Call from the Other Side

How strange. This has never happened before.

Toova? Is there something on your mind?

Oh, is that you, Aldo?

Yes. The skeletons have been acting strange.

Skeletons? Oh yeah, you can control them with necromancy, right? And they all have peculiar names... What's strange about them?

They're acting terribly restless. Almost as if they're excited.

Excited? Skeletons can get excited?

I would expect this from Kururimpa, but even Coppamidin, who's usually so calm, won't settle down today. I tried asking them about it, but I still can't understand what's gotten them this way.

(And here I am, more concerned about WHY they died...)

They've never been this way before?

Never. They do react when a strong smell of death approaches, but never anything like...

Ah...

Hm? What is it?

Treasure life while you still caaan, boyyy.

Whoa!

Hahaha! No need to be so startled!

How did you think I was going to react when you snuck up behind me and started talking? Talking in a creepy voice about life, no less.

Yeah, sorry about that. Kinda. But if not today, when? It's the Day of the Dead, after all!

The Day of the Dead? What's that?

It's an annual event held at Palsifal Palace. It's a day for the living to give thanks to the dead and share in the joy of life. Much as you might assume otherwise, it's not a solemn memorial event. It's more like a festival.

Exactly! And some folk like me come dressed as the dead so that we can take part in the procession!

Oh. You were pretending to be a ghost before? Interesting. I never knew there was a festival going on today.

Yes, I had forgotten about it as well.

Okay, better make my way to Palsifal Palace. Bye!

Woooh! Be grateful for your life, boyyy...

Is he supposed to be dead or alive?

Anyway, pretending to be dead seems a little disrespectful, don't you think?

If pretending to be dead is disrespectful, then necromancing the dead must be even more so.

Huh? No, I didn't mean...

Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I was just playing with you.

The way I see it, the only proof that one has ever lived is in the memories of those left behind.

Memories?

Memories of a person's life remain in the body even after they have died. That's why necromancy allows you to read the memories of the dead. However, if there is no one left to share that memory, it is as good as it not existing. That's why the act of remembering the dead is a precious thing, for both the living and the dead.

Yeah, I guess that makes sense.

So can we take part in this festival? I'd kind of like to see it.

I'm afraid not. I cheated death with necromancy. I have no right to participate.

Toova...

If the necromancy on my body is dispelled, I will die. However, I don't know when that will be. At the very least, the me from another world seems to have lived all the way into the future.

If the necromancy on my body is dispelled, I will die. However, I don't know when that will be. It's perfectly possible that I'll still be alive all the way in the future.

Okay. If you don't want to go, we won't go.

Oh? Are you guys participating in the Day of the Dead as well?

......

Whoa, they really looked like the walking dead.

...... If we're not going to the festival, there's no sense admiring their costumes. Let's go back to Ratle.

No. We should go to the palace.

Huh? But I thought we weren't...

How could I possibly say no to you when you look at me with that disappointed, puppy dog expression?

Huh? Oh, I wasn't trying to...

Please, you don't need to fuss. If I'm just observing, it should be fine. Besides, I'm curious about something.

R-Really? I feel kinda bad about this.

Okay, let's head to the palace.

Those three people. I think they really were...

Toova? What's wrong?

As we near the palace, the voices of the dead grow louder.

The voices of the dead? Could it have something to do with today being the Day of the Dead? And why your skeletons were acting odd?

I also considered that. However, this has never happened in any of the past Days of the Dead I have experienced.

......

Um, Toova? I know this is a very sudden thing to ask... But would you be willing to tell me about your past?

What? You're right, that is sudden. Why would you ask that?

I don't know, I just... Well, you never talk about yourself. Okay, you did tell me about Orphia, but I'd like to know more.

I have to warn you that...my past is so very dark. It won't be very enjoyable for you.

That's fine. I just want to know more about you.

You are so kind, Aldo.

Huh?

This is because of what I said before, isn't it? No one will remember the old me anymore. You wanted to fill that role.

Yeah, you got me. I know it wouldn't do much to help, though...

What? What did you just do?

It's just a little charm.

Let's continue to the palace. We can talk about my past some other time.

Hey, wait a minute. What about this charm? What does it do?

Somebody! Help me!

What's wrong? What happened?

It's dreadful! The palace is under attack!

It is? By monsters?

No! By ordinary people! The people who came to the palace suddenly started acting weird and attacking the others.

Oh!

It's not some prank by the Day of the Dead attendees?

No! Words don't seem to get through to them. It's as if the dead are really walking!

Perhaps this was why the skeletons were clamoring.

We should hurry, Aldo. I have a bad feeling about this.

Okay. To the palace!

How could this be happening? Ordinary people actually are attacking the others!

Waaagh! Stay away from me!

Oh no! We have to help them!

I'll stop them!

Are you okay?

I-I think so. Thank you.

What happened here?

I-I don't know. The Day of the Dead attendees just randomly started attacking! Then the folks they attacked started acting all weird, too. And that's what led to this mess.

The people who get attacked then start attacking themselves? Why would that happen?

Did you notice anything else? Like if anyone was using magic?

No, I didn't spot anything else out of the ordinary while I was on lookout duty before.

Oh.

These people are definitely acting strange. It's like they're being manipulated.

Aldo, no! Don't touch them!

Huh?

They're still breathing, their hearts are still beating, but it's only a matter of time.

The miasma of death is upon them. If we don't clear the spell soon, they really will become living corpses.

The miasma of death?

Um, Toova? Is this...

Yes, it is necromancy. The living are being manipulated, turned half-dead by the miasma of death. And this spell is contagious. As soon as they touch another, it is spread.

Meaning that unless we do something, the damage will spread exponentially? But who would do...

Hey, you two! You gotta do something about this! We can't be dealing with this! A monster, maybe, but regular folk? No way!

I understand. We will handle this. We shall fight necromancy...

With necromancy.

Okay, let's go help anyone under attack!

Then hurry to the magic classroom! The children will still be inside!

Children? Okay, we're on it!

Let's go, Toova!

Waaah! I'm scaaared!

Children, get behind me!

It's okay. I won't let them lay a finger on any of you!

Is everyone all right?

Aldo! And Toova?

We will handle this. Take the children someplace safe!

Understood!

Thank you.

Okay, children! Let's get out of here!

Take care, you two.

We should hurry. There will still be plenty of other people in the palace.

Okay, let's go!

Oh no! We're cornered! There's too many of them!

We cannot attack, and if they touch us, we are done for. This is more troublesome than I expected. Besides which, I don't even know how much longer my magic will last.

......

Aldo? What are you...

I'll draw their attention. You run away, Toova.

I can't do that! I can't leave you!

I can't do anything about this mess, but you can. You have to be the one to escape.

Hey! Over here! This way, come on!

No!

Yay! So many souls!

Huh? Why're the souls all weird?

Ilulu?!

No way! Aldo? Long time no see!

Did you...reap all their souls?

Yep! They were acting kinda funny so I thought I'd reap 'em all up!

What the? Did you do that? All on your own? How?!

Yep! They were acting kinda funny so I thought I'd reap 'em all up!

I'm Ilulu! Nice to meet ya!

(Could this be... The Ilulu from this time layer?)

(Ilulu? But she seems a little different from the Ilulu I'm familiar with.)

Still, dead people on the move? It's pretty strange...

Wait? These souls aren't dead?

I've felt this presence before. Are you a reaper?

A reaper? No one's ever called me that before.

But if you mean a Purgatorian, then yeah! I'm your gal.

Return these souls. They aren't dead yet.

No fair. I only just reaped 'em all!

Please.

Ugh... Fine. See if I care. These souls are so dense, I don't even want 'em. They're not even cute.

Cute?

There we go! That's all of 'em back!

But they're not waking up?

Do not worry. Once a soul has left a body, the spell will be lifted. They will wake up in a little while.

Really? That's a relief.

Thanks. You really helped us out there.

Me? Heheh. No need to thank me. I was just having a blast chasing after the strange souls.

You know, your friend there's kinda strange herself.

......

Is she dead or alive? She's sure not like the others here.

Hmm?

I wouldn't look too closely at a being like me if I were you.

Yeah, sure seems that way. I don't know why, but you're making me feel so...down...

Ohhh... Maybe I should head back... Bye, I guess...

What the? Why'd she just leave?

My existence is reflected as an distortion, especially for people like her.

Oh. Well at least the palace folk are safe. Now we just need to find out who's behind this.

I have already worked out the location of the necromancer who did this.

You have?! When?

I followed traces of the spell through veins of the earth. They are in the Corinda Plains.

Corinda Plains, you say?

What is it Aldo? Is there something on your mind?

No, it's nothing. Let's go to the Corinda Plains.

Well? Can you tell where the necromancer is?

Yes. It doesn't look like they have moved. The traces of the spell continue to the high ground ahead.

The high ground?

Um, you don't think this is some kind of trap to lure you in, do you?

Oh? Why would you think that, Aldo?

Just a hunch. It all seems a little too convenient if you ask me. First, the necromancy spell caused chaos in the palace the moment we approached... Then even after the chaos stopped, the culprit remained in the exact same place.

Plus, isn't Orphia buried in the high ground ahead?

Yes. It does seem a little too much to be a coincidence.

And the culprit is a necromancer, like you. Any ideas who it could be?

It has been a very long time since I learned necromancy, and never have I met another practitioner. I only know the one necromancer. My Master, the one who taught me the art.

Your Master? And what were they like?

Aldo, what do you think of necromancy?

Um, I don't know a whole lot. But honestly? It's not normal. Manipulating corpses? Making yourself immortal? That's messed up.

You are right, it is indecent. Interfering with life and death is considered taboo even within magic. My master, Neftal, broke taboo by creating necromancy, and was thus made a dark elf.

A dark elf who created necromancy? That sounds like quite a big deal.

However, the lifespan of a dark elf is relatively short. My master shouldn't still be alive. If she is...

That would mean she also practiced necromancy on herself?

Still, I cannot understand why she would do this. We parted ways a long, long time ago. Why would she summon me? And why do so in this roundabout fashion?

Are you sure you want to continue? We don't know what she could have planned.

I am sure. We won't get to the bottom of this until we go there.

Okay. And whatever happens, I'll protect you.

Teehee. Thanks, Aldo. That's sweet of you.

I have been waiting for you.

Long time no see, Toova.

The dark elf, Neftal? You're Toova's old master?

Oh? You've already told him about me? You must be close.

I'm Aldo, Toova's traveling companion.

Oh, I see. You're one of her "current" friends.

I did. But unlike the walking corpse that is you, I have slumbered in the ground these past few millennia.

What's your aim here? Why did you put the palace folk into danger like that?

Today is your Day of the Dead festival, no? I thought I would liven things up a little.

WHAT?

I came to save you.

You're here...to save Toova?

I have been watching over you through the eyes of the dead sleeping in the ground. You and Orphia...the end of your journey together.

I know how lonely you have been after losing her. Aren't you tired of living in that cursed body? Aren't you tired of always having to part with others?

What are you getting at, exactly?

I can rescind the necromancy she cast on herself.

Do you see, Toova? You can finally die.

Stop this! This isn't for you to decide!

You naive little boy. You know nothing of what we go through. Death is the only way to free her from her suffering.

Okay, maybe I don't know the pain of being immortal. But I know the time Toova and I spent together.

Toova enjoys traveling the world with me! She told me so!

It is all deception. She clings to others merely as a means of procrastination. Stop settling, Toova. You know as well as I do that you have longed for death.

Toova!

Unbelievable. You intend to repeat the same mistakes over and over again?

I see. Well, your answer is not entirely unexpected. You always were prone to recklessness. Although, perhaps we should ask her opinion also?

Her?

...va...

Toova?

Toova! Wake up!

It is no use. She has died.

WHAT? You forced this on her! You showed her Orphia to fluster her and then broke the spell on her!

I did. I recreated her body using Orphia's memories. Easily done when she is buried in this land. Toova was on her guard against me, and I needed her distracted.

Why would you do that? Toova turned you down!

I needed her corpse to achieve my aims.

What the? You're manipulating her body?

Three thousand years've passed since I went to sleep. Within the ground, I saw death all over the world. All in order to activate the ultimate necromancy I created. I cannot achieve it alone. But by manipulating Toova's body, it is finally within reach.

The ultimate necromancy? So that's what you were after.

That's why you deceived Toova? That's why you lied to her about wanting to save her? You monster! I will stop you!

No, you won't. Now that I have Toova's body, I am invincible.

Besides, you cannot attack her, can you? Corpse or not.

You coward! How could you use her as a shield?

Ugh! At this rate, I'm gonna...

Huh? What was that voice?

Imagine being able to die so easily. I'm a little jealous.

The time is finally nigh. Now, the laws of life shall be reversed. The dead will fill this mortal realm.

Activate Hell of Three Realms.

Conquer, oh resurrected dead. Trample the world with the march of the true dead.

Is that...

Are you from the village down- mountain? You should watch out, there are monsters around here.

I-I'm sorry. But I've been sent to the elf village for an errand.

Why, our village is at the top of the mountain! How could anyone send such a small child out here alone? What are those humans thinking?

B-But I can use magic. I can manage.

That's not the point! Adults are supposed to protect children! Honestly! Perhaps I should ask Papa to protest.

P-Protest?

My Papa's the village chief. Your village makes its living trading with ours, right? They can't say no to Papa.

You know what? No, that's a cowardly way to act. I'll just tell them myself.

What's your name, little one?

Huh? M-My name?

It's Toova.

Toova? Okay then.

I'm Orphia. Nice to meet you!

Oh, um, yeah... Um. Thank you, Orphia.

I remember now. This is the forest where I first met Orphia.

Is this...my memory?

Um, Orphia? Can I come visit your village today?

Now, why would you want to go there? It won't be very fun for you.

Wh-Why not?

Our village was created by a bunch of elves who wanted to study magic. All anyone ever does there is study spells. They have no interest in anything else.

To be honest, even I'm bored. I'm meant to take over from Papa as village chief someday... But I'm thinking of sneaking out of this place. Maybe even traveling the world.

Really? Take me with you!

I don't think I can do that.

Why not?!

Elves and humans have totally different lifespans. Even if we're friends now, we can't live our lives together.

Oh...

I remember that conversation well. It was a great shock to my childish mind.

Afterward, I...

Pleeease! Please teach me magic!

My, you're a curious little one, aren't you? Even my own brethren avoid me like the plague.

Little girl, necromancy is a forbidden arte that goes against the laws of nature. Being human, you may not be turned to a dark elf like me, but you will never get to live a normal life again.

......

If the villagers find out that you associate with a dark elf, they will banish your entire family. Now get out of here, and never come back.

I don't have a family.

What?

My mom and dad died when I was just a baby. I've always been alone. There's no one who'd miss me if I disappeared.

I found someone I want to spend my life with, but she's an elf. She says she can't live with humans.

...... From the looks of things, you do appear to have sufficient magical background.

Very well, follow me. There is no time to waste. Our lifespans aren't nearly long enough for that.

Necromancy. This was the turning point in my life.

How could I have forgotten something so important?

Thank you, Neftal. I only succeeded because of you.

Most impressive. You have truly mastered the arte of necromancy. Even so, you weren't scared to practice necromancy on your own self?

No. That was always my intention.

Are you going now?

Yes. I'm going to talk with Orphia now, though I imagine she will be angry at me. Thank you for all you have done for me over the years.

And I'm sorry to be leaving you all alone again.

Don't be. I always knew this would happen. This feels a strange thing to say to you now, but...be well.

Orphia? How long have you been there?

I heard talk about that elf being seen with a human. To think that you were actually studying necromancy.

And that you practiced on YOURSELF? What were you thinking, you fool?

Orphia, let me explain! I just wanted to...

Save your excuses for later. We have to hurry, before our pursuers get here.

P-Pursuers?

I thought this would happen, so I packed my things before coming here. I was always planning to leave the village anyway. Now's my chance.

Are you sure about this?

What are you talking about? We're free to spend the rest of our lives together now. And we elves live a really long time. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Thank you, Orphia.

Isn't it beautiful? No matter how many times I come here, it always takes my breath away.

Yes, it's the most beautiful of all the places we've ever traveled.

Toova, if I were to die...

Huh? Did you say something?

Nope. I was just thinking how nice it would be to stretch out and take a nap here.

Teehee! If anyone would, it's you.

Orphia... I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry I couldn't fulfill your final wish. I just couldn't perform my necromancy on you. Still, I...

I truly...

Now, I can finally end it. After a millennia of waiting, I can finally have my revenge.

What the?

Toova? But! But you're supposed to be dead!

Urgh...

Toova? You're okay? And why are you dressed like that?

How very unexpected. Revival after death is beyond the realm of necromancy.

As much as I admire your devotion to life, you have broken my spell. Now, you shall die all over again.

Whoa! You did that with necromancy?

I revived the body of an ancient creature that lay sleeping in the ground. Don't try to resist, Toova. You know you are too weak to fight now, after your own death experience.

Yeah! Let's beat this thing!

All right, we've got her frightened.

No, no, I surrender. You may be my disciple, but I am shocked to see how strong death has made you. My millennia-in-the-making plan has come to nought, all because of you.

Long, long before I met you.

Now I have a question for you. How did you return?

A charm? You mean the thing from before?

......!

Memories, huh? Interesting. Your two consciousnesses happened to become intertwined within the memories left in your body... And this enabled you to summon yourself back?

I suppose it doesn't matter now. I'll just have to think of another method. I have plenty of time. Until my body starts to rot, I suppose.

You still won't give up?

Of course I won't. This plan is everything to me.

Before I go, let me ask you one more time. Do you truly still wish to live?

I do hope you don't come to regret such a foolish decision.

Neftal certainly seemed formidable.

You know, I really did think you were dead before.

You were?

Oh. Well, I'm very glad you're alive again. How about we go back to the palace for now? I'd like to check that everyone's okay.

So that's what happened? It was necromancy after all.

Thank you, you two. If you weren't here, I dread to think what would have happened. Especially you, Toova. I'm so very glad we had a necromancer on our side to take on the other.

Indeed.

We were in pandemonium. To think that the dead would actually rise on the Day of the Dead!

Yeah, who'd have thought it. I'm just glad there were no casualties.

Yes. I should really thank that reaper girl.

Yeah. Next time I see Ilulu, I'll be sure to thank her.

Yeah. If I ever see her again, I'll be sure to thank her.

Still, it's rather disappointing that the Day of the Dead festivities had to be canceled.

I presume that's why you're dressed like that, Toova? To take part in the procession?

Huh? Oh no, I...

It really suits you. Are you supposed to be the Queen of the Dead, ruler of the Darkrealm?

Yes, something like that.

Well, I should get going. There's still so much to clean up after today's commotion.

As nice as it was of Ratchett to say those things... As Neftal's disciple, it was my responsibility to stop her anyway. I'm just glad we made it in time.

You know, I've been wondering. Why did Neftal create necromancy in the first place?

I never actually asked her myself. However...

When she left, I read her memories.

What?! When did you do that? And what did you see?

All I saw was faint fragments of memories.

You saw Orphia's elven village in my memories, didn't you?

Where the elves studied magic? I did, yes.

Neftal had lived there with her daughter, as an ordinary elf. However, one day, her daughter died. She was attacked by a monster up in the mountains.

Her daughter died? That's terrible!

Wait, you're saying the reason Neftal took up necromancy...

Was to resurrect her daughter. Yes, that's what I would imagine. However, her spells ended in failure, and she was cast out the village as a dark elf.

Yet she continued to study necromancy even after she'd lost her daughter? She even practiced it on herself. Why would she do that?

Perhaps she had no real reason. She hated the world and sought to change the laws of life and death. Vengeance for her daughter, maybe. Death is salvation, as they say, and I fear that rings true for her. However, she will now live forever, existing with nothing but hatred, severing all ties with others.

......

What is it? You look like you want to say something.

It's just...about that charm you put on me. If you have to die in order for it to be activated, wouldn't that mean I'd have to live a really long time?

Hm. Yes, I suppose the chances of it ever activating are rather low.

Then why would you use that spell on me? You weren't...actually planning to die, were you?

Do you remember our conversation about memories?

Huh? Oh. Sure. So long as someone remembers you, it proves you existed.

No matter how long I live, I will never get used to parting, or to loneliness. Yet, they are part of me. If I die, all those memories will be lost. That is the hardest thing of all for me. My life has been cursed for so long that I never thought to tell anyone. That's why I hesitated before, when you asked me about my past.

Oh, I see.

Although, it did make me incredibly happy.

It did?

Imagining that you would remember me after I'm gone... It felt like such a relief to me. That's why I cast that charm on you.

So you didn't intend to activate it from the start?

Just the possibility that you will remember me is enough for me. So you don't need to worry. I promise I will never choose death for myself.

I'll hold you to that. Although, I did end up seeing all your memories anyway.

Yes, you did. It can't have been easy, finding this me within all those memories of mine.

Thank you, Aldo. If I had not heard your voice, I doubt I could have returned.

Any time. That's what friends do.

Though yeah, it wasn't easy! Your memories were mind-bogglingly long.

......

You know, I was surprised to find out that both you and Neftal are 3,000 years...

Forget it.

Huh?

Forget all memories about my age. Now.

What? But you just said you wanted me to remember?

Have you forgotten what I told you before? It's bad manners to speak to a lady about her age.

R-Right... How could I ever forget? Okay, I'll take that advice on board.

Good. If you ever forget...

You'll be stuck with them until the end.