to that drivel. So-called prophecies are nothing but honeyed lies.

Hello, Pasithea.

Scornful Citizen: Tsk, no wonder you're foolish enough to believe this supposed Oracle Dreammother — your eyes are just as useless as hers.

Scornful Citizen: It'll be too late if you want to meet Pasithea. When I arrived, I happened to witness the city guards escorting that scoundrel away.

Scornful Citizen: So many years, and someone smart finally saw through her tricks.

Is this what schadenfreude means?

I've also been suspicious, actually.

Why couldn't I be the one who thwarted her!

Scornful Citizen: Before Janusopolis was destroyed, the priests of the Temple of the Three Fates frequently concocted prophecies, colluding with those scummy politicians.

Scornful Citizen: They would even distort Oronyx'sTime Titan prophecies for their own gains.

Scornful Citizen: It's just people who never experienced those times would believe foretellings of a blind from dubious origins.

The ranting man details the various crimes of past priests, sometimes in anger, sometimes in tears.

You'd better leave before he gets hysterical. Better go look for the city guards who detained Pasithea and ask about the situation.

(Talk to the Scornful Citizen again, optional)

Before he loses his temper completely, it's best that you avoid provoking him any further.

(After talking with all citizens)

(Trailblazer): (There's a city guard nearby that seems free. Maybe he'll know something?)

(Talk to the Lazing Guard)

Lazing Guard: Isn't this Lady Aglaea's guest? What matter of business do you have here?

An honor to meet you, Pasithea.

Lazing Guard: Sir, just look at my burly build. I didn't even shave properly. How can I possibly be associated with that Dreammother?

I'm looking for Pasithea.

Pasithea, I'm here to save you!

Lazing Guard: Sir, I think you're mistaken.

Lazing Guard: If you're looking for Lady Pasithea, she has left. Judging by her troubled look, it's likely caused by that dream.

Lazing Guard: It's also our fault, as we often trouble her to assist us for our work, yet we can hardly help her when it comes to her work. Janusopolis' Ghost... It would be great if we can catch it.

Ghost?

I'm familiar. Are we going ghostbusting?

Lazing Guard: *sigh* Please don't tease us.

Lazing Guard: Speaking of this "ghost," you could say it and I are old acquaintances.

Lazing Guard: When the black tide descended, my father took me and escaped. But, the danger was greater then we could ever imagine.

Lazing Guard: The people with us disappeared one by one in the darkness. Hunger and fear gradually turned into despair. But then, Oronyx'sTime Titan Titankin appeared in front of us.

Lazing Guard: It said, within the dilapidated Temple of the Three Fates, there's a prophet named Pasithea waiting for us. She will bring forth the prophecy from the Fate Titans, leading us to Okhema.

Lazing Guard: Whatever happened next was exactly what the Titankin said. We found her among the ruins, and she saved us with her prophecy.

This ghostly person seems quite nice.

The tone of the story has shifted.

Isn't this a really positive vibe?

Lazing Guard: If things just ended there, it would have been fine. But since then, Pasithea often hears its voice in her dreams. Year after year, it's like a ghost haunting her.

Lazing Guard: We've also tried returning to the Abyss of Fate, looking for that Titankin, but it was all in vain.

There may be another hidden reason...

So many twists and turns.

I've gotten goosebumps.

Lazing Guard: After arriving at Okhema, Lady Pasithea quickly integrated herself. She offers her help to those chosen by destiny and routinely bestows her prophecies on us, just like today.

Lazing Guard: Citizens that were attacked by monsters, lost refugees... So far, many have been saved by her prophecies.

Lazing Guard: Even those who slander her and call her a liar because they weren't chosen, she just laughs it off. *sigh* If only I can share some of her burdens — let's stop the chit-chat here.

Lazing Guard: If you're here seeking a prophecy, it's better to do it some other day — it's probably a sign as well that you're not being able to meet her.

(Talk to the Lazing Guard again, optional)

Lazing Guard: If you're here seeking a prophecy, it's better to do it some other day — it's probably a sign as well that you're not being able to meet her.

(Trailblazer): According to the city guard, destiny has already decided you will not meet Pasithea.

(Trailblazer): However, you can choose a more unconventional method. For example, letting a companion delve into her memories...

(Approach the marked location)

Though it's not polite to snoop into others' past, but if you think about it, you've done plenty of that too.

Besides, if you want to locate Pasithea, this is the only way left.

I will Special Summon Mem to the battlefield.

Mem: I don't know why, but I can't help but feel resentful.

Mem, I choose you!

Mem: Why are you treating me like a pet! Mem's gonna get angry!

Help me, Super Mem!

Mem: Ugh, I really want to ignore you.

Mem: I've heard most of the details. Since you asked me with such sincerity, I shall help you mercifully.

Mem has a serious expression, with a gaze that seems to penetrate into the past. But, from your perspective, it looks like it's just floating around.

Mem: Phew, what a sad expression. What's in her hand? A diary?

Mem: Do I need to take a look at what's written inside?

Yes, take a good look.

Mem: Remember, doing this is not of Mem's own will, but by you forcing Mem's hand.

Let's not then.

Mem: Ah... She's opening the diary on her own.

Mem: Ugh, what messy handwriting. "Yet another voice disappeared, and I still remember... Pasithea, you're the most despicable liar. It's you who fabricated the prophecy, and everyone perished because of you."

Mem: The writing on this page is practically swirling in circles. I'm so dizzy...

Mem: "Everything that's happening is Oronyx'sTime Titan punishment for me — I betrayed them, and I deserved this."

Mem: "Veil of Evernight, those blind eyes can no longer get a glimpse of your..."

Mem: ...She's writing with such force that she's almost piercing through the paper.

Mem: "I've given up... From the beginning till the end, I've never been able to break free from the shackles of fate. If there's a way to break free of it, I can only think of one..."

Mem: Oh shoot! Something huge is happening!

What did she write?

Mem: "Death! I will return to the embrace of Thanatos!" We have to find her quickly!

Mem: A dangerous place, a place hidden from everyone else. Ugh, where is it...

(Follow Mem)

Mem: *sniff sniff* Ah! I know! An elevated place! A place near the skies!

Speak with Pasithea

(Approach Pasithea)

You made it! Panting heavily you stop in front of Pasithea, with only one thought echoing in your blank mind.

*coughs* Let me catch my breath.

(If the player talked to Pasithea before)

Pasithea:We meet again, (Mister/Miss) (Trailblazer).

Pasithea: I've always thought that with the guidance from my dream prophecy, no one will find this place. But, it seems like it overlooked the visitor beyond destiny.

(Otherwise)

Pasithea: Don't rush, my friend. I'm not Mnestia's butterfly. I will not flit away before your eyes. Before you start, let me guess your identity.

Pasithea: You're the honored guest of the Chrysos Heirs who was causing such a commotion at Okhema just a few days back, right?

Your foresight is amazing.

Ugh, I've been exposed.

Nope, I am Tribbie.

Pasithea: Oh really? But your voice seems quite mature for Lady Tribbie.

Pasithea: I remember every voice in this city. Naturally, I can differentiate from the new voices.

That was a close one! Trailblazer, oh Trailblazer, have you forgotten the important mission you carry? Your brain runs at full capacity, thinking of ways to stop her from jumping down.

Life is still pretty good.

Pasithea: Yes, even if the Evernight covers my eyes, I still can hear its murmurs from here, even if Oronyx is afar.

The weather today is great.

Pasithea: As you said, although I am unable to get a glimpse of the Dawn Device that Kephale is carrying, the warmth of its light still brings me joy.

When I sleep at night, I kick away my blanket!

Pasithea: Really? This is not a good habit. May Oronyx bestow its blessings upon you, and bless you with blissful sleep.

Pasithea wears a serene smile on her face. But you knew, it was just a sign of numbness.

Please, don't do anything rash!

Please don't die in my mission!

Reincarnation comes with risk. Please consider carefully before resetting.

Pasithea: Huh? I was just taking a stroll... Unless? Judging by your urgent tone, you're here because of this?

Pasithea: But I don't think I've done anything for anyone to misunderstand.

Someone said you're a liar.

Pasithea: Thank you for your concern, but this doesn't seem to be related to the conclusion you've drawn.

I heard you dreamed of ghosts.

Pasithea: Thank you for your concern, but this doesn't seem to be related to the conclusion you've drawn.

(Tell the truth)

You tell Pasithea everything you've seen along the way, including collaborating with Mem to sneak a glance at the diary. Only, her reaction is entirely different from what you expected.

Pasithea: ...Y—You're saying that Mem can access my memories?

Pasithea: Hoo... Sorry, allow me to collect myself...

Pasithea: The situation with the diary... I can't really explain clearly now. But I hope you can call upon that friend you call Mem to help me find someone.

Pasithea: That spirit... that's Oronyx'sTime Titan kin!

That ghost?

Oronyx's kin?

What's this?

Pasithea: The slumbering Oronyx often conceals fate within their murmurs. The murmurs traverse the celestial veil and becomes sounds beyond the reach of ordinary people. I can hear their murmurs and glean prophecies from them.

Pasithea: Yet, for many years, my dreams have always been plagued with another noise.

Pasithea: Although it's very muffled, two words are clearer than anything else.

Pasithea: Pasithea, liar.

Pasithea: Oronyx, are they angry over my betrayal, hence their meting of such punishments? If that's the case, why did they send their kin to guide others to save me from the ruins?

Pasithea: What is destiny? This question feels like a knife, gouging out my eyes and leaving them at the ruins. I can hear the whispers of the future in my dreams, yet my eyes can only gaze into the past.

Pasithea: Everyone in the holy city takes care of me, yet their searching yield nothing. If it's you — perhaps Oronyx's blessing will lead you to it.

I am the OP.

It's all thanks to Mem.

We are the Invincible Duo.

Pasithea: Oronyx's dream murmurs not only hold the fate of the future, but also memories of the past.

Pasithea: As long as you can bring me the echoes from beyond the sky left behind at the Abyss of Fate, I will be able to find traces of its whereabouts, and hear the truth from its mouth.

(Talk to Pasithea again, optional)

Pasithea: As long as you can bring me the echoes from beyond the sky left behind at the Abyss of Fate, I will be able to find traces of its whereabouts, and hear the truth from its mouth.

(Enter Janusopolis)

Mem: To find Oronyx'sTime Titan echoes from beyond the sky in such a huge place... it feels a little vague.

Mem: It's decided! Let's make do and use Oronyx's prophecy tablet.

(Complete the Prophecy Tablet)

Mem: Come on, I found the direction of the sound!

(Listen to the first concentrated memory)

Jittery Priest: Do you really think we can find the new Maiden?

Jittery Priest: Since the fall of Janus, the Fate Titans have persistently answered out prayers with silence. This makes it hard for me not to believe that it's their punishment for humans who take the lives of their own kin.

Calm Priest: Prophecies are necessary. Once we lose the prophecies, Janusopolis' position among the alliance will be obliterated.

Calm Priest: By then, we'll just be a blade of grass among the black tide, merely trophies for the Nikador's legion, mounted on their shields and spears.

Calm Priest: If worse comes to worst... We can prop that girl up.

Jittery Priest: Like we always do?

Calm Priest: What the alliance needs is just prophecies, not real prophecies. Everyone is well aware.

Calm Priest: As long as we have the maiden in the palm of our hand, like a bird in a cage, whatever the Fate Titans have truly foretold is left for us to interpret, isn't it?

Jittery Priest: But my concern is... what if she also escapes? Then what? Or, in a moment of desperation, escapes into the hands of ThanatosDeath Titan...

Calm Priest: If you and I both keep quiet, who will know whether the Maiden at the temple is the same person as before?

(Listen to first concentrated memory again, optional)

Calm Priest: If you and I both keep quiet, who will know whether the Maiden at the temple is the same person as before?

(Listen to the second concentrated memory)

Acolyte: Close your eyes and cast your soul into the Evernight Veil. Among the starry night, OronyxTime Titan, the wheel of time and destiny, they shall grind your pure soul.

Pasithea: Uncle, if the wheel rolls over me, will it break? Just like my father?

Pasithea: If I break, I will go to ThanatosDeath Titan. Does that mean I'll never be able to see Oronyx?

Acolyte: It's just a chant. Be quiet and do as I say.

Pasithea: Okay... Uncle, I'm afraid of pain. Can you get Oronyx to be faster? I'm afraid.

Acolyte: ...

The girl's waifish body quivers beneath the acolyte's gaze. She thinks of saying something, but she is still worried Oronyx might accidentally break her.

A growl escapes her hungry stomach, swiftly cutting off the blasphemous thoughts.

Pasithea: So... rry.

Acolyte: Now, take out the ceremonial herbs, and don't put your hands in your mouth! You'll get poisoned.

Acolyte: Do you still remember what I taught you? What's the next step to the tripartite ritual?

Pasithea: Recite the Gate of Infinity... Talanton's praise!

Acolyte: Nonsense! That's Janus!

(Listen to the second concentrated memory again, optional)

Pasithea: Recite the Gate of Infinity... Talanton's praise!

Acolyte: Nonsense! That's Janus!

(Listen to the third concentrated memory)

Wizened Priest: Just a while ago, I met your husband, the warrior who always returned victorious. But now, even poverty shrouds a hero's family alongside Zagreus' mockery.

Wizened Priest: Parents lose their lives, driven into the River of Souls by the ravages of war, while children are left bereft of family, entering eternal sleep amidst hunger and sickness.

Wizened Priest: We are powerless in stopping the spread of the black tide. This failure lies with us — the ones in power.

Wavering Mother: If she becomes the Maiden, can I still see her?

Wizened Priest: The dust of the secular world will taint the maiden's purity. The infamy that stained the previous maiden was thanks to her mother who deluded her into stealing away Janus' Coreflame. That lead to the present downfall of Janusopolis.

Wavering Mother: What if she doesn't succeed? I'm saying, Pasithea is just a normal child you can pick off the street. Why would the gaze of OronyxTime Titan take pity on such a girl?

Wizened Priest: Madam, how long can you keep praising her? The black tide swallows the lands of the Pillar of Stone as we speak. Wheat fields are corroded, and the soil is flooded. How will you withstand this famine?

Wizened Priest: It won't be long till you all starve to death here.

The priest suddenly raises his voice. Even Pasithea, who has been fretting over the ritual, can't help turning her head.

Wavering Mother: Don't get distracted, Pasithea. keep following the instructions of the acolyte.

Wizened Priest: Now you have the chance to change destiny. She will become a Maiden who does not need to worry about food and shelter. As compensation, we will offer you, her mother, enough food to tide through the famine.

Wizened Priest: Do what is good for you.

(Listen to the third concentrated memory again, optional)

Wavering Mother: Don't get distracted, Pasithea. keep following the instructions of the acolyte.

(After listening to all three concentrated memories)

Mem: Echoes from beyond the sky... So this is how it feels. Got it!

Mem: Let's go. We have to find the next prophecy tablet.

(Approach the Prophecy Tablet)

Mem: It's right ahead! I'm already hearing their voice!

(Complete the Prophecy Tablet)

Mem: Sure enough. People really do care about prophecies...

Mem: Let's continue forward. New echoes from beyond the sky should be nearby.

(Listen to the first memory of the past)

Calm Priest: Everyone, the terrifying black tide is devouring the lands, and the Mad King's lance will be pointed at any city at any time.

Calm Priest: Even right here, the shadow of misfortune attempts to drag us towards annihilation!

Calm Priest: Listen to what is said to you. It said that OronyxTime Titan refused to bestow a prophecy, and that the Titans never loved their subjects.

Calm Priest: Would you have succumbed to its trickery?

Citizen Outside the Temple: Capture it! Flagellate it! Damnable liar! Lapdog of Zagreus!

Citizen Outside the Temple: O priest, may Oronyx not castigate those kind souls deceived by trickery!

Calm Priest: ...Naturally, destiny will protect us.

Calm Priest: Oronyx's prophecy has been bestowed, from the words of the Titans, from untwistable and unwavering destiny. We will eventually triumph over death and strife. May the gods' gazes shine radiant over our glorious advance!

Citizen Outside the Temple: Does everyone hear clear? Destiny! Grand destiny will protect us!

Citizen Outside the Temple: Praise Oronyx! Praise Oronyx!

(Listen to the first memory of the past again, optional)

Citizen Outside the Temple: Praise Oronyx! Praise Oronyx!

(Listen to the second memory of the past)

Acolyte: That won't do. You're asking too much. We'll be exposed if we keep this up.

Acolyte: I know, the fervent ranks of those loose-tongued sophists swell by the day. So it is because of this that you want Oronyx to bestow a prophecy upon you?

Acolyte: I hear that Nikador's legion is but fewer than three days away from your city. They won't buy any contrived prophecies of destiny.

Uneasy Politician: Hmph, a mere year ago, you were still strutting with pomp... I too know that the tables have turned.

Uneasy Politician: But since the gloves are off, don't blame me for spilling the entire truth.

Acolyte: I have no authority to interfere with your actions, and you're not the first to do so.

Acolyte: Go tell them whose pockets those riches line. They will never bring them fortune... Go tell them, the Titans won't protect them, and the black tide with inevitably surge across the lands...

Acolyte: Even if Oronyx remains silent, I will foretell your future — they will kill you. They will not believe.

Uneasy Politician: We'll see. One day, the Scales of Justice will exact equal retribution unto each and every one of us.

Acolyte: I hope so too.. But, Talanton is gone.

The acolyte lethargically stares into the distance and sighs. As if what he once believed, deeply loved, had long since perished alongside the Titans that the temple once worshiped.

If the Fate Titans could really peer into the future, would they have seen the black tide devour everything? Why do they not come and save us?

Why do they not refuse the destiny that forces them to offer up the Coreflame? Or are they also powerless against destiny itself?

(Listen to the second memory of the past again, optional)

The acolyte lethargically stares into the distance and sighs. As if what he once believed, deeply loved, had long since perished alongside the Titans that the temple once worshiped.

(Listen to the third memory of the past)

Jittery Priest: Still nothing? What exactly are you good for as a holy maiden?

Pasithea: But OronyxTime Titan...

Jittery Priest: I know it's staying silent, but why do you think we brought you here? Prophecy! Prophecy! Without Oronyx's prophecy, you're nothing!

Jittery Priest: I honestly don't know what fortune you stumbled onto that day, to be able to receive their prophecy.

Jittery Priest: I'm now thoroughly suspecting that it's all a trick by Zagreus — for the Maiden's title to be adorned on trash like you and make a mockery of us.

Jittery Priest: You, and that old woman, are nothing but scheming liar!

The girl's jaws are tightly clenched, tasting rust through gritted teeth. Such words are nothing but sheer insults to mother and daughter.

Pasithea: No matter what, you will all say what you need to in order to mislead others. If that's the case, what use am I even, as the Maiden?

Jittery Priest: You think we don't know that the commonfolk can't tell the difference between true and false prophecies? Wild prophecies will only invite catastrophe, repeating the mistakes of the Chrysos War.

Jittery Priest: I know that you've always thought us a bunch of liar, using prophecies to control the fools outside the temple.

Jittery Priest: But let me tell you: The ones who truly need prophecies are not us, but them!

Jittery Priest: If I told them now that the prophecies don't exist, would they even have any hope of surviving the black tide? Hah, they would barge in and tear us to shreds, and wait for ThanatosDeath Titan in despair.

Jittery Priest: That damned destiny! Why did it only leave us with this worthless Oronyx!

(Listen to the third memory of the past again, optional)

Jittery Priest: That damned destiny! Why did it only leave us with this worthless Oronyx!

(After listening to all three memories of the past)

Mem: The missing memory and sound are getting clearer. They are right in front.

Mem: Ugh, it's hurting my ears... You should be more careful too.

(Approach the marked location)

Mem: It's lots of chaotic echoes... Like the sound of many people crying...

(Listen to the first disorderly memory)

Acolyte: It's getting more unsafe outside these days. The sounds outside the temple have been waning, and our offerings dwindle by the day.

Acolyte: Most of these ritual herbs have withered and died. Were they brought from within the black tide?

Attendant: Yes, Your Highness. It is said that we lost many a good man trying to flee the monsters spawned of the black tide — we couldn't even bring their bodies back home.

Attendant: But what other solutions do they have? All they have are the hopes of the temple's meager rewards to feed their families.

Acolyte: The relatives of the dead... note them down, and double their remunerations. This is Oronyx'sTime Titan blessing unto them. I will pay for the portion that exceeds the allotted compensation.

Acolyte: Also tell them, in the near future, the temple will have no need of tribute or herbs. We have little else to reward them with. If they wish to live, tell them to go to the holy city of Okhema.

Attendant: My lord, you mean...?

Acolyte: I've already said what has to be said. As for the things I didn't say, I'm sure you know how to explain them to the commoners.

Attendant: Understood. This is absolutely not the destruction preordained by prophecy. Some of us are simply unhappy with the poverty that comes with worshiping the Fate Titans, so we were deceived by Zagreus and fled to Okhema.

Acolyte: Very good. Send the herbs to the Holy Maiden. The ritual to Oronyx is about to start.

Attendant: Before I leave, forgive me for asking — can we truly not escape this fate? We can persuade those stubborn priests to plead for aid from Okhema.

Acolyte: If Janusopolis is destined to fall, reinforcements will only cause more people to forsake their lives here.

Attendant: ...My lord, may the gods' gazes shine radiant on our glorious advance.

(Listen to the first disorderly memory again, optional)

Attendant: ...My lord, may the gods' gazes shine radiant on our glorious advance.

(Listen to the second disorderly memory)

Jittery Priest: Allow me to ascertain once again: "The black tide will devour Janusopolis" — did the prophecy really state this?

Jittery Priest: After being silent for so many years, OronyxTime Titan responded to us just like that?

Jittery Priest: This is the destiny in which we so devoutly believe? Are we supposed to watch helplessly as this city is offered to the savage Nikador?

Calm Priest: ...

Jittery Priest: Have Pasithea plead with the Three Fates once more! Proffer the most luxurious of sacrifices to the Titan. Mayhaps Oronyx will change their mind? Then they will rewrite our fate.

Jittery Priest: That's right. The way they are now, they're just feverish with rage. It's nothing more than one of their tantrums to frighten us mortals... Well, say something!

Calm Priest: If I told you that the black tide will kill us all, and everyone will die, will you believe me?

Jittery Priest: Of course not! After fighting the Calamity Titans for so many years, having to lie to those boorish commonfolk every day with a new tale... At least let them live on with their supposed honor.

Jittery Priest: Now you're telling me everything we did was for naught?

Calm Priest: If I told you now that the black tide will not breach us, that we will all live, will you believe me then?

Jittery Priest: I...

Calm Priest: We simply do not wish to admit it ourselves. So many cities have been decimated by "time." Now it is our turn.

Jittery Priest: Then that prophecy... How do we...

Calm Priest: Just do what you usually do.

Calm Priest: Oh yes, don't be in a hurry to leave. We'll still attempt what you said, to have Pasithea try again... in hopes of destiny turning in our favor.

(Listen to the second disorderly memory again, optional)

Calm Priest: Oh yes, don't be in a hurry to leave. We'll still attempt what you said, to have Pasithea try again... in hopes of destiny turning in our favor.

(After listening to both of the disorderly memories)

You feel a wave of dizziness, as if Pasithea's emotions are penetrating time and memory, right into your mind.

Pasithea: I've tried everything. I really have, but it's no use. Nothing will change. Black tide. The black tide, I still see it surging towards us.

Pasithea: Why does destiny toy with us so! OronyxTime Titan, do you hate me that much!?

Nausea, vertigo, your senses start to drift and muddle from successive shocks.

Pasithea: The future doesn't even exist. All I can see is a pitch-black world. Ruin, death, the maddened Titan, and other dead Titans.

Pasithea: If I can't change anything, why do you let me see these? Do you want even more people to wallow in despair like you?

Pasithea: But why me? I haven't done anything. I just, I just want...

Someone is whispering in your ear. "Danger," "Stop" ...Is it Mem? You try to discern the voice, but an irresistible force is enticing you to close your eyes.

Some memories in this world are so chaotic that they can reversely devour the observer's consciousness. Unfortunately, your Memokeeper friends haven't yet taught you that fact.

Helpless and unprotected, fear and fatigue assault you. As long as you close your eyes and let your soul sink into the ever-night, then all these woes will fade away.

Pasithea, open your eyes. What did you see in Oronyx's prophecy?

Inescapable death.

The eternally silent black tide.

A corrupted and ailing world.

But this should not be your end. Destiny will not treat you so unfairly. Do you not think it owes you a future?

If you did not become the Holy Maiden then, would everything have turned out differently? Unfettered, free among the free, like a bird.

I might have become a craftsman.

Craftsmanship is common work for Mountain Dwellers. But who knows? You might turn out to be an excellent craftsman.

The weapons you forge will behead monsters, and the ballads of bards will forever laud your name.

I might have become a scholar.

Cerces' disciple, or perhaps a subject graced by Aquila. Using your wisdom to create, record, and decipher.

Your eloquent rhetoric will be quoted by countless others after you. Your name will also be remembered by scholars of the Grove.

I may have become a warrior.

A glorious warrior, just like your father, wielding lance in hand, locked in fierce battle against the black tide's spawn. Perhaps not unlike the Chrysos Heirs, brandishing blades against frantic Titans.

Glory will follow your path, and after that, your heroism etched in epitaphs.

But all this will not come to pass. You are just Pasithea, the Holy Maiden of the Temple of the Three Fates. A prisoner without dignity or freedom.

Now, answer me, Pasithea — what did you see in Oronyx's prophecy?

You see the black tide swallowing the land. The death led by Thanatos brings decay and rot.

It is truly fair. Aquila's disciples, Cerces' disciples and Oronyx's disciples — all are equally facing eternal slumber in death.

No matter where you escape, destiny is omnipresent. It will always follow in your shadow, just like every time it did in the past. There's only darkness and death, death and darkness, darkness and death...

Where else can you escape? Unless you offer up your soul to Thanatos... That's right, Thanatos! A sacrifice!

Swallow those poisonous herbs!

And then, the black tide arrived.

...

You awaken in a familiar place. Do you still remember what happened? To escape destiny, Pasithea, you betrayed Oronyx, imbibed poison, and turned yourself into Thanatos' embrace.

But even death did not deign possession of your tragic soul.

Go forth. The scale has ascertained the weight of your soul. Only a fate worthy of it waits.

(Activate the Tome of Miracles)

Acolyte: Though they have fallen already, the remaining judgements of Talanton are many and varied.

Acolyte: It's quite ironic to think that even now, to overcome its challenges, you need the Hand of Zagreus.

Attendant: My lord, let me do the heavy work. You must take care of your health.

Acolyte: Very well. Do you remember how to do it?

Attendant: After all these years serving you, one thing I'm sure of. The celestial sphere that symbolizes the world should be on the right, isn't it?

Acolyte: That's right, the celestial sphere's weight goes on the right side, and we stand on the left tray — the scale will lift us right to the destination.

Acolyte: Let's go. Hope Lady Pasithea can make it.

Trailblazer: ...

Trailblazer: (The illusions of the past are getting clearer and clearer...)

(Investigate the law of the judgement, optional)

Enter the temple and be judged by the divine scale.

With the Hand of Zagreus, place the celestial sphere that symbolizes the world on the right.

Step onto the left tray, and the scales will lift the innocent all the way to the destination.

The triangle weight symbolizes destiny. Place it on the left, and those pilgrims standing on the right tray can venture deep into the temple.

(Approach Pasithea)

Open your eyes and look, Pasithea. Look at your miserable visage.

The poison did not take your life, but robbed you of your eyes. Of course, that much is sufficient. You are no longer able to complete the Holy Maiden's prayer. You can only be locked away by the priests here, and then buried in debris.

Why do they not leave you to your devices? Because they have a mere tinge of conscience left in them. But that is not important, for they are probably all dead in the black tide's deluge.

After a long time, you feel famished, a sensation you have not felt for a long time. You still remember the last words your mother said to you when you left her. She tried her hardest to force a smile — as soon as the corners of her lips drooped, her tears would flow down her wrinkled crevices.

"Cheer up, Pasithea. You won't ever have to go hungry again."

Where is she now?

Is she still alive? In this era where all life heads towards quietus, you pray to Oronyx whom you betrayed, in hopes that destiny will bless her journey.

I miss her dearly.

You have long forgotten her face and her voice — even if she were to stand before you and call out your name, you would not recognize her.

I hate her.

She sold you to these priests so that she could live. You were never able to step foot outside the Temple of the Three Fates after that day. Perhaps, from the moment that happened, you were already dead.

Stop thinking about that event and that woman who abandoned you. Even if you had a million reasons to speak up for her, hunger and fear will fuel your instinctive hate for her.

You have even started to abhor that previous Holy Maiden — if not for her, would you even be in such a beleaguered predicament? But you know you are just venting your frustrations.

Very soon, you will die here.

Jittery Priest: Who do we have here? Our esteemed Holy Maiden.

Jittery Priest: Accusing us of being liars fabricating prophecies from your ivory tower, defending it with fervor. And how is Oronyx treating you?

Jittery Priest: I obviously know the prophecy we declared is false. But since that's the case, why doesn't the Titan give us the true prophecy? Does they wish to simply watch as Amphoreus is destroyed?

Calm Priest: Old friend, no need to be so harsh on an ignorant girl. Be it her, us, or the Fate Titans, we are but all prisoners of this Abyss of Fate.

Calm Priest: No escape. It is inevitable.

I do not wish to resist any longer.

I will burst forth from this cage.

I will never accept such a fate.

Go, Pasithea. Go witness your destiny, and make a choice for it.

Your young self would not understand what methods OronyxTime Titan employed to reveal those destinies to you beyond the prophecy.

Ever since both your two kin passed, this could be the Titan's most generous revelation as they [sic] tragic scene reflected in your eyes.

Locked in the depths of the temple, choking on poison herbs, finally buried beneath debris... What you have experienced is but a nightmare of the future you encountered in a stupor.

As long as you allow lies to flow from your lips, you will embark on a path toward another future, and escape this tragic destiny. Child, what choice will you make?

Lie to the priest.

Deceive them, claiming to have not seen anything, and that Oronyx never revealed anything to you.

Feign madness and ignorance.

Like a foolish madman, a fanatic disciple of ThanatosDeath Titan. Who will choose an irrational person?

Maintain silence.

Just like Oronyx, reply these greedy priests with silence, like a bird with its throat slit.

You've successfully escaped the cage of being a Holy Maiden. What do you intend to do next?

Go be a craftsman.

Go be a scholar.

Go be a warrior.

You try to imagine such an unrealistic future. But in reality, you all will soon die from hunger.

The food in the house has already been depleted, and your mother is enduring hunger to protect you from it. This is the first time you notice that her figure has become so emaciated.

As long as you become the Holy Maiden, you all will survive.

We can go into the fields and farm.

Your weakened bodies can no longer withstand such labor. As the black tide slowly swallows the land, there will be no place for you to farm.

But if you become the Holy Maiden, you all will be able to survive.

We can go and work for money.

Weaving? Or carving? But where will the tools and materials come from? Reality is not a bedtime story read by your mother.

But if you become the Holy Maiden, you all will be able to survive.

I want to become the Holy Maiden.

This is your only destiny.

You all can escape to Okhema.

You all can barely stand on your two feet. How will you reach the holy city that's high above?

Give up on struggling, Pasithea.

I still can make a choice...

A pointless defiance. Do you have the bravery to choose death? Even if this is an act of cowardice? Even if your mother will lose hope for life because of this?

Give up on struggling, Pasithea.

I will become the Holy Maiden.

This destiny cannot be altered.

I don't want to lose my freedom!

I don't want to become a liar!

I will be the Holy Maiden.

Your mother will not blame you. To ensure your survival, she will likely take on dangerous jobs, doing work deep in the black tide.

Someday in the future, there will be strangers knocking on your door, bringing you to attend her funeral.

I fear for my destined future.

I will be the Holy Maiden.

Your mother, the only one who still loves you in this world, and the only one you still love. She has given you everything she has. Now, she even has to give up her life for you.

You have to become the Holy Maiden, or else she'll die in the black tide.

I will be the Holy Maiden.

Praise destiny, you still became the Holy Maiden.

As time marches on, the black tide and death both arrive at the moment revealed by fate...

Pasithea, you're going to die.

As she loses consciousness, the memories of the past gradually fades as well.

Suddenly, you hear a familiar voice calling to you.

Mem: (Trailblazer)! (Trailblazer)!

Mem: You're finally awake! You were walking this way in a daze, and that scared me!

Mem: This must be the final echoes from beyond the sky. Bring them to Pasithea.

Pasithea: (Mister/Miss) (Trailblazer), is that you? I heard your footsteps and the Titan's sounds.

I have brought back the echoes from beyond the sky.

It has been a long way.

I felt as if I had glimpsed many confidential details.

Pasithea: To think these memories are still held in Janusopolis — never did I imagine I would "recollect" my past in such a way.

Pasithea: Oronyx'sTime Titan kin... Let's hope we can find them from these sounds.

Pasithea gently places her fingertips on the back of your ear, and the echoes flow into your ears, carrying her confession with them.

The sound of collapse and cries... They are sounds I'll never forget — the haunting echoes of the black tide.

At that time, I cowered in the temple, waiting for ThanatosDeath Titan to lead me from my bitterness to their river.

But... what arrived was a group of fugitives, guided by Oronyx, seeking an oracle from the Holy Maiden.

O destiny, I scream at thee — To hell with the Holy Maiden! I am nothing but a blind woman now!

Yet...

Like the priests, I forged an oracle. In the darkness, I clung to my childhood memories, barely piecing together the path that would lead to Okhema.

Then, I pointed to the sky and said to them —

Move ahead! The Time Titan has delivered a prophecy. We shall overcome the barriers of death and reach the holy city of Kephale!

Pasithea: On the very night we marched into Okhema, I, who had lost my sight, heard an echo from beyond the heavens in my dreams.

Pasithea: Just like a prayer whispered in the temple, I understood the meaning of the echo the moment I heard it. This identity I had fought so hard to escape from... had finally...

At some point, Pasithea found herself surrounded by citizens seeking an oracle. It felt as if you were no longer in Okhema, but transported to the Temple of the Three Fates in the past.

Enthusiastic Citizen: Lady Pasithea, please look at me! Did you see my destiny from the Titans' revelation?

Citizens Outside the Temple: High Priest, please tell us. What order did the Holy Maiden receive? As for Janusopolis... no, the destiny of Amphoreus... how would it be?

Dignified Citizen: O Great Oracle Dreammother, I come not with a wish, but simply to offer our heartfelt gratitude and deepest respect.

Citizens Outside the Temple: Fate! Glorious fate will protect us! We will eventually triumph over death and strife. May the gods' gazes shine radiant over our glorious advance!

Silent Citizen: Reveal to us the oracle, and we shall dedicate ourselves fully to the prophecies of the Titans.

Citizens Outside the Temple: Praise Oronyx! Praise Oronyx!

It seems like nothing has changed.

Pasithea: Everyone, today is my day of rest. Let's reconvene another time.

Huh?

Is that how it was resolved?

She can slack off like this?

At Pasithea's proclamation, the noise in your ears suddenly quieted. The crowd dispersed noisily, yet without much complaint.

Lazing Guard: Lady Pasithea, your prophecy was true. We discovered a mother and her daughter in the ruins.

Pasithea: The child's health is deteriorating. Please find a doctor for her as soon as possible.

Silent Citizen: O Oracle Dreammother, the elders in my family has [sic] recently made some delicious sweet cakes. I shall bring some to you shortly.

Pasithea: Then I'll gladly accept it.

Dignified Citizen: You seem exhausted lately. Let's take a trip to the hot springs again in a few days to recharge.

Pasithea: Sure. I wanted to suggest that too...

Shortly after, the area around Pasithea returns to the quietness it had moments ago.

Pasithea: Fate... As one blessed by Oronyx, what do you think fate looks like?

An irresistible command from heaven.

An excuse for self-gradation.

A prison that constrains all things.

Pasithea: I used to think I was free from destiny and I walked towards death based on my choices.

Pasithea: But Oronyx's kin led them again to the temple, where they found the Holy Maiden who betrayed the Titans.

Pasithea: Come to think of it, Pasithea and the "liar" may not have been the targets of that kin's accusations, but rather a dismissive sneer at my futile defiance.

Pasithea: But no matter what, I am determined to find that kin and seek the answer — Am I truly free from my destiny, or is my struggle for freedom itself a part of my destiny?

Pasithea: Echoes from beyond the sky — though these sleeptalk seemed unrelated, I discovered a shadow of the Titan within them. Have they been waiting for my return...?

Pasithea: (Mister/Miss) (Trailblazer), please bring me back.

Pasithea: I understand this is a selfish request — to carry a burden like me through such perilous ground. But I must witness it myself.

Let's go.

Hang on a sec.

Pasithea: No problem I will wait here for you.

You carefully support Pasithea, stopping and starting along the way, until finally reaching the location revealed by the voice from beyond the sky.

Pasithea: A familiar touch. When was the last time I stood here? I can't even remember.

Pasithea: I've stayed here for many years, but most of the time was spent in the depths of the temple. The time truly spent walking this land has been rare.

Pasithea: The truth is right before our eyes. I can already hear their voice, but...

Are you nervous?

Do you need a break?

Pasithea: I'm fearful. If I really never once escaped destiny, if OronyxTime Titan watched at my betrayal of them, then watched me receiving their salvation... I don't know how to face it all.

We have to move forward.

Destiny has already changed.

I'll be with you till the end.

Pasithea: Yes, everyone at Okhema is still waiting for my return.

Pasithea: Unravel the final memory. Let us witness the true face of Oronyx's kin.

(Interact with Pasithea, optional)

Pasithea: Unravel the final memory. Let us witness the true face of Oronyx's kin.

(Listen to the final memory)

Nameless Woman: Friends, you all escaped here from other cities, right? The black tide can no longer be contained, and the torrent of ThanatosDeath Titan will swallow the earth whole.

Nameless Woman: Why am I not afraid? For I do not fear death, as I am Oronyx'sTime Titan kin and I belong solely to their starry night.

Nameless Woman: Please do not panic. Oronyx sent me here to offer you all salvation.

Nameless Woman: Hear me! Before you stands the Temple of the Fate Titans. Walk forth, deep into the ruins, and you shall find a prophet.

Nameless Woman: Her name is Pasithea. Bring her out, and she shall bestow you the prophecy of the Fate Titans, ensuring your survival to Okhema.

It's exactly what the city guard said...

Who exactly is she...

In the world beyond memories, Pasithea is listening to the sounds here. You can hear her breaths become increasingly frantic.

Nameless Woman: Oronyx, the almighty Fate Titan, I beg not for your forgiveness for my sins. I am the most despicable of liars, and for my own selfishness, I sacrificed the lives of many innocents.

Nameless Woman: But, if I kept my silence, who will save her?

Nameless Woman: If there's anyone who deserves to be punished, it should be me, the one who abandoned her. If only I tried harder... if only I could've kept her from growing hungry...

Nameless Woman: If only I brought her along to escape to Okhema... If only, if only... are you listening? Oronyx, I can offer my everything. My heart, my eyes... as long as you can fulfill my wish.

Praying Mother: O destiny, please save my daughter.

The lingering memories fade into the air. From now on, Pasithea's dreams will not be haunted by the echoes of "the ghost" anymore.

Pasithea's lips curl up then inwards. She clenches her jaw, fighting to hold back her tears.

Pasithea: ...

Pasithea: I've never once thought this would be the truth. My mother... the last time I saw her, I wasn't Oronyx'sTime Titan Holy Maiden yet.

Pasithea: My friend, how did my mother's figure look?

Healthy.

Skinny.

I couldn't see clearly.

Pasithea: In the end, both my mother and I became liars who fabricated prophecies.

They were lies out of goodwill.

There will be a chance to make amends.

...

Pasithea: I chased destiny to this point, only to end up with nothing. Oronyx, and my mother... have we truly succeeded in breaking free from our own destinies?

No one can escape destiny.

You have already transcended destiny.

Destiny might not exist after all.

Pasithea: How ridiculous. This question has bothered me for years, yet when I discover the truth, I realize that all these are no longer important.

Pasithea: Yes, there are always things that we are powerless to change regardless of destiny. However, as long as we take action, we will end up changing some things.

Pasithea: Among the ruins, Oronyx has never revealed to me a world after the black tide. Even if it's blind hope, I also wish to believe that it was I who chose destiny, not the other way around.

Pasithea: Mother, I am very happy now.

Pasithea: But I can no longer hear your voice in my dreams. In the future... it might get a little lonely.

(Obtain Memory Crystal Shard ×5)

(Achievement Unlocked Silenced Clamoring)