You Can Be More (Bow)

You Can Be More (Bow)
Date of Cutscene:	27 April 2024
Location:	Mt. Fuji Campsite
Synopsis:	Having trekked out alone to think, Bow speaks with Crystal Hope on current events, and she gives him a glimpse of what he could be... with her.
Cast of Characters:	Bow

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Nestled amidst lush forests and pristine lakes at the foothills of Mount Fuji lies a tranquil haven for outdoor enthusiasts - the Fuji Lakeside Campground. The campground itself is a picturesque retreat, boasting spacious pitches scattered beneath the canopy of towering trees. Each spot is strategically placed to maximize privacy while offering uninterrupted vistas of the surrounding natural beauty.

After finishing putting up the tent, Bow settled down and stared at the fire he had started. "So, Crystal Hope. Are you fine with losing the override?" he asked finally, having held the question until they were alone.

"I believe that Sayaka, Mamoru, and the others are being far too worried." Crystal Hope responded. "Mamoru especially since he saw that you were able to take back the control and were fine afterwards. However, there is something I want to discuss with you." she offered him. "Perhaps, something to help out?"

"What's that?" Bow asked, as he lifted his hands to warm them by the fire. His phone set on a stump nearby, just in case, but he doubted anyone would contact him. He tended to be forgotten about when he wasn't right there. In a lot of ways, it was like it was on Etheria. When they need him, he's there. When they don't... silence can be deafening.

"I want you to concentrate. And as you do, I want you to envision that fire in front of you. And when you do that, think about how it works and was created - and then encapsulate it into an arrowhead." Crystal Hope prompted gently.

"I've never been able to make one..." Bow started to protest. "...it would take magic back on Etheria to make one, and since the Spirit Ember was destroyed..."

"Just, do as I ask Bow. Or. Let me take control for a moment. Let me show you?" Crystal Hope asked. "I promise, you will be able to override me at any moment."

For a moment, Bow was unsure, and then sighed. "Alright. You have five minutes." he agreed, closing his eyes as the green gem on the back of his neck glowed and his eyes turned green with luminscence.

He felt disconnected from his body, but Bow could see his hands. And as he watched, Crystal Hope appeared next to him in his subconscious. "Observe."

Bringing his hands together, magic formed in Bow's hands. It was like creating his normal arrows, but this one glowed a light red. Drawing it back, Crystal Hope fired it into a nearby tree stump, where it ignited into flames. Bow was awestruck, his eyes wide. "I can do that..."

"No, Bow, we can do that." she pointed out, and then she made another arrow. This one glowed light blue, and again she fired. The fire that was burning was extinguished, a sheen of ice over the stump, with Bow blinking in confusion. "How?"

"Etherian magic. You can replicate any of the powers of any of the Princesses. Isn't that what you always wanted, Bow? To be on their equal footing? To be noticed? Recognized? It's happening all over again. You have friends, loved ones. But you're not as powerful as them. You're just the support. I want you to be more. Together, we could be more." Crystal Hope offered to him quietly. "I'll agree to let go of my control - but it will slow down your progress to this. This is just a start. All it takes, Bow, is your imagniation. And my magic."

Bow drew in a breath as the timer was up and they swapped back. Standing up, Bow walked over and rubbed his hand over the ice. "I don't want to hold anyone back." It's why he came here alone, he assumed it would hold Sayaka back. He didn't know what was going on in Juuban, but noone approached him, so they probably assumed he wasn't capable.

"You can be so much more." Crystal Hope repeated.