We followed Melody into a beauty contest organized by Lady Bihana.
We learned another part of Or's true name.
Melody won, and wished for the return of Persy, but brought only his original soulless body.
After seeing his daughter's head and raging from it, Melody starts to play some music to soothe Dieterich (as she casts [Calm Emotions] to appease him).
Axel goes to search Sprigg, and knocks at his door.
Axel
When can I come back?
Sprigg
Alright, I'll speak to you later Sabine, don't worry.
Then leaves the duo from the room, and Sprigg and Axel regroups.
Once everybody is together, Nesvalyn summarizes what happened so far since we're in the Galaxsea, and concludes with the Greater Evil mentioned by Logarius.
Melody
That evil could be behind everything, as anarchy happens here. I lost my parents to sun madness, and after that, I stood in an extraplanar circus and landed there. It's surprising that all of you... can save the day? Really I don't know, as there's not much to save...
Nesvalyn
What about doing the right thing?
Loyal (to Balnorin)
I can't help thinking about it, but why do you still have powers in the Astral Sea?
Axel
Are we talking about getting back to Wundera?
Nesvalyn
I guess that's Fate calling.
Axel
That Sun is not setting... What is this Sun Madness?
Melody
Well, being in the light constantly drives people insane, with the main symptoms being foam forming in the mouth, making strange noises and strange phrases...
Axel
Why not going underground then?
Melody
You know who does that? The dragonborns clan. But they won't accept outsiders.
Nesvalyn
I'm... not surprised they're still doing that, but still...
Melody
My parents were still heartbroken by losing Persy... For a week I've watched them going mad and I had to tie them, and one day they disappeared and I've never seen them again...
Nesvalyn
I'm... I'm sorry to hear that.
Axel
Is there some overlap in the sentences?
Melody
There's some ravings, but my mom was mostly screaming.
Loyal
The same happened in Saltsprocket I believe at one point.
Axel
Regardless, once we're done with everything here, we should go back to Wundera. I don't know what the society would look like if everybody lived underground.
Nesvalyn
It would be a dragonborn society, which may be boring for some.
Loyal
It's still a society, it's just bad, really bad.
Loyal
Some of the Elven houses have been rebuilt, but I don't know much aside a Queen's missing.
[Perception - Pass ✔] We smell a scent from a different bunch of flowers, like a floral field is nearby.
When suddenly, Melody screams and there's a figure on the ship, looking to similar to a servant from Or's palace, except these masks are happy ivory masks, and they're dressed in a tuxedo.
Melody
Jesus fuck! I've been here for less than an hour!
Nesvalyn
Are you here for something saer?
Melody
This is the reason I've been running away, as this thing's been stalking me for weeks.
Axel
I believe it's a servant of a Feylord, have you been dealing with them?
Nesvalyn
You mentioned a circus, could it be..?
The figure is not hostile to us, and pulls out a dandelion, as an hologram of Lady Bihana (Or's mother) appears.
Lady Bihana
Dearest [Melody Baydenst], my name is Lady Bihana, and I've seen you, and I've decided to be one of the beautiest of the galaxy. You're invited to the Beauty Pageant of the LITTLE MISS COWBOY OIL BARON! Are you going to answer?
Axel
I feel like it's a bad idea to do.
Nesvalyn
It's up to you, but it could be useful to interact with Or's mother to learn more about them.
Balnorin
I don't really know about killing, but I have this bag of heroin.
Axel
But it's still a Feylord, and it's Or's mother. But we do need to know Or's name, and it could be the best source of information.
Balnorin
Hear me out, if I marry their mom and become their dad...
Axel
They're a kind of a dick, but they have some kind of mommy issue, so it could work.
Axel
Not encouraging, but saying it would work...
Melody
Well, I am very beautiful. And, if it means stopping this Or person, then... I suppose I can accept.
Melody goes to the hologram and touch it, which punctures one of her finger to draw some blood.
Lady Bihana
Ohohohoh! You signed your RSVP in blood. The hireman will wait until you're ready, as it's always going on. Should I mention, the Crowned one of this year will receive the grand prize of a Wish, granted by... moi! See you there bitch!
Axel
Are you going to use that wish to learn Or's name?
Melody
Yeah! It seems to be the best course of action! But, I don't have a dress or proper makeup...
Axel
It says it goes on always, so it goes at all times, meaning we have time.
Loyal
They say Wundera is going to be destroyed by the Forever Wonder, so it could be before that.
Melody
How are we going to get you there?
Nesvalyn
You may need a group to prepare you, right?
Melody
A beauty like me wouldn't need a team you know?
Axel
You still need an entourage for your safety.
Axel
We're low on money, so a job could help...
Nesvalyn
Or we have the D.R.A.G system to substitute that.
Dieterich
I'm a skilled leather worker. I don't have much experience in tailoring, but if it's leather, I can help.
Axel
Regardless, in order to get the materials, we can get the money.
Nesvalyn
Dieterich, wait. As you're the only one not aware about my condition, I have to share it with you, and before that, you're immune to this condition in this body, it's more to keep you in the loop.
Nesvalyn
I... I'm infected with a parasite which transforms me into that Hybrid that you see in front of you. I... I'm not sure how I haven't turned into a monstrosity, but for now I still have control, I don't know if it's because my fiancé made a deal with Or, or as they said it could be pure luck ah ah... luck..?
Nesvalyn pulls out the Heart of Gold and observes it for a while.
Dieterich
Thanks for sharing.
Nesvalyn
Ah... ah ah ah ah ah!
Nesvalyn
Ha... ha ha... I just realized I'm the luckiest dragonborn of Wundera, that's all. Persy, if you're still in there and listening, you're right, there's always hope. Thank you Dieterich for listening an old Dragonborn ranting.
Dieterich
You're... welcome?
✒It was under my eyes for that whole time. This thing, the Heart of Gold, which helps me staying in the best outcome, similar to Sprigg's power, that means at each metamorphosis, I have the best outcome for myself... meaning I stay in charge. I definitively made the right choice, as saving Paildreo would've been my Death Sentence, and I would've been a real threat to the party.
I don't know how long I have remaining, but at least I know I will have the best case scenario regarding that. We have to save them, they're my only hope to be cured.
Melody is ready for the Beauty pageant, waiting for us.
Axel
I'm not sure on how to handle everything with Sabine. Perhaps Melody and you, Dieterich can help.
Up to recently, I was still a slave to my program, I didn't experience emotions and had no empathy. In an act of self sacrifice, I shot myself and made a small nuclear explosion to destroy a soul crystal. In my lack of foresight, I didn't give enough time to my friends to escape, and because of that, Sabine needed to intervene and saved everybody, but ended with several burns on her body, and she hates me.
I'm fine with that, I can live with that and carry this burden. But recently she tried to kill me, and I'm not sure how to approach the situation.
Dieterich
Well... Did this attempt to kill you seemed premediated?
Axel
You were there when it happened, you were with this us. It was when we tried to restart the ship after Ludwig being kidnapped. I assume it was kind of premidiate as she couldn't plan when we would lose power except if she asked for it. But she said she would need something as a conduit which I voluntereed immediately. She seems that she was in the process to try to kill me, I think she could've stopped before.
Dieterich
When you did volunteer, could it have been in the heat of that proposal?
Axel
That's a fair question, I'll ask her.
Dieterich
Well the only reason I ask, if it's a crime of passion, it's more likely she will be dissuaded in the future.
Axel
The main issue is it was clear that she doesn't care that I'm trying to becoming a better person or I was sorry, which I won't hold. But for that precise of that apathy that she wouldn't care that I wouldn't do that in the future? Of course she wouldn't care that I would be killed. Once again, I may be projecting my own thoughts on her.
Dieterich
She has a grudge on you for understandable reasoning. But if this group does still wish to have both of you working in close proximity, confronting her as a group is required to reach an understanding, whenever you agree to endure some punishment. But if you believe it's not going to change, it may be better to have her off somewhere else. We don't know what can happen.
Axel
I don't want to kick her off the ship. She was very very kind before I hurt her. And it was my mistake that caused all of this. I guess my main fear is that she will not want reconcile, or being able to work together in the same space. I'm afraid it's going to be kill or be killed with her.
Dieterich
If you believe she was reasonable before, or was decent before the explosion, there may be a chance.
Axel
Yes, I believe that's what changed.
Dieterich
Or do you think it always has been before with her?
Axel
Pain makes you do terrible things. It's not that I think something changed in her soul, I don't think it was underline her personality. That pain changed her and she's consistently in pain. And now in all the sudden I want to be a better person. Her pain is my last casualty before I become
Dieterich
I understand, but I think you're overthinking that as we haven't got her side. Asking the question to who knew her before may help. Any input?
Senri
I've been hoping on and off, so I don't know.
Nesvalyn
We haven't been with her for that long, so my input is the same as Axel, minus the fact I'm the one targeted.
Nesvalyn
However, I saw her... killer eyes at that moment. I feel like she would've gone for the kill if I didn't stopped her.
Axel
I think you're right Dieterich, I'm afraid.
Dieterich
Perhaps with this tense situation, we could talk to her without you.
Dieterich
I do know well to becoming a good person while outside there are many people you did wrong is hard, along trying to do the right within your power.
Axel
I want to do that, but I'm afraid that nothing will make it back.
Dieterich
That's why we're going to talk to her.
Nesvalyn
It's still recent as an event, I wonder if it would be better to let an outsider from the party, like Sprigg or Melody.
Dieterich
I would agree, but if there's any risk on taking Axel's life, then confronting her the soonest is a better idea.
Dieterich
Making it clear that we won't tolerate that.
Dieterich and Nesvalyn goes to talk to Sabine. We check Sabine's room, she's not there, neither in Sprigg room. After looking a bit on the ship, we find her below deck, doing mechanical maintenance.
Dieterich
Sabine, do you have a moment to speak with us?
Sabine
Yeah, I guess. What do you want?
Dieterich
We would like to discuss with you about the situation with Axel.
Sabine
What about the situation with Axel?
Dieterich
We know he has wronged you deeply, but the incident with Axel nearly dying, we would prefer that nothing similar happens again.
Sabine
I don't see what you're talking about.
Nesvalyn
Sabine, I know what I've seen, you tried. But also I believe you're a good person deep inside, and we don't want you to go a path where you could lose yourself...
Sabine
They just couldn't handle the power.
Dieterich
If that's what you wish, but if you ask for Axel's head as a compensation for what they did, they wish to do thing properly now.
Sabine
I don't care about the goo.
Dieterich
Does that mean you're even now?
Sabine
As long they don't explode nearby again, I promise I won't try to electrocute your plasmoid friend to death.
Nesvalyn
You can deal with us instead, so you don't have to talk to them.
Dieterich
We won't bother you too much, we'll leave you be.
Nesvalyn
I was genuine Sabine. You saved us, and it fills unfair with what happened, you've done so much for us, and yet... I... If you need anything, we care about you, really.
We regroup and repot to Axel.
Dieterich
From what she said, she's done with you. I would try to keep the interactions to a minimum from now on.
Axel
That's understandable.
Dieterich
It would do us good to all, as she's trying to move on the next opportunity she will encounter.
Nesvalyn
Well we plan to get back to Wundera, so it may be something we may not need to bother. But honestly, that's a future us problem for now.
Melody
Ok, activating D.R.A.G.
Dieterich
Is there some kind of outfit we should have?
Melody
That depends. Ok, Loyal and Dieterich are my body guards.
Melody
Senri, you're my assistant.
Melody
Nesvalyn, you're make up, Axel, you're my hair. Balnorin, my psychic.
We activate the D.R.A.G and are dressed with the proper outfit.
Melody goes to the intendant, and puts his finger in his chest, and pulling it reveals a portal, leading to our next destination.
The Body Pageant...
We arrive in flat lands with big blue skies, as we;re being in the middle of nowhere.
And before us, we arrive in front of building with "Community Center" written on it.
Axel casts [Enhance Ability (Charisma)] on Melody before going through the front door.
Melody
Wait. We should use the stage door instead.
She goes around the building, and when approaches it, she looks at Dieterich and Loyal.
Dieterich goes in and prepares to open the door and go first.
Dieterich
Is there a stage name we should refer you as?
When we get in, it's a small room with a couple of groups, more precisely Glam teams. Melody walks up to the registration, and a Fey is present, looking like a small Fairy, except they look like a flower.
Melody
Hiiii, Melody Baydenst, I received my invitation, and I came for this Little Miss Cowboy Oil Baron competition.
The fairy starts mumbling and they start conversing. When we're looking around, they're truly around the multiverse, as we notice mostly elven looking creature, along a beautiful reverse centaur.
After a few minutes of conversation, Melody turns to us and speaks up.
Melody
They said we will have someone escorting us to the green room.
Suddenly, the stage door slams open. It goes quiet, until we see two bug like legs through the door, and this monstrosity gets in, like a Scorpiontaur humanoid, with a lovely natural makeup. She stomps in brutally (and "gracefully") to make herself known:
Scorpiontaur participant
RIGORA IS HERE TO COMPETE!
After a few minutes, we have an escort and we're led to the green room, which is literally a room painted with the most vibrant green we've ever seen.
After a while, a gnome knocks at the door and enters.
Gnome from staff
Alright, alright, 24 contestants, 3 round challenges, if you lose, you're slayed and fed to the audience, capisce?
First, the grand walk, you know, pretty dress and all. After swimsuit, then talent, then Q&A, you put your best smile.
Gnome
What do you mean? This place is working with fucking magic everywhere, what do you think?
Axel
I prefer to ask so we don't get fed to the crowd.
Gnome
True. Curtains' up in 5.
Dieterich
Only 5 minutes, great. We should come with a game plan. And I'm not used to that.
Melody
I never done that before.
Senri
I can play guitar and having some wind to help you with that.
Melody casts a spell and changes dress.
Dieterich
How we can help you?
Melody
You can just do nothing too. Keep an eye on the backstage.
We use the few minutes ahead us to plan our approach and what to do in some situations.
Nesvalyn makes a [Psychic Whispers] with Melody, Axel, Balnorin and Dieterich for 10 hours.
Axel enables their [Embolding Bond] on Melody, Nesvalyn, Dieterich and Loyal.
Finally, we all head to the stage, and we arrive in the backstages, and we're being asked to shush down.
There are 24 contestants on the stage, mostly humanoid and feminine in some kind of way (except Rigora).
The curtain raises, and the stage is similar to a pageant, which shimmery purple curtains with the Little Miss Cowboy Oil Baron of this year embroidered on it. When we're looking the crowd, they are all strange creatures with an ivory mask. When suddenly appearing in a burst of light in pink smoke is Lady Bihana, standing from her 9ft tall stance in an absolute queerness stance stand.
On this sight, the crowd goes nuts. She holds up her hand and it goes silent immediately.
Lady Bihana
Gooooood evening, creatures of my court, and welcome to the first year of the Little Miss Cowboy Oil Baron pageant!
The crowd cheers the perfect and right amount of time.
Lady Bihana
You see, I, as the creator, sole judge, MC and producer of this event, I've been inspired and landed in a beautiful space, blue sky as it goes, with some meat roasting and everyone there had a good time. It built so much magic in me, and I wanted to recreate that magic, with all of you.
The crowd cheers again, perfectly timed.
Lady Bihana
Tonight, I've gathered beauties in the multiverse, who's going to be tonight Little Miss Cowboy Oil Baron!
The crowd cheers the right amount of time, as always.
The first round...
Lady Bihana
Let's start with this girl!
And the show starts, and the first round, the walk begins.
[Investigation - Pass ✔] Axel and Dieterich gets information about the other teams and who's expected to win. It doesn't seem in favor to Melody who's an underdog. The expected winner is Rebecca-Lee Avery Monroe Montgomery.
Nesvalyn swore someone moving up on the catwalk, and decides to go there inspecting. However, no one is standing there. But when he's looking down, sees Melody doing her show in her perfect style. Then suddenly, and senses someone behind him.
He turns around and finds an old man, dressed in a classic medieval clothing, with the lower body fading and disappearing.
Old man ghost
Uh, excuse me? Could you tell me where I am?
Nesvalyn
Well... at a contest to judge the beauty of the people below us?
Old man ghost
Interesting, I could've sworn it was the opening night of the Scottish play I was doing.
Nesvalyn
A... Scottish? What's a Scottish? Where are you from?
Old man ghost
I don't remember.
Nesvalyn
What do you remember?
Old man ghost
The only thing I remember is the Scottish play we were doing for weeks. And the producer Briana. She hired us all and put this play on, why?
Nesvalyn
What was this play about?
Old man ghost
The play from Shakespeare? The last thing I remember is before the end of the first act, my vision went red. Hmm...
Nesvalyn calls Balnorin to get some help with the ghost, who is on his way, while the contest keeps going.
Lady Bihana
Number, hm. 9. Step forward please.
She comes in front of the line.
Lady Bihana
Hmm. I don't like the looks of you.
She's sent into the crowd and she's grinded by the crowd and eaten in a gruesome way.
Lady Bihana
Let's say number 19 now.
She breathes quickly, and before moving, she flies into the crowd. We learn that Melody is number 23, and Regora 24.
Lady Bihana
22 contestants left, and we can move on to the next step of the competition!
The second round...
Balnorin
When did this happened?
Old man ghost
It seems I've been wondering around for some help for now.
Balnorin (mentally)
I'm not really sure what to do here, I don't know if he wants to rest, but he could be useful.
Nesvalyn (mentally)
I'm mostly sure he's not a threat, but you're right about him helping us... eventually.
Balnorin (mentally)
He could fuck up with the representation.
Balnorin
What was the role in the play?
Old man ghost
Oh. I play Duncan of course! And I believe my son was played... oh! The Director's son!
Nesvalyn
Oh really? What was his name?
"Duncan"
I don't say it outside the piece.
Nesvalyn (sighing)
I mean't the name of the actor...
"Duncan"
I didn't befriend him. Or perhaps I did, I don't recall, my memories are foggy.
Nesvalyn (mentally)
If Or was involved, it would be useful to try to learn more.
Balnorin (mentally)
I wouldn't be surprised that they wouldn't have kill him.
Nesvalyn
From what you say, I believe that the Director's child... how to say it? They... murdered you?
Balnorin
By the looks of it, yeah.
"Duncan"
Oh. That's good. Actually killing Duncan... in the actual scottish play. No one thought about that before!
Nesvalyn
Really? Then with something that historical, there should be a name you may remember, no?
"Duncan"
No, but I'm a bit tired, and I don't think it was ever mentioned.
Nesvalyn
Do you recall where you signed that contract?
"Duncan"
In the director's office, here in the theater.
Nesvalyn
Do you recall where it is?
"Duncan"
Sure, I can guide you there.
Nesvalyn (to Balnorin)
I can handle it from here, thanks Balnorin.
Meanwhile, the swimsuit part happens. Melody looks good, as Rebecca-Lee Avery Monroe Montgomery looks great.
Lady Briana calls out multiple names, and 10 people have been eliminated at the end of round one, all shredded and eaten by the crowd.
Nesvalyn follows up "Duncan", as he floats through doors and walls, and is led to a door. The ghost glides through it.
"Duncan"
This is the director's office, are you coming?
Nesvalyn
Sure, give me a moment.
[Investigation - Pass ✔] The door is trapped, and locked up.
[Disarm Trap - Pass ✔] Nesvalyn pulls out the trap, which was a 8ft vine intertwined with thorns.
[Lockpick - Pass ✔] Nesvalyn unlocks the door.
[Investigation] After looking around, he finds books filled with non sense, like it's a caricature of a desk with a pictured frame of young Or with a bow-tie.
Nesvalyn picks the picture and observes its back, where he notices the writing "Tsalki ♥" with a collection of five numbers, probably being a date with two question marks, as Lady Bihana wouldn't know either.
Nesvalyn keeps the picture for the wedding.
"Duncan"
Hm, I don't think I've ever been here before... How do I know that?
Nesvalyn
It is indeed her office, perhaps you don't recall it?
The talent round happens, Melody sings a beautiful song, Regora does a fire dance and Rebecca-Lee Avery Monroe Montgomery shines by displaying multiple different skills.
4 more contestants are eliminated, leaving only 8.
"Duncan"
What were we doing again?
Nesvalyn
Talking to the director?
Nesvalyn
You're just going to talk to her?
"Duncan"
Yes, and negotiate for my compensation.
Nesvalyn
Well, best of luck in that case!
"Duncan"
We're in a theater, it's "Break a leg" here.
Nesvalyn
Sorry, break a leg then!
Nesvalyn leaves and closes the door, then regroups for the Q&A section, being the final round.
The third round...
Lady Bihana
Now, number 23, what is your honest opinion of me?
Melody
Well? I just think you're wonderful Milady. You're giving the opportunity to me to express my beauty, you have my gratitude.
Lady Bihana
If you win, what would you do with your wish?
Melody
Well... there's so many things I would wish, I would wish that my family would be reunited in the multiverse, I miss them so much.
Melody
And if there's some magic remaining, World Peace™™!
Lady Bihana
What a touching backstory, your traumas are de-li-cious. Now tell me, who is the most beautiful person in the room tonight?
Melody
Well, there's no debate. It's you, my lady Briana.
Melody
And World Peace™™™!
Then, Melody is followed by Regora.
Lady Bihana
What's your honest opinion of me?
Regora
I hail from the Blood Fields from Rigona! I respect and fear you!
After the Q&A section, 3 more contestants are thrown to crowd, leaving only 5 persons.
Lady Bihana
Now, top 5, the judge will deliberate your fate and see who is the LITTLE MISS COWBOY OIL BARON!
She thinks for 10 seconds.
Lady Bihana
The Judges have made their decision. Our 5th is Regora! Please remain on stage until the winner has been announced! Who will be our 4th? Will it be Melody? Will be it Veronica?
✒It's the reversed centaur one.
Lady Bihana
Will it be Rebecca-Lee Avery Monroe Montgomery? Will it be... Stephanie?
✒It's a light in a dress. Like a literal light. I'm always amazed with what we discover out there...
Lady Bihana
Our 4th runner up is Veroni-
She's been cut off as a Regora picks up Veronica and throws her into the crowd, who's been shredded and torn to pieces.
Lady Bihana
Well it's Regora! The 3rd person is Steph-
The same thing happens, with a hungry crowd asking for more blood.
Lady Bihana
Well Regora too! Finally we're down to the top 3, the winner is-
She pierces through Rebecca, and her corpse drops into the ground, making the crowd eccstatic.
Lady Bihana
Our winner is in our top 2, our winner is... Melody Baydenst!
Balnorin casts [Banishment] on Regora when she was about to strike Melody, leaving only Melody, unharmed.
On this note, Lady Bihana appears on stage and gives a flowers bouquet and a crown to Melody.
Lady Bihana
You are this years' COWBOY LITTLE MISS COWBOY OIL BARON!
The crowd cheers and stops at once. The suddenly the confetti floats over Melody while she's being crowned.
Lady Bihana
Tell me Melody Baydenst! What is your wish?
[Perception - Pass ✔] Just before she answers, she severs the telepathic link.
When realizing that, we don't have the time to react and call out Melody.
Melody
Lady Bihana, I wish I had my brother back.
Lady Bihana
SO SHALL IT BE!
She holds her hands up, and the shape of reality changes. Then suddenly standing in front of her, is Persy in his Tiefling form.
Persy, wherever he is currently, is observing, seeing Melody standing with her, realizing the Wish brought back the body, but not his soul, as he's still stuck somewhere in this warforged body, somewhere.
And Persy's soulless body collapses on the floor.
