Feelings from the Old Festival

I've travelled across into Migleina, knowing I'd never set foot in my homeland again. But I'm the last survivor...and I've had my vengance.

Tsukiha...

Am I now worthy of facing those lost citizens of the Land of Ro?

Of course. You've confronted your fate, and you did what you had to.

You are right... Finally, I can mourn those who were lost. Praying is how we welcome the souls during the Return.

A soul return...so it's when the souls of the dead return home. The Land of Ro in the other time layer held a festival, right?

It's the time of the year for the souls of the deceased to return from the netherworld. There are various ways to call it, but that's how it's been referred to on this continent.

Well, that is just one of our understandings regarding the ritual. It must've risen from the rituals of remembering the ones we've lost once a year.

The Return? What's that?

It's the time of the year for the souls of the deceased to return from the netherworld. There are various ways to call it, but that's how it's been referred to on this continent.

The souls return?

Well, that is just one of our understandings regarding the ritual. It must've risen from the rituals of remembering the ones we've lost once a year.

I see. We've come here at the right time, then.

Yes. Well, let's spare a moment to briefly pray for the souls resting in these lands...

Hmm? Are you two travelers?

Indeed we are.

Ah! Excellent. I must tell you that this place used to be a great kingdom called Ro.

We are aware of that.

Really? Well, do you know about the festival to celebrate the return of souls?

Yes, more or less.

That's great! You know, the festival's starting soon. You travelers should stop by Ikarga, too!

It seems strange to hold a festival when the country itself lies in ruins, I must say...

Aw, what's the harm? Everyone could use some fun.

But why a festival to welcome back the deceased?

The Return I know was an event where we stay home and quietly mourn for those we lost. I was rather shocked when I saw the festival trappings in the other world. I could hardly believe it.

Hmm... It looks like what you know is different from what's going on lately. Curious.

A festival you say?

Hahah! I knew you wouldn't know about it! Well, there's a big festival at the moment! The citizens of Ro return from far off lands to join the event. I'm back here to see my family.

You travelers should stop by Ikarga, too!

Oh. Umm...

A festival to celebrate the return of souls? That can't be...

A festival, huh? Sounds fun!

But why a festival to welcome back the deceased?

Precisely! It was supposed to be an event where we stay home and quietly mourn for those we lost.

Hmm... It looks like what you know is different from what's going on lately. Curious.

But either way, this sounds like fun. Why don't we go to Ikarga and talk to the people about it?

Fun? ......

Tsukiha? Is everything all right? You look a bit gloomy...

No...I'm fine.

Ikarga, was it? Let's get moving, then.

Oh, hello, travelers. You've come at the perfect time.

I know. We heard about this festival happening here in Ikarga. Right, Tsukiha?

Hmm... I recognize you.

...The pattern on your clothes, it comes from Ro doesn't it? Are you from around here?

Life surely is full or surprises.

I don't know what you're referring to, but we have questions. The Return was supposed to be a solemn tradition. How did that turn into a festival?

Can't say why, but for us commoners, welcoming spirits is just another festival. Only those from a family with a long history could be solemn on this day, as it was long ago.

I see what you mean...

Well it's a good thing I ran into you. You should join the festivities, young lady.

I should be going... See you around!

Um, is there anything you want? I mean, you're standing a bit too close to me.

Mmm... The more I look at you, the better I think you'd look in those clothes. Lady, if you're a citizen of Ro, I suppose you have proper attire for the Return?

Return apparel... It's what everyone was wearing at that festival we saw.

What kind of attire is that?

Yes. It's a traditional dress of Ro worn during the Return season.

It's a traditional dress of Ro worn during the Return season.

I do own some, but is it necessary that I wear them?

Goodness! Of course! The festival's a great occasion to get yourself dressed up!

Well, no, I mean... Mine is old, and all ragged, so...

Don't you worry your little head. I'll help you alter it so it fits you now. The dress'll be happier for it.

Well... The thing is...

Come on, it's a festive dress. The girls in Ro used to compete with each other over who had the most stylish dress. There's a girl I wish I could see in her dress...but that's in the past now... She'd have been about the same age as you, if things had been different.

...... The closure of that girl's future is the burden I must shoulder.

Very well, I shall wear the dress even though it's been so long.

Well what do you know! It's decided, then!

Woah. She was a blur! I wonder if Tsukiha is going to be okay...

Ho heh heh! Look at her. The dress fits perfect!

That's the traditional dress of Ro? I see, what you were wearing during the Twilight Festival.

That's the traditional dress of Ro? It looks really nice and comfortable!

That's the traditional dress of Ro? It looks really nice and comfortable!

I do. It's traditional attire for relaxing during this season. We hope that the deceased will relax during their time here... And these clothes express that wish.

Even so, she was quite swift and skilled...

Mm! Just as I thought! Now you're all set. Go and enjoy the festival!

......

What's wrong, Tsukiha? You've looked gloomy since you heard about the festival.

Hmm... I'm just a little embarrassed having you see me dressed like this.

But why? You look great!

......

Huh? By the way, Tsukiha, I just noticed that you've got a horn growing. Is that part of the dress?

Huh?

Oh! Umm, this is...

Hey youngin'! You shouldn't be looking at a young maiden like that.

M-My bad... I didn't mean to, honestly...

Anyway, I've put on my dress. But I must say that I'm still uncomfortable celebrating this event.

Hmph... You're just not allowing the festival to carry you away, young lady.

Tell you what, the villagers are busy preparing. Mind helping them out?

I see no problem with that. Come on, Tsukiha, let's go enjoy the festival.

I suppose I have no choice. Let's walk around.

Oh, it's you again. Thanks for telling us about the festival.

Well, hello again travelers! I'm glad you came!

We were asked to help the villagers... But before that, I'd like to ask a question.

The Return was supposed to be a sacred ritual to remember the deceased. How could you turn it into a festival?

It was...just a way to make the souls of our family and ancestors feel a little more welcome. But you see...our country is dying and we've lost so many... It got harder and harder to keep up a cheerful front. Everyone forgot about the festival in the confusion.

To lose your own country like that... I can understand why no one could celebrate anything.

But can we let those lost souls see us dark and depressed year after year?

That's why we decided to bring back the festival starting this year!

It's very unfortunate... But I never thought I'd see this festival for the first time now.

How odd. That doesn't explain why you own that dress. It looks like it is of very fine quality. Did your family keep you hidden away or something?

I can't deny that my mother taught me to avoid the outside world.

Then perhaps the festival had been held all along while you weren't aware of it.

Oh, it's been so many years... This is just amazing!

I guess I wasn't aware of what was going on in the city. All I needed was to be free from the curse of my mother...

Hahah! Well, take it as an opportunity! You've got the right clothes, so all you've got to do now is enjoy the festival! That's how young girls in Ro have fun!

Though I hate to admit it, but you look better in that outfit than my own daughter.

Dad, what did you just say?

Goodness gracious! She really is gorgeous. Urgh... All the guys are gonna be drooling when they see her!

No, no, I don't think so...

I've never seen a girl as beautiful as you! And looks at those horns! You're a daimon through and through.

A daimon? What's that?

Here in Ro, where humans and demons coexist, there are some who have the blood of demons in their veins. Even if both parents are humans, there are times when the demon traits become pronounced. Thus, daimons.

Wow, this is the first I've heard of this.

Well, I've been trying to keep it a secret.

Why would you do that?

They used to be so small that you couldn't see them, but they've gotten bigger since my arm was cursed. It's hard to make good first impressions with a cursed arm and horns... That's why I got used to hiding them during my travels.

That makes sense.

But no one cares about them here. You're just like everyone else.

However, these are...

Now, loosen up a bit and enjoy! Let those returning souls hear our laughter!

That's what this festival is all about!

We've got to live life, not just mope around!

Is that so... That's the total opposite of how I've lived to this point.

By the way, where has your boyfriend gone off to? It's been a while since he headed to the Temple Ruins.

The Temple Ruins? Why would he go there?

That temple is where all the sacred items were stored. He was supposed to bring them back to the new festival venue.

The new festival venue?

I hope he's okay... Maybe he went on ahead to the Cat Shrine. Though he told me he'd come back here first...

I've got a bad feeling about this. I sense a dark evil emanating from the direction of the Temple Ruins. It's disconcerting. There's definitely a specter or monster with immense power in the area.

W-We've got to do something! He's no weakling, but he won't stand a chance against something like that!

Let's go check on him! Come on, Tsukiha!

How odd... I've never felt such power before.

Anyway, we don't have time to waste. Let's get going to the Temple Ruins.

Waaaaaagh! Heeeeeelp!

Are you all right?! What happened here?!

I-I-I came here to get the items! But then, this creature, !

What are you saying?!

I don't see anything... Can you feel anything, Tsukiha?

Yes. No doubt there's a dark grudge lingering in this location.

Aldo. You'd better stay away from that man.

Huh?

A katana? Where did that come from?

Th-This item! It's cursed by some creature!

This is it! This must be what Tsukiha was talking about!

Yes. However, something's not right. I'm not supposed to be able to do this.

I'm not supposed to have the ability to sense deep desolation and sorrowful spectralism like this!

What the heck does that mean? Are you saying this is not just an ordinary grudge?

They are likely the grudges of those lost in the destruction of Ro. But the soul appears to be seeking help...I believe.

Aldo. All I can surmise is that we must save that soul.

Then let's do it! Come on, Tsukiha!

I think that's the end, right?

Are you all right?

Yeah. Thank you. What was that creature anyway?

Clearly that spirit is burdened by strong memories. I'd like to know what it is seeking... Do you mind?

......

You look pale. What kind of memories did you see?

That grudge is neither a creature nor a curse. It was only wishing to go home and see their parents again.

They're what remained of children that were looking forward to the festival.

Children? What happened to them?

...Yes. I'm sure that on that day when the Land of Ro was destroyed...

......

The katana was sacred for a reason. Their souls reside within it. It pains me to think how long they waited all alone...

Let's bring back this item to welcome back their souls, too. I'm sure they'd love to be reunited with their family's souls.

Sounds like a good idea. I'm sure that will save them.

I don't exactly know what's going on, but...may I ask you guys to take care of that thing?

Sure. We just have to bring this to the Cat Shrine, right?

Yeah. That's where this year's festival will be held. I'll go back to the village and tell the villagers about what happened. Thank you for all this...

Leave it to us.

The souls of the children, huh? We had better be careful to welcome them the right way.

We should. May I leave the katana with you?

Why, of course. The katana is essential to cutting open a way between our two worlds.

It looks as though we're not going to have any problems. Is everything settled?

......

It's not your fault, Tsukiha.

Huh?

You've got a kind heart, Tsukiha. That's why you blame yourself for those children. But there's nothing you could have done for them, or your mother.

Perhaps you're right... However, as the heir to the land, it was my responsibility to heed the cries of my people.

Aldo... I still find it difficult to accept the festival like this.

......

My mother is responsible for the destruction of the country. I have no right to enjoy the festival. I don't deserve to wear this beautiful dress, and...

You're wrong.

It's you...

Ho ho ho. The princess I knew wasn't so negative. You've changed indeed.

Huh?!

Did you just say princess? You knew her?!

Of course I did. There's no mistaking it. Believe it or not, I used to work in the castle, and I even helped changed her diaper once.

Oh...I didn't know that. I'm sorry I couldn't remember you.

Please, don't worry about it. I was only taking care of you for a brief time. The little princess I used to know was running around, smiling all the time. I can clearly remember how happy you looked when you were building a snowman with your parents during a trip.

Oh, right. At that time... The memories have faded but... It's one of the few warm and gentle memories I have.

I did that? I can hardly remember any of that... I don't know why, but when I try to remember it, I feel a little fuzzy...

So you believe that you don't deserve to enjoy the festival. Well, right now, there's no one in Ikarga that holds a grudge against you.

Still...

Do you remember when I said I wanted to see this girl getting dressed in that outfit? I was actually talking about you, princess.

Huh?

You have no idea how happy I was to be able to see you again, all grown up... Also, I can tell. You're actually excited about the festival.

But how...

Your horns, they become slightly bigger when you're happy, like when you're praised by your mother. Perhaps you haven't noticed, though.

I must've gotten carried away discovering my hometown and all my people's happy faces. And after putting on my dress, it just made these feelings stronger. Perhaps my horns became visible because I was unknowingly opening up.

You do have brilliant horns. It is said that horns represent the power of demons. Did you notice anything happening to you?

The power of demons? Hmm... Perhaps because of these horns, I was able to sense the unusual will of those children.

The power of these horns must've belonged to my mother. It's what proves that I'm the daughter of a specter. Ever since I realized it, I told myself never to depend on it...

But because of that power, you were able to save the souls of those children. Doesn't it mean that it's not all that bad after all?

Aldo...

As Tsukiha, the demon, there must still be a place where you belong. It's important for you to be yourself.

D-Despite that, I still do not believe I should enjoy this festival...

Ah, well, you've said it yourself. You said that it is your duty to listen to the cries of your people.

Then, I believe you must also listen to the cries of happiness and joy within yourself.

Happiness and joy?

Yes. Those are the things that will support you and keep you strong.

Happiness and joy are feelings I've forgotten for so long, while I was absorbed by vengeance. I was too preoccupied to even realize it.

But that vengeance is over, and we know that the people in your hometown are doing great right now. From now on, you should focus on enjoying your life for your own sake.

Well...you might be right. All along, I thought that all I had was the cursed arm from my father. However, even without a country, the people are moving on, living their lives, without being defeated by sorrow.

Perhaps the feeling that's welling up inside me is what happiness is.

......

I do not know what my mother was thinking when she prepared this dress for me, and I do not intend to find out. However, the warmness I felt that day and these feelings now wouldn't have existed without her. I doubt that one day I'd find a way to forgive her, but for now, I intend to join the festival in this dress.

Tsukiha...

I wonder if my mother and father are watching this, too.

I'm sure they are. It's the time of the season when souls return.

I hope that's true. I wish they're watching the people live their lives...and my journey.