Forest Outskirts
Half a Day Later
Half a day later, Kamui and you have finally sorted out Hadrian and his family's situation. Having confronted the mastermind and confirmed there are no more leads to be found here, you decide to head to your next destination.
—Oh, sorry. Zoned out there for a sec. What's up?
...Yeah.
Kamui's mind drifts back to when he rescued Hadrian's family from Gecko Tail's old base. They begged for forgiveness desperately, their voices thick with remorse.
We've wronged you, L-Lord Kamui... We don't know how we could ever make it up to you!
...Please get up. Protecting people is my duty. You don't need to do this.
No, all of this happened because of us... We dragged you into this...
That Grand Duchess... she had her legion throw us all in prison, then threatened Hadrian into giving false testimony against you. That's how you ended up with those charges...
You've saved Hadrian so many times, and you've always helped out us poor folk... How could anyone think you're a criminal...
And now you've gone and rescued us without holding any of it against us... We just... We can never repay you for this...
It's all my fault. I was too weak and too powerless to stand up to her, and because of that, I destroyed you—
The lies about you have spread everywhere now. What I've done is unforgivable. If it would ease your anger, I'd give my life to make amends!
...I didn't let him go. I just believed in fairness and justice, [player name].
The sound of hoofbeats fills the air as you two ride side by side. The journey back to Kamui's homeland is a long one, but since he only had one horse left, you made a detour into town to buy another before heading out.
Now that I know Hadrian didn't betray me on purpose, I'm not gonna take my anger out on him.
As for my reputation... once we uncover the truth behind Gecko Tail and find evidence to convict Marlis, everything will come to light.
It's not up to me to decide whether Hadrian is guilty, and whether he can be atoned. The court will determine what happens to him, and only he can repay whatever debt he owes.
—Aw, c'mon. Why are you suddenly calling me that again?
I thought... you were getting used to just calling me by my name.
Kamui freezes. After a brief silence, he speaks again.
You're right. And about me losing control during that last fight...
I wasn't trying to hide it from you. I just... never found the right time to bring it up, and...
I didn't think it would get this bad so fast.
Remember the Forbidden Chain I told you about? Losing control is one of its side effects. The stud on my left ear is just a countermeasure to keep it in check. Nothing to worry about.
There's a pecking order even among those on the list. The other original owners and their Gecko Tails all revolve around you.
So the backlash from losing the Tails gets transferred to us first. When we can't handle it anymore, it'll bounce back to you.
Marlis probably has both our missing Tails, and she's using the backlash against us. The more I'm affected, the weaker my resistance to the Mist is. I still have my power, but it clouds my perception of the real world.
At first, I just couldn't see my surroundings clearly. But then... I started hallucinating. I couldn't tell if someone was friend or foe in a fight, and I could easily hurt an innocent person by mistake.
But the good news is, our connection... seems to be keeping my condition in check.
I hope you can still trust me, [player name]. No matter what happens, I'll never do anything that would hurt you.
You don't have to explain, [player name]. I get it.
I can't promise it'll be foolproof, but I'll do everything I can to keep myself under control. If it happens again...
Just keep calling my name, [player name].
When you call out to me, I'll remember who I am, and I'll remember who you are to me.
For me, that might be more powerful than anything else. It'll bring me back to this reality... the one where you are. It'll wake me up.
!!!
A shrill neigh interrupts your conversation, and your horse suddenly grinds to a halt. No matter how much coaxing it receives, the animal refuses to take another step.
[player name]! Be careful. Stay put... Let me check what's wrong.
Kamui dismounts swiftly to examine the horse. Within moments, he has calmed the animal down, keeping it from getting spooked again and hurting its rider.
...It has an old injury on its leg. The walk must've aggravated it.
The dealer must've known and kept quiet about it. That's why this one was going for so cheap.
For the horse's sake and your safety, we shouldn't keep riding it.
But we've come too far to turn back now, which means...
You can ride with me on my Hunter-certified steed instead!
Kamui swings onto his horse with practiced ease, steadying the animal with a few expert motions. Once satisfied it's calm, he reaches down toward you.
My esteemed Detective [player name], might I have the honor of inviting you to share my ride?
Don't worry! The Revenant Hunter's riding skills are second to none. I guarantee you a smooth, comfortable trip!
Three, two, one—up we go!
Kamui lifts you onto the horse gently. Only after you're settled securely in the saddle does he take the reins.
Unlike how fast he would normally ride on his own, Kamui keeps the horse moving at a steady pace, seemingly looking after you.
Not bad, right? But let me know if you're uncomfortable!
This is actually my first time riding with someone else—and it's pretty nice! I don't think we need to get you a new horse anymore, [player name]. We can just share this one!
Yes, yes, of course! As long as you promise to stay with me, I'll agree to anything!!
What happened with Hadrian got me thinking about something, so I thought maybe I should...
...Go home.
A flock of birds appear from nowhere. Unafraid, they circle close around Kamui, almost as if asking him which way to go.
Kamui remembers these are migratory birds. Sometimes, a bird would fall behind during the migration, but both the straggler and the flock would always notice in time and stop to search for their family.
I'm thinking Marlis might go after my family too.
It's been years since I left home. I don't really know how they're doing right now, so...
[player name]... Will you come home with me?
