Have you ever noticed that all stories start in the middle? Not its premise, of course; but the surrounding context and the stage presented are always set long before any tale’s commencement. But ah, do I detect an air of bewilderment amongst the audience that I am granted? Perhaps this is our paths crossing for the first time, be it for you, or indeed... for I? You must forgive me, for the directions in which time herself has shown she can flow are not as uniform as one would first assume. Nonetheless, while I sense no ill in introductions, one could argue it unnecessary to give you mine. Not that you are not deserving mind you, but while I am not exactly of... “your” world, it would be foolish to say that I am of... “this” one either. Think of me as “The Weaver” of this “web” being re-spun before you. But this path has already been predetermined; neither you, nor even I can alter its course or outcomes, with the fates of its world’s peoples locked forever, set in stone. Of course, it is always said that the journey is always more than the destination...

[Weaver 1] Our story starts on a world that one would call familiar, but at a distance uncountable. It is here we meet the soul central to this tale, who ironically, would argue otherwise... [Verse 1] --Tkáyo: Without a purpose, I'm feeling lost and aimless And yet you won't tell me the rules of the game You don't need to tell me that this melody's been sung... I jump the hoops and you make me talk the talk, but I'll never run when you never let me walk How can I climb the ladder when you take out all the rungs? (Just let me prove I'm able...) [Chorus] --Tkáyo: Am I an extra in someone else's story? Will the world go on as-is without me? I don't feel alive What kind of heaven will be there waiting for me? Will it be all for nothing, Or do I have a purpose to find? [Weaver 2] His name is Tkáyo Kanti-Çilan, a young individual recently past the threshold of adulthood. And yet, for all his life, he has felt out of place in the world, as if another seemingly calls out to him... [Verse 2] --Tkáyo: They say I'm crazy in breaking all convention Of harbouring an "unnatural fascination" In wondering what lies beyond the ocean wide I get reminded of stories of the Ancients And I'm aware of the Tale of The Lost Settlers; "It don't repeat, but history sure will often rhyme..." (But that's a different fable...) {rpt Chorus} [Bridge] --Tkáyo: And no-one cares if something new is something great You get a million more views on something to hate Create monotony with nothing new to say And no-one's in the crowd when everyone's on stage Don't shower me with spite For swimming 'gainst the tide Take neither shame nor pride In what may lie inside... Don't take the positives for granted When things could be better if you give them a chance Just 'cause it's not everything you wanted Means it is dead and buried six feet down And now you're clamouring for attention Basing your thoughts on what the numbers dictate It only matters if you're mentioned So take the shot in case you're a second too late [Verse 3] --Tkáyo: You want our heads to be buried in the sand, so [In] spite of it all, I've got no choice but to fight; What future is there when you're all focused on the past? And I'm aware that I don't know what I'm doing I'll only know when you show me how it's done But how can I make it when you don't want to make it last? Do you know that the clock is ticking? Can you tell that the ship is sinking? Is it only you that you're thinking of? {rpt Chorus} [Outro x2] (Am I an extra in someone else's story?) (What kind of heaven will be there waiting for me?)

[Weaver] As Tkáyo makes his way through the city of Çadmar, he hears of the latest exhibit at the city's museum, involving finds from the recent archaeological digs that date back to before The Great Migration; an event whose origins remains ever enigmatic. Which presents a perplexing paradox: Can a tale ever be forgotten if it was never remembered? [Verse 1] Once 'pon a time, when we were tribes It was said we all lived in peace They left behind a much simpler life Deserting the jungles of the East Abandoned their home, let it all go All vowing never to return But their former life was fruitful and quiet Thereupon one great question burns... A tale from sixty centuries ago An ancient fable lost to time A puzzle whose solution nobody knows To find the answer locked inside [Chorus] A question to answer, the key to our past They went o'er mountains to travel the lands But no reason was given to go colonise So everyone shall theorise... The story of this Great Migration [Verse 2] Some will say we lost our way: There wasn't enough land to share So they'd abscond to lands beyond Ergo there'd be no blood to shed Others believe that a great evil Descended down to enact a curse Or the great prophets of their Gods Said to go out to spread their words... Our people spent so many years to cross This Supercontinent so wide But in their success, we have to mourn their losses So maybe read between the lines... {rpt Chorus} ((So sever the truth from the lies And separate the facts from fiction)) [Instrumental break] {rpt Chorus} ((So sever the truth from the lies)) [Chorus (variant)] A moment so pivotal in history Yet one that was shoruded in mystery 'Twas a cause lost to secrets and ages of old Will one day this story be told?

[Weaver 1] Tkáyo looks down at the skeleton through the glass enclosure, and begins to feel a strange connection to the unknown individual encased within: Evidenced by the jade dagger that had been plunged deep into their chest, this person seemed to have been classed as some form of “outsider”, something that Tkáyo can only sympathise with all too well, in particular his noticeable disability... [Verse 1] Picture this as I set the scene for you; Watch the wheel of time reverse: An incident that had killed this young man's youth, With no prospect of rebirth... There's a cruise ship beneath a midnight sky As it sails in the Ringlight; On board, the child goes to sleep and shuts his eyes With the sound of the river and a kiss goodnight It was never meant to go this way Everything had changed that fateful day Now the memory'll never fade away... [Chorus] --Tkáyo: The screams and the fire: all I hear when I close my eyes (A twist into tragedy, a bloodied cacophony) Made battered and broken From chaotic commotion — Left there to die This innocent dreamer will never be the same (The fear overwhelming me, immeasurable agony) With this hand made of steel, This scar will never heal — My cross to bear [Weaver 2] While no official report was filed, eyewitness accounts tell of a small fire that had started in the liner's engine room. And with her fuel foolishly located nearby, it only accelerated the ship's unfortunate demise... [Verse 2] With a crash like the world had broke in two All awoke to attention A vicious blaze had obscured the outside view With a rise in temperature Panic hits as the water starts to rise But it fails to extinguish Evacuation is vital to survive Lest we be tragedy or statistic Like a record player stuck on repeat Every night I keep replaying the scenes: Is there someone who'll exorcise these demons? {rpt Chorus} [Weaver 3] With his arm crushed underneath the vessel's smouldering wreckage upon the riverbank, the young Tkáyo faintly hears the sound of sirens get ever increasingly louder. But while he remains hopeful that he and all others will be rescued, the shock of the night's events are too great for him as he slips into unconsciousness... [Bridge] --Tkáyo: Eyes open, I lie on a table I'm blinded, yet see a light overhead... Did I survive this? It feels like there's something that's missing Like I had got what I was wishing for But didn't read the fine print I see the metal in place of skin But all I feel is the phantom limb The chains and springs that are strapped to me Attachments forever a part of me now Hitting hard like a blunderbuss: A life that I'm forced to readjust Left to be less than what I've been [Chorus (variant)] --Tkáyo: The screams and the fire: all I hear when I close my eyes They said I'll feel better; They'll put me back together to resume my life This innocent dreamer will never be the same With this hand made of steel, This scar will never heal — My cross to bear

I. AN INCOMING STORM [Weaver] With the tour of the exhibit completed, Tkáyo walks out of the museum onto the main square of the city of Çadmar, taking in the evening air. As the Sun slowly continues its descent in the west, Tkáyo gazes up at the sky at the great planetary Rings, noting that they were quickly being obscured to the east by dark clouds; there was no doubt going to be a storm on its way soon. Wanting to keep the mechanical prosthetic strapped to his wrist safe from the elements, Tkáyo stuffs his hand into his coat pocket as he makes his way home, the rolling thunder inching ever closer. He notices the pathways becoming increasingly dotted with falling raindrops as the light shower slowly transitions into a heavy rainfall. Knowing his coat will eventually soak through, he darts into a nearby alleyway, hoping the sidestreets will be safer. As he runs between and behind buildings, taking whatever shelter he can, he is approached by a stranger who at first glance seems unwell: constantly muttering to themself in what appears to be an almost-incomprehensible dialect; but upon seeing Tkáyo they immediately give chase, with the rain growing into a full blown thunderstorm. Tkáyo tries to run away the vagrant but quickly gets cornered, where it is revealed that all is not as it seems with this stranger: their eyes glowing a deep crimson, and an strange electric energy emanating from their hands. The stranger then throws a stream of this strange energy at Tkáyo, who instinctively brings his hands up to cover himself, exposing the metal of his prosthesis to the storm. At that moment, a large lightning bolt strikes the exact spot of where Tkáyo stands, just as the stranger’s own electricity is also about to make contact; the combination of the two causes Tkáyo to disappear from the alleyway completely, as the stranger collapses onto the floor.

II. WITHIN THE INBETWEEN [Weaver 1] The flow of time quickly becomes imperceptible — seconds feeling like hours, hours feeling like seconds — with one particular notion growing to the forefront of Tkáyo's mind… “How… why?” [Verse 1] --Tkáyo: Drifting through this unreality Confusion replacing pain, Running circles in my brain Losing sense of everything 'round me Will I ever be the same, As this darkness stakes its claim? [Chorus] --Tkáyo: Is this what they call "destiny" Trapped within this inbetween Feeling like a shadow, cast like a stain Is this what they call "irony"? The protagonist I wished to be? Running like a coward, knowing only shame [Verse 2] --Tkáyo: Fear as my mind begins to race: Is this afterlife or death? A million thoughts swirl 'round my head Fate, I refuse to play your game Of all the people on this earth, What did I do to deserve...? {rpt Chorus} III. WELCOME, TRAVELLER [Weaver 2] And just as soon as it began, Tkáyo immediately awakens as a new, unfamiliar landscape greets him. Tired and exhausted from his travels, Tkáyo takes one last look at his surroundings before his vision darkens completely, blacking out... [Chorus (variant)] --Tkáyo: Is this what they call purgatory? The other side of this inbetween Neither hell nor heaven, I'm so alone...

I. HEY, YOU... YOU'RE FINALLY AWAKE (A MILLION MILES AWAY) [Weaver 1] After what felt like hours more, Tkáyo feels himself stirring back into consciousness, his eyes slowly flickering open. While looking around, Tkáyo's pulse jumps as hears a door click open. And in walked... a young woman? No older than he? --Tkáyo: Who are you? Where am I? --Tiyara: It's okay, you're safe now. You're lucky to be alive when we found you... [Verse 1] --Tiyara: The earth was still and all was calm For all, it felt like any other day A peaceful 'noon, as if nothing could go wrong Then out of nowhere, a rising storm That disappeared as quickly as it came: A blinding flash, before a thunderous roar 'Twas crazy, the chaos all around... --Tkáyo: I don't understand... --Tiyara: Where light struck, we saw you on the ground... --Tkáyo: This doesn't make any sense to me... [Chorus 1] --Tkáyo: Have I been flung a million miles away To a land far from home? Can this be real, or this just a dream? Why am I here? Could there be no escape? Is there no yellow brick road? Is this a world where nothing's as it seems? --Tiyara: Just what were you doing out there all alone? Don't you know it's dangerous? --Tkáyo: I guess you could say I'm not exactly from "around here"... [Verse 2] --Tiyara: Why were you out beyond the walls? You're crazy if you think you're safe out there If you play with fire, just know you're gonna be burned --Tkáyo: Please, I've never been here before When will I ever be back home again? Be honest now, are you but an illusion? --Tkáyo: If I focus, this nightmare will end... --Tiyara: Whatever you say, "dreamer"... --Tkáyo: You don't exist, it's all in my head... --Tiyara: We're just as real as you are, stranger... {rpt Chorus 1} II. ENTER MIYALU [Weaver 2] As if on cue, Tkáyo hears a knock at the door, wherein walks another figure. Hurriedly, the girl takes him back outside, leaving Tkáyo alone once more. --Miyalu: How is he, Tiyara? Is he alright? --Tiyara: Nason''s taking care of him right now, he'll know what to do. --Miyalu: That's good to know. --Tiyara: But we need to talk about your little "rescue"... [Verse 3] --Tiyara: Must you yield to your sense of charity Though your efforts be noble? I still don't think it is safe for him to stay Despite everything you're saying to me He's still from beyond the walls Is it true when they say fools often congregate? [Chorus 2] --Miyalu: But did you see the stillness in his eyes? He's not stricken by the "Sickness" I won't let another die, As the Heavens as my witness I've been bound by oath to help all along the way Until my blood runs cold, none shall succumb to these Isles' fate [Weaver 3] Tiyara however, remains unconvinced of Miyalu's actions, as her own doubts about him begin to rise... --Tiyara: You're such a fool, Miyalu; you know that, don't you? [Verse 4] --Miyalu: Kill your suspicions, I know my intentions I'll admit he's an outsider, but I am confident that All will be well; if I am wrong, then strike me down --Tiyara: And I'm starting to think you might be working against us, Miyalu! --Miyalu: Even then, I too am from beyond the walls Yet I'm allowed to roam these halls, So why can't this person be equal? III. SILENT CONNECTION [Weaver 4] Tkáyo tries to ignore the argument going on behind the door, instead taking in the room a second time, noticing someone watching him from a corner. Are they the individual the young woman was talking about just then?

[Weaver 1] Over the course of the remaining hours of the day, Tkáyo struggles to adapt to this apparent new life forced upon him. But as the sun sets over the small town, word of his arrival somehow spreads east to the Isles' most powerful figure, prompting intrigue... and concern... I. EXCEPTION TO THE RULE [Verse 1] --Girudì, King of the Isles of Amis'fiça: Like a crash, it came to me: One of my million eyes Spoke of a disturbance in the lands They appeared, but claim to be not from around these Isles (But) there's no other way they could return... The circumstances feel familiar Like an echo in the wind I'm struck by this sensation As a strange nostalgia washes over me.. [Verse 2] Could it be (too) good to be true? Can't be no coincidence Rearrival of a familiar face? Long ago, he disappeared, never to be seen again Just as if he vanished without a trace But what could ever be his business, Why now did he choose to come? I'm certain I can't shake this feeling I've been waiting six millennia... [Chorus 1] If this is his return, then their town will soon burn Who do they think they're kidding, The piece of the puzzle's fitting Are they trying to take me for a fool? Under cover of night, they will taste my might: The King of Amis'fiça; Immortal, can't be beaten Born as the exception to the rule [Verse 3] Listen up my followers, as I've gathered you here Now's the time to go and prove your worth He's the one who sought to end all you see, everything Seek him out and leave no stone unturned But then it comes to my attention They are not my flesh and blood It seems absurd, this doesn't make sense Nonetheless, it's unacceptable... [Chorus 2] It all seems dubious, but now I'm curious: If this one's not my brother, They're bound to cause some trouble How is there another who's immune? I know I was the first to escape this land's curse: Could they be my equal? Do they know the secret? How are they an exception to the rule? II. DARKNESS' DESCENT [Weaver 2] And that night, as the moon glowed dimly beside the pearly arc of the Rings, alarms bellowed from the town walls as the watchmen saw Girudì's followers racing towards them, intent on retrieving their target... III. THE CURSE [Verse 4] Daylight is breaking upon these shattered streets And now the damage can be assessed Girudì's followers are making their way back east This town is now left a broken mess (Then somebody screamed, "We're a person down!") Tiyara has turned her home upside down But she cannot find her brother Nason' anywhere --Tiyara: He had to have been kidnapped and taken out of town I have to find him, there's no time to spare! --Tkáyo: I'm out of the loop, can you lend a hand, How can time be key? I don't understand... [Chorus 3] --Tiyara: A curse is hidden beneath the surface Of the ground on which you stand A burden that is irreversible And known across the lands I hope you're never a victim to this disease The curse of murderous insanity (one we all succumb) --Tkáyo: Wait, is that I heard your friend talking about when he said "sickness"? --Tiyara: *sigh* You truly aren't from around here, are you, "dreamer"? [Verse 5] --Tiyara: Each day I feel it tear at my soul: The fear of losing my sense of self Nason' somehow keeps me safe from its fall But I know I'll never escape this hell; Across all these Isles, blood will always spill If the Curse doesn't kill you, the Cursed will... [Chorus 4] --Tiyara: Please Miyalu, I'm begging you to Join my mission of rescue I know your talents will prove to be useful And you Tkáyo, are coming too It might not be your fault he's far away But with your help, Girudì is gonna pay (Rescue dear Nason') IV. TO THE LANDS THAT LIE BEYOND THE WALL [Weaver 3] Miyalu agrees to assist Tiyara in rescuing Nason', quickly packing together supplies for the dangerous journey ahead. And as the three approach the town perimeter, Tkáyo wonders if this could possibly lead to his way back home... [Verse 6] --Tkáyo: Guilt be a ravenous beast, gnawing away at me But I refuse to let it feast, despite what it's telling me ("It's all your fault") I'll never succumb to their bane, no matter what they say But anxiety takes a hold as they open the gates... [Chorus 5] So go on forth, our adventurers: A quest to liberate Beyond the walls of this little town belies a deadly fate While Tkáyo feels responsible, he's not the one to blame To evade the Curse, will he make it home? Or will he go insane?

[Verse 1] A twisted castle lies in the distance Unholy citidel on the horizon But on the path, an obstacle treacherous: Colossal valley, mile-deep canyon Tkáyo asks, "Is that Girudì's fortress? Where your brother Nason' is held captive?" Tiyara wonders how they will cross this The sheer scope, she just cannot fathom! Just then, Miyalu knows the way... [Chorus] --Tkáyo: Fly away from home, take me 'way from here To my comfort zone where I know no fear Run so far away, I feel it to my core For when chaos equals pattern On the wings of a Dragon we soar [Verse 2] The other two can't hide their confusion, Miyalu assures them he's not a liar: "As a disciple atop Mt. Mourning I have been trained as a Dragon Rider" He motions down to the ground below them: There stands a group of the creatures in question Although those Dragons are wild, he can tell That they're crucial to their rescue mission --Miyalu: "Don't be afraid, just take my lead..." {rpt Chorus} [Bridge 1] --Tkáyo: I'm holding on as we're taking flight Feel the wind in my hair The ground below is a wonderous sight Taking in the night air... [Chorus (variant)] --Tkáyo: Fly away from home, take me 'way from here To my comfort zone where I know no fear {rpt Chorus} ((For when chaos equals pattern I'll fight on through the madness On the wings of a Dragon we soar))

[Verse 1] --Tkáyo: There is a voice in the back of my head He's screaming bloody murder Claiming the means aren't justified by the ends And saying I don't deserve this I know I should be grateful for what comes my way Yet when it's all to play for, should we make this trade? [Chorus] --Tkáyo: If I could snap my fingers or click my heels I'd take me away, I'd take me away I'd do anything to stop me feeling helpless, hopeless Another wave of anguish is dragging me It's pulling me down, it's pulling me down I feel it trying to silence me; As they say: there's no place like home [Verse 2] --Tkáyo: And as I think of Nason''s situation It's my fault he's there How can one tragedy lead to another's elation Unless fate don't play fair All my life I wished for good luck to fall Now I sit here thinking, was this worth it all? {rpt Chorus} [Bridge] --Tkáyo: I hope you know I'm sorry, please hear me apologise I know my chains are metaphorical to yours in real life I know it sounds dishonest, but here, I cannot lie: I can't help but feel I'm the one to blame... {rpt Chorus}