Fleeting Lights

(Immediately after arriving on the Astral Express)

(Trailblazer): (Ask the conductor about what happened...)

Pom-Pom: Oh good, you're here, (Trailblazer)!

Where is the strange thing you were talking about?

Pom-Pom: Pom-Pom doesn't know, but it's in the Express! No one knows Akivili's Express better than Pom-Pom. There is something strange in here, Pom-Pom can feel it!

Pom-Pom: Help Pom-Pom look for it. We have to find it.

Locate the strange occurrence aboard the Express

Mission Description

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Pom-Pom messages you, claiming that something strange has appeared on the Express. They hope you can help them catch it.
What can you possibly do? It's not like you're a member of the Weird-Busters. You've got no choice but to heed the conductor's request, though.

Parlor Car

(Optional: Talk to Pom-Pom again)

Pom-Pom: We have to find it!

(Optional: Investigate the lamp post)

The light bulb emits a soft glow, and you stare hard at it.

(Optional: Investigate the plant)

You scrutinize every leaf and rhizome, turn over every piece of dirt, and do not find anything suspicious.

(Optional: Talk to Welt)

Welt: Did they send for you as well? Looks like Pom-Pom is quite serious this time...

Mr. Yang, did you notice anything unusual?

Welt: No. I have a heightened sense of hostility and danger, but I don't sense anything on the Express.

Welt: The galaxy is huge. Maybe there's some kind of organism that can become invisible visiting us...

What is this strange thing the conductor is referring to?

Welt: Not sure, Pom-Pom couldn't put it into words. It's like a gut feeling.

Welt: I lean towards trusting Pom-Pom's instinct when it has to do with the Express.

Where are March 7th and Dan Heng?

Welt: Himeko had them go to a different coach. We can take care of what's going on here.

Okay...

(Optional: Talk to Himeko)

Himeko: Oh hey (Trailblazer), thanks for coming!

Himeko, did you notice anything unusual?

Himeko: Nope, but there must be something on the Express if Pom-Pom is getting so worked up.

Himeko: Don't worry, I have another way to deal with this if no one can find anything... It's just a little wasteful to use it on something like this. But we can't let it continue to stress the conductor either.

The conductor seems very anxious...

Himeko: Yep, Pom-Pom has a deep connection with the Astral Express. Anything that could harm the Express always stresses out the conductor.

Himeko: So... help me educate March about not messing with the equipment on the Express.

What can I do?

Himeko: Check the coach and see if there is anything out of the ordinary.

Will do.

(Investigate the mirror)

A mirror catches your eye... You're confused.

Where's the mirror from?

You don't remember there being such a mirror on the Express.

The mirror is broken. Why isn't it repaired?

The mirror is grateful for your kindness. But the question is... when did it appear? You don't remember there being such a mirror on the Express.

Why am I so pretty?

That's a great question, but the mirror can't answer it. You don't even remember there being such a mirror on the Express.

What's even stranger is that everyone else on the train seems to turn a blind eye to the sudden appearance of the mirror... Maybe you should re-check the mirror or ask the others about it. If you want to save time, you should check it yourself.

Investigate the strange mirror

Step Description

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You actually did discover something weird aboard the Express — a mirror.
Why is everyone turning a blind eye to this mirror?

Parlor Car

(Optional) Ask the others about the weird mirror

(Optional: Talk to Himeko)

Himeko: Oh hey (Trailblazer), thanks for coming!

What's the deal with that mirror?

Himeko: What are you talking about? What mirror?

The one right there.

Himeko: I don't see a mirror...

(Talk to Himeko again)

Himeko: There’s nothing there.

(Optional: Talk to Welt)

Welt: Did they send for you as well? Looks like Pom-Pom is quite serious this time...

What's the deal with that mirror?

Welt: Mirror...?

The one right there.

Welt: ...

(Trailblazer): (Looks like Mr. Yang really can't see it...)

(Talk to Welt again)

Welt: An invisible mirror? I think I’ve heard something about that…

(Optional: Talk to Pom-Pom)

Pom-Pom: (Trailblazer), have you found something?

There's this strange mirror...

Pom-Pom: Wahh! P-P-Pom-Pom knew something strange was going on!

There's nothing.

Pom-Pom: Wahh! Even you didn't find anything...?

Pom-Pom: Come on, (Trailblazer), think of something!

Investigate the strange mirror

(Investigate the mirror)

You approach the mirror and see a figure slowly emerging in it — but it doesn't look like you at all. In the mirror is a girl in a hood, her face hidden by a strange mask, making it impossible to make out her appearance.

Before you can react, the girl steps out of the mirror.

???: Wow, so this is the Astral Express?

Yes, that's right.

???: Huh, perfect.

Who are you...

???: Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet...

Take this, you monster!

Before any words are spoken, you swing your baseball bat at the girl. The bat goes through her body and through the mirror as if they don't even exist.

???: Wait a minute! I'm not one of the bad guys!

Messenger: I'm a messenger from the Garden of Recollection. I will be staying on the Express from now on. It's very nice to meet you!

Err, it's nice to meet you too.

Messenger: Thank you! You're a friendly one! However, I should still explain—

Do you have the approval of the train's owner?

Messenger: Erm, that's why I'm here. Let me explain—

Garden of Recollection? What is that?

Messenger: Let me explain—

Messenger: Garden of Recollection is an organization that worships the Aeon Fuli. As a messenger for the Remembrance, we surrendered our worldly bodies and traverse the universe in the form of memes to search the stars on behalf of Fuli for the most precious memories.

Messenger: Seeing that I'm able to be here, you must have already come to understand the concept of Remembrance and the Garden of Recollection. The memories that you possess have activated a pathway for the Garden of Recollection to make copies and implant me into your thoughts...

Messenger: We can actually just follow you without being noticed. However, the Garden of Recollection believes that you're special: The memories that you possess are extremely rare and precious, and it's very likely there'll be even more in the future...

Messenger: That's why I thought it'd be best if I introduced myself to you! I noticed that you've also received the concept of Memosnatchers... The Garden of Recollection wouldn't want you to mistake us for thieves or crooks! Everything we do is for a higher purpose.

Messenger: I believe we've become acquainted now.

When did I come across those things before...

Messenger: Some keywords and hints to your question: Herta and Light Cone — when you came in contact with them, the concept of Remembrance, Garden of Recollection, and Memosnatcher were implanted in you.

Messenger: Madam Herta has a slight prejudice against us, so the Garden of Recollection believes that it'll be best if I provide you with a proper understanding of these concepts.

What is your noble cause?

Messenger: We want to prevent the universe from being forgotten because of the Destruction.

Messenger: Even if all matter is annihilated, it can continue to live on in the form of memories.

So you're just smuggling yourself on board the express?

Messenger: There's a big difference, of course. I don't have a material body, so it doesn't count as smuggling.

So, you're a... 2D character?

Messenger: Yup, just imagine me as someone from the posters. It would be strange if you were to scold someone from the cartoons for smuggling, right?

So, you're a... burglar of physical bodies?

Messenger: Why would I want to steal a material body? I gave up my own willingly!

Messenger: There is actually something that I need. So I'll get right to it. (Trailblazer), the Garden of Recollection wants to preserve your memories.

Messenger: But don't worry, we won't take it from you. We just want to make a copy of the precious moments. You can see it as a trade between us...

Messenger: This is the forgotten hall created specially to store your memories. We hope that you can visit this place regularly to rekindle your lost memories. The Garden of Recollection will extract the memories they want and give you something in return — in the form of matter and Light Cones.

Messenger: Come, I swear on the memories of my past self that you won't be at a loss for anything.

(Talk to the Messenger)

Messenger: Do you want to enter the Forgotten Hall?

Enter.

No, goodbye.

(After clearing any Memory stage of the Forgotten Hall)

Messenger: What is it? Are you not feeling well?

I don't think I'm used to this...

Messenger: That's how it is the first time.

It's nothing, I feel fine.

Messenger: Ah, that's good. I was afraid you'd be angry.

Why do we still have to fight inside?

Messenger: A strong stimulus will lower your guard against your subconscious. Only then will we be able to copy your memories.

Messenger: From now on, all you have to do is enter the Forgotten Hall periodically, and we'll give you an abundant amount of rewards.

Messenger: Erm, about me being on the Astral Express... It'd be best if you kept it between the two of us. I won't reveal myself to your companions, so make sure you don't tell them about me, okay?

No, I have to tell them.

Messenger: If that's the case, the Garden of Recollection will have to block out their memories... I really don't have a choice, please don't make me do that!

This is our little secret.

Messenger: Perfect! Thank you, (Trailblazer). I'm glad you're so pleasant to work with.

Then what should I tell everyone?

Messenger: Erm, you can say that it's just a Phase Flame or an Inquisition Spirit. They often suddenly appear and then vanish. You should be able to get past them with that...

Messenger: Alrighty then, just step close to the mirror if you ever want to find me.

(Optional: Talk to the Messenger again)

You look at the girl in the mirror. How will you explain this to your companions? She laughs softly, as if she saw through your concerns.

(Talk to the Astral Express Crew)

Welt: (Trailblazer), did you find anything?

(Tell the truth.)

Himeko: Someone from the Garden of Recollection is here? On the Express...?

Welt: Seems like the rumors are true. The Emanators of the Remembrance don't have a physical body and only those they allow can see them.

Pom-Pom: The Express is not a place they can just come and go as they wish! We have to kick them out!

Welt: Yes, I agree. Dealing with the Garden of Recollection is dangerous, and the trade of memories is... a shady business.

Himeko: We'll come up with something. Don't worry, conductor.

Pom-Pom: Alright, thanks!

(Cover up for the Messenger.)

Himeko: An Inquisition Spirit...? On the Express?

Welt: Yeah, these creatures do suddenly pop up sometimes and start questioning the first person they see... (Trailblazer), what did it ask you?

It asked... Why does one plus one equal two?

Welt: This actually confirms a theory that I've always had: It seems like Inquisition Spirits are a creation of the Erudition.

It asked... What it should ask me?

Welt: This actually confirms a theory that I've always had: It seems like Inquisition Spirits are a creation of the Enigmata.

It asked... if anything joyous happened recently.

Welt: This actually confirms a theory that I've always had: It seems like Inquisition Spirits are a creation of the Elation.

Pom-Pom: Pom-Pom doesn't care whose creation it is! It has to go!

Himeko: Indeed. Welt, do you know what to do?

Welt: Don't worry, it should be gone by now — Inquisition Spirits only ask one question at a time. It will go elsewhere once it gets an answer.

Pom-Pom: That's good...

(Trailblazer): (That should do it...)

(Mission Completed)