The One with the Revived Heart...

Ah, this takes me back. Looks like they're still teaching magic here.

Toova, are you saying this is where you learned magic?

No. I wasn't taught here.

Oh? Visitors?

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. I was here a long time ago, and I thought...

Oh, I don't mind. I don't suppose you know anyone still here?

Oh. Well the only one I remember is Nene. Is she still here? She was particularly skilled in magic.

Nene? I don't know any students by that name. When did she attend?

A long time ago. The last time I saw her, it was when she had just become a teacher at this school.

Nene, a teacher... Wait, you don't mean Miss Nenezari?!

Oh, yes. Nenezari. I forgot that was her real name, we all just called her Nene.

Miss Nenezari was my teacher's teacher!

Oh, in that case, that would make me your teacher's teacher's teacher?

What?!

I had hoped that Nene would still be here.

Miss Nenezari retired a long time ago, but you might be able to find her in the dining hall having tea.

...Hmm, is Nene here I wonder?

...Nene?

Oh, yes! If it isn't Miss Toova!

Oh, and you are?

I'm Nenezari. I'm the one you used to call Nene all those years ago.

You're Nene... It's been a long time indeed. But, yes, I can tell it's you.

Time changes all things. How many decades has it been? But Miss Toova, you haven't changed at all!

I suppose. My body has basically died, so it doesn't really age.

That makes sense. But enough small talk, why have you come back after all these years?

When I came across the magic classroom, I was struck with nostalgia. Old memories came flooding back.

You know back then, you and Miss Orphia really helped me out.

Orphia... It's been a long time since I last heard that name.

Hey, Aldo. Would you like to join me on an adventure? I want to go and meet someone I haven't seen in a long time.

This Orphia person?

That's right. She's an elf woman and a close friend of mine. I'd like to introduce you to her.

Oh, okay. If she's a friend of yours, I'd like to meet her too.

Thanks, Aldo.

So where are we going to find your friend?

The Corinda Plains. Orphia should be there.

It was good seeing you again, Nene. Let's do this again sometime.

I'd like that, Miss Toova. Just don't leave it as long this time, okay?

Orphia, how many decades has it been...

Toova, your friend, Orphia? She lives around here?

Yes. She's always lived in this area.

I see. What is she like?

We were childhood friends. She was always so lively and positive. We traveled all over together.

Why did you stop?

I could have brought her along, I suppose... But she wasn't in the mood for it.

Did you get into a fight? It's been a long time, hasn't it? She must be missing you.

Yes... But I had my skeletons for company. I gave them names and doted on them, which kept me from being so lonely.

Skeletons you controlled with your magic? What did you call them?

Fractel, or Cracky, Stumpy as well... Names that made sense when you saw them.

(So they had broken bones. Or bones missing.)

There was also Smoky, Bity, Burny, In-halfie...

(Oh wow, is that how they died?!)

The skeletons seemed to like being given names.

I-I see... (I guess tastes might change when you become a skeleton.) So where does this Orphia live?

Farther in. She lives on a beautiful plateau.

This takes me back. I used to love coming up here with Orphia and just enjoying the view.

Wow, it really is beautiful here. I'm starting to get why Orphia would live in a place like this.

Yes... But keep your wits about you.

...See? There are monsters all over the place!

They're stronger than they look. Is Orphia okay living in a place like this?

Yes. She'll be fine. No need to worry.

She must be pretty tough.

...Aldo. Do you know how I ended up with these necromancy powers?

Hmm? I've never really thought about it. I always assumed it was an accident or something.

No, you're wrong. I was in the peak of health.

So why did you use necromancy?

So you found a way to make your life as long as hers? But if that's the case, then why did you leave her?

...... We're nearly there. You'll see why once we get there. Orphia lives in the center of the plains.

(Huh? This place looks like... I've been here once before.) (But if that's true...)

I'm back, Orphia...

...Orphia, it's me. I'm sorry. I should have come sooner...

Toova... Is Orphia...

Yes. She's resting here. This is her grave... I buried her here many many years ago.

...I knew it. I heard it from the future Toova that she had an ancient friend.

Correct. That was Orphia.

Toova...

One day my powers will forsake me. Still, it's ironic, isn't it? My powers have forced me to feel the loss that I tried to keep from my elven friend.

We talked about this a little bit when you were here before...

Orphia said something to me before she died. She wanted me to use necromancy on her, same as me. She didn't want me to be left alone...

But... You didn't do it.

No. I let her sleep an eternal sleep. She had lived a full life, there was no need to extend it. She was ready. I couldn't put her through the pain I feel from going against the natural order.

However... Ever since I lost Orphia, I've been so lonely...

The skeletons can't speak... And being immortal, I can't stay in one place too long... It's...so lonely! Oh, Orphia!

But, Toova! You have us! You're not alone!

Perhaps... I've endured so much pain... But I see now there's a reason I've become what I am today.

The magic has brought me to you...

Orphia, I have something to tell you. When you died, it was like my heart died too.

But... I've started traveling the world again. (It almost feels like we're traveling together again. But...)

...Aldo.

Nice to meet you. I'm Aldo. I'm traveling with your friend Toova. Toova's such a nice person, she helps me a lot.

See, I have friends who'll say kind words like that about me. So you don't need to worry about me. I'll come and see you again. Until then, Orphia.

I guess we've seen Orphia. Shall we go now, Toova?

Yes. Aldo, thank you for coming with me.

(But... I know that I'll...have to say goodbye to you too. One day...)

Toova, are you all right?

...... It's nothing. It's just... One day, Aldo...

Would you consider taking up necromancy?

Wh-What?!

Heheh. Just kidding. ...Maybe...

Toova?