Friend of the White Rose

What's the deal? Hismena told me to meet her here at the Sky Terrace.

Look who's here! Hey, Aldo!

Huh?

You too, Mana?

Oh? Does that mean Hismena asked you to come here too?

Yeah, but she didn't mention you.

Well, she said she had something that I didn't wanna miss. I wonder what she meant by that.

She told me I didn't need to wear a uniform for this, so who knows? This had better be something fun.

Yeah, I hope so.

My o' my, it's Hismena!

I-Is that really her?!

Hi guys. I hope I didn't keep you too long.

Nah, we just got here. So what's the deal with the new outfit?

...... You're saying it doesn't look good?

N-No, not at all! You just...look different wearing that.

But seriously, I think you look good in it.

Same here! Not that you don't always look good...

But you've really raised the bar today!

Heh heh... Thanks.

So...you wanna tell us why you're dress like that?

Well, there's this event going on that's got me rather busy...and so I decided to invite you two as well. Let me tell you that it's one of the school's biggest events!

That right? Sounds like a lot of fun.

I'm already super excited! So, what kind of event is it?!

It's better to see it for yourself. It's starting as we speak down in the Garden. Let's go!

Yay!

Hismena...

What's up, Aldo?

Is everything alright?

What do you mean?

Maybe it's just me, but you look a little pale.

Oh, Aldo...

I should've known I can't hide anything from you.

But everything's fine... Just caught up in the moment. Anyway, ready to go? This is going to be a great day!

If you say so, Hismena.

Wooooaaaah! There are tons of people here!

H-Hismena. How are there villagers from my time here?

Oh no... Did a wormhole open up here at the school?!

Hahah... Exactly the reaction I expected.

This is the IDA School Festival!

A school festival?

The heck is that?

Just as the name implies, it's a festival at the school organized by students.

There's a new theme each time and the students have fun working food stalls, wearing costumes, and having fun. This year's theme is the Miglancian Era, hence the costumes from your time period.

You're saying they're all students?! I was sure that they were real villagers.

Hahah, riiight? And in those clothes, you'll be right at home.

Now I see why you wanted me to dress in my usual clothes.

Hold on a second... Does that mean my clothes usually stand out? And you're tell me this now?!

Uh, well Hismena, does that mean you're also dressed up in Miglancian fashion?

Oh this? Well you see...

It's not exactly the same. But I do blend in, don't you think?

You bet you do! You look like some gallant knight.

But if that's not a costume, are those just street clothes?

In a way...yes. These clothes are really important to me...though it's the first time I've worn them. In fact...

I really don't deserve to wear them... But today's rather special.

Hismena?

Nothing. Forget what I said.

Anyway, we're not gonna have fun just watching the festival grounds. Let's walk around and see what we can find.

Yaaaaay! Thanks, Hismena! This is my first time at a school festival! And so far... I'm loving it!

I've gotta hand it to you, I've never seen anything like this.

Hahah... You haven't seen anything yet. Save your impressions until you've seen everything.

Hey, Aldo... Is it just me or does Hismena look a little...down today?

You saw that too? I actually asked her about it, and she said she was fine... But I can't help but worry about her.

Same here... Let's keep an eye on her and make sure she's really okay!

I'm with you 100%.

Mana? Aldo?

Coming!

Come one, come all! Cast your eyes upon our ye old goods! Without our goods how can one consider their lives fully lived?!

Come on, Jade! What are you waiting for? We must sell, sell, sell!

Tch... This is so annoying.

Claude! Jade! What's up?

Why hello guys! Nice to see you all.

Hismena invited us to the festival!

Good to hear. It is not common for outsiders to receive an invitation to school events.

Really?! Well, the more the merrier, right?

Are you two hanging out together?

Don't even joke about that.

We were given the duty of running this establishment.

You two? Running a shop together? I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it.

Obviously, the decision wasn't mine. Why couldn't there've been an opt out...

All profits will be donated to the Student Hostel, which is a residence managed by students.

That's wonderful to hear! Show us what you're selling.

No need to ask twice! Take a look.

Feast your eyes on...

The delectable Student Hostel manju!

Wow! The manju looks delicious!

What's with the weird shape?

I think I got it... They're shaped like cat paws! IT'S REDICULOUSLY CUTE!

C-Cat paws?

Indeed! We spent what seems like an eternity getting the shape just right. It will not be long before the day comes when we can build paw-shaped bathtubs!

What are you talking about?

Since you're not too busy, we'll each take one...

Hmph! We appreciate the pity.

I'll have one as well.

Isuka!

Hello, Mana. I'm glad to see that you're enjoying yourself.

It's Isuka!

The magnificent Isuka bought one?! It must be amazing!

Gimme gimme gimme!

Woah!

Well well... Everyone's finally found out how amazing these manju are.

I don't think that's why...

Isuka!

I heard you declined an offer to perform in the musical. Is that true?

You must be talking about the show the drama club is working on.

While it is an honor to be offered a role, I had to refuse this time. Acting is not exactly my specialty.

Aww, but you could just act like yourself...

What are they performing this year? Romeow and Furliet was it?

That's right! Ah man, I really wanted to see Isuka playing as Romeow... She'd make a beautiful male character.

And don't forget that the student council president is playing the part of Furliet. How amazing would it be to have both student leaders playing the lead roles!

Hahah... Sorry to disappoint you all. Please go watch the student council president.

S-Somebody...

Don't just stand there and chit chat! HELP ME!

This was a complete success!

Isuka did most of the work...

Your friend in white uniform seemed a bit concerned, though.

You noticed too, did you? I am unsure of the cause, but it's most unusual for someone to be sad on a day like this. I hope she overcomes whatever is bothering her.

You can't do this to me!

Foran and Ruina...and Sevyn, and Mighty?

We clearly agreed to take a picture together wearing our LOM costumes! Don't tell me that you're all bailing on me at the last minute?!

But you're not wearing yours either, Foran.

Hahahah! Well... Let's be real. The costume was kinda lame.

I'm thinking I should contact the devs. We need cuter in-game skins!

According to the Disciplinary Committee's rules, I cannot wear anything other than this uniform.

You were the one who made that rule!

It wouldn't hurt to go a little wild during the festiv...

Zzz...

Oh come on, don't be napping and standing.

Huh... Oh, remember the food I had a bit ago?

I've felt so sleepy ever since...

I'm seriously worried about this team right now...

Team? What are they talking about?

Hey, you guys!

I had no idea you were here, Aldo! Let's walk around together!

Hey, I remember you. We met in the Cargo Bus the other day. It's good to see you again! How about we walk around together?

Sure!

Great! With Aldo here, I don't mind revisiting some of the places we already went to.

Great! I don't mind revisiting some of the places we already went to.

We'll catch up with you later. We've got some things to take care of.

What "things"?

Hey, Hismena!

Take a look at you! This is exactly the kind of costume we want!

Buuuuut I won't let you get the upper hand on me!

She won't what?

The main event of the festival is a battle tournament among the students. It's held every year and it just happens that I kind of...won last year.

Which mean Hismena gets to join from the semi-final seed.

We'll win this year! Our team is stacked this time!

So that's the team thingy you mentioned earlier!

Our team's made up of Foran, Mighty, and myself, plus a back up.

You should've joined us, Ruina!

My work for the Disciplinary Committee takes presidency.

Ugh! Well you better at least root for us! You hear me?!

I'm looking forward it. Maybe I should join in a team this year.

Isn't that right, Aldo? Mana?

That alright? Sounds fun.

I'll do my very best!

That makes you my enemy, Aldo. Don't expect me to go easy on you.

So you're all my enemy now? Don't expect me to go easy on you.

Hahah. Okay, I'll give it everything I've got.

See you in the semi-finals then.

Is it just me, or...

Does Hismena look down? Like she's not having fun at all.

Huh? What's this here...

Something shiny.

Hey guys!

Saki! And Mayu!

Hi. I see that you're enjoying yourselves.

Yeah!

Look at you, Mayu. You're looking lively.

I feel a lot better lately. Taking a walk is not a problem.

I was planning to invite her out here, but she invited me instead. You can't imagine how happy I was...

That's great. So, why aren't you two dressed up as Miglancians?

Huh? Weeeell...

Saki said that she's too embarrassed, so she wants to dress up later just the two of us.

M-Mayu?!

Aww... That's sweet.

By the way, Saki, is this yours?

Ah!

We're on a scavenger hunt and that's one of the items.

A scavenger hunt?

The student council runs it and the winner gets a virtual vacation! I joined because I really wanna go with Mayu...

Aww, Saki...

Then go ahead and have it. We're not in the hunt anyway.

A-Are you sure?!

Yeah. Good luck finding the rest of them. It's wonderful seeing two friends having so much fun together. Enjoy the rest of the festival.

Wait. Hismena!

Hismena...

She seemed kind of sad. I hope everything's okay...

So, what do you think of the school festival?

I'm having so much fun! There's lots of cool things happening everywhere...

Glad to hear that.

And thanks for agreeing to participate in the battle tournament with me. I didn't mean to spring it on you like that.

Don't worry about it. I'm looking forward to it!

Me too! And I'm worried about you. You can't do it by yourself!

Huh?

Agreed. You know, you've looked rather depressed this whole time.

...... I'm sorry. I invited you two here so that you can have fun at the festival without worrying about me.

Don't worry about it. Mind telling us what's wrong?

Yeah, sure... I'll explain...

Cifer?

Huh?!

That outfit... It c-c-can't be...

No way... Could you possibly be...

......!{lang-nuance}No way...Could you possibly be...{/lang-nuance}

Wait, Melly!{lang-nuance}......!{lang-nuance}No way...Could you possibly be...{/lang-nuance}{/lang-nuance}{/lang-nuance}

Is she a friend of yours? Maybe you should follow her...

No, I can't do that.

That outfit... It c-c-can't be...

Wait, I've seen her before. And...did I hear her say, "Cifer?"

No way... Could you possibly be...

Hismena?{lang-nuance}No way...Could you possibly be...{/lang-nuance}

...!{lang-nuance}Hismena?{lang-nuance}No way...Could you possibly be...{/lang-nuance}{/lang-nuance}{/lang-nuance}

Wait, Melly!{lang-nuance}....!{lang-nuance}Hismena?{lang-nuance}No way...Could you possibly be...{/lang-nuance}{/lang-nuance}{/lang-nuance}

Are you sure, Hismena?! Maybe you should follow her...

You know each other, Aldo? I didn't know.

No, I can't do that.

That outfit... It c-c-can't be...

That was Melody! And...did I hear she say, "Cifer?"

No way... Could you possibly be...

Hismena?{lang-nuance}No way...Could you possibly be...{/lang-nuance}

...!{lang-nuance}Hismena?{lang-nuance}No way...Could you possibly be...{/lang-nuance}{/lang-nuance}{/lang-nuance}

Wait, Melly!{lang-nuance}....!{lang-nuance}Hismena?{lang-nuance}No way...Could you possibly be...{/lang-nuance}{/lang-nuance}{/lang-nuance}

Maybe you should follow her...

You know each other, Aldo? I didn't know.

No, I can't do that.

That outfit... It c-c-can't be...

No way... I'd know that face anywhere...

Eep!

Wait, Melly!

Is she a friend of yours? Maybe you should follow her...

No, I can't do that.

That outfit... It c-c-can't be...

That was Melody! And...did I hear she say, "Cifer?"

No way... I'd know that face anywhere...

Hismena?

Eep!

Wait, Melly!

Maybe you should follow her...

You know each other, Aldo? I didn't know.

No, I can't do that.

But I can't follow her...

Hismena...

Did you see the sad look on her face? It's all my fault...

Hismena!

I want you to take a deep breath. Would you mind telling us why you can't go after her?

Erm...

She mentioned your outfit. Does it have something to do with your mood today? I'd really like to know what's going on.

Mana... Aldo... You two are really sweet...

Let's go to the City Entrance. I don't want her to see me. I'll tell you everything when we get there.

That girl we saw... She's Melly. We used to be best friends.

She was your best friend?

Before I entered IDEA I was obsessed with an online game. She and I met on the game, and she was my friend even though I didn't know her face.

Online game? The one where you called yourself the Blue-Rose Holi-something on the battlefield?

Blue what? Holy?

But hold up... Didn't she call you something else?

...... It's embarrassing when you say it like that...

Actually, we met before I got that name. I was addicted to another game back then.

At that time, I had another handle. Cifer was the nickname she gave me.

Did you give her a nickname too, Hismena?

Yes, it was a sign of our friendship. Her handle was Melody, so I called her Melly.

No wonder.

(...Melody? Like the Melody I know?!)

(No, no way. The resemblance is uncanny though...)

I can remember it like it was yesterday. It was my first game, and to be honest, it had a small player base and a garbage loot system.

Huh? Small players play a lute in a base?

My bad, Aldo. That's gamer speak.

Anyway, we ran into each other in a lonely zone and fought with each other every day. We fought side-by-side day and night. It's like our blood was on fire with excitement those days.

I see... It sounds like you were like two peas in a pod.

Exactly. But then...I messed up.

Since then we haven't fought together.

What did you do?

......

What? Meeting IRL?

Y-Yeah! I just thought it might be nice to actually see you, Cifer.

I guess you're right. We've never actually met each other. I do want to see you, Melly...

You do?! O-Okay, then...

......

I tried making the dress your avatar wears. It'd make me so happy if you were wearing it when we meet.

You can make it?! That's amazing!

Hahah... It's one of the few things that I'm good at.

And I'll dress up like my avatar. That way it'll be easy to find me! I'll put your dress in a locker where you can pick it up.

I'll text you the place!

Okay! I can't wait!

I was really excited at the time and got kind of caught up in the moment. I'd forgotten why I started the game in the first place.

What do you mean?

I wanted an escape. I wanted escape from who I was, the daughter of the house of Lunabright...

Hismena...

It's been like this as long as I can remember. This...stifling pressure. I had to play the part that everyone expected of me. But that wasn't who I really was. It was like a prison built by the expectations of my family name. Sometimes, life was so hard, but when I stepped into the online world, no one knew who I was. Myself in the game world was the real me. I had to work hard and earn everything. And I loved every moment. It helped me forget that I was Hismena of the Lunabright family.

But if we met in real life, then she'd know who I was. I'd no longer be the Cifer that knew. I freaked out once I realized that...

And you thought you'd lose your friendship?

Yeah... I was afraid that she'd start to judge me, even though she's not that kind of person at all... And yet all I could think about was myself. Then the day came and I couldn't muster the courage... I didn't even send her a message...

What happened to Melody?

Well...

I'm sure she waited there all alone. She didn't even message me. I'm sure she was angry, and she had every right to be... I had disappointed her so much.

Then I quit the game and created a new handle to use, the Blue Rose, on a different server. I ran away...I ran and I ran, like I always did. That is, until Isuka invited me to join IDEA.

I see...

This dress that she made for me is a reminder of my sin. I kept it stashed away in my closet, and couldn't bring myself to wear it.

So why did you decide to wear it today?

I think it's because I really wanted to get rid of it.

What?

I was the one who screwed up our friendship, but I still haven't forgotten her. The memories of her haunted me. All that running away just proved how immature I was. I couldn't even end our friendship the right way.

I thought I'd wear it one time, so I could then start again with a clean slate.

But then you two happened to run into each other.

I never imagined that I'd see her at the festival. I knew who she was the moment I saw her dress... I still can't believe this all happened... her seeing me in the dress I wore when I betrayed her.

She must feel awful...

Hismena...

Well, it's almost time for the semi-finals. We had better go.

Are you sure you're okay, Hismena?

Yes, I don't want to let anyone down anymore. Let's get going.

Wait, Hismena.

You really should try talking to Melody. Didn't you say that you haven't forgotten her after all this time?

You really should try talking to her. Didn't you say that you haven't forgotten her after all this time?

Aldo...

Plus...

I lost a friend because I was weak. I hurt her so badly that we couldn't see each other again. I don't want to see that happen again...

I'm sure Melody hasn't forgotten about you.

Huh?

That's right, Hismena! It's not like she's gone forever. It's too early to give up! If you run away this time, I'm sure you'll regret it forever!

......

......

When the battle is over... I want to return to that place and time that I held so dear... Though...it still scares me...

It'll be fine. We're here for you.

You betcha, Hismena! We've got your back! Whenever you need our support, just let us know.

Thank you...both of you.

Well then, let's not forget that we've got another battle to take care of!

Yup! And nothing's gonna stop us!

Haha... It's weird saying this, but I can't imagine us losing now. The battle's down in the Garden. Let's show them all what we're made of.

I'm gonna show that I'm worthy of this dress...

And win this all!

Come on all y'all! Gather 'round!

Ultra IDA Battle Tournament semi-finals are 'bout to get rollin'!

I, the one, the only, Fukahire will be yer announcer today!

Yooooo princess! We love yooouuuu!

Shut yer trap, Bro! You're embarrassin' yerself.

*ahem* Where was I? Ah yes! And heeeere comes the BLUE TEAM!

Foran, master of the ancient martial arts. Sevyn, the fashion icon! Mighty, the napper without a cause. And last up, Jade, the lone wolf...in a pack!

I told you I'd lend a hand because you wouldn't stop begging... But what is up with this nonsense! This is not what I signed up for!

Oh stop whining, Jade! Let's take selfie together!

I'd rather die!

Chill out, man. Your sister's watching.

Go get 'em, Jade!

Ack!

Do you plan ony waking up anytime soon, Mighty?

Huh? Is it our turn already?

What's the deal? Where'd these people come from? I guess I gotta put a little effort in this...

NOT JUST A LITTLE! A-L-L, ALL OF IT!

Up next, heeeere comes the RED TEAM!

Hismena, clad in majestic armor! Mana, as sweet as can be! Aaaaand Aldo, cosplayer extraordinaire!

Cosplayer?! What's the deal?! These are my real cl...

Now that the introductions are over, let's get this show on the road!

Ya all don't need no instructions, right? Great! Then let's get this party started!

Come on Aldo, Mana. We've got this!

Better believe it!

We're not holding back guys!

Bring it on! Come on team, let's do this!

THAT...WAS...AMAZIN'! Hismena's red team advances to the finals!

ARGH! Now we know why she won last year...

Anyone else think our teamwork was lackluster?

...Don't blame me.

Hold up. Did we lose? Well, at least it was fun.

Mighty's right. Let's take a team picture together!

Yaaay! We won!

Phew... That was closer than I expected.

Yeah, they made a pretty strong team.

Movin' on! It's time for the FINAL BATTLE!

Yer final opponent is...

Melody, the magical wand wielder! And Pom, the beautiful yet toxic flower!

Tee hee... I could get used to that intro.

......

Both y'all will get some time to rest and talk. Make sure you're ready to go when you get back.

Hismena...

...... Aldo. Mana. I have a favor to ask.

Pom. I have a favor to ask.

Lay it on me, Melody.

I hope you're all rested up. It's time to introduce our finalists! Startin' with the red team...

Huh? What's this?!

Hismena seems to have gone solo!

It's fine. I'm going to fight this battle on my own.

Good luck, Hismena!

We're rooting for you!

Thanks guys.

What a turn of events this is! Movin' on to the blue team...

What?! No way! The blue team has also gone solo!

What's this?!

I'll do this alone.

Melly...

I would've never guessed this! The final battle will be a single combat between Hismena and Melody!

Well then, I ask that both combatants please step forward.

Annnnnnnd...BEGIN!

Cifer...

......

I'm the Knight of White Flowers, Lucifer White Rose!

Huh?!

W-Woah! What's goin' on?! Looks like we've got some kind of...performance!

I... I once betrayed a friend because I was afraid that I'd get hurt... I let my anxiety control me... I allowed my weakness to hurt someone I cared about!

Cifer...

I'm not asking for a your forgiveness, but I do want to say sorry. Those days you and I spent together are something that I'll treasure always. This outfit means the world to me...

Wait!

Oh my... You don't understand...

I was the one who betrayed you. I was the one who let her fear get in the way.

Huh?

In the end, I couldn't go... I was too afraid to go meet you.

I... You see... I'm not strong, nor beautiful... I'm just a coward and a cry-baby...

I thought that I didn't deserve to meet someone like you!

Hang on a second...

Does that mean... You didn't come on that day either?

Oh. So... You weren't there either, Cifer?!

No, I wasn't. This whole time I thought I had upset you...

That's what I was thinking too!

Jeez... So they're more alike than they even thought.

Hahah... Looks like it. They both were ready to fight this out alone. They really are like two peas in a pod!

......

Pff... Hahahah!

Teehee... Heeheehee...

Okay, I'm confused... Is the show over?

It is. Thank you for waiting on us.

So, Melly. Let's fight! Technically, we met on the PvP field, remember?

How could I forget? I remember everything from back then. It's been a long time, but I'm not gonna lose to you!

We'll see about that!

Hismena, nice work out there.

Thanks guys.

Isn't it wonderful? You two making up like that!

Erm...

Yeah. Hahah... It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Without you guys, we may never have had this chance.

You were the one who had the courage to stand up to your fears.

I overthought things at the time, but now that I can look back on it, it's all kind of embarrassing.

In the end, this is one of the happiest things that could've happened to me!

You earned the win, Cifer! You're just as strong IRL!

Don't sell yourself short. You nearly had me there.

Haha... You had me dead to rights.

...Thank you, Cifer. If it wasn't for your courage... I wouldn't have been able to face you.

Same here. Without my friends, I might've just ran away like last time.

Sounds like they're very good friends. I'm really happy to see that.

......

But you should know one thing, Melly. You're the first friend I've ever had.

Really? Really really? I'm getting this warm and fuzzy feeling right now.

By the way, Cifer...

Yeah?

You look absolutely radiant in that dress! I'm so glad I made it. We should take a picture together!

A p-picture?! I-I don't know about that...

Why not?!

Because... This dress is pretty revealing.

I kinda thought so too.

Y-You did, Mana?!

Really? I didn't notice at all.

That's just how it was in the game! The more revealing the armor, the stronger it is! That's just how it works!

Hahah... That's how it worked with all the pre-made outfits. In my case, I always customized my avatar's outfits.

Wait, what? That right?

There, there...

Hahah... Now I'm getting that warm and fuzzy feeling too. Hismena, you must be glad that you didn't throw it all away.

Huh?

Oh!

I think it's because I really wanted to get rid of it.

I thought I'd wear it one time, so I could then start again with a clean slate.

Now I understand...

Huh?

I started playing the game to escape from the real world. But I cherish those days, and I met someone really special there. I wouldn't wanna change a thing.

Hismena...

*sigh* I hate myself for acting the way I did. Say, Melly...

Y-Yeah?

If you don't mind... Will you hang out with me for the rest of the festival?

Um!

OF COURSE! This is gonna be so much fun! I was gonna ask you the same thing!

Really? Wonderful!

Hismena looks much better with a smile on her face.

No doubt about that!