Shot Down

Come on, don't say that. Just switch with me. Please? I'm scared of her!

It's not like I'm overly confident myself. Just get your stuff together and go.

What's the problem? If it's a monster, I can help.

No, it's not a monster...

It's not somethin' we've gotta rouse the whole village over. We were just talkin' about the wolf girl who's recuperatin' on the outskirts of the village.

Oh, you mean Sesta? I heard that everyone in the village has been taking turns nursing her.

Oh, I heard that everyone in the village has been taking turns nursing her.

Yep, that's right. After injurin' her and usin' her mirror for our search, we kinda owe it to her. And yet, he doesn't wanna have to take his turn today.

Just listen to me, all right? That girl, she's crazy! She still thinks we're enemies! She gave me the most menacing glare when I went to set her food down. Then I lost sight of her, only to turn around and see her standing right behind me! She's terrifying!

Okay, she sure ain't normal, I'll give you that. Then again, no one who gets lost in this place is. Wonder how she came to be here.

You haven't asked her why she came to the vortex?

I'm sure not brave enough to ask. What if I step on the tiger's tail and she turns into that monster again? No way am I risking that!

Wolf's tail, more like.

Why don't I take over for you today? I'd love to talk to her.

Are you sure? Thank you! You'll need to take over that food and those tools.

Can't tell you how much this helps. Noahxis is always out explorin' the vortex, so we can't turn to him.

He's finding us a safe route to Cochlea. Helping you out here is the least I can do in return.

Oh, that reminds me. Apparently the investigation's going pretty well. You should tell the Cochlea princess to get herself ready soon.

Thanks, I will. Okay, see you later!

I think she's resting somewhere around here...

It sounds like you've got to be cautious around her, so I guess I should head in quietly.

Where you goin'?

Aaahhh!

Hahaha! Looks like I gave you quite the scare, Aldo!

Now is not the time for pranks, Nona! What if you provoked Sesta?

Sesta? I doubt she'd get annoyed at a little bit of noise.

No? The villagers made it sound like she was really on edge.

Now is not the time for pranks, Nona! What if you provoked her?

Her?

Yeah, the wolf girl who came to the village.

Oh, you mean Sesta!

Sesta? That's her name?

Wait, when did you find that out?

When? Hmm...

I guess it just came up one of the times I came by to see her.

The villagers are all too scared to go near her, yet you don't seem afraid of her at all.

Well, no? She's not so scary.

Everyone in Arat is terrified of her.

They say she hates them, she glares at them and creeps up on them, so you can't let your guard down...

Oh right, that! Yeah, I thought the same thing at first. But she's really not as menacing as everyone thinks.

Really?

Yeah. You see...

Um, Sesta? How are your injuries? Are you doing okay?

Not Girl's problem.

Of course it is! It's us who injured you!

Shh. Noise disturbs wounds.

Oh. Sorry. Here, I have some ointment. I don't know if it will work, but I-I'll leave it with you just in case.

......

Girl is back.

Whoa! S-Sorry. I just wanted to check up on you.

Oh? You've barely touched your ointment. It didn't work?

Didn't need.

What do you mean?

What the? Your wound's glowing! Wait, is it healing? What is this? Magic? What's going on?

Quiet. Sesta needs to focus.

It's something that requires concentration?

......

Eh? What are you doing?

Sesta has healed enough. Can take that form.

You're gonna turn into a wolf again?

If Girl is not quiet.

S-Sorry! I'll be back later!

......

......

What does Girl want?

I-I'm back! Sorry.

Why does Girl apologize? Sesta said nothing yet.

No, I guess not. Wait, you look kinda unwell? And your injuries look worse than before.

......

Are your healing powers not working? Oh I know, hold on!

My magic isn't all that impressive, but maybe it'll help a little.

......

Um... I'll be back later!

Wait. Tell Sesta... What does Girl want destroyed? Who does Girl want to disappear? Leave it to Sesta.

Huh? I-I don't want anything like that...

Oh...

Huh?

So yeah, that's what happened.

And what part of that story implies she's NOT dangerous, exactly? It was kind of a sinister offer.

You're looking at it wrong! I thought about it after, and I don't think she meant it like that. I think she wanted to thank me for healing her wounds.

You do?

Yes. What she said may have sounded aggressive, but I think she just wanted to help me somehow. That troubled look on her face, I've seen it before. It's like, the confusion of not knowing how to deal with her gratitude, or how to repay it.

Do you mean...

Yeah. Like my mother.

And for that reason, I can't just turn my back on her.

I see. Well, I trust you. Maybe she really isn't as dangerous as everyone else thinks.

Exactly! That's what I've been trying to tell you! I have a good eye for these things, you know! What looked like a glare was probably just her way of trying to say thank you.

So she's not gonna turn into a wolf or any...

Whaaat?!

What the? Is she gunning for Arat again?

N-No way! Look, we better go after her!

Sestaaa! What happened?

Nona, wait! Something's coming!

Eek! She can't take on all of them alone!

We'll help!

It's over! Are you okay, Nona?

Yeah, I'm fine. How about you, Sesta?

Sesta?! Are you okay?

*pant* Gah...

It's partly healed, but the wound looks deep.

You overexerted yourself, trying to confront them alone!

Sesta, you knew those monsters were coming, didn't you? You should have called on the villagers. Then you wouldn't have had to fight by yourself.

That...no meaning. Can't...repay. Sesta made...mistake this time. Will fix. Leave Sesta now.

This time? Have you fought those monsters before?

......

Come to think of it, there haven't been any monsters attacking the village lately.

Did you...fight them all off?

......

Sesta? What did you mean when you said you can't repay? Were you talking about what Arat has done for you? Like treating your wounds and giving you food?

Not much Sesta can do...to repay.

Just say thank you! That's all you need to do! Honestly, you're just like my mother! Pushing yourself for no reason at all!

Mo...ther?

Oh, sorry... You know... That place you want to go, Cochlea. That's where my mother is. A lot's happened to stop us from getting to her, but when I saw you, it brought it all back.

Hmm.

How have you heard of Cochlea? It's not like it's a well-known place or anything... When we first met, you kept saying how you needed to go there. Why?

And how did you come to be lost in this place? Where did you come from?

Where?

Where was Sesta? Deep darkness. No light. Lifeless things piled up in chaos. Jumbled together in sludge pit.

A pit? You were born in such a place?

Sesta not supposed to live. Sesta meant to rot in pit without form or own mind... But anger awoke Sesta. Burning flame of anger that no allow Sesta to fade without way to intervene in world.

A flame of anger?

Yes. And a voice breathed flame into Sesta. A scream, a lament, a cry for help. A pained voice crushed by world. It called out to Sesta. Sesta knows, have to save them. Burning anger at world that caused this pain...gave Sesta form.

What you're saying is, you were awoken by somebody's cry for help? And your anger over their suffering caused you to take this form?

Wait...

Your form right now?

Yes. Impulse to head to voice came before Sesta's sense of self.

To follow impulse, life force built body. It gave Sesta eyes, voice, words, intelligence. Sesta followed voice. Voice led Sesta here.

That's how you were born?

That doesn't make any sense!

Can't explain any better. That what Sesta saw. Sesta knows not the truth.

Hmm... What you're saying is, you don't know precisely when or where you were born.

You were born from someone's voice, in some dank, chaotic place? Then...how did you come to know about Cochlea?

Faceless white ghost told Sesta.

White...ghost? Do you mean Phantom?

Maybe. Sesta know not your name for ghost... Ghost appear after Sesta got body. Sesta struggle in mud, to get closer to voice Sesta hear far above. But Sesta stuck. Sesta kick and struggle, but Sesta no move.

So Sesta took apart body and rebuilt.

You...took apart...your own body?

Sesta's body built of many parts under single will. Dismantling to smaller units not so hard.

It sure sounds hard...

Sesta's body not like yours. You saw Sesta before. You know it is possible.

Before? You mean when you turned into a wolf?

Yes. It same thing. Sesta break down body to smallest parts, then remake into anything. Sesta wanted to escape deep, dark mud and run to voice. Sesta wanted legs to kick hard ground. Claws to grab sky. Chose that form as symbol of anger welling up inside.

I see. Were you able to reach the voice?

Sesta wishes. Ran toward sky. Sesta finds self in place filled with faint light. Screams long since stopped, but echo rang through Sesta's ears still, showing Sesta the way. Sesta ran toward echo. Sesta ran and ran. All above Sesta shattered, making wounds. Then Sesta saw hole of light. Sesta knows, voice through there.

A hole of light? Could that be...

Sesta try to jump through, but shackles hold Sesta back. Turn around and see white ghosts staring at Sesta. They point to light and say, "Cochlea."

Ah. That's how you knew the name.

One calls me Sesta. Other said no jump through. Sesta shakes off shackles and jumps into light. When Sesta wakes, echo far, far away.

You'd arrived in this vortex?

Yes. Distant echo fading. Sesta fears she lose way. But Sesta has other thing to show way.

The mirror that the people of Arat found?

And that's why you attacked to get it back?

Must find her. Voice from Cochlea. My god.

Your god?

Pit where Sesta born no place for life to start. But voice Sesta hears one time, it give Sesta life. It give Sesta burning anger. Creator of life is god. So owner of voice is Sesta's god. Reason why Sesta lives. Sesta born to save oppressed god. Or...

To take revenge on world that oppressed Sesta's god.

......

Flame of anger Sesta felt when born still burns deep in chest. Sometimes it burns so fierce, it feels like Sesta set afire. Rage blazes so hard, Sesta forget to breathe. Flame will never go out. Not until Sesta fulfills role and meets god.

I see. I don't know who this god of yours is, but I hope we can help you find them.

Right!

Although... Could someone powerful enough to create life out of nothing really be living in Cochlea?

Oh! Noahxis is currently searching for a route to Cochlea. If one is found, why don't you come with us? We may have different aims, but if you're able to find your god along the way, then so much the better!

Sesta no get in way?

Of course not! Our goal is to save Cochlea from its repeated destruction.

Destruction? Bad things happen in Cochlea?

Yeah. It's kinda hard to explain... The flow of time's been distorted, and the country's stuck repeating the same three days over and over. The last three days of its existence, when its barrier goes haywire and kills every last person in Cochlea.

What?!

As we speak, those I care about are suffering so much pain, stuck in an inescapable tragedy. Our goal is to eliminate whatever's causing this destruction and end the time loop.

I didn't get to choose why I was born. I can at least choose how I live.

Nona...

See? Your search for your god isn't going to interfere with our goals.

Sesta made you say sad things. Sesta sorry.

I'd have to bring it up at some point, right? Besides, you say you've never been to Cochlea? Why don't I tell you what I remember about the place? Maybe it will give you some kind of hint!

Girl is sure?

A kind offer, but it won't be necessary anymore.

Hm?

Better to see the real thing than to hear about it second-hand. Right?

You don't mean...

Yep. We finally found it.

We found the least dangerous route toward the center of the vortex.

Thank you so much, you guys!

However, there is one problem. We were able to identify the point closest to the center of the vortex, but we couldn't make it all the way.

What do you mean?

There seemed to be some kind of barrier blocking our way. It looked like the rift that connects up the labyrinth, yet it repelled us before we even got close.

A barrier?

This is just my hypothesis, but perhaps only certain people can pass through it. That would imply that the rift truly does lead to Cochlea... And it is waiting for you, Nona.

Me?

Maybe I'm being overly optimistic. I would hate if my words led you to take the trip deep into the vortex all for nothing.

It won't be for nothing. If there's even the tiniest clue that leads us to Cochlea, I won't regret a thing.

Right. So can you take us to this barrier? We'll try to figure out where we go from there.

Very well. We'll show you the place.

Now as you know, the vortex is fickle. There's no guarantee that the same route will always be available. If you want to go, you'd better hurry.

As in, the vortex could alter the path while we're traveling down it?

Right. Though, we're taking measures to ensure we don't lose our way.

What measures?

Our guys used to the vortex depths are waiting along the route to guide our lost princess home.

Follow their lead, and if nothing else, you won't get left behind.

You'd do all that, for us?

It's in our best interests to help you out here. Everyone here prays for your success in stopping this vortex.

Right. We will stop it, I promise you!

Let us know when you're ready. We'll lead you to the others.

Looks like you're ready.

Follow us.

This is as far as we can take you. Our friends will guide you the rest of the way.

I wish I could go with you, but unfortunately, I have too much to do here.

You've done more than enough for us. Thanks, Noahxis!

......

What's wrong? Why are you staring?

Nothing. You're resolved to go on this adventure, and I don't want to put a dampener on that.

Hm?

Klein here worries. Even if you manage to reach Cochlea, a harsh fate will await you. There's no guarantee you'll return safely. This could be the last time we ever see your faces.

Don't say that! You'll jinx it!

What? It's the truth, isn't it? And yet we still decided to send them out here. Didn't we?

I know. Just, that place. The center of the time whirlpool, where death comes for all, over and over... I care about these people. I hate having to send them to such a place. I'm not as indifferent as you.

It's not indifference. It's trust.

They've been caught up in battles, been attacked by monsters, lost their country... They've faced all these ordeals, yet they still soldier on. Whatever the struggle, they can overcome it. That's why I'm willing to bet they'll come back.

Yeah, I guess you're right.

Once we've resolved the Cochlea issue, I promise we'll come back to Arat. Don't worry about us, Klein.

Exactly! I definitely wanna see you guys again. This isn't goodbye.

You guys...

You should go. If you take too long to leave, the vortex may decide to change again.

Is Man okay? Something in eyes?

Haha! He's just so dazzled by the brightness.

Sesta, I know that ever since you attacked the village, you've been fighting to protect Arat. I'm sorry it took me so long to realize. But d'you mind if I ask you one more favor? Aldo and Nona are in your hands now. Please protect them.

Noahxis...

Sesta would anyway. Villagers done much for Sesta. Sesta want to repay. Sesta protect those important to Man. Leaving Arat no change that. Sesta destroy and obliterate all that try harm these two.

Haha! A menacing thing to say, but it is strangely comforting.

And um... Nona tell Sesta what to say now.

I did?

Thank you. Thank you for helping Sesta even though Sesta attack base.

......!

Yeah, right back at you. I'll be counting on you, okay?

Sesta knows.

I still feel reluctant about this, but I must not hold you back any longer. Now go. May we meet again as friends in Arat.

Okay. We will be back.

Bye!

It strange feeling.

What is?

When Sesta says "thank you"... Warm feeling in chest. Sesta assumed "thank you" meant repay what is owed. But now Sesta owes them for warm feeling.

Hmm. You know, I've been thinking this for a while now...

You do say the weirdest things sometimes, Sesta!

Huh?

Still, I guess it makes sense. You were born all alone, in the depths of some swamp-like pit. I guess you've never exchanged words or feelings with anyone before.

......

You know, Sesta, connecting with people doesn't have to be all about giving and receiving. I know your first feeling when you were born was to give back to the god who gave you life...

However, this warmth you feel. You don't need to give it back.

But...

Honestly, it's okay. I'm sure they'll feel the same. You'll get used to these feelings. Of being connected to someone, of someone caring about you... You have so many feelings besides anger, you know!

It more now.

Huh?

Warmth in chest. It grows now. Not used to it.

......!

Teehee! You really are odd, Sesta!

Sesta get angry!

You made it! It's such a hard road, I half doubted you'd ever get here.

Teehee. Pretty impressive, right? Though, we couldn't have done it without you guys' help.

Is the impenetrable rift this way?

Yeah. It's just over there.

Thanks. Okay, let's give it a go.

Whoa!

Yep, you definitely can't walk straight through it.

Why don't I try?

Remember what Klein said?

This place could be waiting for me.

......

What is that? A thread?

Aaahhh!

NONA!

Wait, wait, wait! Something's pulling me! I'm so scared!

Maybe world on other side calls to her?

Whatever it is, we can't let her go in alone!

You two, grab hold of me! Let's all be pulled in together!

Where are we?

Nona! Are you okay?

Nona, wait!

Get away from me!

Nona!

Why... Nooo...

Somebody! Help!

I don't want this!

Nona! Nona, are you okay?

Huh? Oh, um, yeah!

(What was that?)

Girl wakes. Good. Girl passed out after cross boundary. This really Cochlea?

Sesta feels chaos of forcefield. Flow of power change and rage like storm.

Whoa! You two, look up!

No...way...

Nona, is that...

That's Cochlea Castle. The same as in my memories. What could have happened for it to change this much?

Maybe some kind of tragedy occurred, just like in the other recurrent spacetimes?

It doesn't feel like time's reversing. If anything, it feels like time's completely stopped.

This land has already lost the order of time.

Huh?

You!

The order of time? What do you mean? Why is Cochlea in this state? Where did everybody go? Did you do this?

I don't have the power to create such distortion. I simply observed. Time moved back and forth so much that the rotations gradually lost control and accelerated... Eventually turning into this disordered flow of time, giving rise to chaos.

Chaos?

The order of time, physical boundaries, all laws maintained by order have collapsed. The past and future, oneself and others, all blends together, losing its original form... Resulting in a primordial sea. That is how we desire the world to be.

That's why you created the recurrent spacetimes?

It was one objective, yes. A recurrent spacetime is like a lesion eating away at this time layer... A seedbed of chaos rotting through time. A move to end the stalemate between we who wish for destruction, and the time layer that refuses to change. The other recurrent spacetimes you visited were supposed to eventually turn to chaos like this.

THIS is why you put all those people through those terrible tragedies?

Now, there is no longer any need to maintain the other recurrent spacetimes. One is all we need. The chaos will soon swallow up this land and neighboring spacetimes, hailing the time layer's collapse. You failed. It is too late to stop the destruction of the White Night Time Layer.

How could you?!

Put it back.

Put Cochlea back to normal right now!

I can't do that, I'm afraid. Besides, you're the one who brought this destruction upon Cochlea. Or did you forget that fact?

Nhh!

Nona, don't listen to him. It's Phantom who helped the people on the shelter ship send you back in time in the first place!

It was humanity who chose where you would go, little bird. All we did was give you life. Or are you saying that it was a mistake to ever bring you to life?

No! No life could ever be a mistake! Whatever destiny you were born with... You can choose what matters to you, you can choose your future! And you can fight for that!

......

What Nona chose to live for was no mistake. It's the reason why we fight. So that she doesn't have to lose anything else. So that she doesn't have to hand everything over to fate. We will restore Cochlea and thwart your plans, Phantom!

You can certainly try. Even now, the chaos grows, spreading out from time's rotational axis, this castle, using the power of the vessel.

Vessel? What do you mean?

It is a living puppet chosen and controlled by chaos in order to expand its influence.

What?

Perhaps the vessel will quickly envelop everything in chaos. Perhaps your resistance will alter, albeit slightly, the fate of this recurrent spacetime. Either way, our wish will be fulfilled. And I shall observe it happen.

HEY!

......

Man and Girl have deep history with ghost?

Yes. Phantom's the one behind Cochlea's repeated demise. Each time the country fell, Nona's mother, the queen of Cochlea, rewound time... Creating a recurrent spacetime, a time loop of the same three days. Soon, the rotations accelerated and the place turned to chaos.

Ah. Something else ghost said. Make Sesta think. Ghost say, "Either way, wish is fulfilled." Maybe they want something else. Not just chaos.

Who knows. We should be careful though.

Ghost no try stop us. Make Sesta uneasy. Could be trap. Need watch out for "vessel" thing, too.

Vessel, huh?

Nona has idea?

This "living puppet" chosen by chaos must be someone who was in Cochlea to begin with.

I have a hunch, and I don't like it. If they're ruled by chaos, maybe...

......

There's no point thinking too hard about it until we can confirm it for ourselves. Let's take a look around.

Right. Even with Cochlea in this state, there could be people out there who need saving. We have to hurry up and find every last person we can!

Oh, before I forget. Sesta, you said that the voice you heard was coming from Cochlea, right? Now that you're here, have you noticed anything?

No. Sesta hears no echo. Mirror from Noahxis is silent too. Maybe this place stained by too much chaos.

Oh...

For now, Sesta put your goals first. More people search castle the better. And...

......

Sesta feel impatience seeing Nona's worried expression. Have to do something. Different from regular anger. Impulse Sesta can't describe.

Thanks, Sesta. That sounds like concern.

Con...cern?

I feel the same. Okay, we'd better proceed with caution.

This is the inside of Cochlea Castle?

Parts of castle melted and changed into other thing. It is strange. Like being watched, but Sesta no sense anyone else.

How's it going, Nona? Did you find something?

No, not exactly.

Do you two hear that? It's like a faint echo or something.

No, I don't hear anything.

What does noise sound like?

It's like someone's voice, making a long sound... I think...they're singing.

Hey, Nona!

I think I'll hear it more clearly over there. It's such a faint, indefinite echo. Why does it upset me so?

It's so nostalgic, so warm, so sad. But why?

Nona not acting right. We follow.

Agreed!

Nona! There you are!

It was a song after all.

Huh?

Listen. Really listen. All these soft things entwined around the castle, they're making a trembling noise.

What is that?

Sesta hears it. A high, unstable, thin echo like worn strings rubbing together.

It does sound like a song. It's resonating through the parts melted into the castle.

...... I know this song.

What?

I don't remember what the song is about, but I remember the sound.

My mother once sang it to me a long time ago. She said it's an important song, passed down the royal line along with the duty to protect the country.

What?

Then...

If we can hear the song from here... Then the vessel engulfing this place in chaos must be my mother.

No...

To be honest, I'd kinda assumed as much ever since Phantom told us about the vessel. I just tried not to think about it. If she is, then I may lose the person I most want to save.

We won't know for sure until we see for ourselves. Even if the Queen of Cochlea has turned this place to chaos, there must be a way to stop it. For now, let's find someplace else, where we can hear the song more clearly.

Sesta agrees. Nona's hunch may be strong, but need reliable information to work out next steps.

Yeah, you're right. Thanks, you two. We can worry about all this later!

The deeper we go, the clearer song is.

Perhaps it's a sign that we're getting closer to the vessel. Hm?

What is it, Aldo? Did you find something?

Look!

It's another one of those devices Phantom always gives me.

A recording medium you were given when you were sent from the future? Makes sense for one to be here.

Future? Nona not born in Cochlea?

Um, about that...

......

Choosing words carefully? No, face says Nona trying to put to words what Nona not want to remember.

You got all that from my face?

Sesta right, yes? Strange. Sesta knows what you think. Sesta not pry. Nona talks when Nona is ready.

This thing...this recording medium? There is a way to watch recording?

Oh, there is! Though it's easier with a playback board... Sometimes I can see the video just by touching the device. I'll try that...

......!

How could this be happening?

Somebody! Mommy, she's...

You were attacked, too?

Yeah...the nasty sludgy came in from out of town... If you couldn't escape, you got swallowed up by it...

Mommy told me to leave. She was gonna stop the sludgy. Then she turned into a sludgy.

You poor thing. Welcome.

It's like a nightmare. The country is melting away, swallowing everything in its tracks. Cochlea has lived in peace for so long. How could anything get through our barrier?

The Queen will grant us wisdom. All that's left of Cochlea now is this castle. Even Her Majesty...

Your Majesty!

......

Your Majesty! Have you seen what's happened to the town? Do you know what's going on?

Wh-What the?

Aaahhh!

Aaarghhh!

Your Majesty! Why?

Stop! Nooo!

......

Did you see anything, Nona?

Yeah... I saw it all.

Huh?

The vessel really was my mother.

......!

I saw it. I saw the day the whole of Cochlea was engulfed in chaos. My mother ensnared them.

Oh...

We were too late. The chaos has total control over her. If even the tiniest iota of her mind remained in there, she would never have done something like that.

......

She reached her limit. After seeing her country perish over and over, seeing time warp, seeing the whole realm consumed by chaos... Her heart broke. And then, the chaos came in and took control of her. The woman we'll meet won't really be my mother anymore. She's someone else now.

Someone else?

It's okay. If I keep thinking of her as someone else, it will make things easier when the time comes.

When the time comes? Are you planning to defeat her?

I at least have to be prepared to.

That is awful! Nona loves Queen!

Yes, but that's why I must do this. If she continues to spread chaos... Other times and places will soon be swallowed up, and there'll be nothing we can do to stop it. My mother was the most loving person there ever was. She wouldn't want this.

We have to end this before that can happen.

Nona...

I'm sorry. I get that you're resolved... But still, this is too much! You came here to save Cochlea! To save the Queen!

Yes. I know.

We got here before anything worse could happen. I have to be grateful for that, at least.

Still!

You're kind, Aldo. But right now, that kindness is painful to me.

I feel like I might burst. If I waver, even just a little, everything will fall apart. So why would you say such things to me?

...... You're right. It was thoughtless of me to say that. I know how much you're suffering.

Still, I'm glad you were the one to put those feelings into words. Once all this is over, promise you'll be there for me, in my anger and sadness.

Of course I will.

Thanks. You really are kind, Aldo.

......

Okay, we need to work out how we're gonna move forward. It's kinda hard to keep your bearings, but I think this way leads to the kitchen, then the library.

Nona has good memory.

Well, I've spent a lot of time here. If we keep going, we'll find my mother. We'll find the vessel of chaos.

......

Huh?!

What is this feeling?

Like place is distorted. No, like perception is distorted.

Hey, look over there!

It's my mother.

That thing?

Yes. I saw it before. It was in that form that she ensnared her people and turned them to chaos. We have to follow her before she spreads any more chaos!

......

Just a little further...

Look. Where Queen touches, things erode. Can tell she gone by many times. Must be wandering same place in castle for long time.

What?

Does that mean she has a fixed path? We're about to lose sight of her!

It won't matter.

Huh?

I feel like I can tell where the vessel will go next. If I'm right...then she's heading for the barrier control room.

Why think that?

My mother used to do that every day. She would check on every person working in the castle, tend to her books in the library... Then double-check the magic soldiers' inspection of the barrier... Before finally going to the garden to see if the flowers were still alive.

Do you think she still remembers that?

No, she can't! There's no way! It's just habit. It's ingrained in her. It's not like she'll know what she's doing. She can't!

But...

Please. Don't make me think about it.

Nona...

Okay. If we're going to the control room, there might be a route up ahead. We'll be better off going there and waiting for her than keeping up this chase.

...... Nona. If you...

Come on, there's no time to lose! Follow me!

The control room is just through here. My mother always passed through this corridor. If we stay here, she'll show up.

...... Listen, Nona. Maybe I shouldn't be saying this... It's just, can't we look for some way to stop the chaos without defeating the Queen?

I appreciate that, Aldo.

I've been trying to think of something this whole time. Yet no matter how hard I try, I can't think of a way to get her back to normal. This way will have to do.

......

Besides, that vessel isn't my mother. My mother's gone.

For her sake, I at least have to prevent that vessel from destroying my mother's beloved world.

......!

Song getting louder. Getting closer. Nona was right.

Okay, we should follow her from behind when she enters the control room. You two ready?

Yeah.

Now. Before Queen notices.

Nona?

...... Why? Why did I have to remember now? That song...

Hey!

Queen examine something? What is Queen doing?

......

Stop singing that song.

Stop this instant!

What's going on? Did you remember something?

Yes, I finally remembered what the song means. Hearing her singing nearby, I realized the vessel was humming something like words. It's the song my mother taught me that day... This song...

...upon...the surface...

Mom!

Nona. I thought I told you, this room is dangerous.

But I heard something! Was that you, Mom? Were you singing just now?

......

Huh? You going all shy, Mom?

There's simply no need to answer.

What were you singing, Mom?

......

Hey! MOOOM!

C'mon! What were you singing?

......

I wanna know! Pleeease?

......

Mooom!

You really want to know about this song, don't you?

Well, yeah! I've never heard you sing before! It's gotta be a real special song, right?

Indeed it is. This song may only be passed down through the royal line.

For real? See, I knew it was special! A song just for royals? What's it do? Give you magic powers? Or, or tell you how to find buried treasure?

Your nurse has got to stop reading you those fairy tales. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but it's just a song. It holds no power.

Oh...

However, the feelings held within the song are something that we must carry forward.

Feelings?

Nona, what do you see ahead?

Ahead? Just the sea. And the glistening horizon. There's nothing else.

Indeed. There is nothing. That is best.

I don't understand?

The horizon must not be taken for granted. That arc only exists so long as our country has peace. So long as there are no battles, and no disasters. That beautifully calm water is a symbol of peace and stability. It is a treasure.

How can nothing be a treasure? That's so weird.

You too will understand once you are charged with protecting this country and its people. The song you heard was a prayer for the water's surface to last forever.

You put a prayer into song?

I suppose you are still to young to learn the song.

Wait! Wait! I wanna learn it now! Please teach me! I'll concentrate real hard!

That song is my mother's song. A prayer for the beautiful horizon surrounding Cochlea to never change. A prayer for everyone's happiness. Why are you singing it?

......

Don't you dare imitate my mother! Everything you're doing, examining the barrier, wandering a set route of the castle... It's exactly what my mother used to do! Why? You're not my mother anymore! My mother would never do something so terrible!

......

Those words... It can't be... My mother's greatest wish... It never changed, even after she was taken over by the chaos?

Wish? What wish?

She's trying to build a horizon.

What?

She's using chaos power to melt everything, uniting everyone under one sea, to build a horizon. Even in this state, she...

She still believes that so long as we have a horizon, Cochlea can find peace again!

......!

Her feelings are pouring into the song. She's already completely forgotten who she is, and where she is... Yet that one remaining wish still moves my mother's empty husk. Her wish to protect those she cares about.

Tsk!

I can't!

I can't defeat her!

Oh!

I know I have to defeat the vessel of chaos in order to save the world... I've been trying with all my might to think of this vessel as a separate person! But my mother's still in there! Even if the whole world is broken, I... I... I don't want her to disappear!

......

Danger!

Ack!

Sesta! I'm so sorry! It's all my fault! I couldn't attack...

Don't worry about it!

......

If you don't want to defeat the Queen, let us handle this.

But... But... How will you stop her? There's no reasoning with her, and unless we fight, she'll get to us, too!

We can think about that later!

But...

Look, I can't expect you to point your bow at your own mother! Especially not while you're crying! I can't let you do this! However long it takes, even if we're out of time, we'll find another way.

......

Sesta agrees.

You two...

For now... We find a way to escape this place without Queen attacking.

......

Wargh?!

A-Are you...eating us?!

Hey! What are you doing?!

Whaa?

Ouch! Grateful as I am for you saving us...

You could have given us some warning! I really didn't expect you to gobble us up!

......

Yeah! I never want to go through that again! Hey, Sesta?

...... Sesta...is...sorry... ......

Sesta? What's wrong?

Are you injured from the Queen's attack?

Her wound's slow to heal. No, wait. It looks like it's spreading.

You ran all the way here to save us, in this condition?

I'm so sorry we didn't realize!

Don't...worry. Sesta simply...obeys voice.

Your heard the voice?

Sesta...knows. My true...

Agh!

Don't force yourself to speak. Just try to rest!

Restoration...not working well for a while now. Sesta's body made of random matter. United under one will. Impurity prevents matter from unifying.

Impurity?

Voices...in will. Things not Sesta inside of Sesta. Sesta...scattering...

Oh no! Your wound's getting bigger! It's as if it's crumbling from the edges.

Because she was hit by the Queen's attack?

The scene I saw before... When the people of Cochlea were touched by the vessel, they lost their shape. They became chaos.

If Sesta's body has started this process, then...

......!

Sesta cannot hold form forever.

No, we don't know that!

It is fine. Sesta found her. Just a little, Sesta protected her.

Huh?

What Sesta search for... ...... What Sesta pursues her whole life...

......

Sesta!

It's not working! My healing isn't working! Her life light is burning out... No! Sesta! Please! Don't leave us! This can't be the end!

Nona, you've got to get back before the chaos gets you as well!

No! I can't leave her! She only ended up like this because she was trying to protect me! I can't abandon her!

NONA!

...... Huh? Where am I? Am I alive? Am I dead? Where do I begin? And where do I end?

Although... What difference does it make? If I'm alive, it doesn't matter. If I'm dead, nothing changes. I'll melt into the world and disappear... ......

Huh?

It's a voice. Strange. I feel like I've heard it before.

They're crying. They're overwhelmed.

......

I have to go. That voice is calling me. It's begging for help. Pleading with me. Their pain is my pain. It feels like my body is being torn apart by the whole world. The pain turns into anger. A flame of anger scorches me.

I must go to the voice. I must free them from pain. If I can't... I must take revenge on the world that caused this pain.

I want a body. Without a body, I can't move. There is boundary between myself and all else. I'll assimilate, fuse, reconstruct, make it part of me. Hands to crawl. Legs to walk. Skin to feel. Eyes to search.

Hm? Is this what I look like? I thought I was different...

Huh? This will have to do. I must go to the voice...

Wait? Why do I have to go to the voice?

Is this my form?

Is this me?

Everything feels right, yet everything feels wrong. Who am I? How do I decide?

Oh no! Sesta! Nona! At this rate, I'm gonna...

Ogre Rancorem? What are you doing?

Are you going to force our souls to mix with the rabble?

Souls?

Don't you feel it? All those souls writhing within, blended together?

Blended together? Oh, I see. All those people taken by the chaos are stuck within this?

Ogre Rancorem, I need to save Sesta and Nona from it! Do you know how I can do that?

You're too late.

What?

It is too difficult. Just as we cannot split our souls back into their original, individual states. One's soul and self is uncertain. Lose your own borders, and you can never return as you were.

But...

What are you doing?

There's no time! I have to go inside!

I can't let you do that!

Dammit! Sesta! Nona!

What the...

That cat... That's the cat that opened up those wormholes!

Whoa?

What's it doing?

Hey! Nona, are you okay? NONA!

Who am I? Or... Am I no one?

...... Still... This feeling. It's kind of nostalgic. It's not the first time I couldn't remember who I was. How did I remember last time?

Huh?

Someone's calling out a name.

Ah yes. Back then...

You found me. I'd been walking alone for so long, I couldn't remember who I was. I didn't recognize my own form. Just when I wanted to disappear, you found me. Only when someone called me by my name was I able to remember who I was. My name is...

I'd just like to say... thank you for finding me...

What was that?

Yes. I know there is someone who will find me even if I can't find myself. I was able to endure that eternal loneliness. Even now, if I merge with others, I will not forget myself.

Are you me?

No. I'm Nona.

Why aren't I you?

Why won't you be like us?

Aren't I you?

They can't remember who they are. Just hold on. I will come back to save you. I will call you by your names. But first...

......

Sesta, we have to go.

Sesta is...

Remember the voice that called to you. There's someone you want to save, remember? You were born for them, remember?

......

Even if you forget, I'll remember for you. What big ears you had in wolf form. What big eyes. And a mouth, huge enough to swallow us whole. Receiving favors always stresses you. Your eyes look so mature, yet you have a child-like innocence. That's who you are, Sesta. That's your form. That's the "you" that I saw.

Nona. Sesta is...

We haven't accomplished anything yet. Let's go back to Aldo.

Nona! Sesta!

We back?

Thank goodness! We made it back!

What happened? How did you get out of that? And before, Nona, you...

Hm? Did I do something strange?

Not so much strange as...

Should go over what we know.

Right. Besides, there's something I want to ask you, Sesta.

Sesta?

The voice I heard when you and I were merged...

They're crying. They're overwhelmed.

I think that voice was...

Nona notice, too? Of course Nona notice.

......

While resting, more monsters here. Find someplace safe, then talk.

Yes, good idea!

Okay, how did you two get back here then? Ogre Rancorem said it was impossible to get a soul back once it's been blended with others.

It's kinda difficult to explain... At first, I didn't know who I was. I was like a ball of light, with no form, no nothing. I felt like I was someone yet no one. I couldn't tell where I ended and the rest of the world began. It wasn't just Sesta and I in there. There were others, and they'd also forgotten who they were. And then, I remembered. I remembered who I was and why I was there.

How come you remembered, when nobody else could?

Oh, that? Well...

I heard your voice, Aldo!

Huh?

You were calling out to me. You were calling my name from beyond the chaos. And it made me remember that other time when I was lost all alone, not knowing who I was...

You found me back then, too. That's how I managed to not lose sight of myself. When I remembered that, my form became clearer somehow, and I went back to normal.

That's how it happened? Still how could that alone...

Sesta can't explain either. How can self melted in chaos come back at call of name? Must be something else. But...did Aldo not say something to Nona before?

Oh yeah, I did. When you two were consumed by the chaos...

What? The cat jumped inside me?

This cat, you know it?

Yeah, I guess. It's not a regular cat. It's a mysterious cat that opens up holes leading to different, over- lapping worlds called time layers... Then brings people from the other side through these wormholes it creates.

Such creatures exist? Why these cats were created?

......

All life created for a reason. Sesta wants to believe that.

A reason why the cats were created, huh?

With Tsukiha, with Mariel, and even with Yakumo, though things didn't go so well there... Their goal must have been the same each time.

They were trying to bring in someone from an outside world who could fix the recurrent spacetime. They were looking for help.

Someone looking for help?

Huh? Oh... Maybe not someone. Maybe the time layer itself?

Nona says worlds have their own will?

I don't know. Just, thinking about it that way would explain a lot. The future is already decided in this time layer. When the past can't reach that future, it is corrected.

The time layer's history was once altered so badly that the time layer itself was about to disappear... Knowing how desperately it sought to correct history, even creating the recurrent spacetimes... I can tell. I can feel someone's earnest wish to protect this place, for this world not to disappear.

......

Yeah, kind of a strange thing to say, isn't it?

Not so crazy. Many things in this world are not ruled by logic or natural principles. Maybe some things explained by great will intervening.

......

Sesta is like you. Sesta believes in existence of god.

Thanks, Sesta. If nothing else, I can always count on you to out-weird me!

There are nicer ways to say!

Anyway. If whoever repairs time layer has will, they sent cats to give Nona power. What power though? Enough to rescue us from chaos, but...

Right. It sort of looked like a thread.

A thread?

Yeah. It wrapped around you as if it was protecting you. And it was glowing. Then the chaos disappeared and you and Sesta returned. I think it was the same thread as the one you touched when we came to Cochlea.

If guiding thread made by will of time layer, then Nona has same power.

What can a thread do? Pull someone? Bind others together?

Or mend things that have been torn.

Mend things?

I was always tearing holes in my clothes when I was out fighting monsters in the local guard. Feinne used to mend them for me.

Mending, huh? Maybe right to think of it like Nona's thread mended our selves when torn apart in chaos.

Hm. So that's my power? ......

Nona?

I have a question. Do you think I could use this power on my mother?

What?

If my power allows me to find someone within the chaos and mend them... Then maybe it can save my mother from the chaos's control?

Yeah, you could be on to something. But in order to use that power, you would need to be drawn into the chaos again.

Yeah, there is that...

If you fail, you might never make it back. To attempt such a thing...

Aldo worries about Nona. But no method safe right now. Not about safety. If chance it works, we need do.

......

Sesta not okay with Nona not coming back either. But Sesta has faith. If Nona gets lost, Sesta will find. Wherever she is.

......

Sesta knows now. Her god is Nona.

Wh-What are you talking about? I thought your god was the voice who gave you life?

Yes. Sesta realized when Nona cry before Vessel Queen.

First time Sesta hears pain in Nona's voice.

Her voice overlapped with scream that give Sesta life, that give Sesta anger.

Oh!

It overlapped? You mean it sounded similar?

No, it's something closer than that. More like, it's the same. The voice that Sesta heard when she was born was mine.

Yours?

How come you know that?

I heard it, too. Just for a short while, when Sesta and I were merged. I heard a voice in the darkness, calling for help. Wanting to respond, I made myself a body. Perhaps it was from Sesta's memory. I didn't even know who I was at the time, so I didn't realize... That I was the one calling for help. When I saw my mother stab my mother. When I ran away in fear.

Coming from anyone else, I'd say this was absurd. But I do believe you. Though this still doesn't explain... Why did Sesta hear Nona's voice?

Sesta know not. To Sesta, it seems like voice, but it may be signal or something. A signal so absolute it shakes Sesta instincts, it stops Sesta from doing anything but what voice want. Sesta hears before. Only one voice in world that moves Sesta so.

Yes, after being you for a while, I realized. You and I are connected by something that can't be easily broken. I just don't quite know what that is yet...

If Nona asks for help, wherever you are, Sesta will find. No matter how far. Even if worlds apart. Sesta will find.

Will Aldo?

M-Me?

Well... I don't know if I have a special connection like you two do.

But if you go too far to make your way back, then the answer's simple. I'll just have to go look for you.

Chaos or not, I won't give up until I get you back. That's all I can say for sure.

Oh, Aldo!

Then we do what Nona wishes. Just defeating vessel won't rescue Nona.

Right. My mind is made up, too.

Although, how are you going to enter the Queen's chaos?

Um... I think the surest way to do it is to let her attack me. That's how it got Sesta.

Yeah, I think you're right. Okay. Once you've entered the chaos, we'll keep fighting until you get back safely.

And if Nona loses self, just raise voice. We will find you. Have no fear.

Thanks, you two.

Okay, let's go find my mother. She should be heading to the garden by now. Come on, I know a shortcut!

Lead the way!

Sesta senses Queen ahead.

It's time. ......

Aldo, Sesta. If I don't make it back... Will you defeat my mother for me?

I'm sorry, but I won't do that.

Huh?

No. We promised. We fight until Nona come back.

Only when the three of us are together can we save Cochlea from the chaos. We'll be waiting for that moment. Whatever happens, come back to us.

Oh!

Thanks, you two.

I will. I'll come back to you.

That's all I wanted to hear.

Mother!

......

I'm sorry for not coming to help you before all this happened.

I'm sorry for destroying Cochlea.

......

Thank you for trying to save me all those times, again and again. Thank you for trying to protect Cochlea, even when you're worn out, even when you've lost yourself.

You're having a bad dream right now. I'm going to find you and bring you out of it.

No matter how messed up things are in there, I will find you.

Nona...

Now we fight. We trust Nona comes back.

Right!

Where am I?

I...

Your Majesty! What an unexpected pleasure to see you in town.

Your Majesty! Our grapes are excellent this time of year. They should make a fine wine.

Your Majesty, lend me your ear. You see, my husband...

Your Majesty? Is that...me?

No. I'm...

Sorry. I have to go!

Don't go! Stay with us, Your Majesty!

When shall I deliver the wine?

Would you like to take a little walk, Your Majesty?

Listen to me! I'm not my mo...

Oh!

Your Majesty...

You're not Her Majesty?

Who are you then?

Eek!

Who am I?

Tell me. Who am I?

I see. Everyone is blended together. This must be her memory. And yet, the consciousness and memories of everyone the chaos took are trapped in this world.

If I call each of them by their names, maybe I can get them back to normal?

Tell me...

I know your voice. You're Sara from the flower shop. You used to give me bouquets of fresh blooms.

What about me?

You're Dekim, the chef. I always loved your omelets.

And me?

You're Nicole. We used to practice baking cakes together.

Don't worry. I'll remember each and every one of you. Then you'll return to normal...

Aldo! Queen!

That's the thing I saw when you were rescued from the chaos! The Queen can use this thread power?

How strange. It feels like I just woke up from the longest dream.

What am I doing here? I better get back to the kitchen!

Thank goodness! If I can save each of you, maybe I can save my mother!

Nona, Nona! You gonna come over to play today?

Um, maybe not today...

Huh?

NO! Nicole! Sara! Dekim!

Who am I...

I...

......

It's no use! The chaos enveloping this world has grown too strong! Helping them one by one won't last long enough!

Somebody...

Just hold on a little longer. I'll save you all, I promise.

Deep within this world, that's where she'll be.

I won't be able to save anybody until I've released her. I'll have to go much further in.

......

I'm sorry. Nona...

I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry.

......

......

When I grow up, I wanna be just like you.

Look, Mom, look! Look how tall I've gotten! I'm gonna be as tall as you soon!

Teach me the horizon song, Mom! Will you teach it to me when I'm bigger?

I'm sorry, Nona. Your future...

Mom, Mom! You know what day it is today? It's my 18th birthday! I got you some real special wine! I hope you're looking forward to today!

I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry!

I stole your future. Over and over...and over and over and over and over. I killed hundreds and thousands of you. I took your tomorrow from you, over and over and over.

......

......

Look, Mom! I made you a flower crown!

Honestly, Mom! You can be the worst sometimes!

There was no need to be so angry! The flow was just a little fast, that's all.

*sniffle*... *sob*

Mom got hurt protecting me from the monsters. She's not gonna die, is she?

You know...

Sometimes, I kinda worry. Adults are always forgetting things, right?

I had so much fun playing with Mom today. Am I gonna forget that when I get older?

You remember everything?

Yay! I hope Mom always remembers as well.

Ugh...

Who...are...you?

Is this...Cochlea? It felt like I was dreaming...

Vessel's power get weaker.

It worked?!

Oh! Nona!

Nona back.

I don't know. The vessel started writhing in pain, and then it spat you out. Only you, though.

Then attacking chaos will not hurt Queen.

No need to hold back now.

Right. Let's finish this!

The chaos power is getting stronger! Why is this happening?

The vessel's spitting everything out!

Look, you two!

Castle is back to normal! Chaos is gone, and order is restored! Queen and others caught in chaos must...

Wait a minute... If this castle is upside down, then...

Aaarghhh!

We can't stay here!

......!

Wha!

Ouch!

Sorry. Only know rough way.

No, you really helped us out! Who knows what would've happened had we got caught up in the castle's reconfiguration.

......

Nona...

It's back.

It's all back! The Cochlea I know and love is back!

Yes. You're finally home.

Although, if we've returned to the time before the chaos warped Cochlea... Then the imitation prisma contamination will still be in the barrier control device.

Ah. We don't know how many days we'll have, but if we don't stop it, then Cochlea will...

We can't let that happen! We have to find a way to undo the imitation prisma's contamination and stop the explosion.

Right!

Hm? Who are you?

That's Lauro, the guard. Thank goodness! Things really have gone back to normal!

I've never seen you around before. Where'd you come from?

Ah... Uh-oh. Cochlea doesn't let people in from the outside, does it?

Nona, do you mind acting as mediator between us and the Cochlean people? You're the only one they'll recognize.

Erm...

Come on, say something, strangers!

...... Erm... I'm the...um...Princess of Cochlea...

Princess? Don't be ridiculous. The only royalty we have is the Queen.

Are you pretending to be royalty?

Oh... I knew it...

Wh-What's going on?

Everyone's memories were mixed together in the chaos. In order to save my mother... I had to erase myself from their world of memories.

What?!

No one in Cochlea will remember you?

No, I don't think so.

That's terrible!

I had no choice. It was the only way to save my mother.

But...

Hey! What're you whispering about over there?

You folks sure seem suspicious to me! We better bring 'em to Her...

Hm?

What is going on here?

......!

Your Majesty! We just discovered some suspicious folks!

Oh?

......

I've never seen you three before. Our barrier should detect anyone who crosses through...

We seem to have gotten lost here. We're honestly not suspicious or...

Do not fear.

Curious. Ordinarily, I would not talk to strangers... But I feel you mean no harm to our country.

And then there's you.

Oh?

When I look in your face, I feel so very nostalgic. Have we met before?

Oh!

No, we haven't. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Majesty.

Hm. You must have a good reason for entering our country.

I am Ferdiana, queen of this land. Though, my people rarely call me by that name.

I will require a full briefing as to what you are doing here. Let us return to my castle and...

What the?

Aldo! Up in the sky!