A New Beginning

Hmm... This is looking like quite the setback.

What's wrong? Is something bothering you, Kikyo?

Oh, Aldo. It's about Angal.

Angal... That's your hometown, isn't it?

It won't be long now till the day when they run out of food. Even when the scavengers work morning, day, and night, preserved foods are sadly the best they can do.

I see... So the food situation is dire.

I've been sending home some of the money I've earned here, but it's only a drop in the bucket. The tastes of beasts is somewhat different from that of humans...

Hmm. Makes sense...

But that changes things. Isn't it better to talk to the beastfolk about beast problems?

Hey, Aldo. Do you remember when I talked about my hometown a bit earlier?

Umm... I remember you telling me it was really poor.

It won't be long now till the day when they run out of food. Even when the scavengers work morning, day, and night, preserved foods are sadly the best they can do.

I see... So the food situation is dire.

I've been sending home some of the money I've earned here, but it's only a drop in the bucket. The tastes of beasts is somewhat different from that of humans...

Beasts? Why are beasts appearing there of all places?

Oh, I suppose I never told you. My hometown is a beast settlement. I'm the only human from there.

Is that right?! So there is a beast settlement in the future, too!

But that changes things. Isn't it better to talk to the beastfolk about beast problems?

That might be the case but the beasts in my hometown don't seem all that unhappy at the moment, so...

No, that's not what I mean. Let's go talk to the citizens of Konium in my era. Beast pacifists have cleared land there. They might give us some kind of hint.

Huh? Did you say a beast village in your era?! Going to that kind of place?!

Oh, sorry! You're probably right that going to another era might not help much...

No, no, it's a great idea! I'm sure we'll find a hint there!

O-Oh... I had no idea you'd be that excited.

Let's not waste time here! Let's head to Konium right away!

This is the beast village, Konium!

Oh, Aldo. Have you brought a new human to our village again? But it looks like it's Kikyo.

Oh, Aldo. Have you brought a new human to our village again?

Oh Guildna... You came at just the right time.

Hey, Guildna... Perfect timing! This is Kikyo, a traveling buddy.

Kikyo. You might not believe this, but Guildna was the king of the beasts in this era. He's well known in Konium and might be worth talking to...

......

Kikyo?

Huh?

Oh... No! I-It's nothing!

Well... What can I say? Seeing a beast settlement other than my own has me a bit dazed.

Hmm... So you're from a beast town even though you're human?

Th-That's right! The truth is... I want to discuss that.

Sure. Let me hear it.

The truth is...

I see... I think I understand the gist of it.

Is there anything that can be done, Guildna?

Hmm... Food supply in a ruined land...

Stop, Master Guildna!

You don't have to listen to what some dumb human has to say!

Who is that kid?

A kid who migrated to Konium recently. He used to live in a mixed beast and human village in the north.

I'm not sure how he was treated in that village... But he has more animosity toward humans than most.

I see...

Hey, there. Do you mind?

Wh-What is it, human? What use could you have with me?

I grew up surrounded by beasts in a place different from here.

Even now, we're very close, and I'm proud to consider them true friends of mine...

So what are you trying to say? I should play nice with humans?

Never gonna happen! Uh-uh!

*sigh*

That boy... Why does he hate humans so much?

I have no idea. But we can't just leave this alone.

Yeah... And it looks like he went running off toward Gabaraki. It's dangerous for him to go alone.

Let's go after him... Just to be safe.

Even young beasts can hold their own against monsters. Don't underestimate him, Kikyo and Aldo.

H-Hey, Guildna! Aren't you worried about him being just a kid and all? How could say that?

But, you know... He didn't tell us not to go after him.

True. You seem to understand Guildna's feelings well.

Huh?! N-No! It was just a guess is all!

A-Anyway! Let's head to Gabaraki and find that kid!

Hmm... If it isn't Kikyo! You don't seem to discriminate against beasts at all, but...

But those feelings... Could it be...?!

Phew... There's no way they'll chase me this far.

Wait! I want to have a word with you!

Wha, ?! The humans!

Why did you follow me?! You don't care... You don't about me or beasts for that matter... do you?!

I couldn't bear seeing you so upset earlier. So please, talk to me... Why do you hate humans?

You humans could never understand how it feels!

...... It's true that I'll never totally know how you feel.

But... Your eyes remind me of how mine used to look.

Huh?

The confused eyes of an outsider, convinced that nothing is ever going to change. I used to be the same. I wasn't used to life in the beast settlement from the start. I had a hard time getting along with everyone initially.

But while I lived there, I gradually realized that I was the one walling myself off from others.

......

The difference between us... Is that you were taken in by your own people your entire youth. But this also means that you've had less opportunity to learn about the good points of those who are different. That's why... That's why I wanted to tell you about the change of heart I experienced.

I...see...

I'm not saying we have to be friends. But... Just this once... Do you want to return to the village together?

I see... I...umm...

Grrrrrr...

Huh?!

Oh no! Berserk beasts!

This is bad! Hurry! This way! *gasp*

Urgh... Here, too!

All right... One at a time!

Aaargh! H-Help me!

We're too late... They got him!

They couldn't have gone far. Let's go after them!

He's there! Just wait and we'll save you!

Urgh! More of their friends?!

Oh no... It'll get the boy while we're busy with these guys!

Eeek! Someone... Anyone... Help!

Boy!

Hmph. So annoying...

Guildna!

Don't let up. This battle isn't over yet.

That's right! So let's finish this!

This is the end!

This ends now!

Amazing! You guys definitely are on the same wavelength!

Well... I have to admit, you're not bad at all.

Huh?! I-It was nothing! I couldn't have done it without your help.

But you really did come through for us, Guildna. Despite what you said earlier...

Yes... I did say that the beast boy could handle monsters on his own. But berserk beasts are another matter. Even an adult beast would struggle with those.

Haha. How honest of you to admit that. You could just say you were worried. Especially at a time like that.

Anyway, it's over and done with. Let's take the kid back to Konium immediately.

O-Okay...

Hmm? What's wrong, Kikyo? Why are you blushing?

What?!

N-No, it's nothing! I didn't think it was cool or anything!

Ah, it's Guildna, isn't it? You really do like beasts, don't you, Kikyo?!

L-Like?!

I-It's true that there was a little flutter in my chest the first time and I got a little shy but...

But don't be ridiculous...

Hmm? But you do like the beasts you grew up with, right?

Ah, that's what you mean. You had me for a second there.

So, should we head back to Konium like Guildna suggested?

......

So you still don't trust humans?

Umm... Well...

No worries if you don't. Just come with us for now, and then we're good.

Let's go, Aldo.

That human girl was... Was so cool.

Phew... finally made it.

Yeah, I'm glad we were able to get him home safely.

But I feel like something important has slipped our minds.

Yo... Sis!

Sis?

You mean me?

Y-Yeah...

When I lived with humans... It's not like I was treated all that badly... It's just like you said. I think it was me who was putting up walls...

I still don't know for sure. But... It's something I'll really think about.

So, thanks for that. Anyway... See you around, Sis!

He's a nice boy.

Yeah, he is...

But him calling me "Sis." Heehee... It was kind of embarrassing.

But maybe, just maybe...

Thanks for all the help. I know it's not much... But please take this.

A seed?

It's a seed called the Seed of Beginning. It's from the mayor. When the beastfolk came to this land for the first time, this was the first type of tree they planted. Its strong roots can take hold in desolate ground and will bear fruit when it grows large.

I can't say for sure if it'll help or not though...

I'm sure it'll make everyone happy! I'll plant it as soon as I return home! Thank you so very much for your kindness...

Guildna! Big brother!

......

......

Did you just call me your big brother?

Ahhh!

M-Me and my big mouth! I was so happy to be called "Sis" that I guess it just popped out.

F-Forget I said anything! Take this moment and bury it where it belongs...

No, that's unacceptable!

That voice...

Brother! What's with someone besides me calling you that?!

That's right! I'm so jealous! Fee-fi-fo-fum!

What the heck is going on?!

What are you saying? Did you something change?

Ugh! I'm sorry. It was just a slip of the tongue, really... I can't believe I called you that, Master Guildna.

No, that's not it. I'm younger than you right now. If anything, I'm your little brother.

What's this is about?!

You too, Altena. Age-wise you're older than me as well, aren't you?

Ugh... I was trying not to think too hard about that...

That's right! Show some delicacy! It's Master Guildna!

Hmph... This is annoying. Just call me whatever. I totally don't care, either way. Anyway, I'm heading out. I've got much to do.

Give my regards to the beasts in your hometown, Kikyo.

S-Sure! I'll do just that!

Ah... Wait up!

Master Guildna! I'll join you as well!

Master Guildna! How can you allow someone other than Lady Altena call you big brother like that?!

I'm jealous... So jealous... Fee-fi-fo-fum!

What the heck is going on?!

What are you saying? Did you something change?

Ugh! I'm sorry. It was just a slip of the tongue, really... I can't believe I called you that, Master Guildna.

No, that's not it. I'm younger than you right now. If anything, I'm your little brother.

What's this is about?!

There's that, too, Myrus. Age-wise, Altena is older than me as well...

Unacceptable! Show some delicacy! It's Master Guildna!

Hmph... This is annoying. Just call me whatever. I totally don't care, either way. Anyway, I'm heading out. I've got much to do.

Give my regards to the beasts in your hometown, Kikyo.

S-Sure! I'll do just that!

Please wait, Master Guildna! I'll join you as well!

It all worked out well, right Kikyo?

Yeah... It felt really, really good.

All of the beasts here have happy looks on their faces and seem so full of life... It makes me... It makes me want to see the same thing back home.

If anyone can do it, you can, Kikyo.

This Seed of Beginning... I'm sure it will be the first step in the right direction.