Between Light and Dark

...And we thought it best that you be exempt from cooking duty from now on.

What?! Why?!

Because you're our leader. You shouldn't have to be on duty all the time. So just do your thing, and let us handle the food.

Besides, it'll save the rest of us from havin' to stomach your cooking experiments all the time.

You said the quiet part out loud!

Hahaha! There's no point in hidin' it, is there?

I knew the folks in Arcadia can be pretty honest, but Utpalaka never pulls his punches...

Yeah! Ya better be nice, or else I'm gonna have somethin' to say to ya!

I told you, didn't I? What's comfortable and what's not is pretty important to me, and that goes for my stomach too!

Hmph. Just you wait! I'll cook up somethin' so good, you'll be beggin' for seconds!

Oho, I had a feelin' you wouldn't give up! I admire that resolve.

First ya insult my cookin', then ya compliment me?! Make up your mind!

Howdy there, my fine friends. I couldn't help but overhear yer li'l predicament.

If yer lookin' to improve your cookin', why not start off with some handy-dandy utensils? I've got just the thing...

I'll pass.

Hey now, ya didn't even let me finish!

Hahaha! Looks like your customers don't trust you anymore. That's gotta be rough for a salesman.

Hold on a gosh darn second! I'm not just any salesman. I helped y'all fight off that big bad Wyrmking, didn't I? We're pals now!

Sure, but "pals" don't sell their pals weird stuff...

Oh, Wryz! I'm so glad you're here.

Why? Is somethin' wrong?

I'm not sure if anything's "wrong," but... I thought I'd best report it to you first.

What's up? Did somethin' weird pop outta that hole to the Darkrealm?

No. It didn't come from the Darkrealm, but from the sea.

What did?

A strange dragon we've never seen before. He's quite large and can speak our language. And he told us...

He came to see Utpalaka.

Huh? A dragon asked for me by name, huh? Wonder if it's who I think it is.

Well, better go see for myself. Where's he at now?

We asked him to wait at the harbor.

Alright. I'll head on over. You guys're welcome to come if you're interested.

Thanks. I've gotta see this "strange dragon" with my own eyes. Shall we?

Now, just who could it be?

I knew it. It is you, Shaga!

Hm? Ah, there you are, Utpalaka. You look just as I remember you.

Whoa. What an incredible dragon!

Yeah, I can feel the heavenly energy radiatin' off of him! He's probably a lot older than me, huh?

I'll bet. He's definitely got the aura of a high-rankin' heavenly dragon. But wait...

Oh my. I'm glad to see I'm so popular with the younger ones at my age. And it brings me joy to see Utpalaka surrounded by so many people.

Seems like you two're pretty close. C'mon and introduce us already, Utpalaka.

Right... Well, this is Shaga. We traveled the world together while I was doin' my purgatorian stuff.

Really? Do dragons help purgatorians with their work?

Not particularly. Traveling is my hobby, and Utpalaka was just along for the ride.

Yeah, but I had a good time regardless.

Says the one who abandoned me to come to this island. Weren't you after my soul?

I mean, when the time comes, I'll reap it for sure. Not that I want that, though!

As for leavin' you behind, well...I didn't have much of a choice. It's not like I could bring you here where everyone was huntin' dragons.

When Flaudia invited me to the fold, I had a feelin' it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. And it'd help me get my hands on dragon souls too. So I had to go, as a purgatorian.

I get all that, but somethin' strikes me as a li'l odd 'bout all this. I can sense the heavenly energy from yer travelin' companion here, but...

It ain't all bright 'n' sunny. There's some darkness in there too, ain't there, my good man?

There is?!

Yeah, I noticed it too. I've never heard of a dragon who carried both light and dark inside of 'em.

Come now, there's no need to be so wary. I heard the people on this isle were on good terms with those in the Darkrealm. But I never thought I'd see a familiar face other than Utpalaka here, Mr. Salesman.

That so? Can't say I recall ever makin' yer acquaintance before.

Well that's an unfortunate coincidence. But I can't say I'm surprised, considerin' how social Shaga can be.

I guess I can't expect you to remember a customer you've only met once. In any case, it's true, I have both heavenly and dark energy inside of me. But I have my reasons.

So why'd you come here? Like I said, Arcadia hunts dragons like you.

Well, I heard their hunts had settled down and that they had some connection to the Darkrealm. I have quite the information network, after all. In fact, I heard those rumors from Darkrealm folk visiting the mainland.

Wait, so the people in that realm are talking about Arcadia?

Of course. They're quite the famous bunch, having struck down the Wyrmking and all.

And that is related to why I've come here. Say, Utpalaka... Would you take me to the Darkrealm?

What?!

It's not really a place that heavenly dragons go by choice, y'know.

Besides, in your condition...

I'm not just going to sate my curiosity. If you take me, I'll explain my reasons along the way.

I dunno... I don't mind going, but things can get pretty dangerous with the dark energy there.

But the miasma definitely isn't as thick as it was when the Wyrmking was around.

...Fine, I'll take you. We've shared the road before, after all. I can see you're still as whimsical as ever, though... In any case, we'll try gettin' in through that hole first.

Thank you. Lead the way.

So this is the Darkrealm! The air is teeming with dark energy!

Yeah, and it's still nothin' compared to what's further in.

You're a heavenly dragon like me, right, Shaga? Doesn't it hurt?

Well, I have dark energy inside of me as well, so it probably doesn't hurt me as much as it does you. But...I'd be lying if I said it didn't affect me at all.

That's no surprise. The air here even made me lose my mind.

It sure did. Weren't easy dealin' with him when he was all riled up like that!

Is this really the time to be digging up the past...?

Haha. I never thought I'd see the day someone beside me could tease Utpalaka like that, especially someone from the Darkrealm. There was a time where he wouldn't give them the time of day, even if they were an acquaintance of mine.

Guess you could say I had a change of heart after comin' here. Both heavenly and dark dragons live accordin' to their own beliefs, but I think change is also worth considerin'.

I can hardly believe what I'm hearing! Are you sure you're Utpalaka? I recall you being awfully suspicious of the dark energy around me when we first met!

Thank you. If you find anything of interest, please let me know.

Now then...

I know you're there. Why don't you come out and talk to me if you're so interested?

Hahaha! Guess it was only a matter of time before you found out. It ain't easy maskin' this presence!

You're quite bold for one so easily found. You've got a confident look in your eyes as well.

Well, I am pretty good at my job.

...I knew one as confident as you once. Now, what do you want from me? If you've come to profess your love, you'd best keep moving.

Hah, do I look like some lovesick pup to you?

I'm interested in that energy around you. I can tell there's darkness in it. It's like nothin' I've ever seen.

You don't waste time on pleasantries, I see. Most would hesitate saying something like that. I appreciate your interest, but it's not a crime to be cloaked in dark energy.

It's not, but people from the Darkrealm have attacked humans before. I've got a personal interest in 'em, so if you're schemin' somethin', I'll have to stop you here.

I'm not scheming anything! I'm a simple wanderer. If you're that interested in me, why not join me on my travels? I should warn you, though, mine is a journey without end.

......

Is that a no? In that case...

Hahaha! Sorry, I just wasn't expectin' to hear somethin' like that. You're invitin' someone you just met on your endless journey?

Yes. I don't mind traveling with others. It's better than being alone. ...I enjoy having company.

Well then, I accept your offer. Sounds like fun. Don't think I've ever met a dragon like you, with both heavenly and dark energy, who'd travel with someone who was surveillin' 'em!

And you must be quite the strange one to accept that invitation. I can't imagine there will be a dull moment between us on the road ahead.

So that's how your journey started, huh.

I can hardly believe that same Utpalaka would be so accepting of the Darkrealm, but... If that's what stepping foot into this realm can do, then it was well worth the journey here.

Speaking of which...why did ya wanna come here? You said you'd tell us, didn't ya?

I did, but to tell it all at once would take some time. To start, allow me to answer your question. I came because... I wanted to breathe in the air here.

Y-You mean the miasma?!

As I said, my body contains both energies. But I can no longer live on the pure energy of heaven.

That's why you didn't go back to heaven and traveled the world instead.

Yes, but I never thought of it as a bad thing. I've always wanted to visit the Darkrealm someday. Then I heard that Utpalaka and his friends had actually come here and thought to make the visit myself.

That makes sense. You might even be able to live here since you've got dark energy in you too.

I have quite a bit of contact with those from the Darkrealm who've come to our realm, so I may know some people here. And since I can't live in heaven, it may not be a bad idea to search for a home here.

Well, I'll be. Didn't know ya were thinkin' of movin' this way! If ye'd told me earlier, I would've prepared some real estate for ya!

There's also a town where a lotta people from the Darkrealm live. Maybe we could start there.

I like the sound of that! Could you take me there?

Sure thing.

Guess there's no tellin' when your past experiences'll come in handy. C'mon then, let's get movin'.

That's one interestin' fella, that's for sure. Almost couldn't believe my ears. But I know things that sound too good to be true usually are.

Not that it's any of my business. I'm just in it for the hoots.

Well, here's a people I've seen before! I didn't know this is the place they call home. They're a bit unrestrained in my opinion, but not bad once you talk to them.

Well, no matter where ya came from, no one'll mess with ya here so long as you're a strong 'un.

Yeah. We couldn't even get into an inn without having to prove we were stronger.

The fact that you even think they're "not bad" is pretty wild to me. I never expected a heavenly being to say something like that.

Hahaha! Well, that's why Shaga was an outcast in heaven. I thought it was strange too, once upon a time. But Shaga's a true outlier, showin' understanding toward even the people of our world and the Darkrealm.

I don't see much purpose in drawing a line between dark and light. At the end of the day, we're all still living beings. What matters is who we are and what we discuss. If you speak with honesty, you will receive honesty in return.

I reckon ye've gotta be pretty strong to go on livin' that way.

I can get behind that way of thinkin', though. I mean, I like what I like. The opposite's just as true. And it doesn't matter who I'm up against, if they're tryin' to oppress someone, I'll beat 'em down all the same.

Yeah! Any enemy of Wryz's is an enemy of mine!

So all who underestimate you will feel your wrath? Fascinating. I suppose that's one way of treating everyone equally.

Hahaha! Wryz ain't your typical human, that's for sure. But that's what makes her so interesting.

On that point, we can agree.

There you go again, makin' a spectacle outta people...

But that's how Utpalaka and Kuchinawa were eventually able to reach an understanding.

...If only there were more people like you in the world, life wouldn't be such a struggle for me.

Well, it's not like we can go on makin' friends with just anyone. There was even a time where we all went our separate ways. But we might be able to put aside our differences someday. It's definitely possib...

H-Hey! What was that about?!

(Going around is a pain. We can decide who moves with a test of strength.)

Ah, right. That's how they decide everything in this realm.

You wanna fight, huh?! You've got guts, pal!

(Come, we'll see who's the stronger between us.)

Alright, alright. Calm down.

Shaga?

In truth, it's better than you think to just go around someone. I'm sure it must be exhausting fighting every single person in your path, so why not save your strength for when you really need it? If you do, you'll be able to harness your full power during the more important battles.

(Hm...)

You're quite perceptive for a heavenly dragon.

Whoa, he spoke! Does that mean...he's not as wary of us now?

While it's true we use strength to decide everything, not every battle is so important that it must be won. It's clear you understand our ways. I'll go around, out of respect for your wisdom.

Well, well. Would ya look at that? Ya cleared up that misunderstandin' and I didn't even have to lift a finger! Ya really ain't got nothin' against the folk in the Darkrealm, do ya?

Honestly, I find those in heaven to be far more stubborn. As long as I can speak to others as equals, where they come from doesn't matter in the least to me. But the heavenly dragons always gave me strange looks. And there was even a young girl among them who complained. She was an ivory dragon with a rather violent disposition, but I have not seen her in some time. I wonder what she's doing now.

It wasn't just the atmosphere there that made it hard for you to live in heaven, right? It was the company too. Heavenly dragons are proud, and lots of 'em get all high-and-mighty even when talkin' to humans. Shaga, on the other hand, talks to everyone like they're on the same level.

I'm sure someone like you could get along just fine in this town!

...Yes, that would be nice.

Y'know, I'm still surprised you wanna live in the Darkrealm.

You've been travelin' for as long as I've known you, so I never expected to hear you say you wanna settle down somewhere.

Well, who knows? I may just spend my time wandering the realm instead. I hope to become a dragon who can easily breathe in this dark energy. Perhaps I can get accustomed to this miasma if I spend enough time in the Darkrealm.

I've never heard of a dragon like that before.

I suppose that would make me the first. What an exciting prospect. You said the darkness grows thicker the deeper we go, yes? Would you mind showing me the way?

You wanna go further in? Can't really recommend that. Like I said, even I struggled up ahead.

Well, I like to think myself a little more resistant to it than you!

......

If you're that sure, I'm not gonna say no. You gotta live the life you want, after all. C'mon, follow me.

*Cough* *Hack* Ahh... The air is indeed heavier here.

You mean with the darkness? Yeah, course it is.

It's just like Utpalaka said it'd be, ain't it?

If it's too much for you, we can always head back to the island. The air there should be easier to breathe.

...... No. It won't be.

(It's just as I suspected.)

Why wouldn't it be? You're a heavenly dragon, aren't ya?

...I suppose I can hide the truth no longer. I told you I could no longer live on the pure energy in heaven, right?

It seems my condition is worsening, making even the air of your realm difficult to breathe.

......!!

I thought I might be able to breathe a little easier in the Darkrealm. But it seems I was mistaken.

Well, you're originally a heavenly dragon. There's no way it wouldn't hurt here...

In short, my experiment was a resounding failure. I could not find comfort in this realm. And now that I've exhausted all my options...it seems there is nowhere for me to go.

That can't be...

Now that it's come to this, there is only one thing I can do.

I can tell by the look on your face that I'm not gonna like this... Out with it, then. What're you gonna do?

It's not as bad as you think. And the one to do it is not me, but you.

Me?

Utpalaka... Will you reap my soul?

......!!

Th-That's nonsense! I can't reap the souls of the living!

Then lay me to rest first. If you don't, I'll find a way to do it myself. So long as you're the one who reaps my soul... I don't care how it's done.

Y-You can't be serious. There's no way we'd let that happen. And I'm sure Utpalaka agrees. He's always talking about how precious life is.

Well, before you go runnin' off into the unknown...mind if I make one little request? Don't throw your lives away. Promise me.

No matter how bright that fire burns, it'll get snuffed out all the same if you die. And I can't let that happen. So even if you're desperate to prove yourself... I gotta draw the line there.

Aldo's right. Did you really think I'd agree to a crazy idea like that?

I can tell you've grown much since I last saw you, so much so that you can lecture others on the value of life. But don't you want to be reincarnated? And you need souls to do that, don't you?

...I'm tired, Utpalaka. And if this life of mine can be of use to you, then I would like nothing more.

Now that's true devotion.

...Enough. I've seen countless departed souls as a purgatorian. That's why I know better than anyone how precious life is.

And you think giving it up will somehow help me? Don't be ridiculous!

I think you the ridiculous one here. So long as one lives and breathes, does that make life "precious"? Does that make life "beautiful"? You're so fixated on this naïve notion that you've never thought of how it might be otherwise.

Just breathing makes my chest ache. Every second of my life is full of pain and discomfort. Is there meaning in this miserable life?!

Pain...and discomfort, huh... You probably could've swayed me with that argument in the past, Shaga.

But I'm not the same man I used to be. Not after what I learned here.

If I hadn't decided to become the hero of my own story, I never would've made it here. I'd still be livin' back in that village, cowerin' in fear 'cause of some weak dragons. I needed a dream to push me forward. And I think a life where I don't accomplish anything, no matter how comfy it is, ain't worth livin'.

I wanna go as far as I can go. Take another step beyond the horizon. 'Cause that's what dreams are for!

Huh...

I think it's beautiful when people keep pushin' forward, even if it hurts. That's the kinda people I wanna help. There's nothin' greater than seein' 'em cling to life through the pain and sufferin'.

But Shaga, you've given up. There's no beauty in your struggle!

...... I've heard more than enough of your preaching.

Wh-What're you doing?!

My patience has run thin. We'll decide who's right by the Darkrealm's rules, with strength! I will attack you with all my might, and if I am the victor, I will do as I wish with this life of mine.

...I know you're only attackin' us so that we'll fight back. You want us to take your life. But that's not gonna happen.

Utpalaka?

I'm gonna need your guys' help. I won't kill him, but I need to calm him down. This is a fight for life, and I'll do whatever it takes to save yours!

I can't...move...

Are you okay?!

He'll be fine. I made sure not to hurt him too bad.

You may look like you're all brawn, but...you certainly know how to exercise control. I believe this is the first time we've ever fought. You really have grown into an incredible man, Utpalaka.

Yeah, well, after I left you...I joined Arcadia, came to the Darkrealm, and helped defeat the Wyrmking. It was a new journey and a whole new experience, one that changed the way I see the world.

How do I go on living now...?

Don't you have a dream? Somethin' you wanna accomplish with your life?

Yeah. Passion can help overcome the pain.

Well...there was. But I gave up on that dream not long ago.

Really? What is it?

I wished to be a heavenly dragon who could survive even amidst dark energy. You see...long ago, I once looked after a little dragon.

You won another battle? Don't overdo it now.

I won't! Just who do you think I am? Everyone says I'm a prodigy! I'm gonna beat all those dark dragons, you'll see!

Haha. Very well, but not all at once.

I'm afraid there's nothing I can do. There's no cure, not to my knowledge.

I see. If you happen to know someone who might be able to help, let me know.

Why...are you talkin' to him? He's from the Darkrealm... They're the worst...

*Cough* *Cough*

Quiet down now, child. You needn't speak.

...Well, ain't this a sight. 'Fraid I don't have anythin' on me that could fix him up, though. Don't ya think yer better throwin' in the ol' towel? Somethin' this unfortunate could happen to just about anyone.

You've got the face of a man who gives up too easily, Mr. Salesman. But if you haven't a real solution, please be on your way.

Oof, didn't mean no offense. Medicine's just outside of my expertise. Gimme a holler if ya need yer daily necessities though. But just so ya know...it ain't unusual for folk to give themselves hope where there ain't none. Not in the slightest.

I spoke to everyone I possibly could about the condition, and was thus able to develop connections in the Darkrealm. Someone even claimed that they might be able to find a cure, over several years. The world is a wide place, after all. But...

Nngh... It's not fair... I wasn't able to do anything...with my life...

......

Life...is so cruel.

I'm so sorry...

......

After that, I began to think about what I could do with my own life.

And it struck me that I could learn how to resist the darkness and let those in the heavens know. I tried countless things to save that boy, and my body contains both heavenly and dark energy now because of it. I thought that, if I could find a way to go on living like this, then no one would have to suffer like he did. But in the end...I failed.

That's one heck of a memory you were keepin' to yourself. Can't believe this is the first I'm hearin' of it. But...I think that's a beautiful dream. And I don't think it's one you should give up on. I'll help you make it come true.

I thought you were allergic to the Darkrealm.

Well, things change. I understand now why you said there's no reason to differentiate between light and dark.

I mean, just look at them.

A human, a heavenly dragon, and a Darkrealm merchant, all travelin' together. And I'm one of 'em.

Honestly, though, I can't help myself from dislikin' the people of this realm. That hasn't changed, and I don't know if it ever will.

Aw, c'mon. That ain't nice to say after all we've been through!

But I think there're times when facin' that instinctive feelin' can teach you what's really important and help you move forward. That's what it means to mature. There's a lot to be learned out there.

The open minds of the young are an incredible thing. It's far better than the stubborn dragons I'm used to.

Very well... If you'll lend me a hand, I suppose I could keep trying for a little while longer.

That's great news!

Yeah, and we'll find a way to ease your pain while we're at it. We'll carve a path forward together.

Thank you.

Hmph... Darkness and light. In the future, there may be need for us to be bound by the feud of 10 millennia past. There's no rule saying we need be on bad terms, after all. Outliers like myself and friendships like yours may someday be able to change the way the world defines "normal."

Hahaha! Sounds like we might just change history. Now that's a dream worth riskin' my life for.

You're grinnin' from ear to ear, Utpalaka.

Course I am.

...I'm happy. 'Cause it looks like I'm gonna be able to live this life to the fullest.