Crystal of Happiness

You look like you're having fun, Myunfa. Do you really like Eeza that much?

Haha, I'm afraid I can't help you there. But I'm glad that you're enjoying yourself, Myunfa.

Myunfa?

Come to think of it, a kettle spirit lives for a long time, right? Do you think you'll still be alive in this era?

You mean me?

Haha, sorry.

Anyway, you said you couldn't grant my wishes unless I do the same for yours. So did you think up something good?

Well?

S-So what do you want me to do?

It's something you can't say?

Oh, are those kids on a date? How sweet.

Hahahah, she looks like a young version of you. But what strange outfits they're wearing. Are they in costume or something?

Oh, that sounds like so much fun, going on a date where you dress up in fashion from another era!

Umm, Myunfa...?

Yes?!

Huh?

Y-You want to get changed? It doesn't really matter to me what you wear when you're with me.

Hey! Wait!

Why does she have to change clothes just to look around a city.

Was she really enjoying Eeza that much?

Hm? Oh, there you are, Myunfa. That was quick. I thought you said you wanted to change clothes. Did you decide against it?

Huh?

Talk? But we were talking just now...

Teeheehee! What do you think, Master?

Huh?! What's going on here?!

Wait, wait, wait! Do you really think I'd do that?! Look at her! She's the spitting image of you!

Why in the world is there another you, Myunfa?

I-I'm not a doppelganger! I mean, it's only natural that we look so similar...

My heart's desire has been granted at long last! The day has finally come when you two can see how I've grown...

Look at me! Look at how big I've gotten!

Dad♪

Mom♪

Dad...?

WHAAAAAT?!

I-I don't know! How would I know?!

Y-Yeah, okay...

Wha? Where are you going? Mom! Dad!

I don't have an explanation. I was waiting for you and she showed up. I just assumed that you came back without getting changed.

It's a good thing that you did change clothes. Otherwise I don't know how I'd tell you two apart.

You sure are confident about this kettle of yours.

But...yeah... Um...this look really suits you, Myunfa.

I-I didn't think it was that much of a compliment...

But who is this extra Myunfa?

Hey c'mon... You're talking nonsense.

Besides, that doppelganger isn't actually you, is she? She's...umm...

No. You and I are her...

Mom! Dad!

Whaa?!

Honestly! What are you two talking about? I'm glad you're so close and all, but...

Umm. There's a lot we need to take in...

That's so mean! How could you even ask that? I was born from your bond!

That's right! Your bond has borne fruit, and that's me. If you want me to go into more detail...

Really? You're so smart, Mom!

No...

Y-Yeah. That's what she's keeps saying. And I don't think we misheard her.

And she said she wanted to talk to us. Maybe something happened. We should ask her about it.

Listen, Myunfa... Wait, that's going to get confusing. Hmm, how do we get around this?

Oops I forgot to say! You can call me Ryanfa!

Ryanfa, was it? Okay then, Ryanfa, what are you doing in this era?

Oh, I'm glad you asked!

You see...

I came to make you two happy!

That's right! That's why I came to see you both!

You see, I was born from the bond between you two...

So if you two aren't happy, I'll simply disappear!

What?!

You'll disappear?!

Y-You mean history will change or something?

Well, yeah... For me at least, it's certainly no exaggeration to say that.

I know. We can't let her disappear!

But how exactly do we go about being happy together?

I have some useful information about that!

Apparently, there's somewhere called Elzion that has a few sanctuaries for couples seeking happiness.

I heard that from a couple I passed by just now!

What is it, Myunfa?

Y-You do?

Why are you so enthusiastic all of a sudden?

Anyway, I guess we should head to Elzion as you suggested, Ryanfa.

Oh! This is the place! I heard if you eat something here, it can make you happy.

It just looks like a regular cafe to me?

Welcome! Would you like to see our special menu? It's only available for a limited time!

Ah! Now there's a customer of discerning taste! This dessert is really popular in Elzion right now!

Here, take a look at this donut... It is glazed in silver syrup, then generously dusted with diamond sugar. Doesn't it look like an engagement ring?

It's said that couples who feed each other this dessert will stay together forever!

Wow... That's a funny-looking donut.

This should make it nice and easy to save Ryanfa.

Oh, right.

Don't choke on it, now.

Well?

Hey! Swallow your food first, then talk!

I-Is what all...?

You mean, we can't just feed each other the donuts?

Myunfa...

Gak?!

*pant pant* I thought I was gonna choke to death there...

Um, yeah... It felt like I was swallowing the whole thing in one go, but yeah, I liked it.

Oh, I get it. You told me how you wanted me to be happy. And that must be why it tasted that bit better than a regular donut.

Oh... I feel the power surging through me!

We're one step closer to a future where you two are happy! But now we need to make you even happier!

Okay, why don't we leave the store for now?

Not yet!

If just one donut can make you this happy...

Then the more donuts you eat, the happier you'll be!

So I got you all the donuts they have!

What?!

Time to eat!

W-Wait. That logic doesn't... *munch munch*

*wheezing* That was rough...

That's strange. You two don't seem happy at all...

Umm. Should I order you some more donuts?

Oh! I'm sure this is one of the sanctuaries for happy couples.

It's a movie poster.

It's where you can watch moving images on a big screen. Like a play, but made with incredible technology.

Is there something you want to watch?

Haha, that's not a real answer!

Hmm, which should we choose?

Hm? This is a sign that happiness is about to come to the two of them!

I can't just wait here! I have to make them watch a masterpiece that will bring them closer together!

Huh?

That movie was so amazing!

It was almost as if it was made just for us!

A movie made for a loving couple? I need to find out more!

Mom! Dad!

Hm? What is it, Ryanfa?

I heard about a great movie for you!

If you watch it, it's sure to deepen the bond between you!

That's unusual. What's a monster from my time doing on a movie ticket?

Anyway, let's go watch the movie.

Shh, it's about to start.

......

That was my first time in a movie theater! It was so much fun! Teehee♪

Mom! Dad! What did you think? Did you enjoy Triple-Headed Mega Sahuaginado?

Oh... Umm, I guess...

Yeeeaaah, and as far as I know, they can't summon tornadoes or grow enormous, either...

What does everybody think a sahuagin is?!

Huh? That's strange... The couple I saw before seemed to really like it.

Come on over, you three! How would you like to play a state-of-the-art game?

That's right. It's a virtual reality game. It will show you scenery I guarantee you've never seen before!

I don't really understand, but there's a lot of happy-looking couples about! This must be one of the sanctuaries for couples seeking happiness!

Okay, we'll give it a shot.

Great! I'll need you to put on these goggles.

This... This is Nuaru Uplands!

No. It's a familiar sight for us. But I suppose it's a rare view for people from this era.

Hm? Do you like Baruoki, Myunfa? That's the first I've heard of it.

Really?

Haha, so that's what you meant.

But it's a great village, so I'm really glad you like it.

You plan on living together?!

It's so charming here. They'll be happy in no time!

I'll just slip back so as not to get in the way.

Heheheh! Youse looks like yer havin' fun!

Nrgh?!

Is that a goblin?! There are monsters here, too?!

Gra-wuh! Dis game ain't got a battle system! Look! I'm just an avatar, see!

What d'ya think about dis world, eh? Dis is a faithful reproduction of Nuaru Uplands from King Miglance's time.

Yeah, it looks just like the real thing!

Gra-wuh! Thanks fer the compliment! I used dis goblin avatar ta see how you were gettin' on...

Watch out!

Gra-wuhhh?!

You nasty monster! You're ruining their date!

I! Will! Not! Allow! You! To! Thwart! Their! Love!

Gra! Ghh! Oof!

Hey! Wait! That goblin's...

Wha?! Where's the goblin?

......

Gra-wuh... I guess I ended up experiencing the thrill of danger...

Gragh...

Oh no, oh no, oh no!

I don't think they all go like ours did...

C'mon, Mom and Dad! Let's go to the next sanctuary! Quickly now!

Wait a minute! Can't we take a break?

WHA?! But I want you two to be even happier!

Huh...? D-Did I mess up somewhere?

Oh no...

I-I'm sorry. I just wanted to make you happy. But I guess I've been meddling. All I did was get in your way...

Ryanfa...

Oh... I'm such a fool! A bird-brain! A third wheel!

I'm a fool! I only took this form because Mom wished for Dad's happiness, but I made a mess of everything!

I'm sorry! I won't get in your way anymore!

Farewell! Be happy!

Hey! Wait!

Listen, Myunfa...

You're right! She said if we don't get happy, history will change and she'll disappear. And that's kind of concerning...

Well?

Okay!

She ran that way. Towards Route 99.

*sniffle* *sniffle*

Mom...

Why did you follow me here? I wasn't able to help you...

That's right.

And that won't change, no matter what you do. Ever since you came to see us, you've been so very important to us.

Mom... Dad...

Wha?

Is that true, Ryanfa?

Yes. It's just as Mom says.

Mom's desire to make you happy gathered in the kettle and created me, a spirit. But ever since you became my dad, that desire grew rapidly, which gave me power, as you can see.

So that's why you called Myunfa and me Mom and Dad.

Yes, that's right!

But I thought Mom knew that already.

What did you think I was, if not a spirit?

What?!

So when you said you'd disappear if we weren't happy...you were actually talking about your spirit powers?

Yes, exactly!

The source of my power is Mom's feelings for Dad, so it's basically a matter of life and death...

Since I went to the trouble to take this lovely form, I exaggerated a little to strengthen the bond between you.

I-I'm sorry.

What do you mean?

Mom...

Teehee... You're right.

You've always put Dad first.

That's how important he is to you. So there's no way that feeling could just disappear. Right from the very beginning, you didn't need my help at all.

But... I feel like I'm forgetting something important...

Whoa, what's going on?!

Whaaah, I'm so sorry! I brought this robot here!

I-I remember now... I did a lot of self-reflection after I ran off. I was trying to find a more innovative way to push you two together.

And you thought a robot would help?

Yes... I heard that two people who overcome a trial together will grow a stronger bond and find happiness...

Guess we'll have to fight, Myunfa!

This is going well! I'll attack and put it off balance!

Now! Let's do this!

I knew you could do it! Fighting's so easy when I'm with you, Myunfa.

Mom... Dad...

It looks like my fears really were unfounded. There's no way Mom's feelings for Dad could ever disappear.

I'll watch over you two. From now on, I'll...

Hm?

Mom! Dad! Watch out!

Wha?! This electricity, it's...

Mom! Dad!

If I leave them like this, they'll... I must protect them with my life!

I was born from a desire for happiness. Which means, I should be able to use this power for the sake of their happiness!

Ryanfa... What are you doing?!

I will protect you with all my power!

If I can save you, it won't matter if I can't sustain this form. So long as you're happy...

Mom, Dad, please be happy...

Looks like it's called some friends. Myunfa, we've gotta get out of here!

Ryanfa protected us. We can't let that go to waste...

Ryanfa... We went all the way there to find her, and yet...

Myunfa...

Whoa! It's so cold! What's going on? I was trying to sleep...

Hold on, I know that voice!

*yawn* Now that's what I call a good sleep!

That kettle sure is nice and cozy!

Th-There are two tanuki?

That's weird. I thought I heard Ryanfa's voice.

You did! I am Ryanfa!

Well, WE are Ryanfa!

Whaaaat?!

Oh, do you remember this form?

Right! Sometimes we help you out in secret, Mom!

But this whole tanuki thing is so rude! We're a full-fledged spirit, and yet...

Wait, what's going on? How are the two of you Ryanfa?

Well...like this!

It's too much... I'm at my limit!

*sigh* I'm so tired.

We used up all our energy before, so I don't think we can merge for a while.

So you two spirits joined together and took Myunfa's form?

That's right!

We were created when Mom's wish to make you happy filled up both kettles. That's why we're two yet one!

Right... This has all come out of nowhere. You're not monkeying around with me, are you?

Hahahah! Don't you mean tanuki-ing around?

Haha! That's a good one!

You seem to be doing well, at least...

Oh. Well, it was goodbye until we returned to human form, at least. Ever since we used up all our energy, we've been napping in our kettles.

That form takes a lot of energy! I don't think we can go back to it for a while.

Hm? Come to think of it, your eyes sure look red, Mom.

Did someone make you cry? Was it Dad?!

Whaaa!

Haha, at least you're more cheerful now.

It is?

Myunfa?

Go...! Go on! That's it!

Come on! Give him a kiss...

Oh no! They found us!

But everything was going so well!