Top Secret

Thank you for having me. I'm Dilmy from Paradream.

The feeling's mutual. And I promise to show them just how grateful I am in song later.

Then let's begin!

...I see. So this place is special to you and your friend!

When we were young, we used to look for where the land ended and the sky began, just like this.

But the Airport became nothing more than a transit point after we moved our base of operations to Eeza.

That happens. People's lives get so hectic when they become adults.

Still, I don't think any of us wants to forge the childlike wonder we had back then.

Good point. Our sensibilities are our weapons and the tools of our trade, after all!

Aaand cut. Great job, Dilmy!

That wraps up the filming here.

That was amazing. I wanted to be an idol myself way back when, but wasn't cut out for it. You, though? Incredible!

I see... Well, where to next?

The Theta District. Would you mind heading there?

She acts so high-and-mighty... But I'll expose her true self with this. A special drone that can read people's thoughts from their brain waves.

I'm sure the dark past of a famous artist will earn me plenty.

Everyone's talking about your work with Minette Belle, the popular brand that came into the fashion world like a shooting star! Could it be... Today's outfit is one of their designs?!

I'm sorry to say that it's not. But today is about me, isn't it? I'd appreciate it if you talked about their new works another time.

Oh, what a shame! It sounds like you know about as much as the rest of us do. In that case, let's move on to our next location!

......

Mildy?

It's been a while. I didn't know you were in town. You should've come by to say hello!

Well, well! A young lady and a diamond in the rough! How do you two know Dilmy?

Uh... We travel together.

We've known each other since we were kids. We used to be best friends.

(...Used to be...)

Oh?

You must be the friend Dilmy spoke about. Your family runs a shop in Elzion, right? We're filming a segment now. We could cover your shop a bit, if you're interested.

Oh, uh... Thanks, but I'm not good at that kind of stuff...

Really? I thought you did just fine last time.

But everything got out of hand because that thief tried to steal our product...

Okay. I'm sure my dad will be happy to get some coverage.

Wonderful! Then let's head over right now!

...And if they weren't together, she'd throw a tantrum. That's why they went everywhere, and I mean everywhere, together.

Ugh, Papa! I know you're in a good mood, but you can't just say things like that!

...It is a little embarrassing to hear stories of our childhood. But spending time together was so much fun, a whole day passed by in the blink of an eye.

I even turned back the clock, hoping we'd never have to say goodbye.

Oh, speaking of embarrassing stories! Let's talk about that rumor...

You know the one! Is it true you and Amy both competed for Horgclun's heart?!

Wh-Wh-Wh-WHAT?!

The answer is no. I only see him as a friend.

S-Sorry, Mil, I mean, Dilmy. This is all because of something Papa said during an interview with Sense Vision...

Oh, c'mon. I can't say for sure about Mildy, but you were head over heels for that guy, right?

Papa!

...Well, she's always been cute, just like a princess. That's why she was super popular.

And you were like a knight in shining armor, protecting your princess from the kids who tried to mess with her.

Oh, stop it, Papa!

......!

(Not only did Amy get hurt on my behalf...) (But my very existence was causing her pain?)

And before the two of them moved away, you all went to Toto Dreamland. Remember that?

Yes. It was the last memory we made together.

(But after that, I did something terrible to Amy...)

Hmm... I like that look on your face.

Say, I've got an idea. Why don't we head to Toto Dreamland, for old times' sake?

I don't really have anything else lined up today, so I could go.

Same here. But I won't be going near the chateau! No way, no how!

Well, if Amy's going, then... Sure. I'll go too.

Great! Next stop, Toto Dreamland!

......

So this is the place you hung out when you were younger.

The park was already closed by the time I was made, so this is my first time here!

Whenever I come here, I can't help but feel the same thing... That our fun days as children are gone, never to return. That even if I turn back the clock, reality itself remains the same.

Dilmy...

Since we're here, we should take all sorts of photos!

Back then, were we told we weren't tall enough to ride the carousel.

Yeah, but you wanted to ride the horse so badly, you wouldn't let up.

I was obsessed with the idea of a knight on a white horse, so I threw a fit.

We gave that poor worker such a hard time, saying, "we'll be tall enough if we ride on each other's shoulders!" I remember getting scolded by Papa and the others too.

Sounds like you guys were really cute kids.

Aldo...

In the past tense, really?

N-No, that's not what I meant. You two are more pretty than cute now, if anything.

Uh-huh...

Hahaha! It sounds like you had a lot fun back then. Well, on to the next place!

These looked much bigger when we were children.

The last time we rode them, we were in elementary school, so we're definitely a lot taller now. Oh yeah, remember the time Horgclun was like "I'm not riding that thing," but you told him to get on, so he did?

He pouted the whole time on the Toto Car. It was so funny!

(I didn't mean to hurt you, Amy...)

(...Or did I?) (After what I said on our last day together, I'm not so sure...)

You don't look so well. We can always stop if this is too hard for you.

You don't need to worry about me. I recall the Ferris wheel being just ahead. Let's grab some photos there next.

Ugh... She's such a snob.

No matter how tired we got, we'd always ride the Ferris wheel at the end of the day. But Horgclun was so afraid of heights, he'd be chanting formulas like spells to distract himself.

......

Are you okay? You haven't been looking so good for a while now.

I'm fine. It's just, all these memories...

I'm so happy for you, Mildy! You got into one of the best schools in Elzion!

......

I'd say good luck with your studies, but I don't think you'll need it. I know you'll do just fine!

...Is that all you have to say?

Huh?

We won't be able to see each other like this after today. There's no "see you tomorrow" once I leave. ...But I understand just how little I mean to you now.

(Even though you were the only one special to me...)

...Never mind. Goodbye.

(Back then, I...)

"Back then, I wanted to hurt Amy's feelings. I wanted her to hurt because of me."

Is that Mildy's voice? Why's it coming from the drone?

"Amy was my best friend, but being together was always painful for me."

Is it reading my thoughts?

I'm so sorry! It seems like it's emotion- reading function is going out of control!

So these are Mildy's feelings? Then...

Stop that drone right now!

"Whenever she had to protect me, I hated myself."

Stop it!

"That's why...I'm glad we parted ways."

Hey, Mildy... This is some kind of joke, right?

......

You mean...it's true?

I'm sure there's some kind of explanation for this, Amy.

......

...I need a break. Think I'll go for a walk over there.

Amy...

I'm so sorry... I didn't mean for that to happen...

Should I go after your friend? It looks like she went to that big building in the next area.

Yes, please.

You okay, Mildy?

You should be asking that to Amy, not me.

That's not true. You look like you're about to cry.

I hurt Amy. I don't deserve your sympathy.

Is it true? What that drone said?

You saw my past, didn't you? I was bullied as a child.

I was bullied as a child. I was...often misunderstood, even back then.

But Amy always came to my rescue, like a knight in shining armor. I felt safe with her. I was proud to call her my friend. But it was still so painful to be at her side. When we were together, I felt weak. Like some helpless princess that needed protection.

...Not that I expect you to know what that's like.

I can't say I totally understand, but I have a childhood friend named Darunis. And I've always thought he was better than me.

After I moved, I never intended on seeing Amy again. After all...it didn't befit her to have some weak, sniveling princess at her side. And I...

I see. Well, that's all the more reason to tell her now. She couldn't have gone too far. Let's go find her.

I didn't know...that's what Mildy thought of me...

Amy!

Are you okay?

I'm fine. That was just...a little hard to hear.

Anyone would be shocked after all that. But if you want to fire back at her, then...

It's not Mildy I'm mad at. We were so close back then, but I didn't notice a thing. Some friend I was...

Oho! This is incredible! Amy doesn't have a single bad word to say about Dilmy!

That can't be true! Normally people would be upset after hearing something like that!

Looks like I'll have to crank this up a bit...

S-Stop that! Stop that this instant!

I'm so sorry about that... There might be something wrong with the drone.

Oh, okay... Er, what's that?

Was that thing...always there?

Wha...

"Mi...mi..."

Oh no...

"Mimi... Mimi... Mimimimimimimimi!"

AHHHHHH!

That was Amy!

What the?!

She must be in there!

*pant* *pant* Well, now the door's closed. We should be fine in here, I think.

"Mi..."

"Peeeeeek-a-boooooo...!"

Ahhh! Someone, HELP!

You have some nerve making my Amy cry.

I'm sorry I'm late.

Why did you come? I thought I...I hurt you.

You didn't hurt me. I was the one causing myself pain. But that's all in the past. I'm no longer a princess who needs protecting.

I don't need to cower behind you anymore. So is it okay...if I stand by your side?

Mildy... Of course it is!

You two okay?

I made it just in time. But I'll need some help bringing that thing down.

You dared to lay a hand on my princess, so I hope you're prepared to face the consequences!

We make a great team.

Of course we do. I never forgot about you, even for a second.

Just...what are you, Dilmy?

Hmph... You bore me.

Wh-What are you talking about?

Playing dumb, are you?

Not knowing when to give up is only looks good on people doing the right thing.

"It's not like I'll get caught. I'll just take the info to the gossip columnist once the shoot is over, like always."

Ah!

A TV show's film staff was caught using illegal methods to expose the private lives of celebrities. That would constitute a pretty major noncompliance, don't you think? It'd be big news. You'll be the center of attention. Isn't that you wanted? I'm making your dream come true.

Hey, wait!

I...I can't move!

Of course not. I want you to hang around for little while longer, so I've given you a harmless paralyzing nerve agent. I'll call for some backup, so let's head back to the entrance, shall we?

I came because you called, but I didn't think you'd make me turn someone in to the police. If you've forgotten the EGPD's number, I could always write it down for you.

Oh, I haven't forgotten. I've always had a good memory. In fact, I could recite every single annoying thing you've ever said to me if you ever want to hear them.

Now then, I'm glad you got here so quickly. Like I told you over telepathy, I need you here now because I want to go on a date.

Now then, Amy, shall we head back to the park? Today I'll be your knight in shining armor, and you can be my princess.

Hehe. I'd like that.

Looks like you were rejected.

...No. I only came here because she called, so it's not a rejection. And besides...

I've always been the odd man out. ...Frankly, I'm a little jealous.

Let's ride the Ferris wheel, Amy.

But how? It's broken.

That's true, but... You know me. I never give up once I've got my heart set on something. It might not be the same as before, but I've got an idea.

Whoa!

This way. We can sit here.

See? Now we're on the Ferris wheel.

You sure know how to get your way.

So...why am I the princess today? It doesn't really suit me.

That's not true. You're a princess to me, Amy. In fact, I'd wish to stop the clock before it strikes midnight just for you.

Honestly...I didn't want to be your princess. I wanted to be your knight in shining armor.

You always protected me, but I wanted to protect you too.

...You know, you were super cool today, Mildy. You were right when you said the past is gone and isn't coming back.

The hands on the clock keep ticking forward, and we keep on changing.

But there are some things that don't change. Like our friendship.

Oh? I disagree.

What do you mean?

We're not just best friends. We're soulmates.

Haha. I'll leave that up to your imagination.