In Dreams

Phew. That should be enough studying for one day.

"Those who have done well deserve honor and reward. "Provision of appropriate rest will allow one's subjects to achieve their full potential when required. "No one will follow a king who won't step forward when they should. "A king needn't be all-powerful. A true ruler knows how to make best use of others' strengths."

It's pretty good stuff. To become a great lord, I have to learn everything there is to learn.

Is that you, Tsukiha?

Aldo!

Shouldn't you be in the castle?

Nope. It's study time.

It's so much better studying outside on a nice day like today. I've spent a lifetime shut inside already.

Besides, I like to be able to see my people. They give me strength.

You really love your people, don't you?

What's that, a book? I knew you liked flowers, but I didn't know you were a reader, too.

Yeah, I love books! There were loads in my room. Biographies, military histories, you name it.

Come to think of it, Gaishin probably only put them there to get the idea of war in my head...

But it was in reading them that I discovered my dream of world conquest. The books aren't to blame.

I see. I doubt even Gaishin imagined that would happen.

*sigh* But reading all day sure is tiring.

How's about we go somewhere? I wanna get out for a bit!

Are you sure? Won't Suzaku be mad if you leave the country?

Are you sure? Don't you have work to do?

Probably, but that doesn't matter! Anyway, I've got no meetings today, so he's got no right to complain at me.

It's fine! I've got no meetings today anyway.

Besides, it's important to take proper breaks! It says so in the book I'm reading.

True... Everyone needs some time off. Where should we go, then?

Hmm... How about we go visit the other me?

You want to see the other Tsukiha?

Yeah! We made such good friends, but then I never got to see her again! I miss her! I wanna know if she's okay. She's from your world, right? Do you know where she'd be?

Um, I think I can guess, but I'm not sure about this...

What is it? Why d'you sound so apprehensive? Is it out-of-bounds or something?

No, it's not that. It's just...

Why don't we do something else? I'm sure you'll get another opportunity to see her some other time.

What're you hiding? The more evasive you act, the more curious I'm gonna be!

Now tell me where the other me is!

...... A place called the Wicked Meadow.

The Wicked Meadow? Never heard of it. What is it?

It...um... It doesn't exist in this world.

It doesn't? Then...

The other Tsukiha is always at the Wicked Meadow. It's...

The ruins of the fallen Land of Ro.

Wha!

Right. Of course... In your world, the Land of Ro is...

Exactly. You REALLY don't want to go there, it will be far too painful. So...

......

No, I wanna go. Take me there.

Huh?

I mustn't shut my eyes to it. Even if the Land of Ro doesn't exist there. I told you. I'm going to conquer the world.

And now that I know of it, your world is included in that, too. So I can't just ignore it.

If you're really sure about this, then okay. But prepare yourself, it will be a difficult sight. Let's go to the Wicked Meadow.

This is it?

No...

There's...nothing. You almost wouldn't believe there was ever a country here, that people ever lived here...

Is this where the castle was?

Yes.

It's all gone... Burned down to its foundations.

It's terrible. I don't know why the Land of Ro perished in this world. Or who did it.

But even if there was a reason for this. And even if the country really was destined to fall... Trying to erase the fact that the country ever existed...

Why did they need to go this far?

......

......

Oh... It's no use. I see it.

See what?

Surely you've realized, too? The route we've taken...is exactly the same as in my country.

Now that you mention it...

Even with everything destroyed, even with everything erased. The terrain, the trees, the grass, it's all the same. I remember everything. So I see it.

I still see the Land of Ro within these ruins.

Oh... Of course...

I'm sorry. I guess we shouldn't have come here after all?

No, it's fine. I'm the one who insisted we come here anyway. And I don't regret it.

Just when I think that this place overlaps with my Ro, that there are people living here right now...

You two?

Ah...

Tsukiha!

I never thought, if we met again, it would be here of all places. Did you actually choose to come here?

Yeah. I asked Aldo to take me here.

That does sound like you. But why would you want to visit this place? It's a terrible sight for those who know the Land of Ro. It must be heartbreaking for you.

Yeah, it is... But don't worry about me. You know and love the Land of Ro just as much as me. You must be in constant pain!

Aldo told me you come here a lot. Why would you⁠...

I need to.

I need to etch this altered landscape into my heart.

What was where? Who lived there? You'll be able to remember it all. It will still be in your head. But...

It only took one night for it all to fall to ruin. Our beloved country, our city of Ashihara, where demons and humans lived in harmony. All those malicious people attacked, and it was gone in an instant.

I told you before, about the tragedy of war.

But seeing is believing. This is what war brings.

Now that you've seen it, never forget. Take the wrong turn, and your country could still end up like this.

......

I can never forget it, either. Not this country, not my people... And not Suzaku.

People forget things out of sight. However intense the event, however much they loved their homeland.

To be honest with you, I fear that my memory will eventually fade.

Yet, my memories of the incredible country that was once here should never, ever be forgotten.

So you returned to the East, and came back here.

I understand. It may be painful, but even that pain is important. Would you mind if I asked you one more thing?

Go ahead.

When we said goodbye before, you mentioned that there were other people. Where are they?

Ikarga. It's a small settlement where our few survivors now live.

Really? I'd love to visit. Is it near?

Yeah, it's just over there.

What do you plan to do when you get there?

Anything. I want to help. Those people have lost their country. They must feel so alone.

But you can't⁠...

Forget it. There's no point trying to stop you.

Okay. I'll take you to Ikarga.

So this is Ikarga? It's a little desolate perhaps, but nice and peaceful all the same. It's still got an air of Ro about it.

Everyone who lives here seems so calm.

......

I wanna talk to them. Is anyone about?

My, my. We don't often get visitors round here.

What can we do for you? We can't offer much by way of hospitality, though...

Oh, we're only stopping by. Please don't go to any trouble for us.

No? It couldn't be... Princess?!

Oh? You recognize me? Even with my horns hidden?

How could I ever forget you, when I worked in your castle?

I see. So your attendants were never machines like they were for me.

Huh?!

What's wrong?

There's...two of you?! She's...you! She's the spitting image of the young princess I used to take care of! How could this be?

Darn. If he knows both eras, this is going to get real confusing!

She's...um...just a demon child I know. That's all.

Please calm yourself. There is only one of me.

I-I do apologize. She just looks so alike you. But a visit from you, Princess, demands a banquet! No, more! We must pull out all the stops!

That really won't be necessary. We won't be staying long.

Ah, I understand. Please, don't let me disturb you any longer. Enjoy your stay.

Phew! That could have gone a lot worse.

So I can't walk out and be proud as myself here? Come to think of it, everyone mistook you for my mother in my world.

It didn't bother me. But it would be nice if we could hide your face with something.

How about that hat?

You mean the one on my back? Oh yeah, I'd completely forgotten I even had it! I pretty much never use it, you see.

Okay, I'll put this on, and then I'll go talk to everyone! If anyone has a problem, I'll solve it! That's why I came here!

Hello!

Goodness, what a spirited young thing! It's nice to see you here. There aren't many young'uns like you around anymore.

Pleasure to meet you!

I wanna know what life is like here. How do you live? Is anything bothering you?

Well, we live relatively normal lives. It's a modest existence, but we're used to it.

Really? There's nothing you want?

It would be selfish to ask for more than this.

Really? Got it. Thanks!

Hahaha! Worries? Nope, I don't have any worries.

Well, these jugs've started to feel heavier. But that's just my age. Nothing I can do about it.

Really? Then let me help y⁠...

No, no. They're too heavy for you. You could really hurt yourself if one broke. We can't be having that.

Anyway, you came all the way here. Just relax, enjoy yourself. How about a cup of tea?

Okay. Thank you.

Is there anything troubling me? No, I don't think so. Just the sight of you young folks has brightened up my day.

Anything at all. Like, do people mistreat you because you're a demon? Is the world a scary place for you?

Goodness, what serious topics for such a sweet young girl. So long as we don't leave, we've got nothing to worry about. I plan to spend what time I've left right here.

I...see...

There was nothing I could do for them. They've lost their country... I really thought they'd be more troubled.

So you understand now?

Now that I think of it, Tsukiha, you were hesitant to come here in the first place.

I was. I only agreed to come here because I knew she'd never listen to me. But now she understands. They don't want for anything more.

The village was built by someone responsible for the destruction of Ro. Garneli, the Empress of Shin.

Huh?

She rounded up the survivors and gave them a peaceful life. To ensure they'd never rebel, no doubt. Regardless of her motives, my people were saved. Much better than living in a scorched field.

But not everyone's happy with this arrangement, are they? I've met people of Ro who wish to restore their country. The Rising Demons, I think they're called.

There are such people? Still, that doesn't change how most feel.

There's nothing I can do for them now.

How can you be okay with that? How could you leave your people to someone else? And to the person who destroyed your country, no less?

The Land of Ro no longer exists. I am not their princess. So, give up. I appreciate the thought, but you have no role here.

You're from another world. You're not a princess here, you're just some other girl. If someone genuinely had a serious problem, why would they confide in a random girl like you?

Nhh...

But! You helped me! Even though you're from another world! Even though you weren't a princess in my world!

Yes, and I overstepped.

I was so convinced the Land of Ro was destined to fall that I nearly ruined your country in the process.

I am so sorry. It was wrong of me.

Don't be like that! It wasn't your fault! Even I thought the same. If it wasn't for you, we never would have found out that Gaishin had stolen her father's body.

But...

What's going on here? Ain't this supposed to be the village time forgot? Why so much noise today?

Well?

You don't look like residents. I thought they were all oldies here.

Where is everyone? I have a message for the residents. Show yourselves at once!

What a lot of visitors we're getting today. What can we do for you? We can't offer much by way of hospit⁠...

What do you mean?

These people sure seem arrogant...

What did you say?

Hear me now. We were sent by Lord Genshin of Kurosagi Castle in the Land of Mi. The people of Ikarga were given a place to live, yet have given nothing back to Mi and Shin. This won't do!

What?! How could you say such a thing after you took everything from them?

However, Lord Genshin is a generous man. Start paying your taxes now, and he will write off your debts.

Taxes? But we don't live in the Land of Mi...

Exactly! And it was Garneli who arranged this settlement for us. It doesn't make sense for us to be paying anything to the Land of Mi.

Hey! You're way out of line!

How could you even think about taking more from these people?

I don't care for the opinion of outsiders like you. Now, are we understood? I imagine you won't have the money available immediately, so food is fine for now. Bring all the food you have to the Temple Ruins. We're done here.

Wait! You can't just walk off without even hearing what they have to say! This is too cruel!

Stranger, I appreciate your anger, but this is our problem.

If we give them all our food, we'll have none for tomorrow. What do we do?

It's a bit weird, isn't it?

What is?

Why the Temple Ruins? Why not Izana? That would make much more sense for transporting food. It's such a roundabout way of doing things. Something seems off to me.

Now that you mention it, I agree.

Let's go check it out. Either way, it's strange.

We have to find out if there's something else going on. If there is...

You'll...punish them?

No, of course not! I'd wanna make friends!

Huh?!

What? I thought you were angry! Why would you⁠...

What they said was strange. It was violent, and threatening, and unforgivable. But I have to accept everyone. So I want to know the truth.

The only way to understand each other is to be open and honest.

Honestly, you're so...

No, we've no time to get into that now. Let's go.

Right. They'll be waiting for us at the Temple Ruins.

Everyone, wait here! It could be dangerous.

But this isn't your problem! We can't let you⁠...

This is my problem! Everything in the world is my problem.

It...is?

So wait here! It's going to be okay!

Think it through, you dimwits.

What if they get angry? They may be old, but some of 'em are demons. Who knows the damage they'll do.

And what if it's poisoned? That's why we've gotta check it all here, then bring it to Genshin.

I did. So we wait here...

Found them!

Hm?

It's those outsiders from before. Where're the residents?

They're not coming. We're not here to deliver food.

What?

It's you who don't understand your position here. There are only three of you. And there's three of us.

Plus, she and I are both demons. If you really think you can beat us, go ahead and try.

Exactly. But relax, we didn't come here to fight.

So tell us. Why did you bring us to the Temple Ruins?

Phew... I failed? I thought it was a good plan. Take food then kill everyone, under the guise of Genshin's orders.

What are you talking about? You weren't acting on his orders?

You asked why the Temple Ruins?

Well, it's simple enough. Because no one can hear you scream.

That power... No... Is he a specter?!

Yes, I am.

The food doesn't matter now. But you know my plans, and for that you all must die! I'll just tell Genshin my underlings died in an accident!

Not gonna happen! First, we're gonna calm you down! Then we're gonna talk!

GROOO! No! Are you going to kill me? I failed...

Don't worry. Of course we're not going to kill you!

So tell me, what do you want? What were your motives? The more I get to know you, the closer we'll be... And then you can become my citizen!

Citizen? What are you talking about? What I want is to oppress humans and demons alike, and take all there is to take from them. That's all.

Nope, not good enough. I don't accept.

Surely there's something else? Why don't we try to find the answer together?

Wh-What's with this girl? S-Stay away from me! Why d'you keep coming closer? You're gonna try and kill me, aren't you?

I told you already, I'm not gonna kill you! I just want to talk!

P-Please! I'm scared! I promise I won't disguise myself as human to steal from others anymore! Please! Forgive me!

Hey! Wait! I forgave you from the start...

Tsukiha... I've been meaning to say this for a while now. Sometimes you come on a little strong. I think you scare them away.

And the difference between you and that specter's way of thinking will be too great. It's not going to be easy to see eye-to-eye with such evil types.

No. It's all because we couldn't understand these specters that my mother...

If I want to conquer the world, I have to be able to open my heart to absolutely anyone.

Ugh. You can be so stubborn.

Now, as for the rest of you...

I am about as connected to the Land of Ro as can be. However, I do not seek revenge. Nor do I wish to hurt those of the Land of Mi.

However.

I would like you to deliver a message to Genshin. Tell him, if he wishes to oppress the people of Ikarga...

I, Tsukiha will take up the blade once more.

Tsukiha...

That should keep them quiet for a while. Genshin fears demons because of the Jiraiya incident. My threat will be effective.

Wha!

Oh! Yeah!

What is it? Why do you look so happy?

I just thought of something good!

Why don't I like the sounds of this...

Oh, don't be like that. First, we should go back to Ikarga. We have to tell everyone it's gonna be okay now!

Yeah, you're right. We should tell them they don't need to worry about taxes anymore. To Ikarga!

You scared off the Mi soldiers?

Yes. It's kind of a long story, but they're gone now, and they won't be coming back in a hurry.

So you don't need to worry about them taking your food and money!

How can we ever thank you enough? For outsiders to do all this for us... I'm ashamed to say, we never would have been able to sort this on our own.

I'm no outsider though. So there's no need to feel indebted to us.

I told them if they tried this again, they'd regret it. You won't hear from them for a while.

Princess... We won't forget this kindness.

This may be selfish of me...

What is it?

I'm sure you have your reasons, but... It would make this old man so happy if you came to visit every once in a while.

I'll bear that in mind.

So everything's sorted now?

Well, the threat hasn't completely disappeared. We cannot guarantee that Mi will stay quiet forever. And there may be others like that specter.

Right. This world's gotta live in harmony, too. Or else people will keep suffering.

Tsukiha... Oh yeah, what was that thing you thought of back at the ruins? Was it something to do with Ikarga?

Yeah. It's the only way.

What are you planning to do? You've only just seen the place. There's nothing you can do for our wor⁠...

Yeah, you're right. That's why...

I won't do anything!

Huh?!

A-And how does that benefit Ikarga, exactly?

I told you. I can't ignore this world now that I know of it.

I want to befriend everyone, including the people here. But how can I, when I come from another world?

So...

I'm leaving this whole world to you!

What?! You're being absurd! Again!

What's absurd about it? It makes perfect sense! It was even written in the book I was reading.

"A king needn't be all-powerful."

Huuuh?!

Wait a moment... I can't wrap my head around this.

She does say the strangest things.

Look, I told you. I'm not a princess anymore. I don't have any power.

But those soldiers trembled when they heard your name.

That? A faint memory of me may linger in the air, but it will fade away before long.

That's fine. You can still help everyone.

In fact, it HAS to be you! You only did that to help your people! I know you still love them!

...... I won't deny that I care about them. Of course I do. Just as you do.

However... Even so, I don't know if I can do it. Whatever else, I am still the last princess. I failed to stop the destruction of my land. It was my fault.

Look at my arm. Do you see this mark I bear? I can't rescue anyone with a cursed arm like this.

Yes you can!

Ngh!

I've never literally joined hands with all of my citizens. Words can work just as well.

And I think...

You look at the ruins of Ro because you care about it, and don't want to forget it. But however much you burn that image into your mind, you can't change the past.

Come to think of it, didn't someone say that before?

I may still have my country, but I've been through a lot, too. And when I kept looking back, Suzaku told me. Love is the only way. You have to keep going with love in your heart.

Remember the past to change the future. With your love. And I know how much you love them. I haven't forgotten that time you slapped me over them.

Fine. You win. I can't think of a way to say no.

Then...

Then it's settled! I'll take care of my people! You'll take care of yours!

We'll protect everyone so that they can live in harmony!

Deal.

I have wreaked my vengeance and settled my own affairs. Perhaps it's time for me to face my people.

I do want to bring down my father and judge the sins of my family... But I can't ignore my people either.

I have goals I must achieve... But I cannot ignore my people either.

So take my hand. We will protect those who need protecting.

Thank you! With your help, I know we can connect the two worlds! Because you're me, and I'm you!

Yes, I suppose so.

With this, my world conquest has taken another step forward! To have two worlds in sight instead of just one makes me so excited!

Oh, that reminds me, Aldo!

Yes?

Are there any other worlds? Except for this one and mine?

What?!

I mean, there are, but...

I mean, I wouldn't write it off...

The fact that there are two of us right now means that there could be other me's out there!

Imagine if we rounded up 100 of me! We'd be invincible!

But you don't know what the other Tsukihas would be like. You and I are so very different.

Yeah, but we'd all get along! Like we do!

But 100 of us at once won't be easy. I'll have to split the work with you.

You're dragging me into this?!

It will be great! Let's connect every single world together!

Um...

You're too much, honestly!