Time Traveler Zindel

"I have to get a grip, this isn't me at all."

You hear Zindel muttering something.

Before you reach him, Zindel turns to face you.

"I've snapped out of it thanks to you."

"Even though the Carso Church is strong, you were able to save your people and find my sister."

"I can pull myself together and help. Please give me a moment to gather my thoughts."

"%n%, I'm ashamed by my weakness and the trouble I've caused. I'm better than that!"

"Please tell everyone to get ready. We have to get through this together!"

"Why, this is..."

"It looks exactly like the Giga Crystal but smaller!"

You tell him that it's a gift from Anthorra.

"She was worried about me? I'm thankful that everyone cares so much, but... It's not just a simple matter of moving on. The wounds left by the Carso Church are too deep..." You can practically taste the pain in his voice.

"When we lived in 'Nix,' butchery for the sake of power was simply a part of life. I was too young then to process what it was I was witnessing..."

"Now that I understand, I can't help but relive those memories over and over with fresh horror..."

You hand Noll's notes over to Zindel.

"This..." He leafs through the notebook.

"...Is all about Carso's cult. Every page..." The color instanty drains from his face.

You reiterate Noll's sentiment about him not needing to suffer alone.

"Y-you're right... I can do this..." You sit beside Zindel while he reads over the notes.

"Even now, the mere mention of these people sends a tremor through my body... I'm left feeling unlike myself, someone inhuman..." He gently drops his face into his palms and releases a shaky sigh.

Perhaps all he needs to overcome his fear is time.

You meant to speak with Zindel earlier, but the timing just didn't seem right. You decide to check in on him again.

"I'm sorry for making you worry. Everyone's been so helpful, yet all I appear capable of doing is wallowing in my own dread..." Zindel gives you a rueful grin.

"But I know now what needs to be done. I've been given this immense power for a reason, to protect my people. For their sake and others', we must defeat Carso's forces. There's no turning back now."

Zindel's eyes then soften into a faraway look. "Once this is all over, I hope to find a new home for my tribe. Someplace where fear can't ever touch us again."

"You truly took them all out...? You have my eternal gratitude! Partner!"

"There's still much left to do! I will fight on!"

You're suddenly struck by how wise and strong Zindel looks.

Perhaps it's the beard?