Fates of the Heart and Soul

Have your heard? There's been a shadowy monster lurking around Lake Tiilen...

One of my neighbors was wounded by it. The monster left these large, black scars on his skin.

How horrifying...

Hey, doesn't that sound like what happened in Ratle?

Yes, it could very well be the work of a dark dragon.

But isn't it strange? We already defeated those dark dragons... And then we sealed the gate we found in the Nadara Volcano. They can't have come from Wyrmrest. Wryz and the others would have stopped them long before they could leave.

But isn't it strange? We already defeated those dark dragons... And then we sealed the gate we found in the Nadara Volcano.

It could be that a new gate has opened around Lake Tiilen.

This sounds like a job for a dragon summoner. Let us go investigate, Aldo!

Got it. Let's head over to Lake Tiilen!

Tiramisu, look over there!

So, the rumors were true! Allow me to take care of this!

O dragons from the other side, heed my...

Heavenly Dragon?! You can appear during her summoning?

I can show up anytime I wish to. However, normally a contracted dragon must wait until the summoning is complete... It can take a tole on the body...

Unless you're a dragon of high status, like me.

It sounds really hard on you. Are you alright?

Nothing I can't handle...

Hey you! I was just trying to borrow your power, not summon you! And you just ignore my commands?!

Well the thing is...

No, it's nothing. I rushed here sensing an evil force... But now I see it is just a dark dragon.

Hmph! You're the one always telling me to be patient, but now the shoe is on the other...umm...you know! I can handle one dark dragon on my own! Just you watch...

Hey! Are you even listening to me?!

Haha... He is powerful that's for sure.

Ngh... I could've handled it on my own!

Hahah... That's wonderful! If you're so confident... Why not fight on your own forever?

What?

Who's there?

Don't be alarmed. I'm not your enemy.

Hmm... This presence...

You know him, Heavenly Dragon?

......

I'm glad to finally make your acquaintance. I've waited for this moment for a long time.

What do you want? I heard you blabbering nonsense...

Little dragon summoner... I have something to discuss with you. It seems you are not happy fighting alongside that dragon of yours. I agree that you two shouldn't be allied together.

I do indeed detest this current arrangement I have...

Tiramisu!

Relax, Aldo. I have no intention of wasting my time speaking with such a suspicious figure... My dragon does not trust him either.

Really... Is that so, Heavenly Dragon?

I agree, we don't even know what you are or why you know about our contract. I also sense a mysterious, fiendish power coming from you. You have neither the body nor soul of a human, do you?

No body or soul?!

You shouldn't be surprised! Were you not aware of this from the beginning?! You're still not ready...

Shut up, shut up, shut up!

So that evil force you sensed was coming from this...hooded guy!

Hahah! And here I was doing my best to conceal it.

You are quite excellent... You two should really end this farce of a contract.

Dragon Summoner Tiramisu. You don't deserve to have such a splendid dragon all to yourself.

Kh... Ngh?!

Tiramisu, what's wrong?!

I... I don't know... My chest... It's like a vice...

You! What have you done to the girl?!

What are you doing to Tiramisu?!

Be quiet... I am merely granting the girl's wish.

Don't lie to us! Look at her! She's suffering!

A lie? You offend me. Tiramisu, did you not say more than once that you wanted to end your contract with the Heavenly Dragon? You even said you detested it.

Urgh!

Did you... Did you cast a spell to rescind our contract?!

You think that rescinding the contract is the same as granting her wish?!

Precisely. Am I not generous? It took me a long time to master this spell.

Enough of your nonsense... I care...nothing...about what you have to say! The contract is none of your business...

Without a doubt. I'm not doing this for you.

Huh?

Then who for?

It's all for the poor slave... The Heavenly Dragon.

What?!

What do you mean by the Heavenly Dragon being a slave?!

That's the most ridiculous joke I've heard...

If you have the breath to speak nonsense, then use it to dispel your magic!

I speak only the truth, not nonsense. Don't you agree with me? If that girl hadn't interfered that day... Your contract would have been with me.

Now, I understand! I see how you have obtained this strange power. At first I couldn't tell but... Now I can see it all. You were the dragon summoner who was supposed to contract with me!

What's... What's this all about?

This is about how you stole the Heavenly Dragon away from me!

She was just a baby when the contract was made. How could she steal it from you?!

...... It was not the girl's intention to take me away from you. You must understand that. The one you should take your revenge on is me, not her.

Why didn't you, ! You lied to me all this... Ugh...

Tiramisu, hold yourself together!

Hahah... It's working.

It seems there was a complication when you two became allies, but that's not my concern.

Since that humiliating day, I searched the world over for this magic while harboring a deep hatred for you. But seeing you suffer like this makes all that worth it.

You monster!

Well... It's about time I completed the spell.

Stop!

I bestow a curse from the other world on you... One that shall consume the contract that binds you together!

N-Nooooooooo!

Urgh! Tiramisu!

Hahah... I see you're too weak. You can't even save your own summoner. You know there are consequences when you appear without the girl's summons.

Tiramisu! Heavenly Dragon!

Darn it! My sword can't break through?!

Such a pity, little boy. That's a fine blade you have there... But it won't leave a scratch on me!

You little worm... Release us from this curse now! I won't forget the pain you've inflicted on my summoner!

Hahah... That's absolutely precious! Go on, keep up your pitiful whining!

O Heavenly Dragon that descends from the other world and rules the land. It is time that we complete the contract!

You pathetic creature... You think you can make that contract here?! I'll not allow myself to be bound to one such as you!

Tsk tsk... Why make this harder than it needs to be? Either way, the contract with the girl will soon be...

Muahaha... I wonder how much longer you can tolerate this. Suffering...just like I was all those years! Keep fighting until there's nothing left of you!

Stop! Remove the spell on Tiramisu!

You... I won't... let you... get away with this!

Don't move! I'll make you better!

Ugh... Th-The pain in my chest... It's fading...

Really?!

Yeah...

Heavenly Dragon. Did you do this?

Urgh!

Hey. Are you okay?

Look! The light on his chest is gone!

What's wrong? Say something!

What?!

What is it, Tiramisu? Do you know what's going on?

The link between him and I is getting weaker!

What, ?!

Hey! Answer me! Wasn't the curse removed from us?! That's why I don't feel any pain in my chest, right?

...... The curse is still there.

Our contract was as fragile as glass... I haven't received power from you in quite some time.

What?!

I'm only able to exist in this world for as long as my power remains...

And unfortunately, that power is all but gone now... I'm sorry to say this, but I have to conserve my power... Do not worry... I'll make sure your heart is safe, no matter what...

Hold it! What's this about my heart?!

Darn it! How can we remove the curse?!

The curse was placed upon the contract between the Heavenly Dragon and myself... If that's the case, then we may be able to remove it by making a new contract...

I see... So, you can just make a new contract!

Unfortunately, that may be impossible.

Why's that?

Did you forget, Aldo? Our contract is a bit different than others... I don't even know how our contract was made in the first place.

Oh, you're right...

And the dragon who knows everything, is in no state to help us...

Urgh! We must do something to save him! That dragon may annoy me sometimes... But I don't want to see him suffer like this! This is not what I was asking for!

Tiramisu...

Wait!

What is it, Aldo?

I might know a way to save the Heavenly Dragon!

Really?! How do we do it?!

I've got an idea. Let's hurry to Damaku!

Got it!

Is this... Could this be the fossilized heart of an ancient dragon?

You've heard of it, Tiramisu?

It has been a story passed down in my village since ancient times. Snake Bone Island is actually made up of the fossils of an ancient dragon... And at the center is the dragon's heart. It is said that the Dragon God sleeps on this island...

Exactly, I figured we'd just call for the Dragon God and see if he'll listen.

Could it be...similar to what happened on Wyrmrest Isle? No, whether they came here of their own free will or not, this is...

Have you lost your mind?! The Dragon God responding to a human's call?! That's just silly nonsense...

Come on Tiramisu... You want to help the Heavenly Dragon, right?

*sniffle* I don't want him to die...

Then we've got to try.

Dragon God! Can you hear my voice? If you can...please respond!

Who calls upon me... Ah, it is you, Aldo. The one whom I have bestowed my power to.

The Dragon God...is actually speaking to us?!

A-And then, Aldo! It said you have its power?!

Yeah... Some things happened and I ended up getting part of its power.

You're kidding me...

But in a way, it kind of makes sense. That explains why my dragon was acting a little strange when I met you.

You there, girl. You were among the summoners present upon the Wyrm's isle, yes? You appear to be having some difficulties.

Hmm... That girl must be a dragon summoner, correct? You appear to have some difficulties.

Yeah... That's why we're here. Come on, Tiramisu. Tell him.

Y-Yeah...

O Dragon God! I have a request for you.

If you know a way to save my dragon, please tell me!

Hmm... Understood. Speak now, and I shall consider your request.

I appreciate it. Well...

I see... A curse was placed upon you to remove the contract. And now your dragon is weakening, threatening his very life.

Yes...

Perhaps you have overlooked one element though.

Huh?

What's that?

You mentioned your dragon is unable to obtain power from you...

But your contract has already been removed by the curse.

Huh?!

What are you saying?!

Th-Then what's this slight connection I feel between him and I?

If the contract was removed, then I shouldn't feel anything!

Girl, apparently no one taught you some important details.

What important details?

What's that supposed to mean?

To begin with, you two are bound by a unique contract... It is a pact between souls. One in which two hearts are bound together.

Our hearts are bound together?!

So, Tiramisu's heart was connected to the Heavenly Dragon's heart?

That is correct. In other words... Your hearts are synchronized together.

Wh-Why would that happen?

I've never heard of such a contract...

And yet it is so. This contract is extremely difficult to create and even most high-class dragons have never seen one.

Girl... Your dragon agreed to this contract to keep your heart beating... Obviously, it was a success.

What do you mean by keeping my heart beating?

Your heart was... Unable to beat on its own.

What?!

You were near death when the dragon enacted the contract.

Wait! Does that mean without the Heavenly Dragon, Tiramisu will...

She would leave this world in an instant... In fact, the moment the contract was removed the fire in her heart should have disappeared. The reason she still lives is...

Because he is giving me his energy?

You are correct. His decision cannot be explained by reason. The dragon does this out of love and care for you, thus allowing this miracle to happen.

Now I understand... We thought we could save them by making a new contract, but now...

Recreating the contract simply will not be sufficient. Though it may allow them to share power once more, the dragon can barely keep the girl alive. We cannot expect this to last much longer.

Then... Then what am I supposed to do? What can I do to save him?

Hmm... You surprise me, girl. There is something more important than your own life?

Huh? Well...

Tiramisu...

I-I always thought he was annoying... But I... I don't want anything to happen to him because of me...

Girl...

Huh?

There is a way.

Really?!

However, it is no simple task.

I'll do anything if there is a way to save him! Please tell me!

You must create a new contract together, one that binds your hearts together.

We have to bind our hearts together again?

Correct. Though the dragon is weakening, his heart is still untouched. By connecting your hearts together again, you both may yet survive this all.

This is great news, right?!

Yes, of course!

O Dragon God... How am I to create this contract?

That...you will have to discover on your own.

Huh?!

This...is different from the matter of the Wyrmking. We must not dabble overmuch in the fate of one mortal.

It is not my place to become too involved in matters regarding a human's fate.

Wait...please!

But you already know the answer. Though you were but a baby when the contract was made, your soul understood. A contract between hearts is the binding of souls. Gaze at your dragon closely and you two shall feel each other deep in your hearts. Only then, will you understand that path you must take.

Wow...

Tiramisu...

Not much else we can do. So, do you remember anything about the contract?

Nothing...

I see...

It might be a good idea to go back to Antiquity. We can think about what to do about the contract there.

Yeah... Let's head back to Lake Tiilen.

......

So, we still have no ideas on how to make the new contract. Can you remember anything about life back then?

I was just a baby... No matter how much I try, I can't remember anything. I don't even know what my soul is supposed to remember...

I guess you're right...

Some dragon summoner I am...

The other villagers back home always said to me, "Appreciate the Heavenly Dragon." When I was young, I asked them why... "The Heavenly Dragon is your one-and-only irreplaceable partner," they said. That whole time I believed it was just because my dragon had such a high status among his kind... Now I know the truth...

Tiramisu...

I had no idea that I owed him my life this whole time... And I guess... Even at this very moment... I am only alive because of him...

The one who tames dragons! Hah! What a joke... My dragon's life is on the line, and I'm as helpless as a child...

This isn't the time to give up, Tiramisu! The villagers back in your hometown know about you and your dragon, right?

Then if we go back there and ask, maybe someone will know what to do.

That's it! You're right...

Well, then. There's no time to waste. Lead the way!

......

What's wrong, Tiramisu? Shouldn't we hurry?

Aldo... Can I ask you something a little embarrassing?

Huh? I'm not sure what you're going to say, but as your friend, you can ask me anything.

...... If it's possible to make a new contract between the Heavenly Dragon and myself that binds our hearts together... Is that really the right thing to do?

What do you mean by that?

I've been nothing but selfish and demanding to him all along... When I was in a bad mood, I took it out on him. I ignored his advice and made him angry... Wouldn't I be asking too much from him by connecting our hearts again?

If I just...gave up on living right now, he'd be free... He could make a contract with another summoner and he would be alive and happy...

Tiramisu!

Wh-What?!

I don't think for a moment that's what the Heavenly Dragon wants!

And now you're making me mad. You can't just give up on living.

B-But... But that's what's best for him!

Because of a selfish dragon summoner like me, he couldn't make a contract with that other guy...

Right now, the Heavenly Dragon's putting himself on the brink of death to keep you alive. He is and always has been doing everything he can to keep you safe. And that's why you are desperately trying to find a way to save him.

Yeah...

It's going to be fine. There's no need to worry.

Aldo... Thank you...

Don't mention it. I'm only telling you what the Heavenly Dragon wanted to say to you.

Huh?

Oh! That's right! It's not like he's gone completely...

Did you already forget, Tiramisu?

L-Let's pretend I didn't say that!

Now, let's hurry back to my hometown and start thinking of a solution...

Well, surprise surprise.

What, !

You were barely alive the last time I saw you, but it looks like you've mostly recovered... How did this happen?

W-Well...

What're you doing here?!

Isn't it obvious? Now that the contract is nullified, I'm here to take your dragon of your hands.

So... Where's the Heavenly Dragon?

Hmph! I sent him far far away so that scum like you wouldn't be able to find him. I'm afraid you came all this way for nothing...

Hahah... Oh how entertaining it is to see a pitiful girl trying to save her dragon. What happened does not concern me as long as I take your dragon.

Nonsense! I will not allow someone like you have him!

Well now now, what's with this change of heart? I thought you wanted to rid yourself of him all this time?

Hmm... Then let's decide who deserves to have him once and for all. Let's meet in the Corinda Plains, where you were meant to die... And this time, no one will save you from your fate.

Hold it you, !

I hate that guy...

Don't listen to him, Tiramisu!

Aldo...

Heh... That hooded fool already knows. To run away now would mean admitting that I do not deserve to be a dragon summoner.

"Gaze at your dragon closely and you two shall feel each other deep in your hearts. Only then, will you understand that path..."

That is what the Dragon God said, wasn't it?

I still do not know what it truly means... However, how can I face my dragon if I do not take on this challenge?

I see now how determined you are... He told us to meet him in Corinda Plains... Let's take care of this once and for all.

I see you've come after all. I'm glad you came.

Let us decide here and now who deserves to be this dragon's summoner.

Hmm... I sense that you've changed, girl. I can see it in your face.

But it's too late...

It's time for the dragon to form the contract with me. O Heavenly Dragon... show yourself!

The Heavenly Dragon!

Grr...

Are you okay?!

Hahah! He does look a bit weak. Well, his power will return to him once he makes a contract with me!

O Heavenly Dragon that descends from the other world and rules the land. It is time that we complete the contract!

Ghh...!

Heavenly Dragon?!

Gwah...!

Grr... What a shame...

Heavenly Dragon?! What was that?

I already told you... I won't agree to a contract with the likes of you...

Darn you!

There is only one dragon summoner that I wish to be bound to...

And she is that girl over there, no one else!

...!

Heavenly Dragon!

Hah... Hahahah! How ridiculous it is to see you two insult me like this!

Very well... I don't need to have a contract with your dragon to get what I want!

Grr...?!

What do you think you're going?!

Khh... Stop!

Wh-What the, ?!

Not again...

This is the end! I bestow a curse from the other world on you... Despair shall descend upon you and devour you all!

Grrhh! Tiramisu!

Huh?!

Kill me!

What?!

Take my heart... Use it to... Heal your own...

What are you saying?

Graaaaaarrr!

Heavenly Dragon?!

Tch! No matter what you say... I'm your new master, dragon.

Now, I just have to deal with this girl... Then nothing can stop me!

What now, Tiramisu?!

......

You can't slay the Heavenly Dragon... Not after knowing that you're bound to him!

Now, my dragon! Your master commands you to kill this girl! Rip her limb from limb, and erase her existence from your past.

Guwoooh!

Tiramisu!

Who is the fool now? Did you think that a bond created over a lifetime together could be broken by a simple curse?

Tiramisu...

There is no need to worry, Heavenly Dragon. Allow me to bring you back to us! Then we can go back...

Together. So that we can both live out our lives... I won't accept anything else! Come on, Aldo! I need your help!

Of course! Heavenly Dragon... You can count on us!

You are quite the nuisance! Go, Heavenly Dragon! Finish them!

Graaawr!

Did it work?!

Khh... Please... Come back to us!

No... it's not working!

Ghh...!

Aldo!

Hahah! You'd better give up! While you two spent a lifetime together... I was tirelessly studying this curse. You cannot hope to resist it!

Gh... Tiramisu... Heavenly Dragon...

Now it's your turn, girl.

Who should be next? Maybe I can find some village to obliterate. That would be fun...Muahaha! I wouldn't want to waste him by helping humans!

......

O Heavenly Dragon. I'm sorry that I was weak, childish dragon summoner right up to this moment.

Tiramisu?

I may not be able to save your life. However... I will protect your honorable soul until the very end.

What're you trying to do?!

Tiramisu, wait! Don't do it! You and the Heavenly Dragon will both...

Ghh!

Aldo... Thank you for being my friend, but I am afraid I must leave you. The Heavenly Dragon is part of me... And I would give my life to ensure things are right with him.

Tiramisu!

Graaawr!

It's impossible! The curse is broken?!

How dare you! You're more than welcome to leave this world, but you're leaving the dragon behind! You annoying little girl... Let's finish this!

Tiramisu! Heavenly Dragon!

No!

This is it for you!

Guagh!

Darn it... Tiramisu! Heavenly Dragon!

Aldo...

Tiramisu...

Hah... Why are you...making that face?

......

...... Heavenly Dragon... I am so sorry...

It's fine... I must apologize...for not being able to save you.

...... For one last time... May I call you by the name I gave you?

Of course...you may.

Heh heh... Thanks...

Pudding à la Mode...

Whoa! What's going on?!

I don't understand...

Tiramisu! And look at you, Heavenly Dragon!

Huh?

What's happening? I feel it... I feel a power rising within me...

It seems that our hearts are once again united... And our bond is stronger than ever.

Really?!

Is that true?! Are you both going to be okay, then?

Yes... We're both fine.

Tiramisu! That's amazing!

Huh? Err...

I... I'm not sure what's happened.

We should go back to Lake Tiilen. I'll explain what's happened.

Huh? You know what's happened?

What? I'm completely lost...

Well then... Let's head to Lake Tiilen!

Aldo...

I'm so glad you two are safe.

Yes... I still can't believe I'm alive.

So what happened back there? From what I saw, the contract was formed with your dragon the moment you called him by his other name...

What was it? It was long and I can't seem to remember.

Was it... Pudding of Mood?

No, Aldo.

Listen carefully and remember! His name is Pudd...

Just stop right there and listen!

Now, I don't want to tell you this, but... The name is the key to establishing a contract between hearts.

The name is?

Correct... The one who wishes to bind their heart to another must think deeply and name that person or dragon... Should the name be called and the other party responds, then their hearts are connected.

Wait a minute. Does that mean what I think it does?

Indeed. The one who named you Tiramisu...was I.

What?!

Seriously?!

You... You didn't know?! All this time I assumed you knew that!

B-But... I thought... You responded to the name I gave you, Pudding à la Mode!

I did no such thing!

Then, why did you decide to make the contract in the first place?

Well... That's a good question, Aldo. It just happened that I was traveling through this world at the time.

I saw Tiramisu as I was passing through the Corinda Plains. She was attacked by a dark dragon and was barely alive.

Really? I was attacked?

By the time I got there, your nanny and guards were already knocked unconscious.

......

Hmm...

You were badly injured and your heart was weakening. I just couldn't ignore you and move on... A baby dragon summoner with a bright future was dying before my eyes. That's when I took a chance to make the impossible, possible.

So you gave her a name and binded your two hearts together, forming a new contract.

Correct. Her innocent soul was shining brightly. At that time I had grown weary after living for so long, but this was the first time to see such a bright soul. I called out over and over again, it was not so easy to get a response...

However...

Was there a problem?

...... That baby with a soul that shone so brightly...

Who would've thought they'd give me a dessert-inspired name back?!

Ah, y-you're right...

Huh?! That was the problem?

I was brainstorming all kinds of names, but I was amazed that one stuck!

Right! I remember... You had another dessert-based name for me! It was Cream...

That's enough! Shut up! You're starting to get on my nerves! I mean, what's the problem with that! You should be proud that your name is derived from the most sacred of things...Pudding!

Grrr!

Hahah! You two are cute.

Absolutely not!

Anyway, it's great that you two are safe and that man's been dealt with.

Right... But Aldo. I did not realize that you had received power from the Dragon God.

Yeah... I guess I should've mentioned that.

The first time I saw you I felt a sense of connection between you and dragons. The power that you used to break that man's shield was indeed from the Dragon God.

Huh?

What?! Really?

But why did it only work that one time?

Well, I was in a desperate situation trying to help you two. Maybe that's why I was able to use that power to its full potential.

Aldo...

......

You know what...

Huh?

What is it?

Until now, I'd never fulfilled my duty as a dragon summoner for the sake of others. Perhaps, deep down I thought I was unique or special in some way. I thought that my powers to control dragons and the looks that I got from people were just for me.

Tiramisu...

That is my responsibility. You were just a child when you made a contract with a dragon of high-status. The villagers must have been suspicious... There must have been so much pressure on you.

......

I never told anyone that... How did you know?

Of course I knew. We've been together all this time... But I didn't know how to cheer you up or encourage you. I tried to turn you into a strong summoner.

......

You kept saying that you were different from everyone else... I was worried, but I couldn't change the way I treated you.

It's all okay... I understand you now. Everything you said was because you cared about me.

Plus, I'm not your master that you must obey, but a true partner to fight alongside. It's just a shame that I didn't realize this before.

You shouldn't feel ashamed. It just means that now you're willing to have a better relationship with him and continue your duties.

Isn't that amazing?

Aldo...

Heh... You're also an important friend and ally to me.

Thanks to you and the Heavenly Dragon... I used to question my worth as a dragon summoner without a crest, but I feel much better now.

Oh, and one more thing...

Huh?

About the crest that you were concerned about...

You do have it.

What?!

I-I do?!

Isn't that great?! You do have a crest... Maybe you got it when you made the new contract!

But then again, you made a contract with the same dragon... Why would it appear this time?

Where is it?! I can't find it... Wait! Is it hidden underneath my clothes?!

Aldo! Help me find the crest! I'll just take off these clothes and, !

Wait! Calm down! You shouldn't take off your clothes now!

That's not right at all! When will you ever grow up?!

I am who I am...

Oh!

I get it... You're lying to me again, aren't you?! You were feeling sorry for me so you lied about me having one!

Huh?!

Urgh! Listen up! It wasn't a lie! I've been telling you this since you were a child. The crest... It's engraved into your heart. That's why you can't see it.

Is that so?!

But you assumed I was lying to you out of sympathy and got all paranoid... And still you didn't believe me! You nearly made a fool out of yourself!

Gnnn! I never knew about the crest being engraved in my heart...

Because our contract is rather unique, the crest is engraved where our hearts are connected.

Oh... You're right, actually.

Hahah... Good for you, Tiramisu. Now you don't have to worry about the crest anymore.

Umm, precisely! Now, there is nothing for me to worry about at all!

You shall be amazed how I have changed, Aldo! You have nothing more to fear with me fighting at your side on your journey!

I guess there's nothing to worry about...probably.

Did you just say "probably"?!

Hmph! I, Tiramisu, the dragon summoner... And my dragon, Pudding à la Mode, are happy to tag along as you continue your journey!

Stop calling me with that name! I do not acknowledge that name!

What?! I thought we did the moment we made our new contract!

......

Well...the more the merrier, I guess... At least I'll feel less afraid walking the streets at night.