A Cardinal Flower

There's Cochlea Castle. I know I've seen it before, but it really is a sight to behold.

We were bombarded so suddenly back then, I didn't have time to truly admire it.

Aldo! Welcome!

Whoa!

N-Nona? Don't sneak up on me like that!

Teehee! Sorry! I just wanted to give you a shock. I'm fed up of always being the one getting scared.

You really are something... Anyway, did you come out here to greet me?

Nope. Just thinking about you turning up was making me kinda anxious.

I've been waiting around here for about an hour.

An hour? Wow. Sorry about that, I guess?

Anyway, are you gonna show me around Cochlea today?

Yeah! You've taken me to so many places during our time together. Now I can finally do the same!

First, I wanna show you my room! Come on, come inside!

R-Right. Coming!

You really do live in a castle then, huh?

Yep! Outsiders would usually be treated as suspicious... But as thanks for saving the country, Mom's sheltering us here.

I see. Is Sesta in the castle also?

Yeah. Though she's hardly ever here. She says it's uncomfortable or something. She's a real handful, that one.

Haha. At least you both seem to be well.

There's such a thing as being too well.

Mo, I mean...Y-Your Majesty!

You seem to spend all day running around town. It's a rare sight indeed to see you here.

You may be an honored guest here, but if you do anything to draw suspicion, you will find yourself in trouble.

I-I know. I'll be careful.

Now, as for this swordsman. Aldo, was it? I have yet to thank you.

I don't need any thanks. I did what I did because I wanted to save your kingdom.

You are such mysterious entities. You don't reveal your identities. You insist on complete ignorance as to how you got through my barriers.

W-Well...

Don't worry, I won't pry. Though as the one in charge of national defense, I probably should be forcing it out of you.

Yet, I don't sense anything hostile or conspiratorial about you. Besides...

Besides?

Whatever else, you did save our country. It's only fair that I don't press for details.

Now, if you will excuse me. I'm sure you have much to discuss.

Huh? There was something...

Nona? What's wrong?

Oh, um, nothing! Okay, let's go to my room!

Ta-dah! This is my room! How d'you like it?

It's huge! Did this used to be your bedroom before?

Yeah! Don't you just love it? I had to kick up such a fuss to get this room.

Haha. The room you're used to is always the best, isn't it?

Yeah, it really is.

Y'know, I loved every place we went exploring.

We met so many people, we got to experience their histories for ourselves. With no memories of the past, it made me so happy to be able to make these new memories.

Yeah, we really did go to a lot of places.

And maybe that's why. Now that I'm back, I feel it so strongly... Cochlea really is my home.

I think I understand. I feel the same way whenever I go back to Baruoki.

Teehee. It makes me kinda happy to even be able to have this conversation.

I'm so glad that my mom and this country is back to how it should be. Though it's hard to feel too happy when I remember how the people of the future had to be sacrificed...

I know. I have mixed feelings about the whole thing, too. They did what they deemed to be right. You shouldn't worry yourself over it.

I know.

Okay! I know what'll brighten the mood! Let's go into town! There's so many places I wanna show you! You ready?

I guess so. But go easy on me!

Next up, the tavern! All their food is amazing, but you gotta try their omelet! It's SO good!

The omelet, huh? I'd love to try it.

It's so nice of you to say that, Nona.

Dekim!

I only made my first visit the other day, yet you still remembered my name?

How could I forget you? Never have I seen someone devour my food so happily. Haha!

Are you on a date today?

What? No, of course not! We're just...hanging out! As friends!

That so? Well, when all that hanging out gives you an appetite, be sure to come by. I'll cook you up a treat.

You really are incredible, Nona.

Wh-Why d'you say that?

You and he are already getting on like the best of friends. The other locals adore you, too. I guess they've loved you from back then.

......

Sorry. That was insensitive of me.

Don't worry about it. I've come to terms with it.

You're right. Everyone did really care for me.

And I loved them just the same. If not more.

The children I used to play with. The ever-cheerful workers. Everyone is so joyful, so full of life. And they smile the same now as in my memories. That makes me so very happy.

I see. I can understand why you love this place. It really is a great country.

Isn't it just? I feel like I could boast about my homeland all day long!

Though in my memories, my mother always looked so angry...

......

Hm? Aldo?

Nona, I was thinking. Is there really no way to get their memories back?

Huh?

You can't use that thread power or something?

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on! Where's all this coming from?

Sorry. I didn't mean to say that. Just...it's frustrating, when I know all that you've done for this country.

It doesn't seem fair that they'd forget you, and only you.

Aldo...

You're so kind, Aldo.

But Cochlea was only saved because I was erased from their memories. I'm okay with this. Just seeing the smiles on their faces is more than enough for me.

Nona...

Besides, it wouldn't be possible, even with thread power. Threads sew things together. They can't create something from nothing.

Then you can't regenerate lost memories?

No. Plus...

This power is exhausting. You know that, right? I've never once used it since...

Hm? There's something there.

Is this...a piece of thread?

Nona? What is it?

I found a thread where Dekim was standing earlier.

A thread?

I don't see anything...

You don't? But it's right here!

If only you can see it, maybe it's a thread made from that power?

It can't be. I didn't do anything.

Then, what?

It sure is intriguing. Let's look around to see if there are any other threads.

Got it!

Oh, it's you? What was your name again? Non...Nonny?

Honestly, Gramps! It's Nona!

Oh, right you are. When you get to my age, names are always escaping you.

Teehee. Don't worry about it. How is your back today?

Greatly improved. See? I can even walk around now.

After being bad for so long, practically as soon as we met Nona, it started to get better.

Every day you come here, praying for a swift recovery. Looks like my back was the first to listen.

Now, are you going to be all right? Did you sneak here behind Her Majesty's back?

If her attendants find you, you'll be taken right back again.

Huh?

......

......

Hm? What were we talking about just now?

Gosh, I've completely forgotten what we were talking about, too.

See you later, Nona.

Okay. I'll be back to check on you later!

I look forward to it.

Were you close with those two as well?

Yeah. The old man's had a bad back for ages. I used to skip my magic classes to come check on them. I was always getting in trouble over it.

Haha. That's so like you, Nona.

Is it a thread?

Yeah. It fell here. Okay, let's go search somewhere else!

Wait. About what those two said...

Ah, over there!

A thread?

I think so. What's it doing by the roadside?

Oh! Hi, Nona!

Nicole!

You know her?

Yeah. We've been playing together around here lately.

Oh, really? What do you play? Hide 'n' seek? Tag?

Um... Rope run, wolf bite, the word unchain game...

I've never heard of any of them!

Teehee! Of course you haven't! Nona made them all up.

Nona's the best. She comes up with super fun things. She makes everybody smile.

Yeah, I can see that.

Heheh. Well, it's fun to think of fun things, right?

Wait, we didn't play those games recently...

See you later, Nona! Come by sometime and we can bake cake together!

Huh?

You can come too, mister!

I will. Maybe you can teach me rope run then?

Rope run? What's that?

Huh? What? You're the one who mentioned it?

Huh?

Oops, almost forgot! I've gotta run an errand for Mom! Come play with me sometime!

We will. And we can practice baking cakes.

Cakes? You're gonna bake a cake with me? Yay! It's a date!

What was all that about? It didn't seem like she was trying to mess with us or anything...

......

Aha! Found a piece of thread.

We've searched all over. Did you find any threads?

Yeah, I've collected a few from here and there.

Okay, this should help us find some kind of clue.

Yeah, about that...

Something kinda strange happened before.

Go on...

When I was talking with the others... I could see threads stretching out from my body.

Threads?

I wasn't trying to use my power or anything. I think it activated on its own.

The problem is, the moment the thread extended out and reached them... The thread snapped. Like it had been cut with scissors.

The threads are breaking off? Well, that explains the scraps you're finding around the place.

And...did you notice anything odd when we were talking to the others?

Yeah. The elderly man seemed to be talking about the old you. Even though he shouldn't remember you.

Right. And Nicole knew the names of games she shouldn't have heard of.

Then immediately after, they seemed to forget what it was they were talking about.

The moment they forgot was the moment the thread broke. Almost as if someone was erasing their memories.

......

And from this bundle of threads, I can feel it, just faintly. The same presence as the White Night Cocoon.

What? Then...it was that Nona's power, the White Night Time Layer observer, that cut the threads?

I'm sorry, but I don't know yet. Maybe if I bundle these cut threads together, I can find a trace of this power. Hold on.

......

Tie the threads together...connect them...

Well?

Found it. The power that cut the thread is coming from around the castle.

Meaning that whoever used the power is within the castle?

I dunno. Maybe it means there's more thread power there or something?

Well either way, let's go back to the castle.

You've got to be kidding! There's so many!

What is it? Are there threads here?

Yeah. They're everywhere!

If these were real threads, my mom would be so angry right now!

I don't know about that...

Though surely this makes the power easier to trace?

I guess. I'll gather up all the threads and bundle them together.

All right, Aldo! Let's do some spring cleaning!

Oh, um... I can't see the threads, remember? I can't really help you.

Oh...

I guess I'll have to do this alone.

You've got this!

Phew! I'm so tired.

Yeah, I'll bet. Sorry I couldn't help.

Don't worry about it. Besides, you're a guest here. You shouldn't have to tidy up.

Now I'll just bundle up these threads...

A wormhole!

I knew it! I feel that same presence through there.

It's so sad and lonely. So weak, as if it might disappear at any moment.

You think it's really connected to that place?

How is it still there? I thought the time layer observer Nona was gone?

Maybe there's a remnant of power still left behind.

A remnant of power that restores history. If it's severing threads that connect you with others...

Perhaps it was this power that made everyone forget about you?

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking.

Then there's someone through here who's using this power?

Let's go, Nona! Let's restore everyone's memories of you!

......

Yeah, you're right. But...I'm kinda scared.

Scared?

So many people helped me. They made difficult choices, suffered, made sacrifice after sacrifice... And now, they've finally found their happily ever after.

What if, by stepping through here, all that goes away again?

Nona...

So long as those smiles remain on their faces, I'm fine with things as they are. I keep telling myself, I'm the one who chose this.

At least, that's how I felt. Now, though...

Huh?

...... What do you think, Aldo?

What do I think?

Yeah. Should I jump through this wormhole or not? I want your opinion.

Okay then...

My opinion is...

Truth is, I noticed you were feeling anxious.

You did?

You think you could keep it from me, after all the adventures we've been on together?

We've encountered situations like this countless times. So many difficult choices to make.

Yeah. We're always having to make hard choices.

Still, those choices led to positive outcomes. For Orleya, Alma, Claude, Tsukiha, Mariel, Yakumo, everyone.

To change those hopeless futures, we chased possibilities and arrived at those endings.

Yet, after saving all those people, you alone got caught by fate and had to give up on the world you wanted. I can't accept it. Not ever.

Huh?

As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing to think about. Let's go. Whatever happens, I'm with you all the way.

Teehee. I kinda thought you'd say that.

You did? Then why ask?

Honestly, you still don't get it?

I was too scared to make the decision on my own. I knew you'd have my back.

Thanks, Aldo.

I'm pretty sure all the others who aren't here right now would say the exact same thing.

Yeah, I guess so. Sorry. Looks like I won't have time to show you around Cochlea.

It's fine. There's always another time. We promised we'd go play with Nicole, remember?

Traces of power, huh?

We don't know what lies ahead. We should make sure we're prepared first.

Yeah. I won't let us lose!

This place really does look like the White Night Cocoon.

Which means, the power's coming from...

Aldo, look! Over there!

Huh? That's...

There was a survivor after all.

To keep going after losing their master... This one must have been given even stronger powers than the rest.

Although, that means this is the last one.

Okay. Let's go, Nona!

Yeah, let's do this.

This is it!

This is it!

All right! We're almost there, Nona!

Yeah. Leave this to me!

Huh? That voice...

Is that...my voice?

Huh?

Oh. I see now. You've always...

Thank you for working so hard, for wearing yourself into the ground. You poured everything you had into protecting this time layer, forgetting even who you were. And yet, you still cared for them, didn't you? The people of Cochlea.

Rest now. Everything's going to be okay. We've got this.

It's over.

Yeah.

Now, the threads of everyone's memories of you should be reconnected.

Scared as I am, we'd better go check.

Let's go to the castle garden. They should be there soon.

Ack...

Are you nervous, Nona?

Of course I am!

I've never felt so scared to meet someone before.

I finally get why Orleya was fainting all the time.

Y-You do?

She should be here by now. Why isn't she here yet?

M-Maybe we did the wrong thing? Maybe we really have messed with history and now...

Hey, snap out of it! If you're that worried, I'll go to check on things.

No! Stay here, with me! Whatever happens here, I want you to see it with me.

Okay, if that's what you want.

In the meantime, how about we find something to distract you.

Um, like what?

Hmm... Maybe you could think about something fun, or practice something you like.

......

I'll sing.

Huh?

Praying upon the surface of the endless, blue water... An eternal morning calm falls over the distant arc glistening in the twilight...

Teehee. What did you think? I always loved that song.

Yeah, it was lovely.

I feel like I've heard that melody before though.

Yeah, we heard it together. At Cochlea Castle, during all the chaos.

Oh yeah! Wasn't the Vessel Queen singing it?

I learned it from my mother. Strangely, I still remember the songs I learned as a child.

Okay! Next verse!

......

Um... I don't remember the lyrics.

Haha...

Is that...

This song is only passed down through the royal line.

You will someday be responsible for this country. It would be terrible if you were to forget it.

Wha!

You're late. We've been waiting.

Apologies. I went looking for you in town.

My memories of all those days spent with you suddenly came rushing back to me.

You accomplished this, didn't you? You restored my memories.

Well...

Ah. When Cochlea was released from chaos...

Everyone's memories should have returned to normal. But that didn't happen.

"Cochlea was saved because everyone forgot me." Awareness of that being the correct history of the White Night Time Layer was overwritten.

And so, whenever others remembered me, the connection was severed and they were made to forget.

That explains all the threads you found.

I heard a voice before. It was saying, "Forget me."

Was that the observer Nona?

She lost herself, she forgot who she was...

Yet, she continued to blame herself, convinced that the destruction of Cochlea was her fault.

She hoped that by being forgotten, she'd be able to protect everyone.

She wanted that more than anything. That's how she alone remained until the very end.

Still. There must be other possibilities. Somewhere, there is a world in which no one ever forgets about you again. We know that. Even if it didn't work this time, we just have to try, try, and try again.

You'll get to it eventually.

Yeah... I will get there. I will get the ending I wanted.

Because you're here with me.

Always by my side. Always fighting with me.

Me? I haven't done anything. It's because you never gave up that you were able to reach this moment.

I'm sorry.

I did sense that something was not right. As if myself and my country was missing something. Our country was at peace, the sea on the horizon was beautifully calm. Yet my heart pounded so.

I truly am sorry. I cannot begin to imagine how painful this must have been for you. How could I forget you?

Always apologizing...

Hm?

Your Majesty, my pain is nothing compared to the pain you suffered for your country, over and over.

But if you'll allow it...

Call me by my name. Just once more.

Of course. Nona, my beloved daughter.

Mom!

I never thought the day would come when I would see you as an 18-year- old. It's a little late, but happy birthday, Nona.

Thanks! I'll bake you that cake. And I'll get you that wine...

I have presents for you, too.

Thank you, Nona. For saving our country.

Of course.

And thank you. For letting me find you.

Uh-huh...

Welcome home, Nona.

Uh-huh...

It's good to be back, Mom.