The Unforgivable Sin

I wonder where Sheila is...

Minister! These calculations don't add up.

Hm, what's this? How strange. There shouldn't be any reports of active volcanoes...

Oh, really? I must have gotten them mixed up with the other era!

Then these documents...

Oh?

There you are, Aldo! You should have said something.

Sorry, I kinda missed my chance. You seem so busy, I didn't want to butt in.

Yeah, I certainly am busy! But I made my bed, so now I have to lie in it!

Don't be like that! Now that you've been Otohime of both eras for quite some time, you've really gotten the hang of it.

Ah... If I remember correctly, you're both the 25th and 30th Otohime?

Wrong! I'm the 29th, not the 30th! But you're right about the 25th part.

O-Okay... Is it really that important?

Of course it is! You see, for her...

Ahem! Lady Sheila, do you think we could get back to business?

Gah, I nearly forgot! Sorry for calling you here out of the blue, Aldo.

It's no problem. Did something happen?

Actually, there's something really important I need to talk to Nagi about. I wanted you to come with me since you're kind of involved, too.

Something important, eh? This sounds unusually formal.

Okay, if that's what you want, I'd be happy to go with you.

I knew I could count on you, Aldo!

Minister, can I leave the rest to you?

Of course. Take your time.

Sorry, Nagi. I only heard a little.

Is the creature happy now?

There's something I wanted to ask you. Actually, Nagi...

Wh-What's that?!

Intruder detected within the palace walls. Repeat. Intruder detected within the palace walls. Intruder sighted in Outer Walls. Soldiers, equip yourselves and head to Outer Walls.

An intruder? Looks like danger is just around the door again.

Jeez! What bad timing!

I'm afraid we'll have to talk later. Right now, we'll help you out!

All right! To the Outer Wall, quick!

Here?! I don't see anyone suspicious...

Aaahhh!

Was that a scream?

It came from over there! It sounded close!

Stop! Don't you mess with her! Quick, get away from here!

Th-Thank you!

Prepare yourself! I can wield my lance quicker than you can move a muscle!

Huh?

Hm? I think I recognize that fish...

It was just you, Groon...

You two, you remember Groon, don't you? He brought you back here from Atlantica.

Grooorgh!

Heheh! Someone's in a good mood today, cracking jokes like that!

I-It is? I'm not really sure what it said...

Hahaha! This guy's got some sense of humor!

Huh?! Am I the only one who can't understand it?!

But you can't go startling people like that, Groon.

Guwoooh...

Well, it looks like you didn't mean any harm, so I'll forgive you.

Anyway, we were in such a rush back then that I never got round to asking... How did you two meet?

How did we meet?

Well... A long time ago, he tried to kill me.

He tried...to kill you?! B-But you're good now?

Yeah... It was like something inside him switched, and he suddenly came back to himself. He became attached to me pretty much straight away. And we've been close ever since.

I always thought it was strange. But I understood when I met my mother.

I'm an Abyss Creature. It was my job to steal power from this planet and send it to the breech baby of time. But owing to some mistake, I ended up liking this planet...

It was Groon's job to deal with individuals who make that kind of mistake.

So... He should have ended me.

And there's no risk of that happening now?

No. He's the same as me. He was the one meant to deal with mistakes, yet he ended up making one himself.

He went out for wool and came back shorn...

Anyway, was he the intruder? Because that would make it a false alarm...

I always thought it was strange. But, I can just feel it. Groon and I are the same.

The same?

I'm an Abyss Creature. I should have adapted to the planet and proceeded with the invasion. But owing to some mistake, I ended up liking this planet.

Groon is like the old me. I don't think he knows why he tried to kill me.

But now, he says he likes me. And he likes this planet, too.

I see... I'm sorry for doubting you, Groon.

But was he the intruder they mentioned on the broadcast? Because that would make it a false alarm...

No. Groon's always coming in and out of Dragon Palace. The Vice-Captain's crew has seen him before. You've just been so busy with your work as Otohime that you haven't had the chance to run into him yet.

Then that alarm...

Hey! Hold it!

Hur hur! They were too quick!

Oh, it's Captain Nagi! And Lady Sheila too! I'm so sorry, they gave me the slip. How can they be faster than me when I'm jet swimming? They looked just like the Captain, though. Perhaps...

She must be from my village, the one I told you about before. Leave this to us.

Understood. I'll call the troops and strengthen our defenses just in case.

Good call, Vice-Captain. You'll make a fine captain someday.

You're too kind! But please don't jinx it! Serving under you has been the greatest pleasure I could wish for. Make sure you come back! Be careful, Captain!

With you to protect my home, of course I will.

It looks like they ran off to the entrance of Dragon Palace.

We don't know what their plan is... So let's get going before we lose sight of them!

Did I come by just now?

What?

Huh? Captain Nagi... I thought ya left already?

I knew it! It's the intruder!

Gah! It snuck in, disguised as Captain Nagi?!

Eeep, I'm so sorry! I'm a big ol' good-for-nothin' who can't even see through a disguise!

Well, it wasn't really a disguise...

Anyway, I guess it got outside?

Yeah. But they can't've gotten far yet. I'll use me magic so you can go out into the sea. Then you'll forgive me, won'tcha?

Yeah... Now I can go out, too!

We can't let the intruder get away. We've got to hurry!

*huff puff*... What am I even running away from? I sneaked into the commune and finally found them. Surely everything was going exactly as I'd hoped...

I've got you! There's nowhere to run now.

Pursuers? And you were even courteous enough to bring him with you.

Do you plan to fight?!

No, I have no intention of fighting. In fact, you could say that the opposite is true. Perhaps this is the nature of life. My feet ran of their own volition in a pathetic bid to escape.

I must die after all. I cannot be forgiven.

Huh? What are you even talking about?

Sheila, wait.

Did something happen? Why must you die? Why would you say that?

You are the same species as me, yes? Then you must understand.

One day...I suddenly found myself self-aware. In front of me was a corpse. It took me a while to realize that it was me who had killed this person just a few moments before. I tried to return the stolen life force brimming inside me back to its original owner... But to no avail. I am a being who only knows how to steal. I was not made for giving.

Without even realizing it, I did something that could never be undone. I cannot live a free and happy life knowing that I have stolen the life of someone else.

Which is why, I thought I could get this processor to end the mistake that is me. There aren't so many processors around these days, and it took me quite some time to find one...

Processor? You must mean Groon.

Which is why, I thought I could get this processor to end the mistake that is me. I heard there was one who frequented this commune...

Pro...cess...or?

Hm? Don't you know?

Ah. Who'd have thought there'd be a graver being than me. But maybe this way brings more happiness. You'll find out soon enough. And then you'll understand.

So kill me, processor!

Nagi...

It's okay. Leave this to me.

You are the opposite of me.

The opposite? What do you...

When I awoke, there was someone before me. Fortunately, that person took me in and raised me as their own, even if only for a short while. I would never have learned to care for others without her.

But if the timing had been just slightly different...

If I had woken up just a little later, I might have killed her, whether I actually wanted to or not. Perhaps I too would have awoken to see a corpse in front of me...

......

You aren't a bad person. You don't need to die. There's something I want to show you. Will you come with me?

It's okay, I'm not afraid...

Ack. Be quiet! Don't be so ridiculous!

What are you doing, processor? Hurry up and kill me!

......

Grooorgh!

That's right, come on. Do what you were born to do...

Guwoooh! Grooorgh!

Wh-What are you doing?!

Eeek! Stop it, that tickles!

Heheh, Groon's taken a real shine to you.

What?

A-Are you like me? Another mistake cursed with self-awareness?

Look, it's okay. I don't think anyone other than yourself will judge you.

So...

Am I allowed to be forgiven?

Nobody is beyond forgiveness. Why don't you come back to my place? That's okay, right, Sheila?

Yes, of course.

Okay then, let's take her back to Nagi's house.

These eggs...

They were dropped by the Abyss Creature that attacked Dragon Palace before.

When I first found them, I didn't know what to do. But I decided to raise them myself. I thought if I could make Dragon Palace their home, then maybe, just maybe, they'd turn out okay...

Oh yeah, I remember. That feels like ages ago now.

They're finally about to hatch. Which is why...

I want you to be a mother to them, too. With me...

A...mother?

Yeah. I know you can do it.

Huh?!

What was that?

The eggs are cracking!

They...hatched...

You did it, Nagi! All that hard work and care has finally paid off!

Y-Yeah...

Wow! They came to me!

I'm sure they know who it was who spent all that time talking to them while they were inside their eggs.

Oh... Yeah, I hope so.

I'm your mommy... You cute little things...

(Oh no... Looks like there's no room for me in this after all...)

And this is your other mommy. Say hello to her, too.

Huh?!

Th-They came! What should I do?!

You don't need to do anything special. I think they're so cute. What do you think?

Well... They're...

Yeah... They're cute.

Heheh, I'm glad you think so.

But at the end of the day, they are Abyss children. There's always a chance that they will try to invade the planet.

And that's bad, don't you think? So if they did that, would you blame them?

...... No. There's no reason to blame them. They would just be following their instincts.

Exactly. Which is why you shouldn't blame yourself, either. Of course, it would be best if they never tried to invade the planet. That's why they need a mother.

I don't want them to know what it feels like to blame themselves for something that isn't their fault.

Nagi...

All right! Let's celebrate the birth of these little ones with a party!

Huh?! Isn't that a bit soon?

You've gotta strike while the iron is hot! You've got to celebrate happy occasions as soon as you can!

Haha, that's so like you, Sheila.

But it certainly is a happy occasion. I'll lend you a hand with the preparations.

I knew I could count on you, Aldo!

See you later, you two! We'll come to fetch you once everything's ready!

Thank you all for coming! I have two pieces of good news to tell you today!

Firstly! Nagi has finally hatched the eggs she was keeping warm!

And secondly! A new member has joined our Dragon Palace family!

......

Why are you looking so blank? I'm talking about you!

M-Me?

*sigh* Come on! You need to keep up with the pace here at Dragon Palace!

It's more your pace than Dragon Palace's...

So here's to Nagi and her new family!

The party's in full swing... This is as good a time as any.

Listen up, everyone! I have something else important to tell you!

Settle down and listen to me! I...

I'm quitting as Otohime!

Wh...

What did you say?!

Why are you so surprised? I'm only quitting as Otohime in this era...

It was never going to be healthy acting as Otohime in both eras forever.

Hm... Come to think of it, you have now completed the Ceremony of the Protector. And it cannot be denied that you have been released from the constraints of the first Otohime's unbroken bloodline.

Having said that, we cannot simply go without an Otohime. So who will take over? Miss Chiyo?

Wha?!

What are you talking about?! Chiyo is from the same era as me. What would be the point in that?

Then who...

I've thought about this for a long time. The next Otohime should be...

Nagi. There could be nobody else.

What? Me?

You know what it's like to feel hungry better than anyone. Which is why you'll never allow anyone else to suffer through that pain. I always thought you'd make a better Otohime than me.

Nagi... Can I trust the role of the 30th Otohime to you?

I...

I would like to do it. But this is my first time raising children, and...

Captain Nagi!

If I may... If you're in need of a babysitter, you can always count on us! As a matter of fact, a great number of my team has experience in raising a family!

Vice-Captain...

Look, Nagi... You don't need to do this alone. Everyone in Dragon Palace is your family.

Family...

And of course, if the sea ever finds itself in hot water again, I'll do my very best to put it right!

......

Okay. I'll do it.

Thank you... I knew you'd accept!

Then let's raise the roof! Here's to the 30th Otohime!

Honestly... Everyone's already fallen asleep.

...... Thanks, Sheila.

For what? All I did is push work on you.

Yeah, I know. But...

I am Otohime, ruler of Dragon Palace!

Otohime... Let us end this now!

You let me take over the next rule after him. You didn't insist on calling it the 29th...

Yeah, you got me...

You can be surprisingly considerate, Sheila.

"Surprisingly"?! That was uncalled for!

Heheh, I was joking.

Um... Before I become Otohime, I have some loose ends I want to tie up first.

Loose ends?

Before I was taken in by Otohime, I was raised by someone else. But something happened, and we didn't see each other after that.

Or, more accurately... I was afraid of being hurt and I ran away.

Uh-huh... I think I get it.

I want to see her. I want to rid myself of this regret.

This was the first form I mimicked. Back then, I didn't have the guts to show myself like this...

You should go. I'll watch over the palace until you come back.

Thanks, Sheila.

Understood! We will guarantee the safety of the little ones while you are away!

Thank you. I'll be counting on you.

Now that that's sorted, will you and Aldo come with me?

I'd be happy to, but why me?

You and I are from the same place, so I want you to see for yourself. I'm still anxious about it...

If that's the case, it's fine by me.

Where are we going?

Atlantica.

To tell you the truth, I felt quite nervous when we went back there recently.

R-Really?

But it's going to be okay. I'll be fine now that I have you two with me.

I'll do my best to be useful. Then let's head to Atlantica.

Atlan...tica? I think I've heard that name before.

It was a long time ago. Take your time.

This place... I do remember it! No, it can't be...

Who is it?

No way! Th-There's another me?!

It's okay. You just took me by surprise, that's all.

I heard about you from Granny. You're...

You heard about her? I thought Nagi left Atlantica before anyone ever saw her like this.

Granny saw her running away. Even though you'd changed form, she knew it was you from a single glance.

It's fine. You did it to make Granny happy, didn't you?

Oh. I see... But, um... Granny...I'm afraid she's...

Oh no...

She passed away. I'm sorry, you came all this way to see her...

She looked for you, you know. After you disappeared, she kept searching for you. Just like how she looked for me when I disappeared. She would head out into the dangerous sea every day.

Granny wasn't the type to care about that. She was such a kind person...

It's not your fault. It's no one's fault.

It was me...

I killed her...

What are you talking about?

Remember how I told you, that when I became self-aware, there was a corpse in front of me? She looked like the people of this town. It was an old lady, and she was wearing...

No...you...did this?

Nagi...

See, even you can't brush this under the carpet.

I knew it. I should have ended it all back then.

I can't stay with you anymore... Thank you for giving me hope, even if only for a moment.

Hey, wait!

Darn! Why did it have to end up like this?

This can't be how the story ends... Come on, Nagi!

Ack! I'll have to follow her on my own! Nagi! You stay with her!

It was an empty dream. Why did I have to become self-aware? Just for things to end up like this...

But regret won't change the past. All I can do is try to pay for my sins.

But what should I do? How should I end this life?

Grooorgh!

I know that voice!

Phew... I'm so glad you're here. You're a proper processor, one who won't make any mistakes. I was just thinking how dull it would be to take my life with my own hand.

So, process me! Dispose of this life! Be as merciless as you can...

My attachment to this world shall be my punishment. Death is a truly terrifying thing.

I can't let that happen!

Are you hurt?

You foolish man. I'm trying to lay down my life and yet you're worried if I'm hurt? But you're wasting your time. You could never stop this monster on your own.

Maybe not, but I have to protect you. If you are part of the Dragon Palace family, then that makes you my family, too!

Ugh!

Give up already, please! I don't want you to die...

Nagi?!

You fool. Why would you of all people come to rescue me?! You have plenty of motive to kill me, but to rescue me?! There's no reason...

Of course it is! I've done a truly unforgivable thing! So you might as well do this by your own hand.

Yeah, let's leave the talk till later!

Grooorgh!

I won't go as far as killing you. So go, far away from here.

So that one day, you too can awaken.

Why would you protect your grandmother's killer? I can't understand it...

I thought you said it was unforgivable?!

I did... But you must know what I was talking about by now... What was unforgivable was that I faltered, even if only for an instant. This is the abyss' doing. You haven't done anything wrong.

I knew that right from the start, and yet...

But... By that same argument, I can never forgive myself. How do I wash off the feeling of death that clings to these hands?

I'm afraid it can't be washed away. But that's why...

I will hold your hand. We can split the load.

......

Oh, I see... That old woman's kind heart lives on in you.

What are you going to do, Nagi? Will you go back to Atlantica?

No. I think it's wrong to push my feelings on her real granddaughter. But I can at least mourn for her here.

If you could...

Yes. I will mourn with you.

Okay...

Goodbye, Granny...

You're finished?

I've told her everything there is to tell. That I have family in Dragon Palace, that I'm going to be Otohime... I have no more regrets.

Okay, good.

Let's go back to Dragon Palace. The little ones and everyone else will be waiting.

Peek-a-boo!

Hm, that was a poor response. What to do, what to do?

What was that? Cut it out! Or else I'll have to use my special peek-a-boo...

We're back!

Oh, welcome home! How did it go?

It went perfectly. Granny seemed well.

......

I see... Well, that's good to hear.

Hey, you lot! Time to go!

Never mind that! If I tell you to go, you go!

I suppose I'd better...

Wait. You know, don't you?

......

How do you know? Is it written on my face? How am I supposed to be Otohime if I can't hide how I'm feeling? I'll only end up worrying everyone.

No, you have a surprisingly good poker face, Captain. I think I've just gotten very good at reading you.

I end up noticing things I don't even need to. Now, I don't know the details here, but I'm very sorry for your loss...

......

However, this is your home, Captain Nagi. Your sadness, your pain, your suffering... Will someday all be washed away by the waves like drawings in the sand.

Thank you, Vice-Captain... I'll do my best. Even when I'm no longer Captain, we will protect Dragon Palace together.

That is so good to hear! Oh... I must have something in my eye... *sniffle*

Hur, hur, hur!

Whoa, what are they doing?

Hm? What is that light?

What's going on?

It looks like a combination of us...

And they're jumping up and down. What is the meaning of this?

Ah, I get it. I bet they're feeling the same as you did back then, Nagi.

Back then?

You said you first mimicked in order to comfort your grandma. Perhaps they just want to put a smile on your faces.

Are you...trying to comfort me?

Heheh. Well, how could I possibly be down now?

Thank you, little ones. You all deserve so many pats on the head. The horns on your heads will be pretty much smooth by the time I'm finished with you!

No, no, what are you saying? You want to make the most of them!

It... It doesn't matter what form they take. So long as they're healthy.

You really are doting parents!

May your lives be filled with every happiness.

I will do my very best as Otohime to give that to you.

Watch over me, Granny and Otohime...

Oh my, now there's a familiar face! When did you get back?

Your grandma was so worried. I bet she's not stopped hugging you!

But it looks like a crowd's forming over at the entrance. Is there some kind of event today?

Hm? Do I know you from somewhere?

Honestly, what am I saying? If you're from Atlantica, of course we'd have seen each other before.

Hm? What's all that commotion over at the town entrance? Did something happen?

Eeeep! Nenmendiv... Nenmendiv! You're not a ghost, are you? No, you can't be... I saw your grandma out by the entrance to town! Come on, let's go! Quickly now!