My Tsukiha

......

Hmm...

Maybe I'm just imagining it...but I feel like someone's watching me.

Oh. Maybe it's that snowman over there! There's only one way to find out!

......

So that's Tsukiha, but from another world... She's the one who made you, right?

Yes... I can feel it in my heart... She is the Tsukiha I've longed to meet.

I always imagined what sort of princess she'd be. In my mind, she was composed and quiet and...

Hey! Were you looking at me?!

Hm? No, I wasn't.

Oh, really? Well, I guess I was wrong, but this has to be some kind of fate, so let's get to know each other!

You sure are strange...

I imagined she puts her own dreams aside and no doubt spends her days as a stoic leader. And that is why everyone is so inclined to follow her...

You like looking at the flowers on the trees? So do I! We've got so much in common! I know! Why don't you become my citizen?

Your...citizen? But I'm not interested in leaving Itoise...

That's fine!

......

Do you mind if we continue to watch her a little longer? It will help me...sort my thoughts.

Sure thing.

(I've wanted to meet her for so long, but... she's nothing like I imagined.)

Hmm...

I just can't shake the feeling someone's watching me...

Is something the matter?

Oh! You're the me from this world, right?

(That girl...)

(Hey, Yuki! That's her! That's the girl who made me.)

...Haven't you been hiding long enough?

Eek! She spotted us...

Might I ask why you were spying on this girl from the shadows?

W-Well, you see... It's...complicated... Hey, do you know that Tsukiha?

How'd you know my name?

Ack! Er, well...I heard you introduce yourself, so...

Were you wary because she bears my face? You can rest easy. I will vouch for her character.

She is yet another Tsukiha, come from a different world.

This girl is Yukino. She is the human form of a snowman I once made.

Whoa! That's amazing!

Tsukiha...

My, you look...

Just like Yukino! Does that mean...

Yes. I am also Yukino, but from another world. And...I am the snowman you made back home.

No way! My snowman turned into a human?!

And we're meeting in a completely different world! Hehe. Nice to meetcha, Yukino!

Y-Yes... Likewise... (I'm so nervous right now...) ......

Yuki, I mean, the Yukino from your world, has been working really hard for you, Tsukiha.

I was...simply doing what I should have, to avoid being an embarrassment to the one who made me.

I bet the snowmen feel at ease having someone like you around! I mean, you seem so grown up and all!

...... (That makes me so happy...)

I... Well, of course I am. I aimed to be just like you.

Really?! So we're, like, twinsies?

I'm...not so sure about that...

...To be precise, I aimed to be like my ideal version of you. (An ideal version that existed only in my head...) Calm, mature, and determined to do what she must. Someone who thinks not of herself, but devotes everything she is to those who serve her.

But you don't seem burdened by obligations. You have more freedom than I imagined.

Freedom?

I...never really had much of that.

(Oh no... Why did I say that when I know nothing about her situation...?)

But, y'know, the Tsukiha you're describing sounds a lot like the one from this world.

It does?

Yeah, she's calm and responsible and real mature. And super reliable, too!

...All traits born of necessity.

W-Well, when you put it that way... I suppose I see what you mean.

Right?!

...... (No... This isn't what I want to say at all...) (The Tsukiha from this world might be what I imagined Tsukiha to be, but she's not the one who made me...)

Hey, why don't we take a walk around the village together?

Yeah! That sounds like fun!

Very well. I shall accompany you.

......

I apologize if this is too forward of me, but...are you sure this is all right with you? For things to continue like this? Do you not wish to speak with the Tsukiha who made you?

So you can tell... Indeed. Things cannot go on like this.

Tsukiha!

Hm?

You heard that I worked hard for you, did you not? And now we are finally reunited. Which means...the time has come for me to show you the fruits of my labor. I practiced both song and dance so that I could entertain you. And there is no time like the present.

(But not here. People will see...)

Come to the village outskirts, and I will give you a show!

That is the way to the Demon Sea Caverns. I wonder if she plans to perform in there.

Is she really gonna sing and dance?

Yup, she's been practicing for a long time just for you.

I didn't know she was so talented. I can't wait!

Laaa... Laaa...

Excellent. My vocals are in tip-top condition. I can't believe Tsukiha will be here soon... This is the moment I've been waiting for.

This place is quiet, and there's no one around. I'll be able to sing and dance for Tsukiha and Tsukiha alone. This is the first time she's going to see me perform, so I want it to be just for her.

Sigh... I'd waited so long to see her, yet all I could do was say one insensitive thing after another. She's different than I imagined, but that's not to say I'm disappointed. She's cheerful and unafraid to say what's on her mind. She's a princess who tries to get along with everyone.

That's not something I could do, and it makes me a little jealous.

My Tsukiha really is a wonderful princess. Hopefully, I'll be able to tell her that once we're alone...

I need to apologize for what I said about her having freedom without knowing her story. I didn't mean to make her look so...sad.

But first, I'll show her everything I've learned. After that, I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to talk.

Yukinooo! I'm heeere!

Tsukiha!

Oh...

Sorry to keep you waiting!

......

We heard someone was puttin' on an incredible show in here.

Are you going to sing for us? How lovely.

Th-These people are...

You're gonna sing and dance, right? You practiced really hard, so I got a bunch of people together to come watch you perform!

......

We heard you were holding a concert.

I had a feeling this might happen...

Yukino? Tsukiha?

We started to worry when we saw people heading in this direction, so we came as quickly as we could.

I want everyone to watch Yukino sing and dance!

You rushed off earlier, as if struck by some great idea... I see now that you were gathering up townspeople.

But, Tsukiha, you are the only one Yukino invited to the show.

Wha...

Hold on a sec. We totally thought this was just another one of Yukino's concerts, but...

Ugh... I give up! You...you big dummy!

W-Wait! Yukinooo!

You think they'll be all right? There's some mighty strong monsters prowling the depths of this cave.

Then we'd better go after 'em.

Yeah!

In the meantime, we should have everyone else return to the village.

I called Tsukiha a big dummy... But I'm the real idiot here. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

But I mean...I never would've guessed she'd bring all those people. I thought she'd show up alone. I wanted to perform for her. Just her...

I wonder how far I've come. It's going to be awkward...but I'd better head back before I run into any monsters.

......

......

W-Well, one shouldn't be a problem...

......

......

Ugh! I'm so stupid for getting myself into this situation!

I've gotta get out of here...

Yukinooo!

You okay?!

What are you doing here?!

I couldn't just leave you! You're my snowman, after all!

......!

Are you okay, Yukino?!

Yes... I am fine.

But we have to get rid of these monsters!

There is no enemy we cannot beat if we work together.

You got that right, Tsukiha!

(It must be nice...calling her by her name.) (No, this isn't the time for that! I have to focus on the battle!)

Whew! I think that's all of 'em.

Yukino...

...... Thank you all for coming. I appreciate it.

We should not stay here long. Let us return to the village before more monsters rear their heads.

Yeah, good idea.

What's wrong, Yukino?

Well, I just thought maybe...Yuki and her Tsukiha might wanna talk, alone. So maybe we can give them time to do that now.

I...

I wanna talk to Yukino, so I can apologize for inviting everyone to her show.

Take your time, and return to us once you are finished.

Will do!

......

......

It's a little late, but...I'm here, as promised.

What do you mean?

We were supposed to meet here, right? Just the two of us. I'm sorry I misunderstood.

It's all right. Such a misunderstanding was bound to happen.

You're really not upset?

......

...In truth, I wanted that first song and dance to be performed for you alone. Just you and me, no one else.

Thanks for telling me. I really am sorry about everything.

I...I must apologize as well, for calling you a dummy. And for assuming you had ample freedom without knowing a single thing about you. I did not mean to upset you. I admire you and think you are a wonderful person. Though...I hardly think that came across.

No...it didn't.

I suspected as much... Honestly, I was jealous of you and your ability to speak your mind with a smile on your face.

But I'm nothing like the Tsukiha you imagined...

That is fine. Because you are my... (Saying it aloud...is a little embarrassing...)

Tsukiha. You said you came after me because I am your snowman, yes?

Now that you mention it, the words just kinda popped out of my mouth. I mean, technically you're my citizen because I made you, but...

More importantly, you're my snowman.

How are the two different?

Well, I mean, one's a snowman...

You'll have to be clearer.

Hmm... I guess if this is you we're talking about... How 'bout this? You're my family! And my snowman!

Tsukiha... Um... You are my...

Hm?

Would you mind if I performed for you now? I want you to see my dance and hear my song.

I'd love to!

I've always loved to sing. And whenever I practiced, I always thought of you. The one who made me. My...

My Tsukiha. This is for you.

......!

Lalalaaa... Lalaaa...

...And so Tsukiha watched me perform. She was smiling the entire time. I was so flustered, I'm surprised I didn't mess up.

I'm so glad everything worked out!

I couldn't have pulled it off alone. If you guys hadn't given me the chance, I might never have been able to tell her how I felt. So thank you, really.

Don't mention it! By the way, are you ever planning on showing Tsukiha this side of you?

I think I'll keep it hidden a while longer. I want her to see me as someone who's mature and reliable. But I'm sure she'll find out one day.

Just so you know, both sides of you are great!

Th-They are?

Oh hey. There you are!

Aldo!

Is something wrong? Were you looking for us?

No, nothing's wrong. I ran into the other Tsukiha and she filled me in on everything. I just wanted to see how you were doing. You're meeting the two Tsukihas here, right?

Yup!

We're going on an outing together.

Haha, sounds like fun.

The other Tsukiha was practically gushing about your performance. It's like she was dying to tell everyone. She could barely contain herself.

Truly?!

She even said your song and dance could conquer the world.

Conquer...the world?! Does that mean she thinks my song... could control people? (But I never told her about the power of my song.) (And...I only like singing to bring people joy.)

No, she just meant that your performance was so amazing that it could captivate the entire world. And that'd make everyone end up losing their will to fight.

You mean my song...could bring peace?

That's what she believes. You should be proud.

...I am.

Well, I've got some business to take care of. I'll see you around.

See ya, Aldo!

I can't believe Tsukiha thinks my song could bring peace to the world...

I'm so happy for you, Yuki!

Sniffle... All those years of practice was worth it... I'm so happy... My heart feels all warm and fuzzy...

Yuki... Seeing you getting all emotional... It's making my heart warm and fuzzy too...

Oh dear...

Oh nooo!

I made it through my entire performance for Tsukiha without melting, but look at me now...

And me...

Why did you melt too?! Our Tsukihas will be here any minute! We don't have time for this!

How could I not after seeing all your hard work pay off like that?! It was just too heartwarming!

I can't let her see me like this. It'll ruin the composed, reliable image she has of me! I have to focus... I have to turn back to my human self!

You can do that?!

Focus... I just have to focus...

It's not working... I know. We can manipulate the snow and make sculptures!

Sculptures?!

Yes! Snow sculptures that look just like us! And if we talk from behind them, they'll never know the difference!

What?! The likelihood that'll work is the same as a snowman's chance in, Well, you get the picture!