Although Bastian’s traveling companions are in high spirits, Bastian’s mood increasingly darkens. Atreyu tries to cheer him up by having him ride Falkor and asking him about his life before Fantastica. Bastian tells Atreyu that he does not want to return to the human world and that he has no reason to return, not even to see his father.

As Bastian doesn’t want to go home, the group discovers that they are traveling in circles, returning to the same ruined castle night after night. Bastian decides that the group will head toward the Ivory Tower and see Moon Child, even though Atreyu reminds him that no one can meet her more than once. As they head toward the Empress’s tower, the group finds that they are being followed. Creatures from throughout Fantastica arrive to welcome Bastian and ask for his aid. Instead of helping these individuals, however, Bastian asks them to accompany him to the Ivory Tower. With the new arrivals, Bastian now leads a caravan of travelers, all headed toward the center of Fantastica.