Feelings of a Hero

Let's see... I'm pretty sure I saw Ewella go into the palace a moment ago...

(Maybe she went to sell some amulets, or is talking to Ratchett.)

(But Ratchett didn't sound like she was lying about no knowing Ewella...) (In that case, I'd better ask Ewella what the heck is going on...)

My, my... What's with the long face?

What the, ?!

E-Ewella?!

*giggle*... What's with the reaction? No need to be so surprised...

Uh, it's nothing. I was just waiting for you to come out of the palace...

Oh, and that's why you were staring blankly at the door.

I... Um... Err... (But didn't I see her going inside?! How could she have snuck behind me?)

I'm sorry for the surprise, Rudoldo. What can I do for you?

Rudoldo?! (Sh-She's still wrong...) (And compared to Eldo and Doldo, Rudoldo isn't even close to right!)

Ewella... My name's Aldo...

Of course, of course, Aldo!

We've gotten to know each other well since we first met, and I'd hoped you'd remember my name...

*giggle*... I'm sorry. I was thinking about something and I guess I spaced out a little.

Really? What were you thinking about?

The truth is that I've been contacted by my hometown.

By hometown you mean by the elves?

Yes, that's right. I've been told to come to the Charol Plains. I wonder what this could all be about...

Do you think it's something bad?

I can't say for certain. But I'm sure it's not a simple matter, otherwise they wouldn't have gone through the trouble.

Which is why I'm about to go. Can't find out the truth without asking.

Mind if I join you? I'm worried about you traveling alone.

Oh, really? I don't mind. Well then, let's go to the Charol Plains.

Got it, let's go!

Huh? How weird... I feel like I'm forgetting something...

Is something wrong, Haroldo?

Haroldo?! I told you already that I'm Aldo!

*giggle*... That was a joke this time. You'd better hurry up or get left in my dust.

Argh! Wait up for me!

This is the place you're supposed to meet them, right?

It should be.

But I don't see any other elves around here...

So Ewella, what are doing now?

*giggle* I just thought I'd stop and say hello to the boss of this area.

The boss?

Hello there♪ Long time no see♪

Meeeeooow!

The boss was this cat here?

Haha... Cute, isn't it?

It's a very cautious kitty and doesn't often come out in the open... But recently it's starting to feel more comfortable around Radica and myself.

Oh, really?

Huh? What's up?

My, my... Aldo, it seems you've caught its interest. Every time it takes me to its favorite napping place.

Haha... That's a nice cat.

Unfortunately, this time I've got to wait for the elves from my village.

Why don't you go with the cat this time, Aldo?

That's fine and all, but what about your meeting, Ewella?

*giggle*... I doubt they'll be here soon. Elves have a different attitude when it comes to time.

Is that right?

Then I'll be back soon. Give me a shout if anything happens!

......

Now then, where were we. You're here aren't you? Mind coming out already?

It's been a long time, Ewella. I must not forget to thank you for answering our summons.

There's no need for formalities. What did you want to talk to me about?

You should already know. That's why you came after all. Our village has been polluted. Your friend, Radica, has fallen and become a dark elf.

...... The village decided to eliminate her, didn't they?

That's not exactly the word I would use to describe the situation. We are committed to cleansing her of sin.

Hahah... Cleansing you say... The results are the same. After all this time you and the others have not changed your attitude towards the fallen ones.

Not a single thing has changed since I was a child...

There's nothing I can do about it. Those who break the taboos and disobey the heavens are corrupted... It is because they ARE elves that we cannot forgive their existence.

Then what? Why bother calling me out here?

We desire to know Radica's whereabouts. She disappeared from the village shortly after using the Power of Time. That's why she transformed into a dark elf and fled. None of us have seen her since. Which is why we need your help, as you've been her friend for so long...

So even now you still don't know where she is. That's why you're here.

For the sake of our village and all elves, will you help us? And above all, for the sake of her soul.

...... You will save Radica's noble soul...

Hahaha! You know as well as I do that's impossible. Why even bring that up?

And you, good sir... I won't let you get near her!

What is this?! You'd dare turn against us?!

*giggle*... Don't misunderstand me.

I am opposed to your plan...

In that I will be the one to kill Radica.

Wh-What?

If you are going to cleanse her soul, isn't this the right thing to do? I want to be the one who ends her life.

I don't want you to lay a single finger on her...

Her final words...last expression... last heart beat...and last breath. I want to be there to see it all!

I assume you'll have no objection to that?

I find it strange that you yourself have not fallen already. However, I can't just take your word for this. I will need a witness...

That won't be necessary. But perhaps, if you don't trust me, you can ask Taldo to be the witness.

You mean that human you were with earlier?

Yes, him. Does he look like someone capable of lying? We can ask him to be a witness without letting him know the details.

I understand. Well then Ewella... Promise me that you won't do anything to betray your village and your people.

You say that because I am the daughter of a sinner... But you don't need to worry. When I'm done, I'll return with Radica's remains.

Did I just hear what I think I did?!

Meowww...

(Could Ewella really be thinking about killing Radica?) (Those two about as close as two people can get!) (And if she's serious about this, how can I allow that to happen?)

Meeeooow!

H-Hold up! If you make any noise...

Oh, Talto. You're back already?

Y-Yeah...

*giggle*... I would've preferred that you announced your return.

Oh um... I just got back actually.

Really? Well since we're both done here, shall we go?

Go? Go where?

To find Radica. I've suddenly got a terrible urge to see her cute face♪

I guess that's okay but...

But what?

Nothing. Let's go wherever Radica is.

Radica is performing her fortune telling in Acteul at the moment. Let's hurry up and find her.

Okay...

(I still don't know what Ewella is planning to do...)

(Should the time come, I'll have to stop her!)

Well hello there, Radica. Had a good day on the job?

Ewella! And Aldo! What a surprise to see you two here! Are you both here for work?

No, actually we're...

Not work this time. I just really wanted to see you. How about we have a drink together?

Excuse me, sir. Can you grab us three glasses of the fruit water?

Ewella... Did something happen?

Oh, why do you ask?

You seem...different than usual.

My, oh my... *giggle*

(Ewella, how are you going to answer that?!) (Of course she'd say that stuff to the other elves. Ewella would never really...) (Maybe she's just going to tell Radica everything and let her go?)

Radica...

You're always keeping an eye on me. You're so nice...

(Th-That's all?!)

Oh come on, Ewella! That's what friends do, right? And don't try to stop me, okay?

When you smile like you are now, I know you're hiding something on the inside.

(Huh? Ewella looks like she's smiling like she always does to me...)

My, my... Do you think so?

When we were kids... You wanted to join in on the grape stomping but couldn't say it. Instead, you just smiled waited alone.

That's just because you were doing your very best, and I couldn't help but watch.

Then what about the tree stump jump? You stood by and watched as we all jumped from stump to stump without joining in.

That's just because watching you have fun filled my heart with joy.

And then *giggle*... You invited me to join you during the grape stomping and the tree stump jumping.

You always made sure to look out for me, smiling and taking my hand. The other villagers treated me like a black sheep...pretending I didn't exist.

Ewella...

A black sheep?

*giggle*... That's right. You see...I was the daughter of a sinner.

What does that mean?

When I was little, my mother was corrupted and became a dark elf... Soon after that, she left the village with my father. I was so young I don't remember why she turned.

I see...

My parents had hoped that at least I could live a normal life among the villagers... They were wrong.

They all feared me, and acted uncomfortable around me. *giggle* Maybe they thought it was contagious. The adults would tell the other children not to play with me...

It was absurd. Ewella never did anything wrong.

Yeah, of course she didn't.

*giggle* Thank you. But it wasn't all so hard. I've always been a bit of an oddball. I was quiet and often spaced out.

And that's how I became more and more isolated from the rest of the villagers...

But then one special day...Radica found me.

She found you?

That's right. She came and spoke to me... She said, "Hey! Let's make flower wreaths together!"

Hahah...I remember that moment well.

That's when my world started to brighten up.

I was surprised. The world with your smile is beautiful, colorful, vivid, and lovely... The memories from before I met Radica gradually faded, to the point I can't remember them.

That's a bit much...

We ran through fields of flowers holding hands. Then you told me your name. They were most beautiful sounds in the world. We made each other flower wreaths and placed them on each other's heads. Hey Radica... You'll always be my everything.

Ewella, what happened to you? You're kind of overdoing it, right?

But it's like...a fairy tale that I read when I was little about a princess and her friend. They had to say goodbye forever...and the princess tells her friend her feelings. Just like this.

*giggle* So she did...I remember that book well. We read it together so many times.

(So that's what Ewella is doing... She's telling Radica her true feelings.) Th-This is bad! She can't possibly be thinking of actually doing it?!)

Radica...

I'm sorry...

Huh?

(Not good! Ewella... Are you really going through with this?!) (What should I do?!)

This drink is made using thirteen freshly squeezed kinds of fruits. I almost forgot that it takes some time to prepare.

Will you forgive me? You must be thirsty.

(What exactly is she apologizing for?!)

You don't need to apologize for anything with me. Time flies when I'm chatting away with you.

My my *giggle*... Stop with the compliments.

Well then, how about we have a toast together?

(Yikes... Wait!) (Could she have put something in Radica's drink?!)

Oh, Toldo? Is something wrong?

Nope, not at all! Umm... I'm just suddenly very thirsty! How about I try Radica's glass? Yeah, that's it!

Huh? The heck?!

A-Aldo?

(Seems fine...)

Sorry 'bout that Radica! I got so thirsty that I must've gone a little crazy there. You can drink from my glass, Radica.

U-Uh, sure?

*giggle*... Well then, Radica. Should we all drink?

Er... Yeah.

(Okay... It doesn't look like she did anything to the glass.)

Why are you staring at it like that, Taroldo?

Oh! It's nothing!

You're acting really strange Aldo.

Let's ignore him and have that toast.

Sounds good to me. To good friends. Cheers♪

...... Ack!

(Oh no! Did something happen to her?!)

It's amazing! This has got to be the best drink in the house.

Radica, you always ask for this drink when you come here. Which means I've started to love it too.

*giggle* Oh really? It's so nice that you noticed.

(L-Looks like we're in the clear!)

Well now then, isn't it about time to head to your next job?

Yeah... I wish we had more time to chat.

*giggle* This is fine for now. I enjoyed our time together.

Don't hurt yourself out there, you hear me?

Yeah, I know... Haha... You don't need to worry about me.

But Ewella... Are you sure there's nothing else?

*giggle* Radica, did I ever tell you that you overthink things sometimes? Everything's fine. Thanks for asking though.

In that case, I'd better be off. Let's have some tea together sooner rather than later.

I'm looking forward to it.

And you too Aldo, see you around.

(In the end she didn't do or say anything to Radica.) (Then what was she planning to do?)

*giggle* Something wrong Tolto? You've got this weird look on your face.

Huh?! Oh... It's nothing...

You looked like you were concerned about Radica this whole time.

Wh-What are you saying?!

*giggle* Of course. Roldo doesn't know anything about this, right?

U-Uh... (Could she have figured out that I was listening in on the conversation before?)

*giggle* Guess it doesn't matter. We'd better get going to our next destination.

Our next destination?

That's right. There's one more person that I have to meet.

And who is that?

You'll know once you see them. If I'm correct, then the person should be going to the Corinda Plains. We mustn't delay.

Y-Yeah, of course.

I'm fairly sure they should appear around here.

Doesn't look like anyone's around though. But you sounded sure that they would come, right?

Well, you see...

Found you.

Huh?

What the, ?!

And here they are, just as I thought.

Wh-What's this?! Who is this?!

This isn't the time for chit-chat.

Damn... You're right!

Ewella?!

......

It's done.

Wait Ewella!

Ewella!

I guess that's enough.

What are you saying?! You struck this person...

Huh?

What?! E-Ewella?!

Yes... It's exactly what it looks like. I am her, and she is me.

Wh-What the heck does that mean?! Her face does look like yours...

Yes... I am the me that has become a dark elf... *giggle*... It's been so long since I've seen you with that look on your face, Aldo.

You really are Ewella? But by "so long" you mean...

How far in the future did you come from?

The future?!

There's no telling how far it was... Far, far in the future... In a time where science has developed the ability to go back in time.

Just to come back to this "time"... I waited for the future. I became like a stone, sleeping through the eons in a world without Radica.

A world without Radica?

......

Radica... Oh, Radica! Even now I want to return to your side...

A world without you is a world without meaning...

But if it meant living in a world with you in it. I could wait eons. I could remove myself from the threads of time, and wait for you alone.

Radica, just wait a little bit longer. I'm coming for you.

After Radica died, I stole the power of time from our village. And after turning into a dark elf, I fled. I fled to a place no one could find me. That's when I turned myself to stone.

And in that form I waited. I waited for man to invent a way to go back in time.

And that is when I awoke.

Hold up a second... This is all a bit confusing. I understand that the Ewella from the future came back to this time... But why was that for Radica's sake?

You see... That was to...

Protect her.

Protect her?

My role in this is now over. I'll leave the rest to you...Ewella.

You can count on me.

One more thing...

You don't even need to ask. We are the same person after all.

*giggle*... I guess you're right.

Goodbye then. You take care of yourself, Aldo...

Why goodbye?

I'm going away now, Aldo.

Huh?!

Ewella?! What are you doing?!

I told you before. My role ends here... Or rather... This is all I was ever meant for...

Ewella!

Ewella!

And with that, the deception is now completed.

Deception?

Okay, you need to tell me exactly what is going on!

We needed this in order to fake Radica's death. This will act as proof of her death on the battlefield.

Is that some kind of gem?

This is a crystal that contains the soul of an elf.

A crystal with a soul in it?

When an elf dies, their soul crystalizes into what you see here. We don't leave behind a physical body as humans do. Dark elves are no different than elves. Upon death, the body and soul of the dark elf...

They both return to their original state. And become a beautiful gem.

However, it's impossible to prove exactly who died.

Only you and I will ever know whose soul that really is.

Are you saying that you want to turn that crystal over to the elves instead of Radica's?!

That's the plan. This way the villagers will never know the deception, am I wrong? Even if they were to suspect something, there is evidence here of the battle. Myself from the future made sure to master Radica's staff. No one will be able to discover the truth.

To sacrifice yourself in this way...

(I knew that Ewella cared so much for Radica.) (But I couldn't stop this from happening... There had to have been a better way...)

You're probably thinking about whether we could have stopped this... But it was already decided. This was the future that I wanted.

But!

You know, you asked me before. What was my happiness...

This is what I believe to be happiness. I live for Radica...And I'll die for Radica. This happiness reaches into my very soul.

Ewella... You knew this was going to happen from the very beginning, didn't you?

Not exactly... However...

*giggle* It's a little too late to argue now. For my dear Radica, I will become a crystal. Nothing else matters.

Well then, Coldo. Let's return to the Charol Plains. We need to tell the elves about Radica's "death."

Okay... Let's go.

I brought the proof as promised.

This is the crystal that was created from Radica's soul? Judging from its state, the battle was quite intense.

Tolto here saw the battle from beginning to end. Isn't that right?

Yeah...

So the witness confirms it...

Then Radica will be allowed to return to her hometown. There her crystal will be put to rest.

I'd appreciate that greatly.

It's finally over. Now I can have peace of mind, knowing that Radica is safe.

And she'll never need to know that the elves of her village sought out her death.

I guess not...

*giggle*... Your words betray your feelings. Perhaps you're not convinced this was the right thing.

But this is your happiness... Then again, Ewella...

What is it?

The Ewella from the future... She didn't come back to take the place of Radica's crystal.

Yes...that's correct. I don't care what happens to my crystal, but hers...

I won't allow anyone to touch Radica's crystal. Her soul is mine alone...

Ewella?

Whoops... *giggle* Sorry about that... Now then, Talo-Talo.

Ewella, whether I correct you or not, you get worse and worse.

My my... Did I make another mistake?

I'm used to it by now. What's wrong?

This has been a lot, and I am quite tired. Do you mind getting me some water from the spring over there? I'd like to rest...

No complaints from me. Let's go meet up with Radica after we rest a while.

Oh my! Aren't you just the best, Aldo.

I told you that I'm Ald...

Hold up?

You got it right!

Really? Okay, Luldo. I get it right from time to time.

AAAAND you forgot already...

...... Some day Radica will become a crystal. After a life of happiness... All will be forgiven by the planet and she'll become a beautiful crystal.

When that time comes, I'll bury her crystal next to the one that belong to the Ewella that died for her.

*giggle*... Oh Radica! Even when our bodies are gone and our words are lost... I hope that we can hold hands, and embrace each other for all eternity...

I love you, Radica...