The Promised Canaan Episode 2 Part 2

Things start off immediately with a flashback into Astarte’s memories where she sees Baal training by beating on some blocks until he notices her there. He asks if she liked watching him train that much, which he then downplays as a joke when she glares at him about it.

Baal then asks if she’s interested in his artifact, which he describes as (two?) club(s) made by Kothar-wa-Khasis. Their power is apparently the ability to crush anything they strike. He then indirectly refers to his class as the one who repels enemies and the one who exiles. Astarte apparently takes an interest in holding them, which Baal is okay with, but she turns out to be unable to hold them up.

Baal tells Astarte that she doesn’t need to care about that at all and states that power should be held by those worthy of it. He refers to Astarte as Canaan’s greatest treasure and the most beautiful person in the world. She’s the one who was born to gather all the love there so she can just sit there and smile, powerlessly.

Baal then starts talking about the four kings and explains that the reason that they have strong powers is because they have been given roles that pertain to the world. He suggests that even if you discount the duties and responsibilities that come with world level affairs, it’s a good thing that Astarte is only expected to exist.

Baal then says that wearing some ornamental headpiece with no powers can help keep a world at peace, which he calls one kind of truth to politics. As such he suggests Astarte shouldn’t think about silly things like seeking power, at which point Astarte turns to leave him. He asks in surprise if he upset her then offers to escort her home, though Astarte declines the offer. He says he’ll go back to training then.

Flashback ends as Astarte complains about how remembering Baal irritates the hell out of her. She swears to beat him to pieces when she gets stronger. Narration then says Astarte is in some forest and encouraging herself by talking to herself. A few days have passed since she’s left, and the talking to herself starts up whenever she feels like giving up.

Astarte soon collapses onto her ass as her legs give out, and she gives a little laugh as she says it’s good there was no one to see that. She finds herself unable to stand back up, and she tries to slap some feeling back into her legs. But narration notes that Astarte has hit her rope, and that she never knew how harsh the world could be before. Now she’s been show just how much she’s been sheltered all her life.

Some flapping scares her, though she calms down when she realizes it’s just some bird. Astarte laughs for a second before depression sinks in and she calls herself an idiot. She swore to take the heavy bow Kothar-wa-Khasis made and show Aqhat who should truly own that thing. But here she is, unable to even reach him. It was a journey anyone should be able to do, and yet she failed. The ugly truth sets in.

Astarte starts bemoaning the body she was born with. She always felt it was wrong, that she was supposed to be strong. Yet as much as she had insisted on it, it seems she’ll have to accept it for what it is. Astarte says she was born to the wrong body, and that she was born to the wrong world. It’s all so stupid, but there’s nothing she can do about it.

Astaroth appears and talks to Astarte, expressing sympathy and understanding for her feelings. She’s startled by their presence and backs away, and Astaroth pleads with her to not look so in pain as it hides the beauty of her face. She takes offense and attempts to hit them, and despite the sound effects I’m not entirely sure she actually landed anything. If nothing else she complains that Astaroth should at least show some pain if they get hit like anything else.

Astaroth expresses envy for Astarte’s body, and she in response tells them to stop making fun of her. Astaroth apologizes since that wasn’t their intent. They just liked how slender her limbs are. Astarte is about to retort that they have the same body type when Astaroth flashes a dragon silhouette and asks if she can say that if she looks at them closely.

Astarte is taken by surprise and says there’s a pressure exerted, power like she’s always wanted. She compares the dragon to that power taken form, and Astaroth comments on her finally willing to listen to them. They then confirm that they are like a demon. And among those kinds, they were seen as vastly strong and were once called a demon/dragon.

Astarte asks if Astaroth was a demon, who confirms it in turn and gives their name to her. Astarte says she never thought she could actually converse with them, then brings up all the times she yelled at them in town and looked crazy for it. Astaroth concedes the point and apologizes for those times. She says they drive her crazy, but then notes that Astaroth doesn’t seem to be lying or forced to say what they’re saying. The power Astaroth has could compare to Baal.

Astaroth notes that Baal is a name that Astarte said a while ago. Astarte says it is and describes Baal as one of the guys closest to getting the position of World Representative. Astaroth finds the name significant and seems to understand something. When Astarte asks what they mean, Astaroth just says they feel like they know someone with a Similar Name.

Astarte doesn’t get it but drops the point to ask where Astaroth came from. They don’t give a straight answer, which she compares to what you’ve said and calls them suspicious. Astaroth decides to ask Astarte a favor. When asked what it is, they talk about hating the body they were born with and the disconnect they felt. Every day they felt their body getting more masculine they felt like throwing up. They wanted to be smaller, daintier, beautiful.

Astarte demands to know where they’re going with all this and asks if this is supposed to be some third rate Faustian deal for power. Astaroth says it’s similar and asks Astarte to contract with them. When she asks about it, Astaroth elaborates on the request and asks her to accept their memories. She’s surprised at that, and Astaroth says that doing so will grant her their strength.

Astarte doesn’t respond, so Astaroth says that accepting the contract will make them one and the same. They ask her to think it over while she tries to process that, and if she accepts should shout out the invocation line, which they teach her. Astartaroth’s class is Dragon (Serpent) and their concept is Prosecution.

Astarte is about to ask more about the class label when some noise gets her attention. Vine walls appear and narration describes them as mobile grass that moves like predatory animals. Astarte comments on them showing up ‘again’ and complains about being tired from running from them.

Astaroth asks Astarte whether plants normally attack people in Canaan. She answers that she never heard of it before, and that it hadn’t happened much on her journey. She then bitches out Adonis for not doing his job.

Astaroth tries asking who Adonis is before leaving the question aside, and Astarte tries to run but trips in classic horror movie white girl fashion. The plants rush through Astaroth like they’re a ghost, and the camera cuts to black as Astarte screams.

Camera then tunes in to elsewhere not that far away from where Astarte is being attacked to focus on a bow carrying boy waiting for something. Robinson comments on the forest getting thicker since last time and compares it to the forest itself attacking. Robinson then reminds himself that he can’t get scared since this will be the year he becomes an adult, and because he got that bow from the master craftsman.

Robinson also talks about needing to find the love of his life soon, at which point his bird comes back from scouting. He asks what it saw, so it tells him about Astarte being attacked. Robinson says he needs to hurry, though the bird asks why. He answers that he’s the proud forest hunter and Canaan’s best archer, prince Aqhat. He then asks the bird to lead the way.

When Robinson gets over there he shoots down the plants and says the bow is amazing. He calls out for Astarte to check on her, but is surprised by some flash of light as Astarte and Astaroth apparently fuse. Astarte calls out to you about finally obtaining power.

Scene then shifts to Nomad’s palace as you pick up on something. Asterius asks why you’re suddenly looking up into the sky, so you say you thought you heard someone calling you but dismiss it as your imagination. Asterius asks if you’re tired, so you say you’re fine and call him kind. He swears to protect you no matter what. You thank him for everything, tell him not to worry, or sidle up to him.

In C there’s an extra bit where Asterius is surprised by you doing so, but then comments on how smooth and warm you feel. He holds you close and rubs his cheek against you.

But in any case, Asterius then talks about how he always wanted to spend time with someone like this. He also says he brought something he doesn’t bother to name and says he collected them for you. As he holds them out, you can either say you can eat them yourself or prompt him to open his mouth so you can feed him.

In the latter, there’s some extra lines with him being surprised and asking if that’s okay with you. He plays along and says you’re nice. Then things segue back to the regularly scheduled plot as Nomad runs in looking for you saying there’s trouble, but he stops short when he sees what’s going on.

Asterius asks Nomad to quiet down since he’s busy spending time with you. Nomad yells that this is his palace before getting mad and possessive over you. You either try to stop them from fighting or focus on the part where Nomad called you his.

Going B, Nomad gets embarrassed and says he meant it as his accomplice. He also says you can’t get attached to anyone else. Asterius interrupts to ask what Nomad was going on about when he first ran in, so Nomad remembers that he came to inform you guys that Yam is on the move. He thinks Yam is going to make a direct move to win the competition, which in this case means going after you since you’re sitting in for Astarte. Asterius is shocked by the news.

You need to take a moment to remember who Yam is, and Asterius mentions that Yam is the one said to be closest to winning the title. You ask why that is, so Nomad explains that large cities need lots of water. You either don’t really understand, comment that just milk and honey would still leave you thirsty, or ask if this is about how civilizations start near rivers.

Nomad continues explaining that Yam is in charge of the seas and rivers, which makes him the one who provides water to Canaan. No water no people, and no people no love. As such the citizens give him their gratitude and love. You ask about Nomad and Asterius not being loved and shrug about it. Nomad gets annoyed while Asterius gets depressed about how no one would want to love someone associated with plagues or sacrifice.

But anyways, Nomad says that even if the public loves him, there isn’t anything to worry about until you (since you’re pretending to be Astarte) make a decision over who wins. You say you understand and add that this is temporary. Then Nomad hears footsteps.

Three tribal mobs barge into the place, greet Asterius and Nomad, and introduce themselves as Yam’s servants. They openly state they’re here to kidnap you, and the shadow mob is convinced you’re Astarte with how hard you’re making his heart beat. Asterius is shocked by their plan while Nomad says they move fast and notes that these guys are elites. You object to kidnapping and ask if Yam’s someone so unreasonable.

The mobs ask you to forgive them and say this is their own idea. They’ll do anything to grant Yam’s wish and kick away anyone who would interfere. One begs you to go see Yam and feels you’ll understand if you see him, which the others agree with. Nomad says Yam isn’t *that* awesome and mentions making even him follow religious law and pay taxes.

When you ask about that, the world mob starts talking about how the warriors picked from the elite train every day to protect the weak. He also says Yam impresses upon them that the strong and chosen have a duty and responsibility to protect the weak and work harder than those who have nothing. Kings therefore have even more of a responsibility to devote themselves to the world. Nomad grinds his teeth, and you either say Yam is amazing, or say he’s amazing but append some doubts to it.

Nomad clicks his tongue and says there’s a lot more garbage than this, then threatens the mobs for trespassing and preaching. You comment that the way he phrased it makes him sound like a thug, but you still aren’t okay with being forced to go somewhere against your will.

The mobs say they can’t stop, so Nomad tells Asterius to get ready to fight. He also asks if you can cover for yourself, which you either say you can or shrug and sigh about it. You summon your sword, but it’s become heavy for some reason and you note its light seems to be near fading. The mobs then start the episode battle, and more story happens afterwards.

After the battle, gears shift a bit as Tangaroa starts narrating as Yam and describes himself as someone called the water dragon king and someone given a great power by the world. He also says that he shoulders a great duty as well. Tangaroa talks next about how his entire being is devoted to protect and help the weak.

As some rando mermaids and merman are shown asking Yam to hear their pleas, Tangaroa talks about how everyone relies upon and needs his power, and how he answers all in turn. The rando special tribesmen are showing swearing to offer themselves for his sake, and Tangaroa says they’d work themselves to the bone for him.

Tangaroa talks about how the strong need to obey the rules of the world and have responsibilities in accordance to that status. Powers should be given to those who control the world, and there is no need for people to think about anything else. He says that he never had any personal desires, and that he never thought about it until today.

Camera then tunes back into the present (or what passes for it) with Asterius and Nomad fighting the mobs. Nomad is surprised at how good they are before asking you what’s wrong. You’re surprised about being unable to use your power and how heavy your sword is.

The last mob not in the middle of fighting the other guys takes the opportunity to seize you. You try to resist, but are unable to do anything. The other two withdraw after your main kidnapper escapes, and Asterius and Nomad call after them demanding they bring you back.

Some time later, the tribals report to Yam that they’ve put you in a room up ahead. Tangaroa pauses before thanking them for their work and comments on how they got into a scuffle. When one asks if he saw through everything, Tangaroa says he’s given them some instructions and tells them to wait for the time being.

After Tangaroa warns them, he heads over to where you are. He thinks about how everyone is born with some kind of duty and how those who are to stand in the heavens have their responsibilities. Those with power are to defend the weak, and if told he’s needed for that, he would love and be loved. He’ll go on, just like how someone in Canaan wished for it and how he’s lived so far. His own will is irrelevant, at least as far as he’s always thought.

Once Tangaroa opens the door though he’s blown away by the brilliance coming from you, not the treasure that’s there. You either ask if he’s Yam, call him cool, or think to yourself you have to keep the charade up. Tangaroa calls you frail and beautiful, which confuses you for a sec before trying to downplay it and hope he doesn’t catch on to the switch.

Tangaroa says you have no need to be humble and is taken in on a personal level. He then apologizes on behalf of his underlings for the way you were so roughly brought over. You wonder if he’s actually a good guy or give a vague smile. Tangaroa gets around to introducing himself as Yam, calling himself someone meant to administer to the people. He also says he’s the one meant to marry you.

You’re surprised by the marriage comment and ask why it has to be like that. You also wonder if this is love at first sight. Tangaroa talks about being born with the power to govern and protect the people, which means he also has one of the greatest duties he has to carry out.

You question the necessity of it stemming from his being strong, which he confirms. You question the inflexibility of it based on birthright, which Tangaroa confirms again before he’s surprised by you suddenly bursting into tears as you decry it as wrong.

As you think about Astarte, you say you feel it’s wrong that having your birth circumstances dictate your life. Tangaroa eventually asks what happened to make you say that while commenting that this is the first time anyone’s ever said anything like it to him. After a moment he asks if it’s okay for him to hold your hand. You either let him, ask him not to do anything to hurt you, or grab his hand instead.

Going A, Tangaroa holds your hand like he’s trying to understand something. He comments on how slender your hand is and how he can’t feel any strength in it. He takes personal fault in upsetting you and apologizes for it.

Time skips a bit as camera tunes back into town as Asterius worries about you. Nomad says Tangaroa’s palace is in the middle of the sea so they can’t actually go after you and worries about you too. He swears bloody vengeance if anything happens to you when...

MC: I’m back.

Nomad: Shut up MC we’re busy worrying about MC—what!?

Asterius asks if you’re okay. You say you are though you don’t get what happened and are glad your cover hasn’t been blown. Nomad asks if Yam did anything did anything weird to you. You can’t give a straight answer as you look behind you where the three mobs from earlier are.

Asterius is surprised by them while Nomad is about ready to throw down, but you stop him and say they brought you back. You also inwardly think about not understanding why that is though. The mobs start explaining that they’ve been given orders by Yam to serve you starting today, though they refer to you by your actual name.

A mob also puts down a present for you from Tangaroa, which is a piece of furniture and a fragment of a shell. When you ask about the shell, they say it’s proof of love that he’s giving to you. Far as the mobs know, it’s an oath of eternal love that he’s never given to anyone else before. The episode ends with Asterius and Nomad loudly going what at it.