Legends under the Sea

So Sheila's here, right?

Whoa-whoa-whoa, stop right there!

Wh-What is it?

What d'ya think yer doin', Aldo? What if Lady Sheila's still gettin' ready? Don't be such a creep!

......

Ohhh... By "getting ready" you mean...

You're lucky Rosetta isn't here, or else she'd give you such a scolding.

Yeah, I can practically hear it...

What's the problem?

Yer way too relaxed 'bout these things, Nagi!

What's all this noise? Is everyone out there?

L-Lady Sheila? I came ta help ya! Aldo 'n' the others're here, too!

Thank you! But I've finished getting ready, so you can come on in.

If today's leading lady says it's okay, I guess we should go in.

Everyone! Over here!

Thank you for coming. And I'm sorry I didn't come out to greet you.

Don't worry about it. More importantly, those clothes...

Wooow, Lady Sheila!

You look sooo great! Yer shinin' brighter than a black pearl! I knew you would, by the way.

Whoa there, Chiyo! You're way too close!

As I think Aldo was trying to say, your outfit really suits you. You look so majestic, like a true Otohime.

Wha, really? You're not just saying that?

No, it looks great.

Nagi...

Heheh, if even Nagi says so, then I must look pretty good.

Was your outfit made just for today?

Umm, yes and no.

This outfit wasn't made for me. It's a traditional sacred outfit that's been passed down from the very first Otohime. All Otohimes since have worn it on special days, like today's ceremony.

In your invite, you said today's ceremony was...umm... I forget what it's called... Something about protecting?

The Ceremony of the Protector! It's a traditional ceremony that the Dragon Palace Otohimes have carried out for generations.

Lady Sheila.

Minister! Everyone!

You must be departing soon, so we came to see you off. I wish you luck in carrying out your duty as Otohime.

Best of luck, Lady Sheila!

We're rooting for you!

You can count on me! I'm not that useless Otohime anymore!

*chuckle* We know. Take care, Lady Sheila.

Thank you, Minister. I'll do my best to live up to your expectations.

Since everyone's here to see me off, why don't I tell you more about the ceremony once we get there? It will make more sense when you actually see the place anyway.

That's fine by me.

Me too.

And it makes no difference to me. I already know all about it.

I-I...

And of course you know about it, Chiyo. We were taught all this together, after all.

(Uh-oh! I musta slept through that... I can't tell her I don't remember none o' this.)

Then let's get going! The ceremony takes place at the Ocean's Deep.

What's that, then?

It's a sacred space, just a short journey below the Dragon Palace sea.

If we're going down into the sea, I suppose we should ask the same guy who brought me here.

Me ears're burnin'!

Whoa! You startled me!

If yer headin' to the Hokora, just call me up 'n' I'll carry ya in ma magic bubble! This bubble can take ya anywhere, from the coast, to real deep in the sea, to waters ain't nobody even seen before!

You're the best!

Then let's ask Mr. Turtle to take us to the Ocean's Deep.

It's been a while since I've been to the Ocean's Deep. Long ago, Lady Sheila 'n' me...

Heheh, I can't wait, I can't! Me heart's pounding!

Oh, not this again!

Everything's gonna be okay! I'm gonna be such a great Otohime.

I may not look like it, but I've got so much magic! The future's gonna be bright, I just know it!

Huh? I asked the sea again and again...

Honestly, she's such a worrywart. So long as I'm around, we'll always be safe here!

Lady Sheila!

There you are, Lady Sheila. Back here again, are we?

Eeep, it's my handmaiden!

Yes, you've got that right! It's time to study! Come, let's go back to your room.

Stop it! I already decided I'm gonna be a great Otohime!

That's all well and good, but what I worry about more than whether you'll be a great Otohime...

Is the fact that you're always talking to yourself.

(When did it start?) (When did I first feel burdened by the words "great Otohime"?)

(And why...) (Why was I so enthusiastic at first?)

Would you look at those tentacles? They're covered in big fins!

Whoa, they're stunnin', they are! But them's some real funny lookin' fins. They're all fuzzy!

Chiyo!

Hey there, Aldo! I wasn't expectin' you so early!

Well, it's been so long since I was last in the Dragon Palace, I felt impatient to get back. What are you all making such a fuss about?

Oh, right...

Your fins are incredible... Do you mind if I touch them?

They're known as wings. Sure, I don't mind.

Oh, heheh. Actually, perhaps this isn't the place for that kind of thing...

Oh dear! I-I'm so sorry!

Is that you, Clarte?

Aldo!

It's certainly a nice change seeing you outside of the western continent.

Yeah, it really is! I take it Sheila invited you here as well, then?

Yes, that's right. I promised her I'd come when we were back in Atlantica.

The Dragon Palace...?

It's where I'm from. Believe me, it's a wonderful place!

You should! Everyone in the Dragon Palace would be happy to have you, Clarte!

When this is all over, I'll be sure to visit.

I'll take that as a promise. I'm so looking forward to it!

I'm so happy to actually be able to visit the Dragon Palace and meet all her friends.

Yeah, I'm sure. But maybe you should tell Sheila that, rather than me...

Oh, come to think of it, I don't see Sheila anywhere.

Oh, she's...

Sheila went to get ready.

Nagi! Do you mean for today's ceremony? The thing she mentioned on her invite?

Yeah, that's right. You can ask Sheila more about it later. She's pretty excited about it.

Okay then! She's really working hard as Otohime.

Too hard, lately. I'm a little worried about her, actually. She's always got her hands full. She said she really wanted to greet you in person, but she's just so busy.

Are you Clarte? It's nice to meet you. I'm Nagi the Squid.

Pleasure to meet you, Nagi. You know, I'd never met a squid before I came here... But you certainly are a lovely one.

Heheh, thanks. I really love your fins.

(Does everyone in the Dragon Palace mistake wings for fins?)

Anyhoo, when's Lady Sheila gonna be done gettin' ready? If she ain't done yet, I should go 'n' help her!

I'm sorry for making you show me around even though you're Sheila's handmaiden.

Don't you worry 'bout that! So long as yer enjoyin' the Dragon Palace, me 'n' Lady Sheila'll both be happy as clams!

It's nearly time for the ceremony. Perhaps we should check on Sheila. I think she's getting ready in the Central Keep.

Then let's head to the Central Keep!

D'ya wanna enter the sea?

I was thinking this on the way here... But this sea really is beautiful. It seems such a waste that only I get to see it. I wish I could show it to the others.

Your friends said they couldn't make it today, right? We'll have to do this again when everyone's here. I'd love to show this to them, too!

I love this sea. There's all different kinds of creatures, it's so nice and warm... It's really brimming with life. It makes me so happy that I'm able to protect this place as Otohime.

Sheila...

Oh, those warm eyes! Forget about how I was in the past, okay? It's so embarrassing!

B-But I didn't say anything?!

Yer a breathtakin' Otohime now, 'n' you were back then, too. Nothin's ever gonna change that!

Chiyo! You really are so kind!

A breathtaking Otohime? That sounds like a real compliment...

Ah! Aaah ha ha...

What's gotten into you?

Aaah ha ha... Ah aaah aaah...

What is it, Mr. Turtle? What's going on?

Aaah...

ACHOOO!

Whoa, what was that?!

Y-Y-Ya startled me there!

Mr. Turtle? Whatever is the matter?!

I'm sorry! I...I... I can't take it no more!

Whaaaa?!

Aaaargh?!

Oh no!

Ack...

Phew. I never thought I'd be using my wings to swim.

Are you all okay?

I-I'm okay.

Me too. All thanks to you, catching us underwater...

Y-You were so brave! I dread ta think what woulda happened if ya hadn'ta caught me, Lady Sheila!

We were all bunched together like sea grapes from the Dragon Palace. We wouldn't have made it otherwise.

It certainly was a sink or swim moment. It seems the sea turtle's magic meant I could use my wings underwater.

Oh, that's right! Mr. Turtle!

Are you okay? Are you hurt?!

I'm okay! I'm so sorry, I am... All me energy left me...

Why? Are you hungry? Is the hunger making you faint?

I dunno why... I'm sorry, me head's spinnin'... But me stomach's full...

Urgh. They always say beauty 'n' long life don't go together... Is this the end fer me?

Don't be ridiculous! You're going to live a long life, Mr. Turtle!

But you really don't look well. Your face is all green.

(Isn't his face always green?!)

Don't push yourself while you're like this. You need to go back to the Dragon Palace! We'll walk the rest of the way.

Sheila...

Are we all fine with that?

There are more snacks if we walk. This actually works out better!

I'm real touched by yer kindness. If youse insist, I guess I'll be headin' back to the Dragon Palace. The magic I put youse under will hold either way, so ain't no need to worry 'bout that!

I'll be off then...

Take care, Mr. Turtle!

I'll have to make sure to call in on him once we finish this ceremony.

Come on then! The Ocean's Deep just a short walk ahead. We can do this!

Brrr! Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! I-It's soooo cold! Why's it gone 'n' gotten so cold?! I'm so frozen I can barely move!

But if I told her that, she'd send me back too, she would!

I can't let that happen! For Lady Sheila's sake, I've gotta...

Light a fire in me heart!

We're here!

So this is the Ocean's Deep? It sure is atmospheric.

D'ya like it, Aldo? I love it here too, I do!

It really is wonderful. It's making me feel a little strange...

(Maybe I'm imagining things, but it feels like there's something about this place I remember from somewhere.)

Ugh?!

Clarte?!

I'm fine. Sorry for startling you. It's really no big...

Oh no! Clarte, you're wounded!

You are! Your wing's a little twisted.

H-How'd that happen?! Y-You okay, Clarte?!

Honestly, I'm fine. It's my own fault, I just dropped the ball before.

You don't mean...when you flew to catch us all after we fell from Mr. Turtle?

Oh yeah! Come to think of it, you did let out a teeny tiny moan...

Yeah, you got me. I didn't realize I was that bad at keeping things a secret...

You shouldn't hide something like that. And to hurt yourself that badly, just to help us...

Honestly, you're too nice! Ah, wait right here!

What's that, Sheila?

It doesn't matter, just hold still!

Well, how do you feel?

He's flying! Are you okay now, Clarte?

My wing feels much better. How did you do that?!

That's the power of crimson coral for you. It's quite astonishing, huh?

Crimson coral?

That's right. It's found all over this region, see?

It's a special type of coral that has a miraculous power to heal wounds in an instant, as you just saw. Also known as Sea God's Host, they say in the Dragon Palace that it's been protecting the seas ever since the world first begun.

Sea God's Host?

Within this coral dwells the power of the sea's guardian deity. It's a symbol of peace and good fortune in the sea.

Should you really be using something so valuable on someone like me?

How could you say such a thing? The sea god isn't that closed-minded! And I especially don't think they'd be angered today. Not on the day of the Ceremony of the Protector.

Oh yeah... So what happens in this ceremony?

The Otohime pours their power into the crimson coral hokora and strengthens the divine protection over the seas. It's said to date back to when the first Otohime built the Dragon Palace.

Whaaa? Really?!

Why are you so impressed by this now, Chiyo?

Ack! Um, no reason...

So when the first Otohime built the Dragon Palace, they chose this area rich in crimson coral?

Exactly!

The first Otohime built Dragon Palace in this blessed place where the crimson coral blooms... Then, hoping for peace in the seas and prosperity in the palace, they built this Ocean's Deep, surrounded by crimson coral.

Though come to think of it, that Otohime must also have been hoping to contain the Jewel Casket disaster...

And this tradition has continued to this day?

Right. This ceremony has been held in every rule, by all 25 Otohimes. So I know what I'm doing!

I pour my magic into the hokora, it reacts with the power of the Crimson Coral, and this then strengthens...

Huh?

What's this white coral? I've never seen it before...

Whoa, it looks just like this here crimson coral, don'tcha think?

It does look nearly identical.

Oh...

What is it, Clarte?

It's only very faint... But I can feel traces of that power I received just now, coming from this white coral.

The power you received?

You mean from the crimson coral?!

Then this white thing is actually crimson coral?

B-But how?! Why's it gone all white?

But if you can only feel faint traces of its power... Then does that mean the crimson coral's dead?

Dead? But I've never heard of that ever happening before!

Not once in the thousand year history of the Dragon Palace has the symbol of divine protection and good fortune ever died...

I don't really know what's going on, but I'm assuming the symbol of good fortune dying isn't exactly a good thing.

No, it must be a bad omen!

What is happening? And why today of all days? This was supposed to be about making everything MORE protected!

Sheila, I have a thought. In the Ceremony of the Protector... You pour your strength into the hokora to strengthen protection over the seas, right?

So, the hokora is a medium through which your power as Otohime, and the crimson coral's power, resonate and amplify. If that's the case, then...

There's a chance that if I carry out the ceremony as normal, my power as Otohime will make the crimson coral grow?

Yes... But this is mere conjecture, nothing more.

It's worth a try! If there's even the slightest chance it will work, I see no reason not to!

(This really wasn't really how I pictured showing Aldo and Clarte the ceremony...)

As descendant of Otohime, I beseech thee under this crimson vow...

Oh mother's miracle, should the stars align... Encircle the three thousand realms... Calm the raging seas... And protect the ocean!

The hokora!

D-Did it work?!

No, it's still...

Well, how did I do? It felt just the same as it did a hundred years ago.

It didn't work.

What?

But why?! How can it still be dead?!

I'm sorry, Sheila. I shouldn't have gotten your hopes up...

No, there's no reason for you to apologize. But now...

Eeek! What was that?!

The noise came from over there!

Disaster already?! Will this never end...

Is the light being blocked by something? It's a little darker, don't you think?

D'ya see that?! Wh-What is it?!

It's enormous! What the heck is it?! It's blocking out all the light from above!

It's a huge...block of ice? And it's covered with holes. I've never seen ice this big!

Wait! It's not just big...

It's moving! Very slowly, but it is! And I think it's heading this way!

This is too scary, I can't take it! If that ginormous slap o' ice goes 'n' squashes us, we ain't gonna make it out alive!

Well, I don't think it's us who are going to get squashed...

If it keeps going straight, it's going to hit the Dragon Palace!

But that will destroy it!

I can't let that happen.

I am Otohime! So long as I'm here, our home will stand protected!

Ugh! (I can't break it! But it only needs one more push!)

Wooww! You smashed that big ol' thing into smithereens!

Clarte, are you okay?! What about your wing?

It's fine. There's certainly a knack to breaking something that hard with a weapon.

Thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you.

Are you okay, you two?

We're fine.

You managed to destroy it after all.

We did. I was a little nervous for a moment, but it looks like we avoided a worst-case scenario.

It sure was a huge block of ice...

This explains why Mr. Turtle suddenly stopped being able to move.

It does?

Turtles've got variable body temperatures, see. It gets too cold 'n' they just stop movin'.

'N' that ice musta cooled the water waaay down.

Oh, I see...

Is it normal for ice to float around here?

I've never seen it before. Not even smaller pieces.

I've never seen it in my era, either. The current around the Dragon Palace is known for being warm and calm. That's why the coral reef grows here, the fish like living here, and above all, it's a paradise for turtles.

Which, I suppose, makes this even more out of the ordinary. These may be shallow waters, but for drift ice to be big enough to nearly reach the seabed...

Why'd it turn up, then? You think it's got somethin' to do with the crimson cor...

Pew...

Hm? Did you hear someone just now?

It wasn't Chiyo?

It weren't me! Why would ya think that, Lady Sheila?!

It came from over here.

Hey, Nagi!

Aha!

Nagi, what is it? Is something there?

What's that?!

Poor thing, it's got a bump.

Oh, maybe it got hit by a piece of ice.

It's all my fault... Poor little thing! I did this to you.

Pip...

Your wounds are healed now. Are you all right?

...... Peep!

Pip...pleeple?

Phew, seems like he's okay.

Woowee. I ain't never seen a creature like that before...

Yeah, I don't think it's from around here.

It's nice to meet you. Where are you from?

Pip-pop? Pep-pip...pleeple-popop?

Is it talking? I can't understand a word it's saying. Can you understand it, Clarte?

Why me?

It's just... It looks a bit like Moke. I thought maybe you'd speak its language.

I see what you mean...

He does look a little bit like Moke, with those big black eyes...

But I don't know what he's saying. Strangely, I could understand Moke from the first moment I met him...

Pip-pep?

I can understand turtles and fish, but I can't understand him, either.

I can't understand nothin', neither. All I'm hearin' is "pip" and what have you.

I don't know...

You can't understand him either, Nagi?

No, that's what he's saying... He said, "I don't know where I came from."

Wait, you can understand him?!

Yeah, I suppose so.

That's incredible...

So you're lost? Your mom's not with you?

Pip-pip? Popop-pep?

He asked, "What's a mom?"

You mean to say he lost his momma when he was still just a li'l baby?

Perhaps. It's not unusual for little ones to stray from their moms and wind up lost.

This is troubling, though. I know a lot about the seas, but I've never seen this species before.

There must be something we can go by. Does he remember anything else?

Pip...

Pep...

"I have to go to the ice cold waters of the frozen place"...

So all he remembers is where he has to go?

(This sounds a little like me, when I lost my memories.) (When my only guide was a voice calling out to be saved...)

And where he wants to go is the ice cold waters of a frozen place?

I wonder if that's where his mom is.

Maybe! But if nothin' else, this freezin' cold place he's lookin' for sure ain't 'round here.

Maybe he's talking about the Glacial Place?

The Glacial Place?

If you keep going north from the Dragon Palace sea, you'll reach a plateau where the warm and cold currents meet. The plateau looks straight down into the sea depths, and usually Dragon Palace folk don't ever go any further than this.

But if you keep going north, there's said to be an area of extreme cold where nothing is able to live. That's the Glacial Place. An evil, unexplored place, dominated by towering icebergs.

Is that where you're heading?

Pip-peep?

An evil place dominated by icebergs, eh?

Sheila, this is little more than conjecture, but... Do you think there's a chance that the ice we destroyed originated from this area of extreme cold?

You could be right! I didn't think of that, but that certainly would make sense.

But that doesn't explain why something that's never come here before would suddenly do so now.

That settles it. I'm going to the Glacial Place.

L-Lady Sheila! A-Are you for real?!

Of course I am. First the dead crimson coral, then the huge drift ice appearing... Strange things are happening in the sea right now. I am the Otohime of the Dragon Palace, and Otohime of the whole sea. I must go and investigate.

It doesn't matter where it is. It doesn't matter if I can make it there or not... So long as there is breath in my body, I must head there without hesitation. That is my duty as Otohime.

Then I'm coming, too.

Nagi?

I am guard both to you and the Dragon Palace. If you're going, then so am I. And...

I can't leave little Pip here, can I? If Pip wants to go to the Glacial Place, then I'll go with him and look for his mom.

"Pip"...?

It's my name for him. Because he's always saying "pip."

Nice to meet you, Pip.

Pip-pep! Popop-pleeple!

Teehee. Even I can tell that's one happy critter.

Haha, yeah, he really does seem happy.

Would you mind if I traveled with you, Sheila? I might be able to help.

Of course you can! You're the ever-dependable hero of the Dragon Palace!

That nickname's a bit much...

Will you allow me to come with you as well? I'm sure my wings will be of use.

Thank you for the offer, Clarte. I really appreciate it... But I think you should return to Dragon Palace.

It would be just awful if your wounded wing got any worse on the journey. You should just relax at the banquet hall.

But I've made a full recovery thanks to the crimson coral.

That's still not enough...

Anyway, while you're resting, there's actually something else you could do for me.

Could you tell the ministers I'll be away from the Dragon Palace for a little while? You'd be doing me a great favor.

Fine, I give in.

Thank you for worrying about me, Sheila. I'll make sure to let them know.

Heheh, I'm counting on you! I don't know what I'd do without you.

Now this just leaves Chiyo...

You'll come with me, won't you, Chiyo? There's no stopping the two of us when we're together!

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...

Chiyo? What's wrong?! Why are you shaking like that?

Lady Sheila... I wanna go wherever you're goin'... B-But much as me heart wants that... I got this feelin' in the pit of me stomach. I... I...

I don't wanna go!

Why not? Normally you'd be champing at the bit to go.

I reaaally don't wanna go! I dunno what to do!

W-Wait, why don't you want to go? What are you so afraid of?

Don'tcha remember?! I... I... I'm more scared of them "siren" monster types livin' in the Glacial Place than anythin' else in the whole wide world!

Sirens, you say?

(What the?! Sirens are a type of monster?!)

Chiyo, wait, you've misunderstood! Siren's aren't a type of monster!

No, they're one of the Seven Wonders in the Dragon Palace ghost stories!

I know I've told you this before, Chiyo...

Yeah, I know! It's a terrifyin' story that near scared me half to death!

What's a siren? Do they look tasty?

I ain't kiddin' around here! Sirens, see...

They sing one cursed song after the next they do, lurin' in folks with their beautiful voices 'n' sinkin' ships.

'N' they're terrifyin' creatures to look at. They got nine mouths 'n' one leg 'n' eight heads 'n' two eyes!

I mean, there's nothing particularly scary about having two eyes... That's kind of normal.

If they have eight heads, but nine mouths, that means they have one mouth extra...

Whatever! Point is, with these creatures runnin' the show, it ain't safe to go there!

A siren'd gobble a cute li'l thing like Pip with each of its nine mouths!

Pew?!

It's going to be fine, Pip.

Nothing can eat faster than me, not even some nine-mouthed monster!

Wait, that's not the issue!

I'll go if we have to, but I'm scared! You absolutely set on goin', Lady Sheila?

Chiyo... You've changed my mind.

Wha?! Honest?

I always thought that these sirens, this race of monsters living in the Glacial Place...

Were nothing more than a ghost story. But what if they're real?!

And that's not all... This now opens up the possibility that it was them who killed the crimson coral, and them who sent that drift ice!

Which is all the more reason why we must go to the Glacial Place! We must find out what's causing these strange events!

N-Now yer even more set on goin'?!

Chiyo, please understand. I am Otohime, I have a duty to protect these seas. If you're scared, you're more than welcome to go back to the Dragon Palace with Clarte.

*sigh*

Ain't no way I'm runnin' away when yer workin' so hard as Otohime!

I'm comin'! Take me with ya!

But if these sirens turn up, you gotta chase 'em away...

Oh, you. *giggle* I will, I promise.

Thanks for coming with me.

*sniffle* That's s'posed to be my line...

Okay then. Everyone except Clarte... It's time to head past the plateau, to the Glacial Place.

I'm sorry I can't come with you. Be careful out there.

I'm sure we'll be fine. We'll be home before you know it!

We'll be back by dinnertime.

Pip!

Hm... Something isn't right. Crimson Coral, Sea God's Host... The sea god's power it contains, strong enough to heal me in a flash... That power... I know I've seen it before.

Brrrr... I know it's only to be expected, but don't you feel it getting colder? I didn't think it was usually this cold around here yet...

Do you think it's because of that ice drift you smashed earlier? If it wasn't for the sea turtle's magic, we'd probably have frozen by now.

Waaah, I ain't even shakin' from the cold, it's the fear what's makin' me do this. Everythin' I see is scarin' the life outta me!

Nothing's even jumped out at us yet...

Pip! Pleeple-pop, pep-pip!

Pip sure looks like he's havin' fun...

Heheh. This must be a big adventure for him.

When I was little, I used to take a stick of coral and swing it about like a sword.

Yeah, I did something similar too.

Peep pip-pop?

That's moss rock. It tastes pretty good. Kinda slimy.

Pip-peep?

That's sea lettuce shrimp. It tastes of the ocean. It's delicious.

Pip!

Haha, everything Pip sees is new to him.

You're like a mom with her child, the way you're answering all his questions.

I guess he's learnin' about food?

Pip. Peeple-pip?

Pip?

He wants to know what that is...

Aaaah! It's here!

It's a siren!

That's a siren?!

Nine mouths, one leg, eight heads...

Well, not quite, but this is one horrifying monster! This is our siren, that much is clear!

Wait, it can't be! It doesn't look like it can sing!

Wait, surely it can't be?! It doesn't look like it can sing!

And it only has one mouth! I can take this on, easy!

Yes, I think we stand a chance! But first, we need to ask it why it killed the Dragon Palace crimson coral!

WAAAH! I'm s-s-sooo...c-c-cooold...

Chiyo?!

That's one foul-tempered monster! We don't stand a chance if we need to cover both Pip and Chiyo!

We have to withdraw and get ourselves prepared!

*huff puff* Have we shaken it off?

For now, yes. But we're still going to have to go back and talk with it later...

*wheeze* Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear... *shudder* That siren was s-s-so scary, it was! I was so cold, all me energy just left me body! I-It ain't still chasin' us, is it?

No, it's not. I forgot how sensitive you are to the cold, Chiyo. I'm sorry for making you come with me. And I'm sorry I didn't realize before...

It's fine, Lady Sheila, honest. I really, really wanna make meself useful to ya!

Heheheh, thank you.

But really, don't...

Pip! Pep-pip popop-pleep?!

I-Is it still following us?!

Ah, of course... We may be too cold to move fast, but a siren will be perfectly fine at this temperature!

For now, let's stick to our previous strategy and try to shake it off! Let's find somewhere to hide!

It won't let up! It sure is tough...

It's unrelenting, this siren! Once we've regrouped, I'm going to give it such a cross-examination!

And in order to do that, I need a chance to switch to attack mode, and turn the tables on this monster...

You're right. We need somewhere to hide, or some...

Pip! Popop-pleeple!

Pip! Pep! Peep!

Huh? What's that? A torch? What would that be doing in a place like this?

Do you want to hide behind it, Pip?

C'mon, Pip! It's all well 'n' good for you bein' so small 'n' all, but we're too big! Our butts're gonna stick out behind there!

Pip! Popop...

Pip?

Peeeep?!

PIP?!

Pip just...flew?!

It's coming! There's no time to think!

Sheila?!

Whatever will be, will be! I've ridden out worse!

Eeeeek! AAAAHHH!

Ughh... I'm a fishie... I'm a fishie flyin' through the sky... Urghhh...

Oh no! They're so cold! Hold on! We'll warm you right up!

(Ahhh... I'm so nice 'n' warm.) (Whoa... I feel like me body's meltin'...) (I'm gettin'...*yawn* So sleepy...)

*gulp*

Oh no! We need to get you into bed! You'll catch a cold! Come on, wakey wakey!

Zzz...

Pip!

Zzz... Heheh... Teeheehee... That tickles!

Pip!

Was that you, Pip?

Huh? Where am I...?

Oh good, you're awake!

Good morning, visitor from the outside! How are you feeling? I hope you're not too cold?

I-I'm doin' fine... I'm feelin' all nice 'n' warm, right down to me core. Hard to believe I was ever cold.

I'm so glad to hear that! We warmed up your friends, too! I'm sure it won't be long until...

Urgh...

Oh...

Lady Sheila! Nagi!

Now that was a good sleep. Mornin'.

Pip!

Huh? Chiyo? What happened...

You shot out of the sea at breakneck speed, then fell down here. We didn't know what was going on. Everyone from the village was so worried.

Oh, it's fine! Thank you for worrying. And thank you for helping us.

I'm Sheila. In the name of Otohime, I will not forget this kindness you have shown.

'N' I'm Chiyo!

I'm Nagi. And this is Pip.

Pepep!

So polite! You're all so lovely!

Good morning, visitor from the outside! How are you feeling? I hope you're not too cold?

I-I'm doin' fine... I'm feelin' all nice 'n' warm, right down to me core. Hard to believe I was ever cold.

I'm so glad to hear that! We warmed up your friends, too! I'm sure it won't be long until...

Urgh...

Oh...

Lady Sheila! Nagi!

Now that was a good sleep. Mornin'.

Pip!

Huh? Chiyo? What happened...

You shot out of the sea at breakneck speed, then fell down here. We didn't know what was going on. Everyone from the village was so worried.

Oh, it's fine! Thank you for worrying. And thank you for helping us.

I'm Sheila. In the name of Otohime, I will not forget this kindness you have shown.

'N' I'm Chiyo!

I'm Nagi. And this is Pip.

Pepep!

So polite! You're all so lovely!

My name is Pizzica. I am the head of this village!

It's nice to meet you, Pizzica. Thank you all so much for helping us...

(Wait? That's strange.) (There are really people living in the Glacial Place? I thought nothing could live here.)

There was a lot of noise below the village before you arrived. Do you mind if I ask what happened? Were you in some kind of trouble?

Well...

Listen ya this, will ya, Pizzica? We've been through a terrible ordeal, we have! We walked north 'n' further north, all the way from the Dragon Palace.

'N' then we stumbled across one o' them sirens, them northern monsters, 'n' it was chasin' us all the way here!

Huh?!

It was enormous, 'n' its arms were all pointy, 'n' it wouldn't give in. It was so scary, I'm tellin' ya!

But... It did look pretty tasty.

You can't eat it! I have some questions for that siren!

Um? Wait a second... I think, perhaps, this siren... You might not...

Ngh...

No, really? It certainly is a huge, gorgeous piece of driftwood. But it moves, too?

Driftwood?

Ugh. Where are we?

Wha?! Wait... Am I the driftwood?!

Oh my! Oh my, oh my, oh my!

No, wait! Calm down! Aldo...

Basically, Aldo's a human...

Oh, it's you, Aldo! You really gave me a shock there!

Oh, you're right! That's not driftwood. I see that now.

I'm sorry. I was so surprised, I guess I just lost it.

I-It's fine.

But do I really look that much like driftwood?

Oh, please don't be sad! There's a reason for it!

All of us sirens are female, you see? We don't get many opportunities to come in contact with males, so we're not really used to it...

Oh, that must be it. That makes sen...

......

......

......

*shudder* Eeep...

AAAAARGH?! S-S-Sirens?!

Oh, right... Yes, we're sirens. It seems like you all have the wrong idea about us, so I wanted to try and set that straight first... But I guess it slipped out!

So you're the real sirens?! You're the species of northern monsters...

......

Oops... I'm sorry. That was so rude of me. You aren't monsters. You saved us, and you've been kind enough to talk with us.

I-I'm real sorry too, for gettin' all scared-like 'n' makin' a fuss. I didn't know sirens were actually real nice folks...

I misunderstood, too...

Pip-pew...

Even though I knew the truth, I got so caught up in all the fuss. I'm sorry for upsetting you.

Me too... I'm sorry for upsetting you.

Oh, my! You're all so lovely!

We know everyone in the outside world fears us. We know of these scary rumors about us. But we've never had the chance to correct them. This is the first time anyone's said any of this to us.

No, I realize that now.

Does that mean...

We can still get along? Even though we're sirens, this doesn't change anything for you?

Of course it doesn't! It's us who's supposed to be saying that!

I'm so glad!

But something's bothering me...

Didn't you say you had questions for the sirens? Did you come all the way to this frozen place, to look for us?

Um... Well, I suppose so...

But the scenario we had in our heads when we set off is pretty much null now.

We know now that it ain't you sirens' fault...

What are you talking about?

Strange things have been going on in the sea, such as drift ice appearing in an area that should be warm. We assumed it came from around here... That's why we thought sirens could be involved.

Oh my!

Shaved ice? Lost villages? What's going on here?

Well... It's a long story. My fin'll kill me if I tell it all here. Why don't we go back to my place?

You sure?!

Of course! I'd be more than happy to host you all!

I thought you had a lot in common with an Otohime before, but you even have the party spirit!

Must be 'cause she's the village head?

Oh my, heheh! You flatter me. I'm so touched!

Anyway, let's go. I'll show you to my house!

Yeah, let's do that.

Hah... I guess that's set. I'm driftwood now.

Pip?! Pep-peep?

You're the bouncy one, li'l Pip...

Thank you! I'm sure we will.

Come to think of it, the driftwood still hasn't introduced himself, has he?

Y-You're right. I'm Aldo...

Heheh! I already knew that, dear Aldo!

Heheh, it's a pleasure to meet you, dear Aldo!

Dear?!

Dear?!

Welcome to my humble abode! Please make yourselves at home. I'll be back soon! I just have a few things to prepare for your stay.

Wooow, a house made o' ice! I'm right impressed, I am. Is this what's popular these days?

Pip! Pep-pip, pleeple!

Come to think of it, Pip, you really wanted to come to the Glacial Place... Now that you're actually here, have you remembered anything? Or worked anything out?

Pip? Popop...?

Doesn't look like it. He seems confused.

Hmm. So he's still none the wiser? I didn't see any creatures that looked particularly like him on our walk here, either...

He don't even remember why he was all set on comin' here?

Well, Pip?

Pep...

He's so confused he's running around in circles...

Stop it, Pip. You're making me dizzy...

I'm back! I've finished my preparations! Do you like tea? How about desserts? I brought as much as I could!

Desserts? *drool*

Now, as for tea, we have snow roasted green tea, icicle green tea, green juice, eggplant kelp tea, and so much more!

Woowee, you sure got fancy taste in tea, there!

I'll eat just about anything. So bring it all out.

Oh my, really? In that case, I do have a tray of cakes...

...!

*nom nom* *munch munch*

Um, Nagi?! I don't think you're meant to eat the ice dishes as well?!

Pip-pop?!

*gobble gobble* *munch munch*

You know children tend to emulate their parents, right?

Parents?

Oh my! Heheh, there's no need to rush. We have plenty!

D'ya like playin' host, Pizzica?

Heheh, I suppose I do!

It's been just us in this village for such a long time... It's been oh so long since we've had any visitors...

Which is why I'm so happy today!

I guess not a lot of people visit somewhere this cold, this far out.

They sure don't...

But lately... We've been getting more and more unwanted visitors.

*gulp* That was delicious!

These unwanted visitors...are they who you were talking about before?

Yes, that's right. They're the bane of our lives these days.

So who are they?

That, I don't know.

You don't?

I've never seen them, and I've never heard them, either. All I know is that they come at night when we're asleep and they shave away at our village... We call them the ephemeral fiends.

The ephemeral fiends? What an apt name.

They shave away at your village? Then you were right, the ice that drifted toward the Dragon Palace was...

Part of our iceberg...

That was one big ol' chunk they broke off. Ain't that a problem?

Yes, it really is! They're slowly chipping away at all our livable space!

This is terrible! How big must these monsters be?

But it's strange...

The ice that turned up at the Dragon Palace...

It had all those unnaturally round holes in it. They're too small to be the remnants of a huge monster attack.

Yeah, I think you might be right there.

All this destruction 'n' what have you can't be doin' you lot any good, right?

Right... They made so many of those round holes that floods have started to become a problem for us.

We may not know what these monsters are, but we do know they're a real pain in the neck! We have to catch them, fast!

Sh-Sheila? Why are you so angry?

Wha? Well!

Because I'm Otohime! It is my duty to protect the sea, and everything in it. And of course, that includes this village, Pizzica, and all the other sirens!

Oh my. You're giving me tingles!

By the way, I've been wondering this ever since you mentioned it before, but what is an "Otohime"?

Oops, didn't I explain?

Um... Well, we're from a place called the Dragon Palace...

Oh my, really?! That's incredible! Then this means you could have been protecting us this whole time.

Um... I-I suppose... Yeah, that's right!

(I can hardly tell her how new I am to this...)

Lady Luck must be shining on us!

I just know tonight will be a success!

Tonight? What's goin' on tonight?

Well, actually... Everyone in the village is planning to stay awake all night so that we can catch these ephemeral fiends!

Pulling an all-nighter, eh? That sounds like a safe bet.

If only you tried that before your village was laid to waste...

We did actually try it before.

But every last one of us fell asleep!

You fell asleep?! When your whole village is on the line?

I know... For some reason, sirens really can't handle the night.

We tried our best to stay awake, but whenever night falls, we just get so sleepy.

I understand, Pizzica. I can't stay awake at night, either.

Even Aldo looks so sad...

Listen, Pizzica, about this plan to catch them tonight... Would you mind if we joined you?

Oh my!

I'd love that, really! But are you sure?

I wanna do somethin' for the village!

After all the tea and snacks you gave us, we'd give an arm and a leg for you.

Peep-pew?!

It's just a phrase, Pip. No one's taking your legs.

I'm really not a night person... But I'll do my best!

Oh my...

Thank you all so much! I just know we'll catch them tonight! With all of you here, and with our new plan in place...

Pizzica! And all you outsiders! It's time to plaaay!

Oh my...*giggle*! Is that Lala I hear?

Okay, we're coming!

Is Lala the girl who we were talking to before?

Yes, that's right! She came to greet you all earlier.

She was real sweet to worry 'bout us. 'Course I'll play with her. I'll play for as long as she likes, I will!

We have plenty of time. Nightfall's still a while off.

You're right! Let's while away the hours by meeting everyone from the village.

I hope they have some tasty treats...

Oh, in that case, I must take you to the inn!

Yaaay! Pizzica! All my new friends! Have you finished all your boring adult talk now?

Pip-pew!

Yes, we have.

I've got some good news for you, Lala. Your new friends will be joining us at tonight's recital!

Whaaa?! Really?!

Yaaay that's so great! Are they gonna sing with us?

W-Wait a moment! A recital?! SINGING?! That's not what we signed up for!

What's going on? I thought we were staying up all night to catch the ephemeral fiends?

Oh my... Did I forget to tell you?

So that we don't fall asleep tonight, as we have all other nights... All the villagers decided to spend the whole night together, singing songs. That's our new plan!

Oh! So that's what this recital do-dah is...

I was really taken aback when you brought up singing.

But it all makes sense now. I thought it was strange that I could hear singing all throughout the village.

Ah, so that's just the villagers rehearsing for tonight?

Oh, well, no...

That's normal for our village. We've pretty much always been this way.

This is normal?! Everybody's always singin', like, all the time?!

That's right! As we mentioned before, sirens really love to sing!

But those nasty rumors that our songs are curses and we sink ships are completely unfounded.

Though perhaps the song we sing every day does resound far and wide across the Glacial Place. That much could be true.

It's a beautiful timbre. It really draws you in.

Heheh, thank you.

This song is the first thing we hear when we enter this world. Cocooned by this gentle lullaby that flows throughout the village, that's how we know the boundaries of our world.

You only need to hear the song to realize the rumors of it being a curse can't be true. How could such a warm song ever bring people misfortune?

Our song is a blessing, not a curse, and we sirens have been proud custodians of it for a very long time indeed. I'm sure that's how it's always been, ever since the first ever siren was born.

I see...

Oh, you and the driftwood should sing with us tonight!

Us? Really?

I don't think I've ever sung before.

Me, I got heaps o' praise from me singin' teacher. Said me singin' was real original, she did.

I've sung occasionally, when Feinne used to pressure me into it...

I was told my singing was even more original than Chiyo's.

Wha? Don't that mean you're a real pro, then?

Oh dear! You won't sing, then?

Don't be down! Umm...

Ah! How about this? Instead of singing...

Why don't we play instruments?

Instruments? Oh my, that would be wonderful!

But we don't have any instruments...

That's not a problem!

Everyone here does!

Wh-What d'ya mean?!

Teehee! Sirens love music, so we all have lots of instruments. You only need to ask!

Really? Then that's what we'll do!

Yaaay! I'll lead the way! Let's go, let's go!

Pip! Peep-pop!

Let's go, shall we?

You want an instrument?

That's right! Something that we could play along to your songs.

Oh? Are you planning to spend the night with us, too?

That's great! This night is going to get hot enough to melt the ice! In which case, I have something special you can use!

Here you go!

What the?! But these aren't instruments! They're weapons!

Weapons?! What are you talking about? They're instruments!

They won't hurt to the touch or anything?

Nope, not at all!

Whoaaa... Instruments shaped like weapons? That's the strangest thing I ever heard.

Heheh, are you surprised? There are some sacred artifacts that have been held in our village since the ancient times... And these are their duplicates!

Let me get this straight... Weapons are instruments, and instruments are sacred artifacts?

Oh my, heheh. Looks like I've confused you!

These instruments date back to when the sirens originally migrated here, long ago.

They migrated? Ya mean they actually chose to go 'n' live on this freezin' cold iceberg?!

That's right. Sirens originally lived somewhere else, much warmer than here. But for some reason, all of our ancestors upped and left that place and migrated here, to this harsh environment.

That sounds terrible...

Doesn't it?! It must have been a terrible ordeal, mass migrating as a whole clan. And that terrible ordeal didn't end when they got to these icebergs, either. That's when they started to settle on the ice.

I see. It must have taken a lot of work to make this place habitable, building houses and digging holes...

You're exactly right. And from that process...

Came music, resounding from their weapons beating against the ice!

So the weapons became percussion?

Exactly!

Until our ancestors finished building this place, they kept tuning their weapons until they become real instruments. And once they had finished, they performed a ceremony praying to the sea god for peace in the village. And they offered up their instruments as sacred artifacts.

I see. So as your village changed, your instruments changed with it.

There's a knack to playing them, but once you get used to it, it'll be like second nature to you.

Really? Sounds like we should start practicing.

Oh! We've got the bestest place for you to practice. I'll take you there! C'mon, follow me!

Pip! Pleeple!

Pip certainly seems eager...

Can a teeny li'l thing like Pip really hold one o' them big ol' instruments?

Just let me know if you need any more legs, Pip.

(Are they going to share?!)

But on second look, these instruments have been so beautifully crafted... Don't you want anything in return for them?

No way! It's proof of our friendship. Just take them!

No, I can't do that! This goes against my beliefs. I have a moral obligation to you!

Oh, you're too sweet. Let me think... If you insist...

Could you catch me a fish to live in my hair?

What did ya just say? A-A fish...to live in yer hair?!

Wh-What exactly do you mean by that?

Actually, come to think of it...

There are fish living in Pizzica's hair...

Teehee, that's right!

Sirens need fish to live in their hair in order to keep it looking beautiful. And by living in our hair, the fish can spend their days in peace, without fear of being attacked! It's a truly special, symbiotic relationship!

Not all fish will be a perfect match, though. It varies from siren to siren.

But I really want a new one! Please, will you get one for me?

Okay, just leave it to us.

Thank you! I'll be waiting to trade with you!

You want to trade fish for an instrument? Sure, why not! Let's see now... I have been thinking about having a few more fishy hair-dwellers... So why don't you bring me two? Thank you so much.

Will these fish do?

These will do nicely, thank you! Heheh, having fish with you keeps you all warm and snug. We tend to be sensitive to the cold... So the more fish we have in our hair, the warmer we feel!

Wait, you sirens don't like the cold but yer livin' on an iceberg?!

Actually, this village feels pretty warm considering it's on ice...

Oh, I can explain that.

It's all thanks to the seafire!

The seafire?

Yep! Have you noticed all the great quality crimson coral growing in the area? Well, the best quality coral grows really big and keeps us warm as the Seafire. That's the reason we're able to live on this iceberg without freezing!

Did you just say...crimson coral?!

You have it here as well?!

Wait, do you have it where you live, too?

Well, we did...

This might be a strange question, but have there been any changes to your crimson coral recently? Like, it dying, or something...

Teeheehee! Dying? Don't be silly, that could never happen! If anything ever happens to our crimson coral or our the Seafire, that's meant to signal the end of our village.

Oh...

Well, I'm glad yours is still going strong...

......

Hey, why don't we have seafire at the Dragon Palace?

Now that's a question for the Red Comet.

The Red Comet?

Oh my! How strange... You have crimson coral in your seas, but you haven't been told about Seafire or the Red Comet?

Well, the Red Comet is a huge comet said to have fallen into the sea in the most ancient of ancient times.

And what's this comet do-dah got to do with crimson coral?

The Red Comet is said to be what caused the crimson coral to grow on the seabed.

"And thus, the comet plunged into the great waters, and sunk slowly down, deep into the darkness of the sea..." "Resplendent coral bloomed all around that sleeping comet, coloring the seabed a deep shade of red..."

Basically, we believe the crimson coral grows as the Red Comet dictates!

Hmm... That's a little different from what we're told in the Dragon Palace.

Yeah, see I thought the crimson coral's power was s'posed ta be a...what d'ya call it? A manifestation of the sea god's power...

So the legend is told differently here and in the Dragon Palace?

Hmmm...

It's hopeless! I'm going to get a headache if I think about this any longer.

Thank you for the instrument! Let's head to our next stop.

You want to trade fish for an instrument? Sure, I'd be more than happy to! Let's see now... Why don't you just bring me the one fish? Thank you so much!

Will these fish do?

Oh, thank you so much.

Pip! Peeew!

He says he worked hard for that. You really did, Pip...

As bait...

Pip!

Ah! There he is! The cute little thing from the outside world!

Yeah, there he is!

Pip...? Popop?!

Peep-pleeple pip!

Pip actually seems kinda happy.

Heehee, he certainly is an adorable creature.

We don't get his kind around here. Is he from your seas?

No, he's a stray. We came to the Glacial Place because we think it's where he wanted to go.

Oh, is that so? Hmm... how strange. But I suppose... There could still be creatures we've yet to discover in these waters. Well, actually, I believe there was a young child here before, who kept a rare creature as a pet... I only ever talked to her briefly. She left the village afterward, but I don't know the details. It wasn't really a big deal, but I thought you might like to know all the same.

Thanks for telling us.

Huh? Pip?

Oh, the little one?

Those girls took him with them.

If you don't get to him quick, they'll dress him up in shells and mud seaweed and spear pots. You name it, he'll be wearing it.

Pleeep!

Oh no! Pip!

You want to trade fish for an instrument? Okay then!

I want to give Pizzica a nice fish as a present... So could you catch me one? Thank you!

Will these fish do?

Wow! Thank you!

I wanted to give Pizzica a fish I'd caught myself... But even the child-sized harpoons are too heavy for me. I couldn't even lift one.

Yeah, they are pretty heavy... I may have been the one to catch it, but I'm sure Pizzica will be over the moon when you hand it to her yourself.

Of course I will!

Whaaaa?! P-P-Pizzica?!

Oh my, heheh! That's me!

Wooow... You smell as lovely as always today.

Haha, I guess you really do like Pizzica...

Like? That's downright offensive! I really, REALLY like her!

O-Okay...

I getcha. I really like Lady Sheila, see, but I can't just go 'n' say that, can I?

What are you talking about, Chiyo? You always used to say it when we were little!

Waaaah stop it! I'm so embarrassed!

I know I know! At first, it's so easy to say that you like them all the time... But the more you like them, the harder it is to say!

Oh my! I'm blushing...

See, Pizzica's both the village head, AND the holy maiden!

Holy maiden?

She sings the most wonderful song! And before, when I used to be super bad at singing... She would always encourage me and give me advice!

Really?

Oh my...

All I did was hold her hand and tell her she'd be fine so long as she sang from the heart.

She did... Her hand was so beautiful and slender... *sigh*

PIZZICA! I LOVE YOU!

Oh my, heheh...! I love you too!

(She's certainly...passionate. If she redirected that energy, I bet she could hold a harpoon no problem.)

Great! We have enough for everyone now.

'N' the villagers're all happy with their new fishies, too.

I was kind of surprised that everyone had an instrument for us when we asked them on such short notice. You said they were duplicates of sacred artifacts, so how come everyone carries one with them?

Well of course they do! You see...

Everyone wants to play their instruments when they talk with Pizzica. That's why they have them ready.

To talk with Pizzica?

Teeheehee!

You see, Pizzica sings a song that only god can hear! It's so sacred that we can't hear it. It's just for god!

Wait, you can't hear the song?

But we all really want to sing with Pizzica.

So everyone plays their instruments and sings together! 'Cause these sacred arty facts are able to play Pizzica's song, you see.

So only your god can hear the melody Pizzica sings, but the sacred artifacts are able to replicate that melody... Is that what you're saying?

I guess? That was kinda hard to follow, but probably!

Lala! You promised to help prepare the food for tonight! I hope you didn't forget!

Oops! I'd better get going!

But listen, all of you... Call me when you want to practice your instruments! See you later!

Are you okay, Pizzica?

Hm? Oh, yes... Oh my... Heheh...! Oh dear... Does it show on my face?

You look distressed.

Y'know, you can always talk to us...

You've been looking a little off ever since we delivered the fish. I'm worried about you.

Pew...

Oh my...

Thank you all.

Is it about this song that only god can hear?

Yes...

My song can't be heard by any sirens in the village. Ever since I was born and I first started to hum, just as everyone else did... No one has heard me. Not once.

Why's that? Is this song really just for your god, then?

Oh my, heheh. No, it's not. Everyone was so, so worried about me... That in the end, they just said that to give this flaw of mine an air of mystery, to give me a purpose. They wrapped me up in sweet lies so that I wouldn't have to feel so alone.

Heheh... My guilt, my sadness, my happiness, and my pain... I've lived with them my whole life, but I've never come to terms with them. I'm like a baby.

Pizzica...

Your song...

Do you think we'd be able to hear it? What with us not being sirens...

Huh? You know what, I really don't know. I've never thought about it before.

But I...I don't... Sing in front of anyone. Not anymore...

Then what do you do about singing when everyone's playing their instruments with you?

I just pretend to sing. I'm the worst, aren't I? After singing the same song that nobody else can hear, over and over again, eventually... I got a lump in my throat, and I couldn't sing in front of anyone anymore.

I see...

I'm sorry. Now that I've told you this, you're all complicit, too.

I know! I'll keep watch outside the house tonight. That way, you can make music with the others inside without needing to feel bad!

Got it!

And that way...

Pizzica! Tonight...

You should play an instrument with us!

Wha?! An instrument?!

Yeah! If you like, I'll teach you the Dragon Palace Special Party Drums myself!

Whoa, Lady Sheila's real good at them party tricks, she is!

Yeah, it's like her stomach comes to life.

Oh, is this that dance where she draws a face on her stomach and plays it like a drum?

A face...on her stomach?

Teeheehee... Heheheh! That's an instrument?

It is, it is! You can make music out of anything if it makes a noise and makes you happy!

Prepare yourself! We're going to draw the strangest face!

Heheh, okay... *giggle*

Teeheehee... *sniffle* That's so funny it's making me cry...

Yeah, Sheila really is funny.

Well, that's because I'm Otohime! I always have to know how to make someone laugh.

Yeah... The other Otohime was pretty funny, too.

Ya mean that half-naked guy?! Who'da thunk that?!

Teeheehee...

Thank you, everyone. I feel so grateful to god that I was able to meet you.

You don't need to thank us for anything! Right, everyone?

It should be us thanking you instead. You've given us such a warm welcome even though we turned up in your village completely out of the blue.

Yeah, I'm right grateful to ya, I am. Right grateful.

I feel embarrassed just thinking about it... Thank you so much, really.

And those snacks were delicious.

Pip!

Oh my! I guess this makes us even then?

Huh? It sounds like the singing's getting quieter...

Oh... Everyone must have made their way to my house, then!

So yer doin' this all-night recital doo-dah at your place?

Yes, that's right! Now that we have all the instruments, why don't we have a little practice, then head on over?

I can't wait for the food... *drool*

Nagi... Our goal is to catch these assailants, not to eat.

(My song is one that only god can hear...) (But what if... What if my god was everyone...)

(Incredible. If that's the case...)

You don't have any tools to catch the fish? Then you should go to the weapon shop. There's a great stall in there.

Could you catch me a fish to live in my hair?

We're back!

Oh, welcome back! Did you have any luck?

We had the best of luck! I think I have potential as a fisherman.

It was a little different from angling, but it was fun to get some exercise while fishing.

Here's your fish, as promised.

Oh, thank you!

Oh? Don't move an inch, you!

*drool*

Nagi, that's meant to be a gift to say thank for the instruments!

Urgh, I know... But I can't make myself let go of it...

Pip-pleep!

Pip's actually pretty strong?

Now I suppose I should hand over my part of the bargain!

I'm looking forward to making music with you!

Thanks! I'm gon' go 'n' warm up me voice!

You really want to sing, don't you?

We've got two instruments now, but that's still not enough for everyone...

Let's go and ask the other villagers! I'm sure they'd be more than happy to help!

Wowowow! Mr. Squishy's so pleased!

Phew! It really felt like we were connected. It was weird...

Yeah! Thanks Lala, 'n' you too, Squish, for teachin' us how to play!

You're welcome!

Mr. Squishy is always right here, so come back if you want to practice some more!

I was concentrating so hard on that, I didn't even notice the sun setting...

It must be about time to head back to my house. We should check in on everybody.

I can't wait to join in the recital.

You're hooked now, ain't ya, Nagi?

Heheh! Then we really should hurry back!

C'mon, everyone! Here we are! This is where you can practice your instruments!

What the? But that's just a doll, that is! How're we meanta practice with that thing?

This is Mr. Squishy! He loves listening to our village's lullaby! So I want you to all play the lullaby together, using those instruments.

And make sure Mr. Squishy hears you! He'll tell you what order to go in!

Wait, you mean the doll?

How does it talk?!

That's simple! You connect heart to heart!

Um, really?

......

(Weird. I have the strangest feeling that this is actually going to work...)

We'll do our best.

Go ahead! I'll be right here, watching!

Oh my! Everyone got so carried away, they fell asleep.

D-Don't your people sleep lying down?

This is how we sleep when our guard is up. We sleep standing up so that we can leap into action if anything happens.

The girls keeping watch outside the village will be doing this as well... But it's quite a tiring position, so I'll have to switch with them later.

Woooow. Yer so...what's that word? Stoic, yeah that's it!

That's very perceptive of you, Chiyo...

W-Well a handmaiden's gotta be good at this sorta thing!

(That was a joke...)

Pew...pew...

Oh my! Has Pip fallen asleep?

He's conked out... You can sleep over there.

Pip! Pew!

Pip-pop, pleep!

Pip seems incredibly energetic...

He says, since all the villagers have been so nice to him... He wants to give his all into catching the bad guys for them.

Pip-pop! Peep-pip!

Oh my! Heheh, I'm sure we can count on you, Pip! You're like a white knight, straight out of a fairy tale!

Pip?! Pleeple!

He seems very excited...

You're so brave, Pip. I'm sure you'll protect us all.

But it's gettin' pretty late now and ain't nobody come to attack...

Ya think these ephemeral fiends whosits're takin' the day off?

No, you're right. It's not long until morning now...

Huh?

Whoa! What was that?!

Aaaargh! I bit me tongue!

We're under attack?!

Pip-pep! Pew-pew!

What's wrong, Pip?

It looks like Pip's sensed something!

He didn't even blink, he just went straight in there, he did!

Maybe he sensed the ephemeral fiends?!

You might be right. He seemed to have his guard up.

There's something really important to the village beyond this door! If that's where they are... It doesn't bear thinking about! We have to chase after them! Hurry!

Okay, sounds like we can't let them get to work on this place! Come on everyone, fast as you can!

Isn't this under the sea?!

We're in my basement! I had this space created inside the iceberg...

More importantly, our assailants...

The ephemeral fiends... It doesn't look like they're here.

Huh? That hokora...

Oh no! I think there's something here!

What the?! But they...

Look just like Pip?!

Wh-What're they doin'? It's them ephemeral fiends who're meanta be here.

Pizzica!

Our village is being eaten! It's the ephemeral fiends!

Swarms of tiny creatures just like the one with you are eating through the ice!

They look like Pip?!

Yes! He must be an ephemeral fiend, too!

Aaagh, Pizzica! There he is! There's the fiend! It's not safe here! Run!

Pip...? Peep?

No, Pip isn't a de...

Pip, watch out! Those ephemeral fiends are coming to the village!

Wha?! There's...so many Pips?

Oh no! Lala, get back! He's one of the fiends!

Eeeek?!

Lala!

Pip...

Pip?!

Pew!

Pip!

They're attacking the village.

They may look like Pip, but Pip's not one of them. We have to fight back!

Phew, I think we chased 'em off!

The ground's stopped rumbling. Do you think the others ran away, too?

Never mind that, how's Pip?!

Pip, are you okay?!

Pip...

Peep...

Phew, he's awake!

You shouldn't be so reckless, Pip.

Pip...pew...

He protected Lala?

So he's not one of those fiends?

Pip isn't a fiend. He may look like them, but that doesn't mean he has the same heart.

Pip's no fiend! He protected me! And he played with me in the village!

When the village was attacked, it was Pip who sensed something was wrong and came into this room. If Pip was one of them, he would never have done that.

Pip was eager to catch the bad guys so he could help out the village.

He even did his best to stay awake when he was getting drowsy.

Yeah, I saw that with me own two eyes! If I was that sleepy, I could never hold it back like he did!

Pew...

I'm sorry. I was insensitive. I should never have said those things.

We should know better than anyone how it feels to be called a fiend or a monster.

Pip... Peep-pop!

Teeheehee. You're so kind. Thank you.

Peep!

It may have been a somewhat unexpected turn of events, but at least we were able to confirm what our assailants look like.

Right. The more we know, the better we can prepare for their attacks. Maybe we can even find out why they're doing this.

We should check to make sure all of our attackers have left.

We'll join you later. Would you mind going on ahead?

Sure. Leave it to us!

Pip! Let's snuggle later!

Listen, Pip...

Pep?

I have a question for you. It's a horrible thing to ask, but as the village head, I feel I must...

Do you have any idea why those monsters came to attack our village?

Pip? Popop-pep...

Pew.

Okay, I understand. Thank you, Pip. We'll try to find out ourselves, then. You don't need to worry.

Pip!

Pip seems strangely excited.

He really is brave.

I guess we should head back up. It's getting late.

Wait!

What is it, Sheila?

There's something I want to ask. It's about this hokora.

What about it?

We have one exactly the same at the Dragon Palace.

What?! You have one where you're from?

It's identical, right down to the crimson coral all around it. But I don't think this is a superficial resemblance. What is the role of this hokora in your village?

This hokora enshrines the crimson coral, and it's through this that we strengthen the divine protection over the seas. We use it for what's known as the Ceremony of the Protector, which maintains the ancient protection over our waters. For generations, the village head has acted as guardian and performed this ritual by pouring their magic into the hokora.

The Ceremony of the Protector?! We do the exact same ceremony!

Wait, so this village and the Dragon Palace, both have exactly the same ceremony, and it's even called the same thing?

What's going on? This can't be a coincidence...

No. It is a little concerning...

Pizzica, I think it's best that I tell you... Before we came here, we found a white crimson coral while doing our Ceremony of the Protector. It seemed like a bad omen, so we came here to find what could have caused it.

Really? So that's why you asked me if any of ours had died?

But the crimson coral here is all okay. I've never seen any of them turn wh...

Wha?! B-But why?! That was normal just a moment ago!

Uh-oh! Look around!

The crimson coral...it's... It's all turned white?!

They're dead... It was only one back at the Dragon Palace, but this is the whole crop!

How could such a terrible thing happen? Without the crimson coral's power, the sea's peace will be broken! Our village will fall to ruin without the Seafire to protect it! I always thought this omen of calamity was just a fairytale... How could it be happening before my very eyes?!

An omen of calamity? Could the attacks on the village have anything to do with the crimson coral losing its power?

You could be onto somethin' there! The timin' sure matches up...

So because crimson coral always warded off disaster, losing its protection caused this calamity to befall our village?

Pip, what's wrong?

Pip-pop, peep-pleeple...

Huh?

What is it, Pip?

Pass beyond the red hot sea of fire...

Beyond the red hot sea of fire?

Could he mean the undersea volcano?

Th-There's a volcano under the sea?!

Yes. Keep swimming southwest from this village, and you'll find it. It's said that all ships that pass through there will sink to a watery grave...

Eeep, not this again?! Must be one scary creature if it goes about sinkin' ships!

I don't think it's a creature. I think it's the volcano...

That's where you want to go, Pip?

Pip! Pop-pleeple!

Do you know anything about that area?

I have a hunch that Atlantica is what's beyond the volcano.

Oh!

Atlantica? It doesn't bear thinking about, but what if these strange things are happening in Atlantica, too?

There is a chance! It is another sea town, after all.

Then that's settled! Our next destination is Atlantica. We must find out what's causing these irregularities in the crimson coral. That is my duty as Otohime.

You're the best, Lady Sheila! Always so cool... I'm comin' with ya!

Yep, let's go. I'm curious about what Pip said.

Then we should go back and prepare...

Listen, everyone...

Would you mind if I came with you?

Pizzica, are you sure?

I'm sure. As the village head, I must find out what killed our crimson coral. I can't just sit here flapping my fin all day if there's a chance our village will fall to ruin.

No, you're right. It's your duty to protect your village, too.

Then we're all going! It certainly will be reassuring to have you with us!

Yer a fountain of sea knowledge, I reckon, so we're gonna need ya!

And we can snack together again.

Pip-pop peep!

Welcome to the team, Pizzica.

Thank you so much, everyone!

Okay, let's go back up for now and get ready! But before that, we should help clean up after that attack!

We stayed up all night... If I look like I'm gonna fall asleep, you'll wake me up, wontcha, Pip?

Pip!

Pip-peep?

Pip...

Pip, what's wrong?

Pip-pop, peep-pleeple...

Huh?

Pass beyond the red hot sea of fire...

And after that...

(What did he mean by that?)

(Pip... Do you...)

Pew?

Nah, it's nothing, Pip. Let's go back to the others.

Pip!