The Witch Trials
“Four beasts rampaged across the earth, Control , Jealousy, Rage, and Rebirth,”
“For ten days, they raged against their glided cage,”
“And for ten nights He fought against our people’s plight,”
“The earth shook and our oceans burned, as He fought for weeks, his back unturned.”
"He overcame these creatures, escaped unhurt, and sealed these monsters, all around our earth,”
“And so you, my child, who comes from Him, our people’s future, decided by your whims.”
As you stood in the small village, surrounded by the dense forest, a sense of curiosity and determination filled you. You knew you had to embark on this mysterious journey, though the purpose and destination were still unclear.
With a deep breath, you began to traverse the winding paths of the forest, guided by an inexplicable pull towards the unknown. Eventually, you arrived at the bridge, a threshold leading me to the next phase of your quest. Crossing it, you felt a surge of anticipation as you entered the chamber beyond.
Inside, the atmosphere was heavy with ancient energy, and your gaze fell upon four imposing statues, each representing a different aspect of human nature: Control, Jealousy, Rage, and Rebirth. It was evident that you needed to obtain scrolls related to these concepts and offer them to the corresponding statues.
But the path to acquiring these scrolls was fraught with challenges. Before you lay the Flesh bags, ominous containers harboring the very essence of human emotions. With determination, you approached the first bag, reaching inside to retrieve the Scroll of Control. It was a test of discipline and focus, but you emerged victorious.
The journey continued as you confronted the remaining Flesh bags, each one presenting its own unique trial. From the depths of Jealousy, you retrieved the Scroll of Jealousy, grappling with feelings of envy and insecurity. The Scroll of Rage was wrested from the clutches of fury, a testament to your ability to remain composed in the face of anger. Finally, from the depths of Rebirth, you obtained the Scroll of Rebirth, embracing the transformative power of renewal.
With all four scrolls in hand, you approached the statues and offered them to their respective stones. As each scroll found its rightful place, a sense of fulfillment washed over you, knowing that you had overcome the challenges presented to you.
And then, as if by some divine intervention, a secret door in the maze opened before you, revealing the path to freedom.
Feeling a mix of trepidation and determination, you ventured into the meager, quiet setting, your senses alert to any sign of danger. The minka across from you seemed to beckon, its presence both intriguing and foreboding. With cautious steps, you crossed the threshold into the empty house, only to be greeted by a chilling sight.
The interior was marred by splatters of maroon blood, and the air was heavy with the scent of death. Groups of skulls littered the floor, a haunting reminder of the darkness that lurked within. It was clear that some malevolent entity was taunting you, testing your resolve with each passing moment.
Pushing aside your fear, you pressed forward, knowing that your only chance of escape lay beyond the confines of this accursed house. Stepping into the forest beyond, you found yourself enveloped by the dense foliage, your senses heightened as you searched for a way out.
But your journey through the forest was fraught with peril, as you soon discovered the lurking threat of Kazeko and Hanzu, entities whose intentions were anything but benevolent. Forced to hide in the shadows, you maneuvered cautiously through the bushes, praying that you remained undetected.
As you navigated the maze-like pathways of the forest, your focus shifted to the task at hand: finding the white blade and the black blade to offer on the altar, thus breaking through the chained cave that stood between you and freedom.
However, acquiring these blades proved to be no simple feat. The first blade was locked away, its key hidden somewhere within the forest. With determination fueling your every step, you scoured the area, searching for any sign of the elusive key.
Eventually, your perseverance paid off, and you found the key nestled within a cluster of thorny bushes. With a sense of triumph, you retrieved it, knowing that you were one step closer to breaking the chains that were bound to you.
But your journey was far from over. The second blade required not only a key but also a blue butterfly, its delicate wings fluttering somewhere amidst the darkness of the forest. With unwavering resolve, you continued your search, refusing to let despair take hold.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of relentless pursuit, you found the elusive butterfly, its azure wings shimmering in the dim light. With reverence, you captured the butterfly and retrieved the second key, your heart pounding with anticipation.
With both keys in hand, you returned to the altar, offering the white blade and the black blade with a solemn reverence. As they found their rightful places, a sense of triumph washed over you, the chains of the cave crumbling away before your eyes.
With a final glance back at the forest, you stepped through the newly opened passage, leaving behind the darkness and uncertainty that had plagued you.
As a vision unfolds, showing Futaomote, Hiachi’s mother. Futaomote was an abusive mother due to her impulsive disorder in which she described herself as “unnatural.” She and her daughter were shunned by their neighbors as a result. Futaomote then made a pact with the ”demon" one day to end her burden. The demon told her that if she ate a Butterfly Spirit, her desires would be fulfilled and would become normal. Futaomote, however, fell into Kintoru’s trap after consuming the Spirit, believing that her wish would actually come true. Kintoru split her soul in half, dividing the two figures and personalities, and turned her into her own pawn.
With a heavy heart, you set out to solve the puzzles that lay before you, knowing that the key to your escape lies in obtaining the Butterfly Spirits from Futao and Mote. Despite their mindless roaming and the danger they pose, your determined to see this through.
Approaching the neighborhood, you steel yourself for the challenges ahead. The first puzzle presents itself in the form of two skulls, each holding a piece of the solution. With careful observation and strategic thinking, you decipher the clues and unlock the first puzzle, inching closer to your goal.
But your task is far from over. As you navigate the area, Futao and Mote continue their haunting presence, a reminder of the darkness that lurks within. With determination fueling your every move, you press on, knowing that you must obtain the Butterfly Spirits from them in order to break free from this nightmare.
Finally, after a series of tense encounters and harrowing challenges, you confront Futao and Mote, each bearing a Butterfly Spirit within them. With resolve hardening in your heart, you retrieve the spirits, knowing that they hold the key to your salvation.
Making your way to the cave near the exit, you approach the fire pits where you must burn the spirits to finally break free from this twisted reality. With a solemn reverence, you ignite the flames, watching as the spirits are consumed by the fire, releasing their hold on this world.
As the last embers flicker and die, a sense of relief washes over you. The darkness begins to recede, replaced by the faint glimmer of hope. With newfound determination, you step into the light, ready to leave behind the nightmares of the past and embrace whatever lies ahead.
“I’m not sick.”
“I’m not a bad mother.”
"She did this, she planned it from the start.”
"She kept CONTROLLING me.”
"She made me this way...” -Futaomote
"Control was sent to the East, where she cannot feast."
"Jealousy was sent to the bottom of the sea, part of a forgotten legacy."
"Rage was trapped in His strongest cage, seething with wrath and counting her days."
"Rebirth was sent deep in the Earth, watching the world in reverse."
"4 shall stand, all shall fall." -Kintoru
