Onward, Together

Now, I believe it is time we take our leave... Are you truly sure you won't come to tea? It would be ever so lovely to have you.

......

Yes, I'll pass.

That's a shame. We won't force you, of course.

We shall simply have to attend an even more delightful banquet together sometime, then!

...Aldo.

Hm? What's up?

Did I...seem normal, just now?

I don't think you said anything weird...

You were maybe a bit standoffish, but that's about it, I would say.

...I knew it. This is difficult stuff.

I don't think you have to worry. You really didn't come off as weird or rude or anything.

Maybe the problem is on my end, then. When I try to speak to others, my body rebels. It's fine for people I'll never see again, but for people I want to get to know...my memories...

Memories? Of friends from your past?

Yes. Visions of my partings with them come to me, and... When I meet someone new, I visualize what our parting will be like. It's like a curse.

Your heart's still hurting, huh.

A heart carved to pieces can't just recover right away, after all. Unlike physical pain, it never goes away entirely...and it spikes, again and again.

So you still feel awkward talking to people... I wonder if there's a trick to make it easier.

If there was, I wouldn't have so much trouble with all of this.

But...hmm. Did you used to have this problem before? 20,000 years ago?

Well, no, but...

Maybe the people from old times would be easier to talk to, then. Like the people of Ratle.

What does it matter if they were?

Why don't we go find out? Even if you can't suddenly talk as well as you want to, we may make some progress. It might be enough just to bring you back to a familiar time. Like going back home, you know?

...I appreciate the thought, but I doubt it'll go that smoothly. I have many, many memories of that time, not all of them good. I don't know if it would be therapeutic.

It's not about good memories, it's just how things work, I think. There's something special about the place you grew up. I feel it when I go back to Baruoki for sure. We're lucky enough to be able to go to different times. Isn't it at least worth a shot?

......

If you're willing to go that far for me, then I suppose it's worth a try. Having faith in others is the first step to being able to connect with them again.

Thanks for believing in me. Let's get going to Ratle, then!

Yes.

Well? Is it just like you remember?

Ah, it's been so long... I had almost forgotten. Yes...it was just like this. This certainly is...nostalgic.

That's a good start. I hope it's helped improve your mood a little.

I'm not certain I would say that, but it isn't a bad feeling, at least for now. I was still living properly around this time. Using my necromancy to help people...

You've suppressed the evil spirit. Truly, thank you.

No need to thank me. I only did what I could to help. Take care, now.

Yes, just like...

...No, it can't be...

W-what is it?

That's...

What? What's going on?

Is something wrong, you two? You're staring.

...Forgive me, but I have to ask. What is your name?

...Toova, why? Who are you?

My name is also Toova.

Oh, right! The Toova with me came from a different time layer, so of course there's a Toova here now. Which means...this is the past version of the Toova with me!

What are you talking about? Who are you?

Ah! Wait, that's, !

Oh, Aldo. How nice to see you.

Is this one of your traveling friends? It's nice to meet you. I'm Toova.

...We've already met. I'm Toova, too.

I'm sorry? What do you mean?

Uh, how to explain... You see, this is...

A future me...from a different world? This is rather hard to believe.

All I can say is that it's the truth. I'm sure you've lived quite some time as an immortal... But the winds of Fate will dictate an even longer path for you. A path that leads, eventually, to me.

My immortality...no one should know about that.

Especially not a total stranger.

As I said, I'm the furthest thing from a stranger possible. Of course I know.

......

Well, being immortal in the first place is already so unbelievable. I suppose this isn't any stranger. So? What business does my future, alternate self have in this time?

Just trying out something, I guess. I was hoping to remind Toova of how things used to be back now...and help her cheer up.

Aldo. You don't need to tell her all that.

Oh, sorry. But, I mean, this is you yourself, right? Maybe she has some ideas we can try.

...I see. I might have one or two things in mind, yes.

Really? Already?

Would you allow me to help? You're me, after all. If I can help, I would like to.

...... Was I ever quite so pushy? Do you always get so close to people so fast upon meeting them?

Oh, what's the problem? If what you say is true, then you and I have always been this close. In some ways, we know each other better than anyone else.

Well...yes, but...

I'm still having trouble putting together this talk of time layers, I must admit. I never thought I'd get the chance to meet another version of myself, much less one from the far, far future.

And if you're feeling unwell, then of course I would want to help.

You're kind. Was I like this too, once? I wonder...

Well, this is how I am right now. So I'm sure you were, and just forgot about it over the many years.

Haha. Past Toova's a lot younger between the two of you, but she seems like she's your older sister.

I'm everyone's older sister. There certainly aren't many people older than I am hanging around!

That's true, huh.

So? What was it you thought of earlier? What can we do to help Toova out?

Hmm. For now, why don't we go on over to Lake Tiilen?

The lake?

There's a flower that grows around there. I need a whole lot of them.

Fine.

You mean, you'll go?

I don't really think this will help, but...if there's even the smallest chance, it's worth a try.

...Let's go.

How about this one?

It's well-shaped. I'll take it.

Okay. Quite a collection we've built up by now, huh?

I'd like just a few more. I want this to be a really special bouquet.

What are these for?

Hmm...that's still a secret.

...I hope you don't think that an afternoon picking flowers is enough to lift my spirits.

Of course not. Once we're done here, we'll be off to the next place. Until then, please focus on the flowers.

...This is ridiculous. What is she after? She may be "me," but I haven't the foggiest what she could be thinking.

Sometimes we don't know ourselves as well as we think we do. And besides, many years and experiences separate us now. It makes sense we don't always think alike.

Perhaps, but I was once you. I should be able to at least guess what you're up to...

Unfortunately, it's just not that easy to turn back the clock.

So it seems.

Haha. This is kind of heavy, huh?

I can't say I've ever thought about this stuff myself, but why not have some faith in her? Even if she is from a parallel time layer...like she said, she ought to know you pretty well, right?

I...suppose so. If nothing else, she is doing this for my benefit. I owe it to her to at least see it through.

Exactly. So for now, let's just focus on finding the prettiest flowers we can.

Hey, this one's really pretty. Did you miss it since it was down by your feet?

Wait, Aldo, that's...

Huh?

That flower is symbiotic with a local monster species. When picked, it calls monsters to defend itself!

What?! Tell us that sooner!

That's why I had been avoiding it. But, well...

No choice but to fight, it seems. These should prove no trouble.

Oh, that's some fire. You seem much more confident in fighting than you do in talking.

...Fighting is about all I can do, now.

There's nothing wrong with that. I'm glad to see I haven't grown weak over the years, either. Shall we?

My power is nothing to be proud of... But I'll hold my own. Let's go.

Amazing! I've never seen techniques like that in my life.

I told you, it's nothing to be proud of. If you're lucky...you won't have the chance to learn.

What do you mean?

That you don't want it. I have nothing more to say on the subject.

Well...fine, then. At least we've cleared out the monsters.

Great work. And we got this flower out of it, too. Wouldn't it look nice at the center of the bouquet?

That's a splendid idea. I would call this bouquet complete.

Then it's about time you tell us where we're going next, isn't it?

You're right.

We're going to the Corinda Plains.

The Corinda... Ah, then... You mean...

It sounds like you've guessed it. It must be a long-buried memory for you, I'm sure...

You... You want to take me to see her...?

I do.

Her? Who's "her"?

My...dear friend. The very first friend I ever made. When I lived in this time... we traveled together. She was an elf, and naturally long- lived, so we were able to be together for a fairly long time. ...But not long enough, in the end.

So she's already...

Yes. Hers was the first significant parting I endured... And now, she sleeps on the plains of Corinda.

So we're bringing the bouquet to her...

...Orphia. I've told you about her before, remember?

Orphia...your best friend, right? So she's buried at Corinda...

Yes. You came with me to her grave.

So we're bringing the bouquet to her...

Ah... You mean, Orphia's grave?

Yes. You've come with me there before, several times.

So we're bringing the bouquet to her...

That's right.

So, you intend to bring me to Corinda? To her grave?

Yes. It's the place that matters most to me in the whole world. I'm sure, even after so long, it must still hold a strong sway over your heart. Am I wrong?

I see. Maybe going there will help Toova open back up.

......

I won't go.

What?

I...can never go there again.

Why not? Isn't she dear to you?

That's exactly why. I broke my promise to her. The promise we made at her death, her last request to me. I betrayed her trust. I don't have the right to see her again.

Ah...I know what you mean.

What happened?

Right before she died, Orphia asked me to use my necromancy on her. She asked me to make her immortal too, so we could stay together.

I refused. I was happy she would make that choice to stay with me...

But she had already lived a full and long life, and I could tell she was tired.

......

Though...

That much you've already heard, Aldo.

Yeah, I remember.

There's a little bit more to the story.

After I refused, she asked something else of me. She said, "At least promise me this. "If you'll keep on living, please, don't spend the rest of your life alone. "Promise me you won't close yourself off. Make friends. Be happy. That's what I want you to do." Those were her last words.

So that's the promise...

Yes. And I failed to keep it.

Really? It's true that I do my best to avoid getting too close to the living... But I use my powers to help out where I can, so I wouldn't say I've closed myself off entirely.

Yes. That's how it was at first.

......

But in the end... I couldn't do it anymore.

I had to close myself off! I had to, to stay sane. I couldn't make friends. I couldn't force myself to be happy! I promised her, and then I failed her. She was willing to give up everything for me, and I let her down twice!

I'm sorry. I can't see her. I'm afraid...and ashamed.

......

But you've changed since then, right? You seemed happy to meet Suzette earlier, remember? And we're all here with you, too. You're not closing yourself off from other people at all.

I...suppose not, but once a promise is broken, it's broken for good. There's no mending it. It was the last thing she asked of me, and I trampled on it...for all those many, many years...

...Now I see. I won't pretend to know all you've been through, but now I see where you're coming from more clearly. But...does that really matter?

What are you saying?

You didn't break your promise out of malice. You tried your hardest; you just buckled under the weight. Even I can't imagine what 20,000 years of life must be like. And yet, here you are. Still here, and still alive.

Do you think she would be angry with you? For carrying on, and surviving, even if you had to break one promise?

I...

You remember how brightly she shone. She was always so brilliant, from the first day we met her. You've had many sad partings, but... Doesn't that mean you've had just as many wonderful meetings, too? Don't you think she'd love to hear all your stories? Let's go and make her just a little bit jealous, hm?

...I'm embarrassed.

Of what?

You really are like the big sister between the two of us, that's all. To think I was so much more confident and sociable 20,000 years ago... It's just sad to think about.

Well, maybe.

I do have youth on my side, after all.

...What's that supposed to mean?

Haha, nothing. It's just fun being the young one in a conversation for once.

Ha, yeah, Toova's pretty ancient, after all!

Whoa! What the?!

That's enough from you.

R-right. Sorry.

So, what do you say? Are you sure you won't go with me?

If you're willing to go that far... Then I can hardly turn you down.

Let's go. She's waiting for us.

Right.

Ah... Yes. This is what it looked like. It's been so long, I couldn't recall even that much... I never thought I would ever stand here again.

Haha. You've become less emotive, but more deeply emotional, I think.

This place...is special to us.

It sure looks like it. Are you glad you came?

...I'm not sure. All I can say is that I feel unsettled, but whether that's good or bad...I don't know.

Why don't we go pay our respects? I want to place these lovely flowers we collected, too.

...Wait.

Hm?

Let me...let me go first. I'm sure she would be confused if I just...I ought to introduce myself, so she's not...

No. I'm just making excuses. Standing here again, I realize that there's something I need to say. Would that be alright?

Of course it would.

Please, take your time.

Thank you.

It's...been a long time, hasn't it? The three of us collected these flowers. I hope you like them.

I'm sure you're confused. You probably don't recognize me, looking like this. Um... To put it simply, I'm Toova, from the far, far future of a different world.

Since we parted...since I parted with the other you in the other world, I've lived close to 20,000 years. If it would be alright, I want to tell you about it. About my life, since then, and...

About the promise you and I made.

I've been fortunate...to be blessed with so many meetings, since then. The promise I made, when I turned away from you...I was able to keep it. For...for a time. But over the years, it all got to be too much. I couldn't bear up under it all, and I...chose to be alone. After you wished so strongly for me to be happy...

Toova...

That's not true anymore, is it? Maybe you gave up before, but you came back. You're not alone.

...Yes. I lost a lot coming to this time layer, but I've gained a lot, too. Bonds...friends. I've lived for so long already, but it seems that even I still have a future ahead of me.

That's wonderful. I'm sure she would be happy to hear that you have hope again. And what's more, we'll never have to worry about breaking the promise ever again, if you think about it.

What do you mean?

Think about it. Now I have you, and you have me, right?

...Ah!

Now we both have someone else who knows what it means to be immortal. See?

You'll never be alone again. You can always come to see me, and I will always be there.

No matter what the future holds, I'll always be right beside you.

So be at ease, okay? I swear that I will never live my life alone, and I'll make sure that you're never alone again, either.

...I swear, too.

Haha. That's great.

Meeting yourself from a different time layer isn't really supposed to happen, probably... So who'd have thought that you two would each be just what the other one needed?

Yes. Thank you for this, Aldo.

Actually, come to think of it... Would you like to become one of our traveling companions, too?

Huh? Traveling companion? Wait. You don't mean...huh? You want me to become immortal, too? Seriously?

Hmm. That's a fine idea. It would be pleasant to have Aldo around forever, too.

You're both saying it?!

They say two's company, and three's a crowd...

But after being alone for so long, a little bit of extra company does sound very pleasant.

Yes.

They agree!!!

Look, um...I'm really glad you want me to stay with you, but... I don't really know if I'm equipped to handle everything you two have been through, you know? ...So, you're not serious, right?

......

......

We were only joking.

It was just a joke.

O-okay.

I didn't think you were the type to joke, Toova.

Of course I am. I always have been.

Come to think of it, I did enjoy teasing people a lot, back then. It's vaguely coming back to me.

Maybe it'll go back to being a habit, in time. Feel free to come see me again anytime, okay?

...Haha, right. I forgot you like to joke around, Toova.

Well, I hope you've remembered now. All that serious talk was going to give the three of us stress wrinkles.

I think I did enjoy teasing people a lot, back then. It's vaguely coming back to me.

Maybe it'll go back to being a habit, in time. Please come see me again anytime you want to, okay?

I will. Thank you. And... Here's to a long, fruitful friendship.

We'll be sure to come by plenty.

For now, though, we should probably get going, huh?

That's right.

It really...

...Wasn't a joke, now, was it?