One who Placates Disaster

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...

The veil of coral is as delicate as silk. Never tear it.

For when it is lost...

Are the repairs from last night's damage just about done now?

Yes, I think so!

*sigh* It's so beautiful, isn't it? I didn't even realize it was morning already.

Looks like ephemeral fiends didn't come back after all. What a relief.

Thank you for helping us out with this!

You must be tired from your long journey. I'm sorry for making you stay up all night doing such back-breaking work for us.

Don't worry about it. It's no pro...

*yawn*

Heheh, ya seem pretty darn tired there, Aldo!

But me, I'm doin' great. Better 'an I thought. I could go 'n' repair another three vill...

*snore*

I guess her head was the only part of her that wasn't tired...

Oh my, oh my! You can't sleep there, Chiyo! Why don't we find you a nice bed to nap in?

Gah!

In fact! I could go 'n' repair another FIVE villages!

Chiyo, perhaps you didn't realize, but you fell asleep just now.

Anyway, what are you going to do now, Pizzica?

Well, now that the chaos from that attack is more or less over, I suppose I should tell everyone about the crimson coral.

You're right. The fact that all the crimson coral around the shrine has died is sure to bring even more chaos here. And the village head can hardly leave the village without any explanation.

No, I'll need to leave the village in their hands while I'm gone.

Huh? The singing's stopped?

Pip?! Popop!

Pip?!

Didn't we leave him with Lala when he started to get sleepy? Why does he sound so panicked?

Something's happened, I'm sure of it!

It sounded like his voice was coming from the bottom of the village. Come on, let's go!

Popop-pep!

Pip!

What's wrong?

"Everyone's in trouble"?

In trouble? What could he mean...

Pizzica, look over there!

The seafire?!

It's gone out! But why?!

Uh oh. Look around...

I-It's... It's ALL gone out?!

How... How could such a terrible thing happen?!

Pizzica!

Pizzica, you've seen it too!

It happened in the blink of an eye! The seafire started flickering, and then, poof! It was gone!

What on earth is going on, Pizzica?

......

Something does spring to mind. But right now, we should look for any seafire that's still going strong.

Will you help us out?

Of course we will!

You can count on us!

In the end...

This is the only one left...

This one was the largest seafire in the village, right? And even this has gotten so small...

You said before, Pizzica, that something sprang to your mind about this. Do you know why this is happening?

...... The crimson coral at the shrine...is all dead.

Dead?!

When strange things happen to the crimson coral and seafire...then...

The village will fall to ruin!

Oh!

It's okay, Lala. I won't let that happen.

Really?

Teehee! I'm on good terms with god after all. So there's nothing to worry about.

Okay! Yeah, you're right!

Seafire and crimson coral may have different powers, but the two are essentially the same. So with the crimson coral dead, it should have been obvious that something strange might also happen to the seafire.

I'm sorry. I shouldn't have put off sharing this with you. I should have realized that this might happen.

I'm sure you had good reason to act as you did. So... What caused the crimson coral itself to die?

That, I don't know.

To be honest with you, the crimson coral from our sea has died too... We came here to find out why, but we're still none the wiser.

'N' now the same thing's happened he...

ACHOO!

Oh dear oh dear! This v-v-village's gotten so c-c-cold, don'tcha think?!

It really has! It's definitely getting chillier...

Why's it getting so cold so quickly?

Oh dear! It's because the seafire's gone out!

Such a small flame isn't enough to keep a whole village warm.

Perhaps this was what the old legend meant by our village falling to ruin when the crimson coral dies. Our people hail from elsewhere in the ocean. Without the protection of the seafire, we cannot survive in this bitter cold.

Wh-What should we do? Unless we d-d-do somethin', we're all gonna freeze ta death!

Achoo! ACHOO! Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...

Chiyo! Don't push yourself. Why don't you go inside for the time being?

I'm f-f-fine! If I leave yer s-s-side, I ain't deserve to call meself yer servant!

But... ......

Oh well, suit yourself. Perhaps we should try to think of a way to warm up the village.

Hmm... Umm...

Aha! I know! Surely if we started some little fires around the village, that would get the place nice and warm?

Wouldn't that risk setting everything on fire, though?

Besides, I don't think a normal fire would last in this environment.

Oh no, you mean it won't work? All those hours studying with the ministers and I'm still no use at times like this...

Wait... It might work.

Wha?!

Maybe not regular fire... But what if we had fire with the power of a strong spirit...like one of the Four Great Elementals?

Fire from one of the Four Great Elementals? Um...

You mean Salamander?! But surely there aren't any flames around here with the power of Salamander.

I know where we can find them!

The undersea volcano!

The undersea volcano?! Weren't we planning to head in that direction anyway?

That's right! The area supposedly turned into a volcano as a manifestation of Salamander's power. Those flames should be able to maintain the village environment until we can restore the seafire!

That's a really good idea, you two.

Now that that's decided, let's head to the undersea volcano as planned, and get us some spirit flames!

I'm sorry, everyone. I'll be back as soon as I can. If the temperature of the village drops to life-threatening levels, you all need to evacuate to another area of the ocean. Even if I haven't returned yet. Please, promise me you'll do that.

We understand. But we have lived a long time on this land. So we will stay here until that time comes, and do our best to find a solution. Our hearts are with you, always.

I'll re-examine the records our ancestors brought here, as well as the books that washed up from the outside world.

Me too! I'm gonna be super helpful!

Everyone...

Thank you, you're the best! But promise me you'll be sensible...

All right, we'd better hurry to the undersea volcano! We can't let the village fall to ruin!

Of course we can't! Let's do this as quickly as we can!

So...is the undersea volcano this way?

Pip? Peep?

Pip, wait! You're going in the right direction, but you're not safe on your own!

How does he know the way when he ain't been there before?

Perhaps Pip could have gotten to the Glacial Place without us after all...

That's real strange. He ain't even got a memory.

Hmm... (Come to think of it, when Clarte had no memory, he relied on the spirit calling to him.) (But I don't think that's the case for Pip...)

We're going to lose sight of them if we keep on standing here! Come on, we need to follow after them!

......

Pip. Why do you want to go there?

We made it! This is the undersea volcano, right?

It sure has gotten hotter! I feel all warm 'n' snug now, I do!

It has a totally different atmosphere from Nadara Volcano.

It feels so strange to see fire flickering like this on the seabed.

It's said that spirit power manifests in many different ways throughout the world. But Salamander is so powerful that he can even manifest flames underwater...

A power that strong should be able to keep everyone warm in our freezing cold village!

Spirit flames... Let's get them and get out of here.

Hm? This spark looks like the Fire Spirit's torch. We should be able to light this like the seafire in the village.

Are you sure, Aldo?! Let's try it out!

Waaah me nerves can't take it!

We did it! Now we can...

Oh no!

It went out again...

Maybe we were just unlucky! Let's look for other sparks to try out!

Yes, let's do that!

It's no use. They all keep going out.

I thought the flames o' this Salamander spirit were s'posed to be real impressive? 'Cause it ain't lookin' that way right now.

Maybe they can't maintain their power away from this place...

I never thought it'd be this difficult to find a replacement for the seafire.

What should we do? With every moment we spend here, my village takes one step closer to freezing away.

Pip?

......

He's acting strange. He usually bounces about 20 times a pop, but he's up to 57 this time...

He's giving us an extra large serving of bouncing.

Ya mean he's bouncin' about more 'an normal?

No, it's not that...

Eep?! D-Did ya hear somethin' real creepy just now?!

Huh? I didn't hear anything.

Oh...

What's wrong, Pizzica?

I-I felt a chill run down my spine... I'm getting goose pimples all down my skin and my scales.

I've had a bad feeling ever since we arrived here. I feel so unsettled, like someone's watching us.

H-How can ya be so calm when ya say somethin' like that?!

Come to think of it, isn't this place meant to be evil? I've been too busy thinking about the flames to take a proper look.

I never imagined there would be so many shipwrecks...

Oh, it's awful! These poor ships have been battered to pieces! Something terrible must have happened here...

Definitely. It just goes to show how dangerous it is for a ship to pass through the volcanic zone.

But, it doesn't make sense. This region... It may be a volcanic zone, but it's not an active volcano. So why do the ships keep getting wrecked?

Hmm. Actually, now that you mention it...

S-So ya mean that whatever's groundin' these sh-sh-ships... Is what's givin' us shivers 'n' makin' us feel like we're bein' watched... 'N' makin' that creepy noise!

Maybe we have a peeping Tom?

WHA?! Don' go spinnin' this in a whole other direction, bringin' other scary monsters into this!

Pip's doing it again... What's wrong, Pip? Come back to me...

......

Pip-pep! Popop-pipop! Pleeple-pip! Pop-peep! Pleeple-pleep pleep!

Pip? What's wrong? Pip?

Yer scarin' me, Pip...

Pip-pep! Popop-pipop! Pleeple-pip! Pop-peep! Pleeple-pleep pleep!

Pip? Hey, Pip?!

Pip-pep! Popop-pipop! Pleeple-pip! Pop-peep! Pleeple-pleep pleep!

I knew he was acting strange. It's not just that he's bouncing around more, it's like my voice isn't reaching him.

I don't know what he's saying, either.

You don't? But he seems to have a lot to say...

Wait, what? What do you mean?

It feels like someone I know has suddenly started talking in some other creature's language that I can't understand... But that language still uses the same words as before. It's hard to explain.

Oh, I understand. So it's as if he's sleep-talking gibberish? Then you've no choice but to make enough noise to wake him up! Go, Nagi!

Huh? Oh...

Okay...

PIP!

It's Nagi.

Pip-pep! Popop-pipop! Pleeple-pip! Pop-peep! Pleeple-pleep pleep! Pepep-popop! Pip pleep!

Pew?

Pip! Did you hear my voice?

Phew, he's finally come to!

Pip, pew...

Pip?! Popop-peep!

He's not panicked this time?

It looks like he's trying to tell us something...

EEEK! It's here! Th-Th-That...

That ain't no ghost! What the heck is that thing?!

It's an enormous monster!

Wait, that's...

(That's the monster that Leviathan sent out in the Uncharted Region Verdot!)

If it was the communicative type, I'd sit down and have a talk with it...

But it looks full of mischief! We'll have to do this the hard way!

Alright! Now then...

What the heck?! Ma head feels like it's splittin' like a clam!

Ugh! It's gotta be those ultrasonic waves!

This is bad! It's going to call the others!

No! This isn't what I expected...

Can it really summon this many?!

It's so strange...

Pip...

Pip-peep!

Oh no! Pip!

Pip...

Looks like we'll just have to eat them all. It's faster than fighting them anyway...

Heeeeeeyyy, stop it! Hold your seahorses!

If you eat these nasty creatures, you'll get one heck of a tummy ache!

Milsha?!

It's too early to celebrate, Aldo!

I came along too!

Minchy!

Ugh, just as creepy as ever, and they're killin' my ears!

But whatever, we can have fun later! Right now, I gotta beat these bugs down... They're hard to even look at!

Right, now's our chance!

Sheila!

Got it, leave it to me!

The ultrasonic waves have stopped!

I kin finally move!

Now it's time to eat...

That's the last of 'em. Just one of those is creepy enough, but a bunch of 'em... Ick...

But that's the only one we've seen so close to Atlantica, right? The hell's Leviathan doin' sendin' those creeps over here?

Either way, thank you both! You really bailed us out there.

Meh, it's a small favor. I was more surprised to see a familiar face.

But you ain't around with Melina and the others... What's the deal?

Huh?

Woah, is something wrong? You've got this look on your face...

Hnghhhhhh!

Yeah! I've got a lot to say to ya, but we've gotta leave that for later! For now, I wanna know what you're doin' here?

We're here to collect Salamander's fire from the underground volcano.

If we don't do something, my village will be lost in the frigid seas... Hence why we're here.

So you've got a reason to be here? Come on, lay the details on me!

That sounds like one hell of a problem!

I don't know much about it, but it sounds like your here to replace the Seafire with the fire from this place.

Yeah, but we couldn't keep the flame from here lit.

Hmm...

Oh! I think I got an idea.

You do?! Seriously?!

I think a relic from Atlantica can amplify the flame and keep it lit for a while.

I see, if the relic has that kind of power...

I've never heard of this before, but it means there's hope!

So I know you're in a hurry, but let's first go to Atlantica. Then we can hurry about here with the relic!

Thanks! But you are...

I'm Milsha. If you're in trouble, don't hesitate to give me a call!

I haven't heard all you're names yet, but you can tell me on the way.

Ah! Of course, I remember everyone I met at the Dragon Palace!

Of course...

Sorry to bother you. You and your friend came here for a reason, right?

Oh yeah... About that...

That can wait for another time. We've got to go to Atlantica first.

Atlantica is this way. Let's hurry.

This way! We're nearly there!

We're here! The relic is just a stone's throw away now!

It connects to the Spirit Sanctuary?! I never knew this path existed before...

So this is Atlantica? People really do live in the valley between the seas?!

The town center is just a little further ahead.

And that's where my house is, too. I keep the relic there. So if we keep on...

They're back! Everyone has come back!

Wha?!

Back? What do they mean by that?

I'm sorry! I have to sort somethin' out real quick!

There must be a story behind this...

Perhaps. Come on, let's go after her. We need to head there anyway.

......

It's just like before...

Where's Milsha?

I'm so glad! Oh, so glad!

Me too, I'm so happy... I was so worried.

Right. Milsha was especially...

No more apologies, 'kay, Minchy?

Right, got it.

Milsha! Minchy!

Oh, hey! Sorry for leavin' you all behind like that...

Don't worry about it. But what's going on? Did something bad happen? I mean, it doesn't look that way...

Nope, far from it! It's good news! It's more like, the bad thing's finally been sorted out.

What d'ya mean?

You see, people've been goin' missin' in Atlantica lately.

Missing?! People from your town, you mean?

Yeah. It started with one and kept increasin' as the days went by. We all went lookin' for 'em, but we couldn't find 'em anywhere. We even traveled far away from home.

Was that why you went to the undersea volcano?

Yup. I never thought they'd actually be there... But 'cause of what happened with Poseichi, I didn't wanna leave any stones unturned.

Milsha...

Though it looks like I was just bein' paranoid. *sigh* It's such a relief!

But what worries me, is why did you all go missin' in the first place?

So you've started to get travelers coming here?

Our town's really come alive, with Winged People, fishfolk, and earth-dwellers all mixin' together.

Oh, anyway! Sorry that took so long! Let's get goin' to my place!

This way!

Hm, what's going on?

Oh my, it's the girl from before!

Wha?! But you just got back! You sure have a lot of energy!

But, I'm afraid I'm a little busy right now. I'm sorry. You should go rest at home while I sort this out. Your mom must be worried about you...

Huh? Oh, sure...

That girl...

She REALLY wanted ta play with ya! Are ya good at playin' with children, Milsha?

Well I'm a big sis! So I have a real affinity with kids!

Anyway, come inside everyone! This is my place.

Thank you.

Wait right here...

This is the relic. It can hold the volcano flames, so you can bring it back to your village to warm the place up.

Thank you so much, Milsha! I really can't thank you enough for this...

Don't be silly, it's no problem!

But you know, this is such a strange feelin'. You're a siren, right?

That's right!

Mermaids like me thought you sirens were just a legend. I was so shocked when I first saw you!

Mermaids?

So there are humans, Winged People, and us, fish...

Oops! Not..."folk." We do get called that, but...

Our official name is "mermaid"! We're not fish...folk...

(Milsha really doesn't want to say the word "fishfolk"...)

I can't believe I've met a mermaid! I feel like I'm dreaming! I always wanted to meet one. I knew you would be somewhere out there in the sea!

You seem so happy, Pizzica. It's great to see.

Oh no, how could I? I can't be feeling happy while my whole village is in crisis!

I'm sorry for getting so excited. I failed as a village head...

I don't think anyone in your village would want you to be sad, though.

Exactly! If something makes you happy, there's nothing wrong with letting it show. It's healthy.

Thanks, you two...

It feels like fate that I'm being rescued by someone I've always dreamed of.

Heheh, I'm not really doing anythin'. It's the relic that's doin' all the legwork here.

So this is the relic...

(That's strange. I've never seen this before, yet I feel like I remember it.)

So how d'ya use it?

So what you do... Is activate it like so...

And it'll make a "ping" sound.

Wha?!

I don't hear anything.

I hear no ping, but you could hear a PIN drop...

That's so weird! It looks like it's broken...

WHA?!

It's broken?

It's completely done in...

No way?!

Wait, I've got this! The best way to fix a broken device is to hit it at a 45 degree angle. It works every time!

Don't do it, Pizzica! That's a surefire way to break it, that is!

She's right, Pizzica! You have to hit it from above!

It's not the angle that's the problem!

Oh no, why'd this have to happen now? It's been ages since I've taken it out as well. It couldn't've broken at a worse time!

Can't we fix it?

Hrm, if it's a key component that's broken, it's pretty much hopeless...

Wait. I think I could give it a good go. Although...

Is there a problem?

I need parts to use. I don't have any left.

Is there anywhere we can get them?

Well, the fish nearby sometimes swallow up them parts. Fin slap it outta them and they'll swim off good as new.

Basically, all ya need to do is bring back a fish what looks like it's got one in its belly.

And how would we know that?

Huh? Oh, you can tell just by lookin'. It's gotta be a pretty big fish to swallow up a component. And then...

It's all about feelin'!

Huh?!

I wonder if we can use the harpoon fishing we learned back at the village to bring back the fish from the Atlantica Coast?

That's a great idea! If we use a magic harpoon, we'll be able to take the components without harming the fish!

A harpoon?! How can ya be so nonchalant about somethin' so cruel?

Okay! Let's look for the parts usin' this method of yours!

Minchy, you can wait here. You're in charge of handlin' the parts.

Yer leavin' me behind?!

Pip! Popop-peep!

Boohoo. How come a nice guy like me's gotta be comforted by this bouncy baby creature.

Okay, now with that decided, let's get ourselves to the sea!

Catch a fish from Atlantica Coast that looks like it's got somethin' in its belly! I'll be waitin' here! Come back quickly!

Aha! This 'uns definitely got somethin' in its belly! I'll 'ave a nice little heart-to-heart with the fishy 'n' explain the situation.

Thanks, Minchy!

I'm sorry. I know you're in a rush, but it might take some time to get the fish to spit out what it swallowed.

There's no need to apologize! Not when you've given me a thread of hope!

While we're waiting, there was something I wanted to ask you, Milsha.

Hm? What is it?

There's actually another reason why we originally wanted to come to Atlantica. It's a long story, though...

WHAAA?! The crimson coral in Dragon Palace and Siren's Village is dead?!

I'm guessing from that reaction that crimson coral grows around your town as well?

Yeah, we've got it! You're talkin' about the ultra, super powerful sea coral, right? If that dies, then that's a deep-blue disaster for all! The seas'll no longer be protected!

Which is why we wondered whether anything unusual had happened here in Atlantica, since you're also a sea town.

Hmm, the only real problem lately has been all those people goin' missin'...

Oh!

Did ya think o' somethin'?

Yes. You see... Leviathan's been super quiet lately!

Le... Le... Leviathan?! So he went 'n' hid here after he escaped from Dragon Palace?!

N-No, Chiyo... Not quite.

Um, wait. Didn't you tell us about this before, back in Dragon Palace? That the Leviathan near Atlantica, who swims in the Crimson Vastsea, is a different creature from the one in Dragon Palace?

Yeah, that's right! It really makes the mind boggle, don't it? Ours was never sealed away in the Jewel Casket. He's always been free to swim about as he pleases.

It makes me so angry, it really does. I want him to pay for what he did to Poseichi.

(Otohime...)

Erm, so what you're saying is that there are two Leviathans? One for Atlantica, and one for Dragon Palace?

Yeah, that's about the sum of it.

But the Atlantica and Dragon Palace Leviathans look completely different.

Eeeek?! Even if they look different, just the thought o' there bein' two o' that monster is enough to make me blood freeze...

How strange. I wonder why this is?

I've been wondering ever since you first mentioned it, Milsha. I can't make any sense of it, either.

We don't have enough information. We won't be able to work anything out as is.

That's so weird! I thought Levia had control over the Dragon Palace Leviathan... How can it be here?

Wait, what're you talkin' about?! What's goin' on?

Oh my. Maybe there's been some kind of misunderstanding?

Everyone! Calm down and listen to me.

There's...

Two Leviathans!

One for Dragon Palace, and one for this place.

So they're like twins? There's one there and one here?

Yeah. But I wouldn't say the two Leviathans are twins.

They look completely different. I've actually seen both of them, yet...

What? What do you mean?

Just the thought o' there bein' two o' that monster is enough to make me blood freeze...

Hmmm...

There's a lot to unpack here, but we don't have the time to explain this right now.

We simply don't have enough information. We won't be able to work anything out as is.

We finally found him! So this is where he ran off to? Perhaps he's quieted down because that guy absorbed all his power? Well, so much the better! As Otohime, I will bring him down! I'll make sure of it!

Wait, what're you talkin' about?! What's goin' on? I don't see that happenin'?!

Oh my. Maybe there's been some kind of misunderstanding?

Everyone! Calm down and listen to me.

There's...

Two Leviathans!

One for Dragon Palace, and one for this place.

So they're like twins? There's one there and one here?

Yeah. But I wouldn't say the two Leviathans are twins.

They look completely different. I've actually seen both of them, yet...

What? What do you mean?

Just the thought o' there bein' two o' that monster is enough to make me blood freeze...

Hmmm...

There's a lot to unpack here, but we don't have the time to explain this right now.

We simply don't have enough information. We won't be able to work anything out as is.

Right... It's no use thinking about it right now. Let's get back to what you were saying, Milsha. You said the Atlantica Leviathan had quieted down lately?

Ain't it a good thing for a monster to go quiet?

Well, I guess...

Since the dawn of time, Leviathan has been the enemy of Atlantica. He's always meddlin' with us, an' he never leaves us alone. Then he suddenly went quiet without any warnin' whatsoever. I'm happy an' all, but it ain't normal...

That does sound scary.

And he ain't sendin' out any of his gross monsters no more. So everyone started feelin' safe enough to leave the town.

Wait, but we saw one of those gross monsters at the undersea volcano.

Right, right, right! I thought that was strange. We used to go there all the time, to look for Poseichi...

But we never saw those gross monsters around there before. They're worthless parasites that live on Leviathan, after all.

So that was the first time you ever saw them around there?

Yeah! And for there to be so many of 'em...

Urgh! I'm gettin' goose bumps just thinkin' about 'em!

So the monsters changed habitats?

It may seem simple, but a small change like this could be a sign of something truly terrible to come.

That's what the Minister used to say!

So ya think it's got somethin' to do with the crimson coral dyin'?

Oh that's right! The crimson coral!

Why are we standin' around here talkin'?! We need to go an' check Atlantica's crimson coral!

You're right! There's a good chance your coral has withered away, too...

Our crimson coral grows to the west of Atlantica.

In the place you guys call the Uncharted Region Verdot.

It grows in a place that's kinda hard to explain. So I'll show you the way.

MILSHA!

It'd swallowed up that part, just like I knew it would! You did good with that harpoon fishin'!

That's great, Minchy! Now we can fix the relic!

Your village is in real trouble, ain't it, Pizzica? Maybe I should fix it before we deal with the crimson coral.

Could you? That would be a great help.

Milsha, Sheila, thank you so much...

No need to thank me. Ain't no trouble come to Atlantica yet.

An' the crimson coral was healthy as anythin' when I saw it yesterday. So there's no need to worry. Just wait here.

Okay!

Right, I'm gonna need to shut myself away to get this repair done. You lot should relax in the meantime! I mean it!

We're fine! We ain't need no relaxin' when the sea's in crisis!

Oh... Oh no, oh no... Everything's...gone all dark.

Chiyo, are you okay?!

I'm o...

You're not okay! This is all because I made you walk through that freezing cold! Your poor body's been put through too much!

Chiyo, we need to get you to bed!

Nuh-uh, we've gotta get you ALL to bed!

Huh? No, we're fine...

I wasn't sure if I should say anythin' or not... But you're all rockin' some serious eye-bags! You look like you ain't slept!

You all look a li'l bit...rough. Especially Aldo and the mermaid chick.

It's because we all stayed up last night, but those two can't handle late nights.

That'd explain it. I'll wake you all up once I've finished the repairs. Your body is a temple, okay? So at least go an' rest up now.

Pip! Peep-plepple!

Pip agrees.

Yeah, he's right. There's no point in all this if we're just going to collapse partway through. Let's get some rest!

See you later, Milsha... Thanks for doing this for us.

Okay, just leave it to me! See you later!

The Dragon Palace Leviathan is somewhat mechanical, and not all that big.

The Dragon Palace Leviathan is somewhat mechanical, and not all that big.

But the one who keeps meddling with Atlantica is dragon-like and enormous beyond compare...

Pip?

Where's Pip?

Pew?

Pip-pep? Popop-peep?!

Pip?

Pew?!

What are you doing out here?

Pip-pop...

Pep-pip pleep!

Poor thing, you must've been so scared, waking up and not knowing where you are. It's okay now, Pip. I'm here now, see?

Pip-pew... Pew...

He fell asleep. He must be feeling calmer.

Is this...Uncharted Region Verdot? Why would Pip come out here?

Our crimson coral grows to the west of Atlantica.

In the place you guys call the Uncharted Region Verdot.

Where the crimson coral grows... Could Pip...

Who's there?!

Oh my...

Oh, it's you, Pizzica. You weren't half-asleep too, were you?

Wha?!

Y-Yes, I was. I tend to sleepwalk, you see...

......

Heheh, you're kidding. Sorry. Maybe you came looking for me and Pip?

Oh my, oh my. Oh stop. Don't tease me...

So the two of you left Atlantica? Did something happen?

Well...

Oh my, I'm sorry. It's okay. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to.

Pizzica...

Thank you.

Oh my, there's no reason to thank me.

You're a mom, Nagi. You must have so many worries.

I'm...a mom?

Yeah, I guess. I want Pip to be happy. I want to protect Pip as a mom. I want to guide him.

Of course you do. And we'll all help you raise the little one.

Heheh. We're like one big happy family.

Um, Pizzica? I wanted to ask you about your mother. Would you mind telling me about her?

My mother? Well... She looked like me.

But she passed away young. After that, my granny, the previous village head, looked after me. But my granny... She's returned to the sea of stars.

The sea of stars?

Yes. You see, sirens... We like to say that when our life ends, we return to the sea of stars in the sky. In a night sky like this, our souls dissolve into the atmosphere and wave farewell to the stars as they ascend to the sea.

So you live in the sea on earth, and return to the sea in the sky...

Heheh, exactly. I suppose we hold two seas dear to our hearts.

How about your mother?

I don't know about my real mother. But... It was in this town that my granny found me. She's the one who raised me, so I think of her as a mother.

It was such a precious time... But it didn't last long.

Oh, I'm sorry...

Sometimes I worry about whether I really understand what it means to be a mother. Everyone says I act like Pip's mom. And Pip seems to love me. I...

I want to be a mom to Pip, and want him to feel warm and content. I just wonder if I can really protect him, when I've only ever learned by watching others.

Just look at Pip's face, Nagi. There's your answer.

Huh?

Look how peacefully he's sleeping. I'm sure you've seen all kinds of other expressions on his face. But that expression only came about from his time with you. Surely that's the only answer you need.

......

Yeah... You're right, Pizzica.

And Nagi...

Huh? Pizzica?

You're a good girl, Nagi. I think someone's in need of a cuddle. I bet you got a lot of love from your mother figure.

Think of a warm place. The warm sea... All the kind hearts of those you've met are wrapping you up in a nice, warm blanket.

Pizzica...

There is nothing to worry about. You're already an incredible mother.

Thank you, Pizzica.

You're kinda like a mother, too.

Oh my, oh my! I'm used to being called a sister, but I guess I can live with being a mother, too!

But if I'm Pip's mother, and you're like my mother... I guess that makes you Pip's grandma?

H-Hey! I don't want to be a grandma!

Anyway, being out here at night, I'm starting to cool down. Why don't we go back inside? We should get ourselves to sleep!

Okay, granny...

Hey! You are so naughty!

C'mon, Milsha! You should get some rest! It's already nightfall!

If it's night already, then all the more reason why I can't rest!

Grrr! This fault is so strange! The key components didn't look done in on the face of it, but on closer inspection, they're pretty much fried!

What?! It'd only been put away a short while, how could it be so broken? How could that even happen?

I'll look into the cause later! If I don't get this fixed quickly, Pizzica's village is gonna be in real trouble! Like that time when Atlantica was submerged under the sea!

Milsha...

I don't care how long I've gotta stay up. I'm gettin' this done by mornin'. Don't wait up, Minchy, just get some sleep.

Okay, fine.

But, Milsha... Ain't no way I can just go to sleep an' leave you strugglin' on your own.

I'm gonna stay up all night and sing you on! That way, you'll know how loved you are!

I'll sing you my Trifling Song!

Here we go! Youuu can dooo it! Youuu aaare the beeest! Come on!

Aaargh! It sounds like there's a waterfall crashin' down in my head!

Minchy?! Stop it! Stop... I...

I'm losing...consciousness... Zzz...

Chiyo...

I'm sorry, Chiyo. I failed you. I was so busy trying to fulfill my duty as Otohime... That I ended up pushing my dearest friend too far.

*sigh* Enough already! Why does it have to be this way? An Otohime should be able to take care of both things at once. I should be able to guide the way for everyone...

Mmm...

Chiyo!

Lady...Sheilaaa... Don't... Don't... Don't leave...me...

Is she sleep-talking?

I'll never leave you. You're my best handmaiden and my best friend. Okay, Chiyo? I'm gonna stay here with you the whole night through...

Till morning.

......

Huh?

Huh? Where am I? I thought I was with Chiyo?

Huh?

Is someone calling me?

I don't recognize the voice... It's coming from over there... I should check it out.

The voice was coming from over here.

Who are you? I've come to you! So show yourself!

Huh?

(Huh? That voice...) (I feel like I've heard it before.)

Wha?! B-But that's me?

I am the ancestor of all Otohimes. It is good to see you again, Sheila. At long last, we are connected.

The ancestor of all Otohimes?

You're the First Otohime?!

Wait? But you said we'd seen each other before...

I'm afraid we don't have a lot of time. Before long, my words will no longer reach you.

Huh? What do you mean?

Heed my word, Sheila. The divine protection over the seas is fragile and crumbling. Disaster looms...

You must once more undertake your shrine ceremony, and make your vow of protection... Perform your ritual in the palace of dragons, sing the calming song among the white waves, and sing the children's song in the land of ice.

Do this, and the Host will regain its power of protection, and the ocean will be at peace once more. Oh, how it pains me and fills me with great shame that you all are burdened with our work...

You all?

Wha?! That's Pizzica and Milsha?!

I don't kn...

Wha?!

Wh-What's going on?!

You can't... But... Be careful of...

Otohime?! What is happening?!

You must... The ceremony...

Or else... Such dreadful calamity...

Ugh...

Lady Sheila! It's mornin'!

Hmm?

*yawn*

What? I thought I was with Chiyo...

Hm? Wait. There was something else...

Good mornin', Lady Sheila!

Chiyo! Are you feeling better now?!

I'm fit as a fiddle now! I'm so sorry for worryin' ya! You stayed up all night watchin' over me, didn't ya? I'm real sorry.

Don't be. I'm just glad you're feeling better!

Heeey! Sheila, Chiyo, you up?

Aldo! We're up! We're on our way!

Come on, Chiyo! Let's meet up with the others!

Okey-dokey!

Sorry!

Ah, there you are!

I'm right as rain, I am!

I'm glad to hear it.

Pip-peep!

Sounds like a plan. Lead the way, Milsha!

Off we go!

Pew...

Pip, what's wrong?

Pip-pleep. Pip-pop, pep-pip, pleep!

Not that way, that's goin' back the way we came!

Did you forget something back in Atlantica?

Pip-pew! Popop-pep, peep-pop!

Pip looks scared...

It's pro'ly a li'l bit over-stimulatin' for the guy. There's traces of monsters all around these parts. If he's scared, I could sing him a nice li'l song!

It's called the Trifling Song!

The Trifling Song? NO! I dunno why, but just hearin' that name makes my head hurt SOOO much!

You guys go on ahead. I'll stay with Pip. We'll follow on once he's calmed down.

Good idea, we don't wanna push the little one too hard.

Take care, you two. Promise me, as one big sister to another, okay?

Call us if anything happens.

I will. Thanks, everyone.

Pip-pew!

I wonder if you're scared because of what happened yesterday.

It's okay, Pip. I'll stay with you until you no longer feel scared.

I never realized there was a place like this in the Uncharted Region Verdot!

We're pretty far in here. Me an' Poseichi used to come an' play here when we were young. It was kinda like our hidin' place.

So this is where yer crimson coral grows?

That's right. Look!

Oh phew! It's perfectly healthy after all!

W-Wait!

You have a Hokora here, too?!

It's the same as the one in my village! Which means it must also be the same as the one in Dragon Palace, right?

Wait, wait, wait! What d'ya mean? You mean Dragon Palace, Siren's Village, and here all have the exact same Hokora?

WHAAAT?! That's waaay too much of a coincidence! What's goin' on?!

By any chance... Do you happen to know of something called the Ceremony of the Protector?

Whaaat?!

That's the ceremony I performed here yesterday...or the day before yesterday! I checked then, an' the crimson coral was all healthy!

Milsha, did you also inherit the role of guardian from your ancestors?

Y-Yeah... In Atlantica, each generation of Singer also inherits the role of guardian to this Hokora. Our duty is to pray for peace in the seas an' pour our magic into the Hokora that enshrines the crimson coral.

Even Atlantica has the same Hokora and the same ceremony? What can this mean? This is seeming less and less like a coincidence...

So. It looks like you guys don't know what this is all about either?

Nope. The mystery only deepens the further we go.

Anyways, it's real great that the Atlantica crimson coral ain't wasted away.

But we can't relax yet. Perhaps the damage isn't always visible...

Eeek?!

What is it, Pizzica?

Oh, that's just Nyakame! There's no need to be so scared! It must've followed us here from Atlantica.

Nyakame?! This fluffy little creature is known as a "Nyakame"?

Wait, Pizzica... Don't you know what a cat is?

Come to think of it, I didn't see any cats in the Siren's Village.

It's so cute! Look at it, all dressed in seaweed! What a great sense of style!

If yer hungry, we can find you somethin' to eat!

Oh, it's so cute! So, so cute! I don't wanna leave it... But I... I'm allergic to seaweed!

Then you should get away from it!

But I still want to cuddle it... I just want to snuggle into it and bury my head in its fur and smell its belly.

What's going on?

I heard screaming!

Pip! Pew!

Oh my, it's Nagi and Pip!

Hm? Where's the enemy? Is it that slimy thing?

Heheh, no it's nothing like that, Nagi. But thank you for coming to our rescue all the same. You too, Pip.

We were just startled by the cat. That's what the scream was.

They were squealin' over the thing...

I'm so embarrassed...

Don't be. I'm glad that's all it was. Pip had pretty much calmed down, so we were about to leave anyway.

Pip?

...... Pip! Peep-pop!

Pip-pep! Popop-pipop! Pleeple-pip! Pop-peep! Pleeple-pleep pleep!

What's he doin'?! This don't seem normal!

He's doing what he did at the undersea volcano!

Pip-pep! Popop-pipop! Pleeple-pip! Pop-peep! Pleeple-pleep pleep! Pepep-popop! Ploop! Peep-pop! Pleeple-peep! Pepep-pop! Pleep-pleep!

Pip, what's wrong? Calm down and look at m...

Wha?! Look!

Th-The crimson coral?!

It's all dead?! But why?

Pip! Pip! Pull yourself together!

Pip...pew... Pip...popop. Popop-pepip... Pew-pew.

Pip-pep! Popop-peep! Pew!

Huh?!

It's not just dead, it's smashed into pieces!

This has gotta be some kinda joke! How could this...

Did you do this?!

......

Pew?

Pip! Peep?!

Pip...

Pew-pew!

Pip?! Wait!

Come to think of it, Pip was near the crimson coral in both Dragon Palace and Siren's Village...

Wait, you think he...

Whatever the case, I'm really worried about Pip. Quick, after him!

You got it!

Pip! Pew...

There he is!

Pip! Pew!

Pip...

Oh...

Don't be so sad, Pip! This whole crimson coral thing is just super old superstition. We're not the types to believe that! So...

......

Pip... Pew...

Huh?! What're you...

Wargh?!

What are you doing, Pip?!

Pep!

Pip-pleep!

Whoa, Pip?!

Pip, no!

Stop it, li'l Pip! Cut it out already! I know you didn't mean to do that before! But you can't act like this!

Pip-pew!

This is all my fault. Pip was acting strange last night. Actually, he's been acting strange for a while now. I should have said something sooner.

I'm sorry, Pip. I failed you as a mom, allowing you to get scared like this. I'm sorry, everyone...

This isn't your fault, Nagi! Actually, there was something I had to tell you... I think? But...what was it?

I feel like it was something really important.

Oh!

Aaah?!

Wh-What is it, Sheila?!

I remembered! How could I forget that?! I met my ancestor in my dream! The first Otohime! She said that the divine protection over the seas is crumbling, and disaster is looming! And that if I perform the Ceremony of the Protector, the crimson coral will go back to normal!

The crimson coral...will go back to normal?

How odd. I think I remember hearing that as well...

Oh! I dreamed the exact same dream as Sheila! In my dream, my ancestor, my great-grandmother, was there next to the first Otohime. And also...

Me an' my ancestor were in that dream too! How could I have forgotten that? It sure made some impact, seein' six of us standin' there, two of each face...

All three of ya had the same dream at the same time? That's really somethin'!

And yer all Hokora guardians, too! Ain't no way this is a coincidence!

But... When Sheila performed the ceremony in the Dragon Palace Ocean Shrine, the coral didn't go back to normal.

Oh! Well...

This is what the first Otohime said. You must once more undertake your shrine ceremony...and make your vow of protection. Perform your ritual in the palace of dragons, sing the calming song among the white waves, and sing the children's song in the land of ice.

This vow o' protection... That's gotta mean the Ceremony o' the Protector, right?

Yes. The three of us need to perform it again.

Wait, thinking about of it... We've been carrying out the Ceremony of the Protector for generations.

Yeah, I only just realized, but in a sense, there's always been three people doin' it...

Huh? Don't that mean it's pointless doin' the whole thing again?

But that would mean the message they left us was wrong! There must be a true meaning... Working it out will be the key to everything.

A true meaning?

Yes. Make your vow of protection... Vow of protection... Three Hokoras... Three guardians... Hmmm.

Aha! I've got it!

If it didn't work when the three of us did it separately... Then if we all carry out the ceremony at the exact same time, maybe that will get results?

I guess?

Honestly, it does sound like a great theory.

It makes sense to me. I think you're on the right lines.

A flash of inspiration is like a kinda wild animal instinct. You seem pretty sharp, so I reckon we can trust your gut here.

You can! My intuition is telling me that this interpretation is the correct one!

("My intuition"?) (Great, now I'm thinking about someone I don't want to be thinking about!) (I really don't want Victor in my head right now...)

Then let's go with Sheila's theory!

So what's the rest of the message mean?

This "ritual in the palace of dragons" gotta be talkin' about Dragon Palace.

What about "sing the calming song between the white waves"?

The calming song...could be the Stifling Song we use to calm the spirits. Between the white waves must be Atlantica.

So all that's left is "sing the children's song in the land of ice." That...

That must mean singing the lullaby to the seafire at Siren's Village.

Oh!

I...have to sing. (Why did I of all people have to be the guardian this generation, when I can't sing...)

What's wrong? Did we say something wrong?

......

No, I'm fine.

But Pizzica!

For you, singing is...

It's okay. I...I want to sing. For Pip and all of you. So...believe in me, okay?

Of course. We believe in you.

We do. Everyone feels the same.

Now, all that's left is to try it! Let's work together to save the sea! We'll put this disaster in its place! Even if it's Pip, I will change it!

Right, Pip? So don't fret! Don't run away, and don't put yourself in danger! And Nagi, no more apologizing. Okay?

Sheila...

Pip-pop?! Pew...

Teehee! You're so dependable, Sheila!

You really are. You said everything I wanted to say.

Trust you to make all them good points!

So Nagi and Pip... Let's all go together, okay?

All right. Thanks, everyone.

Pip! Pew!

But how do the three of you actually perform the ceremony? If you need to pour your magic into each of the three Hokoras at the same time, you'll all have to be in a different place. And if you can't see each other, how do you signal when to do what?

That's not a problem! Not when we've got this!

That's...

You do indeed, it's me. I'm transmitting my voice through the relic I gave to the young swordsman.

Th-This relic?

That's right. And sound and video from where you are is being transmitted here.

It's the relic from before!

That's right! The relic Johann used! You remember it, right? With this, we can be apart from each other, but still see and hear what's goin' on! It kills two birds with one stone.

Oh my, oh my! That's really possible? My, my, but it's so small! Incredible...

That's a bit of a strange coincidence! You just happened to be borrowing that from Johann right now?

Oh, um, not quite! Johann actually gave me this.

I found it so fascinatin' that I kept wantin' to play with it whenever we met. Then he just gave me three outta the blue! Obviously, I didn't need that many... But Johann is actually surprisingly generous.

Right...

Generous in leavin' our sight's more like it.

*grumble grumble*

You have three? That works out perfectly! I'll have to thank this Johann person.

Milsha, that device...

Hm? What about it?

What's up, Nagi?

Oh, it's nothing.

So Sheila, Pizzica, and Milsha will all split up and go to their own Hokora.

Do the rest o' us go 'n' split between the three places, too?

'Cause obviously, as Lady Sheila's handmaiden, I'm stickin' with her!

Nagi 'n' Pip, you gotta come with us, too!

Okay, then.

Pip-peep!

I'll stay here and just do the ceremony like normal.

I'll take care o' Milsha!

Which would leave Pizzica on her own. I'll come with...

I appreciate that, Aldo. But...

Would you mind if I went alone?

But why? I mean, I know I'm not much use to you other than as an escort...

Oh, it's nothing like that! If anything, I rely on you too much. So just let me do this, okay?

Pizzica...

Okay. If that's what you want. But call me anytime if it gets dangerous.

Of course! Oh, and now that the other relic is fixed, I can take the undersea volcano flames back with me!

In which case, I'll go with Sheila and the others. You'll have to travel through a part of the sea you've never been before. Who knows what dangers may lie ahead?

Great, it's decided then! Once we arrive at our respective destinations, we'll contact each other with these devices... And make sure the true Ceremony of the Protector actually works this time!

I technically knew this already... But Dragon Palace is sooo far away from Atlantica!

And now that we're in a hurry, it feels even further.

If only we had one o' them strong 'n' agile tail fins like Pizzica.

There's nothing to be gained from bemoaning what we don't have.

All that matters right now is getting to Dragon Palace as soon as possible.

Eeeek?! Wh-What was that?!

Chiyo, hide behind me!

Nuh-uh, no way! I'm yer handmaiden! I can't do that!

I've gotta protect ya!

Grooorgh!

Aaaaah?!

Wh-What is that thing?!

Th-Th-That's one fierce-lookin' fish! My staff'll take care o...

Wait, everyone! Put away your weapons.

Huh? Do you know this creature, Nagi?

Yeah. This is Groon...

Grooorgh!

W-Wait a moment! You mean it's not hostile?

Actually, it does kinda look like he's having fun...

Groorgh! Guwooh!

He says he'll take us to Dragon Palace.

Huh?

Wahhh?!

I-It's too high up here! Eeeep!

Grroaghh!

As grateful as I am... What about you and Pip?

We'll stay behind.

Why? Aren't you coming with us to Dragon Palace?

So far, only one Crimson Coral has died in Dragon Palace. But if Pip goes there, who knows what might happen to the rest.

Pip-pew.

So you should go on without us. Dragon Palace is in your hands.

Got it. Let's head out.

Waaargh!

Eeeek!

Whoaaa!

Pip-peep?!

What's wrong, Pip?

That sure was faster than walking!

The turtle of fortune must be smiling on us! This has got to be a good sign!

Sure enough, the Crimson Coral here didn't come back to life while we were gone.

No... It makes me all gloomy seein' the Crimson Coral like this, it does.

Gloomy? Why?

Dontcha remember, Lady Sheila? All that time ago, when ya rescued me on the beach... 'N' you led me all the way back to Dragon Palace.

Of course I remember that! How could I ever forget?

'N' I got all scared o' the outside. Cooped meself up in yer room for a fair while, I did...

But...

Hey, Chiyo! Why don't we go out for a nice walk together today? There's somewhere special I want to take you!

You snuck outta yer trainin' 'n' took me here.

It was me first time ever seein' Crimson Coral. I couldn't believe how pretty it was. You caressed me, 'n' yer hands were so soft it made me cry...

Oh...

'N' that's why Crimson Coral holds a real special place in me heart. So you've gotta bring it back to life.

Oh, Chiyo! Don't look so sad, I can't take it!

Okay? Good fortune comes in through the belly button. So squeeze it tight!

Eeep! What're you doin', Lady Sheila?!

See, you're laughing now! That's great!

Don't worry, the ceremony is going to work this time, and then the Crimson Coral will be revived. Okay?

After all, I'm the strongest Otohime. I reign over two whole eras! So relax, and watch me do my thing.

Whoa...

Yer so cool, Lady Sheila! I'm gonna follow you forever!

As will we.

You all! What are you doing here?!

The longer you live, the sharper your ears become. When I heard a rumor that our very own Lady Sheila had been burdened with a once-in- a-lifetime duty to protect our seas...

What could we do but come and lend our support?

Good luck, Lady Sheila!

We believe in you!

We're counting on you, Lady Sheila. Please protect our Crimson Coral, our sea, our Dragon Palace, all of our people...

Everyone...

Just leave it to me! There's no such thing as impossible for a breathtaking Dragon Palace woman like me!

Erm, hello? Can everybody hear me?!

Pip! Pleeple pip-pop!

Pip, they can hear you anyway. You don't need to go so close.

Oh my, this is incredible! I can actually see and hear you!

Everything's going swimmingly so far! So shall we begin?

Yep, I'm all set.

Me too... Let's give this our all!

Ah...! Oh!

(I have...no voice!)

Pizzica!

(I'm not singing... Come on, sing! When are you gonna sing?!) (Sing! Please! Please, I need my voice back...)

Ah...! Hah... *exhale*

Pizzica!

Pizzica!

Pew-peep!

(For everyone's sake... For the sea, for the village...)

(I have to find my voice! I have to sing my song!)

But my song can only be heard by god.

*sigh*

Everyone is too kind to tell the truth. God is nowhere to be found. I'm not like the others, I'm a weirdo. No one can hear me. I've always been alone. I don't want to sing. I can't sing. I don't need this voice...

...... ......

No... That's not true.

You see...

I already found my god myself.

I'm sorry, everyone. I'll sing now.

You did it! Way to go, Pizzica!

It's a beautiful song.

I heard it so clearly! It was as if your voice was flowin' inside me!

I could feel your magic through me, too!

I could hear both of you singing... (It's strange. This should be my first time feeling this magic, but it's as if it should have always been this way.)

Wait, you two...

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!

Lady Sheila!

Huh?

Sheila? What's wrong?

Lady Sheila?

I-I'm okay! I guess I messed up?

Don't worry! I'll do it properly this time!

Calm the raging seas... And protect the ocean!

Wha?!

(Why isn't the sacred artifact responding?!) (I have no more power to give. I'm giving this everything I have! This was enough 100 years ago!) (There's no way I can't do this!)

Sheila?!

Things don't seem to be goin' so well. Are you okay?!

I'm so sorry! Just wait! I know I can do it...

Pip, what's wrong?!

Nagi?! Did something happen?!

He said "something is coming"... Toward Dragon Palace, I think? He just swam off!

Something is coming?

Oh no, it's the Midnight Demons!

What?! If they attack...

Then the three-way ceremony'll fail!

We've gotta hurry!

Ngh!

You ain't gettin' in the way! Not while Lady Sheila's got super important things to be doin'!

I don't know where you assailants have come from, but I will not allow you to bear your fangs at our mistress!

Lady Sheila, you've got this!

Leave this to us!

Everyone...

(Why isn't it responding? What's going on?!) (I must protect the sea and everyone in it! For now and for all the times before!)

(I'm Otohime, aren't I?!)

Guagh!

Ack!

Chiyo! Everyone!

Pip-pop! Pip-popop!

Pip!

Pip, snap out of it! Pip!

Pew!

Pip-pew!

The Midnight Demons are leaving?!

Now, Lady Sheila!

Good luck, Sheila!

Don't worry! We're still waitin' for you!

But... I...

Ngh!

You okay, Lady Sheila?!

...

Yes, I'm fine.

As ancestor of the Otohimes, 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!

Welcome back!

C-Clarte?! It feels so strange seeing you in Dragon Palace!

Haha, I know what you mean. I never thought I'd be seeing you and Minchy outside of the western continent!

How is your wing?

Oh, it's nothing to worry about. I'm just glad you're all okay! The ministers were rejoicing when they came back. It sounds like you accomplished your vital work.

Yeah, all thanks to Milsha an' the other guardians!

I'm so glad the Crimson Coral and seafire went back to normal!

You've done so well. The head chefs are starting to make preparations for a party. They want you to go to the banquet hall once you're ready.

Pip-pew!

Okay, why don't we rest a little, then head to the banquet hall?

Lady Sheila...

What is it, Chiyo?

About what happened durin' the ceremony.

I'm sorry if I got this all wrong, but you were actin' pretty strange that last time.

I can't really explain it. But you weren't yerself, see...

...

What are you talking about? Don't be silly.

Come on, Chiyo, let's go. Let's get this party started!

Lady Sheila...

Wait for me! Lady Sheila!

It was incredible! When they all attacked, this li'l one jumped right out at 'em! He may be small, but he sure drove that crowd away, all right!

It gave me the tingles!

That's amazing! You certainly excelled yourself, Pip.

You're really heapin' the praise on Pip now, Minchy. You're almost treatin' him like a little brother.

Pip-pew!

You really were incredible, Pip. You're a brave little man of action, aren't you. Are your wounds doing any better now?

Pip-pleep!

I didn't think it would happen so soon, but I guess you're growing independent of me...

Pip-pop?! Pew-pew!

Haha, or not.

Y'know, I couldn't believe me eyes, seein' Pip persuadin' them Midnight Demons.

Pip-pop?

He was in a trance throughout. I don't think he knows what he did.

He drove 'em off with mighty force! That's what happened!

Or perhaps they all listened to what Pip had to say.

Maybe they could tell how determined he was.

It looked like they went off to tell what Pip had said to all their other friends in the sea.

Whatever the case, Pip sure was cool.

Pip-pew!

We completed the Ceremony of the Protector and avoided disaster. And now all the troubles of the sea have completely disappeared! The party has only just started. Let's eat, drink, and be merry!

That includes you, Clarte!

Thank you, but I'm afraid it's about time I got going. I have things to do back home.

That's a shame. Make sure you come back sometime!

Absolutely.

Oh, you're leaving?

Then I'd better get to my important work as Otohime!

Wait, you don't mean--

Ta-dah! It's a Dragon Palace custom to give this box as thanks to those who have helped us! Will you accept, Clarte?

Are you sure?

Clarte, wait! I don't know how, but that box will turn you ancient if you open it...

Ancient, you say? How intriguing. I'll give it a try.

Are you serious?!

Of course I am. Heheh, I wonder what will happen.

I'm glad Clarte enjoyed himself.

Me too! I was able to fulfill my promise.

I worked really hard as Otohime and don't have a single regret. It feels great!

... (Somethin' ain't right. Lady Sheila looks like she's tryin' too hard.)

But there's still something we've yet to explain.

What exactly was the connection between our ancestors?

No, you're right... Judging from our dream, our ancestors certainly did seem close.

We don't need to think hard about it now. We should look for records and scrolls in our three towns afterward! But right now, we should be celebrating the fact that peace has been restored to our seas! So have another drink!

Aaahhh!

Hey, are you okay?!

What's going on?!

It's at the entrance!

What happened?

I know...that voice! Pizzica!

Wha?!

Thank...heavens... I...finally got here...

What's wrong?!

What happened? Your tail and fin, they're...

Please...listen. All...in the village...are done for... Please... Pizzica, do...something...

She's stopped moving?!

Is there a doctor?! Call a doctor!

Oh no...

Answer me! Please answer me! Why... What's... What's happening in our village?!

My gut feeling was telling me to catch this fish.

I think I understand. It looks like there's something stuck in its stomach!

Let's go back to Minchy and check.