Until We Meet Again... So Long

Got a moment, Aldo?

Hey, Aldo...

You've been tagging along with Deirdre a lot lately. There's something I'd like to ask you about her.

I wouldn't call it tagging along, but what do you want to know? What did she do this time?

Nothing, and that's the strangest bit. She used to cause nothing but problems, but there have been no complaints about her lately. It's like the quiet before a storm. Not that I want her to suddenly act up again. Do you know what's going on with her?

Nothing comes to mind.

What is this, an interrogation? You trying to get some dirt on me from him?

How unusual for you to come and see me.

...... I didn't come here to have an argument.

No? Are you sick? Is this really you, or an imposter? I don't recognize you without your usual hostility.

It's you always picking fights with me. Anyway, today I'm not in the mood for that.

Huh. I don't know what to think anymore.

Aldo, I'd like your advice on something.

Sure.

The demon sword has been whispering to me: "If you want answers, you must find that child."

What child? Oh, I know! Maybe it's that girl we saw in the labyrinth? But wasn't that just an illusion?

Wait a second. Are you just going to do what the demon sword's telling you without questioning it?

What's wrong with that?

What's not wrong with that?! It's a demonic weapon. It could be evil, you know?

I'll take that risk, thank you. You can tell the Knight Commander that whatever happens, I brought it upon myself.

Fine. I will. But you should really think about what you're about to do. It's insane.

I was a fool for hoping you might be changing for the better.

I make the effort to be nice to you despite your taunts, and this is what I get? You must really hate me.

...... Anyway... So the demon sword wants you to find that little girl?

Yeah. I don't know why, but... It seems to be very urgent. I have this feeling in my bones that I have to hurry or it'll be too late.

All right. If you want, I can help you. Do we go back to the labyrinth again?

Not sure... Maybe it was just an illusion after all?

What secrets are you keeping from me, sword? What do you want me to do?

I wonder why it wants you to find that girl. Do you know her? There may be some connection between you two.

No, I don't know any kids that age. But something tells me that once I meet her, I'll be able to get back what I've lost.

But isn't it kind of weird? The mage told us that if you got the sword's power back, you'd lose what's most important to you. So you'd be losing something, not getting it back.

Yeah, it's contradictory, I know. ...Huh? Aldo, over there!

Hello! I'm so glad someone's found me.

Please help my sister! She's not well.

Is she hurt?

Yes. There's so much blood!

That sounds serious! Where is she?

She's that way!

Not this again... The headache is back. It's just like when I'm looking at her... It makes my head throb with pain. But I'm not turning back now that we're so close to the truth!

Is that a mirror? There's no reflection, even though it's crystal clear.

Huh, that's strange.

There used to be a big shiny hole here, that I came out of. But now it's gone.

Hole? You mean a portal?

Who's there?!

You heard it too this time, Aldo? Who are you, voice? Was it you giving me orders before?

Is the mirror talking to us?!

Of course we want to know the truth, mirror! Show me what connects me and this girl!

Mr. Mirror, I have to return to my village. Please let me go back to where I'm from!

We can go back to your home and save your sister!

I guess I just need to turn souls harvested by Verweil into magic power, right?

Probably, but be on your guard. There's no telling what will happen. We'll go when you're ready.

I'll wait here. Please come back soon!

B-But why? We need to hurry! My sister is hurt!

Don't be so heartless! We just want to help this girl's sister!

Just how much do we need? Hey, mirror, don't give us the silent treatment!

We need to feed Verweil more souls.

Sorry, it looks like we need a bit more time.

I understand. I'll wait for you here. Please hurry!

You're back!

Sorry to keep you waiting. Okay, Deirdre, do your thing!

Here goes... Mirror, I'm ready!

We do, so hurry up and show it to us!

This is it! The hole, just like before! I hope my sister is all right. We're coming to help you, sis!

It's a wormhole, just as I thought. So she's come from another time.

You're saying this is a door to the past? That means this girl might be an adult in our time...

Deirdre, we've got to act quickly. Let's go!

Yeah, sure! I'm ready for this!

Any idea where this is? I've never been to this village before.

Argh! This splitting headache again!

Lady, are you okay?

Memories...are flooding in... Ngh!

Deirdre, what's going on?!

*huff huff*

I...I know this place. I saw it. A whole wave of memories swept over me.

So it's a village from your past?

Yes. I was born here. It's my hometown which was destroyed by beasts!

I understand now... I know what I must do...

They're the ones that hurt my sister! Make them pay for it! And save my sister!

......

They're coming!

Your time has come. You're not even worthy prey for my sword.

You're sooo strong!

......

Where's your injured sister?

Come this way! Please help her!

We can't do this.

...What?!

We can't help your sister.

Don't say that now! You promised!

What's gotten into you? This is what we came here for, isn't it?

There's nothing I can do. It's all in your hands, girl.

How can you say that?! Whatever! I hate you, you hear?! Will you help, mister?

Yeah, sure, if there's anything I can do.

Thank you! Follow me!

......

Hurry! This way!

She's here!

Wake up! Talk to me! Why won't you open your eyes?

Ugh... (That chest wound is not looking good. She's still breathing, but...)

Mister? Can you help her, please? Please? Say something!

...... She's not gonna ma...

Who's there?!

Are you from this village?

My business is not with you. I'll speak only with the girl.

What? Hey!

Who are you? Can you please help my sister?

Unfortunately, that is not within my power.

B-But then...

There is someone who can save her, though. You.

M-Me? But what can I do? I'm weak, not like my sister...

This demon sword possesses tremendous power. It will save her life when death seems certain.

It can really do that?

It can. However, there is one condition. You will need to give up what is most precious to you in order to wield the sword.

I don't really understand, but if I say yes, will my sister be okay?

She will be. But think twice before making your decision. If you use this sword, you will become bound to it. This demonic blade will become entwined with your fate. Your future will be cursed with hardships you can scarcely imagine.

......

Take it or leave it, it's your choice.

Let me tell you something, though.

You're not special. There will be times when you have to fight by any means you've got if you are to protect what matters to you. There will be people calling what you do disgraceful. But don't let that bring you down. Hold your chin up high. You don't need other's approval for your way of life.

But...

Don't be afraid. You'll be all right. You can overcome anything life throws your way. You can trust me on that.

Let's go, Aldo. It's up to her now.

Huh? How do you know my name?

Wait a minute! Care to explain what's going on? Who are you?

It's me.

What?! Why were you wearing a disguise, Deirdre?

The demon sword spoke to me. The beginning and the end of the truth I was desperate for came together here. If I had strayed from the events of the past, the future as I know it might have been erased. That's why I had to make sure she obtained the demon sword at this point.

Okay, another thing I don't get... You said you were not going to help her sister. But then you changed your mind. What's that about?

I'm not doing anything. She will have to take care of it herself.

But can she? She's just a little girl.

Don't worry. She'll be just fine. What we should be doing now is trying to find a way back to our time period.

All right, but promise to explain everything to me later.

I'm scared...but...only I can help my sister.

Aaah! No, I can't do it. I'm not good enough. No, that's not right. The sword must be testing me. I have to be strong.

Ver...weil?

...... I don't know how to pay it... But there's nothing more important to me than my sister!

Owww! It hurts! It hurts so much!

It's...Deirdre.

Thank you. It's always been my sister looking after me.

Now I can do something for her.

Please, Verweil, save my sister. Save Anabel!

Ugh... What happened...

Ugh... Where am I?

Huh? Who are you?

How did I get here? I can't remember anything!

What are you talking about?

Aaah! Help, sis, Huh? Who was I...

Don't come near me! Stay away!

Hm!

I have to...believe in myself. I can overcome any obstacle in my way!

Phew, we made it back. I hope that girl was okay in the end.

I can vouch for that. She was me, back before I got my demon sword.

The hooded woman I saw in the flashbacks was none other than myself.

Wait a second... The girl had a sister, though?

That's Anabel. I lost all memories of her until now.

Anabel is your sister?!

It finally makes sense why I hated her so much at first sight. The thing that was most important to me when I obtained Verweil was our sisterly bond. That was the price I paid for my wish.

So the love turned to hate without you even knowing why.

All my memories of her were erased. How ironic. She was the reason I sealed the deal with the demon sword, yet I forgot her.

What a story. I'd like to hear more, but let's go outside. There's no more reason for us to hang out in this creepy labyrinth.

Sure. It's been a long journey, huh. Aldo, I... How to put it...

Huh?

I'm really grateful that you kept me company through all of this. I'll pay you back somehow. But this whole time loop thing got me thinking. Was meeting you unavoidable? Were we just dancing to the tune of fate?

It makes no difference, the way I see it. And, besides, what's really extraordinary is that you met Anabel again.

Yeah. I've been so hard on her for being such a stiff-necked paladin going on about chivalry and honor. But now I kind of understand her point of view. From now on, I won't fight just for myself. I'll fight for others. There's battles that only someone like me can win.

Feels like we'd been gone for ages. It's good to breathe fresh air.

You finally found your way out? I was beginning to worry you'd gotten lost. But maybe you were just having a blast down there.

......

No worries, Anabel. We're done with the labyrinth and won't be going down there again.

Where's your usual venom? Is this a new tactic, pretending to be friendly? Anyway, I had something to announce to you. I duly reported your intention of following the will of the demon sword.

And what did the commander say to that?

That as long as you keep that sword in your possession, you're not, Wait a moment. Where's your sword gone?

It's where it's needed. It's of no use to me any more.

Oh. Well, that's fine then.

......

Why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face?

Did the injury to your chest leave a bad scar?

No, it's just a faint mark...

...How did you know about that?

Never mind. I'm just glad you healed up all right.

You're acting very strange. Are you unwell? If you're sick, I can send for a medic. Just don't go back to being a walking disaster again.

...... Sister... I'm so happy you're alive, dear Anabel...

You don't want to tell her the truth?

It's not like her memories would come back. At best she'll think it's a bad joke. This may be awkward but, if you wouldn't mind... Can you pretend to be her for a minute so I can just get it all off my chest?

...... You've gone through a lot, Deirdre. I'm proud of you.

Anabel... *sniff*

I was a mess. Sorry you had to see that. But I'm all right now. We lost the bond we had, but at least now I have my cherished memories back. And from now on I'll support Anabel, without her needing to know.

You're a very strong woman, Deirdre.

Don't give me that. I am what I need to be to survive.

Farewell, Verweil. You've been my companion for half my lifetime. I couldn't have made it this far without you. I've stepped out of the time loop and had to leave you behind. But don't worry about me. I have found new friends. Please take good care of the little me back in the past.

......

You'll save my sister, won't you?