What the Future Holds

...Look at them. All without a care in the world.

Oh, hey. If it isn't Dewey!

Beautiful day, huh. You out for a walk too?

Don't call me that. Hearing it from your mouth makes me want to puke.

Gee, would you lighten up a bit? You're always such a grouch.

I don't like knowing that you and I are the same person. There's not a thought behind your eyes.

Oh, c'mon. We're friends, aren't we? Stop pouting like a little kid.

I don't remember becoming "friends." And if anyone here's a kid, it's you.

What'd you call me?!

Wanna hit Port Lezona on the way back? I heard the new Minette Belle line just dropped!

Count me in! I was just thinking of updating my wardrobe!

...They really don't have a care in the world.

But it sounds like they're having fun, doesn't it?

Feels like just another day in the life. I mean, that's probably what everyone thinks when they look at us.

...I'm not the same. I don't belong in this picture-perfect life they're living, not after all the bloodshed I've witnessed.

Talk about dramatic...

Ah, it's you two!

Hey, I remember you! You're that teacher, right? From when we were looking for the cat?

That's right. I'm so glad you remember!

I've been wondering how you're doing. You both looked so lost when we last met.

I didn't push too hard that time, but would you reconsider enrolling in our school? You can meet new people and experience new things. It might help you learn something about yourselves.

Not necessary.

Don't be so sure! Why not start with a trial class?

C'mon, what's the harm?

Do whatever you like, but leave me out of it.

You're so stubborn... But I have my reasons! We fought the Cardinal Vestige and saved the world, didn't we? I thought it'd be nice to go to school and see exactly what it is we managed to save.

......

What we...saved...

...Fine. I'll do it.

Great!

Then we're in your hands, miss!

Wonderful! When you're ready, come to the entrance of IDA School.

You got it!

I...

I'm going to see...what it is I failed to protect...

Hey, teach! Sorry to keep you waiting.

Thank you for coming. Welcome to IDA! I've already finished the necessary paperwork to get you two admitted. Your uniforms are also pressed and ready to go. You can use that empty room to get changed.

They're getting changed into their uniforms now. Honestly, I still can't believe that they're friends of yours, Isuka.

We've worked together in the past to resolve some trouble. I'm quite happy they've taken an interest in our school.

Hey, Isuka! Did you come by to say hello?

That uniform suits you, Dewey.

Heh, thanks!

What happened to the other boy?

He's still changing. Guess it's taking more time 'cause of that special uniform he got.

Special uniform?

Huh? What's going on over there?

You must be new here. Why don't I show you around?

Are you a fan of Lord Sharkington?! Mad respect, brother!

A-Are you single?

Would you let him through, please?

Isuka!

That boy just enrolled as a trial student. One of the professors will be giving him the tour.

Aww... So he's not a new transfer, huh?

If you actually decide to come here, let's talk about that uniform!

What an easy life they live... I expected this place to be more rigid since you're a student here.

That'd be pretty tiring, though, don't you think? School should be a place to study and hang with friends. It's also somewhere you can start figuring out your future, right?

That's the image most schools have. And when it comes to students' day-to-day lives, IDA is no different.

But it is unparalleled when it comes to studying. The environment here is the best by far.

They believe the future that awaits is a bright one, and they trust that tomorrow will come. ...What a naïve bunch.

And what's so wrong with that?

......

In any case, would you mind explaining that uniform of yours?

Is there something wrong with it?

It's against school regulations.

Ah, Ruina.

Judging by appearance alone, it's a modified uniform that violates at least ten rules. Why are you wearing something like that? I don't understand.

It doesn't look like the uniform I gave you, either.

I was told to wear this by some guy named "Lord Sharkington." He said I'd stand out if not and that it'd be "straight-up embarrassing" or...something.

Got that right! A guy like you can't be seen wearin' any old uniform.

I mean, it was just way too square. I seriously couldn't believe my eyes. It was doin' ya all kinds of wrong. That's why I gave ya that one, to make it right!

It violates school rules.

So what? The normal uniform violates my eyes.

...I'm changing.

Ya can't be serious! It looks good on you!

I mean, dude's got a point.

I suppose he does. And wearing the uniform the way you want is one of the joys of student life here.

Not to mention this is a trial class... So I'll overlook the infraction this once. Everything is an experience, after all.

You mean breaking the rules is also part of the trial student experience?

Hey, what say we switch uniforms later? I wanna try that bad boy on.

Hmph. As if it'd fit you.

Not funny! I know I'm small, but that just means I've got lots of room to grow!

Then I'll let you wear it once you're my size.

Tch. Jerk!

Haha. I can see you two are already having fun, just like real students.

...This guy's the one having fun, not me.

Now then, I'm going to have you two join a class after this. Let's go up to the Sky Terrace. I've already arranged everything with the professor in charge.

Professor Cerrine! These are the two students I was telling you about.

Ah... The ones the taking trial class, yes?

I won't make any exceptions for you or these delinquents, so don't expect any special treatment. Is that clear?

Y-Yes, ma'am.

What "delinquents" are you talking about?

Professor Cerrine gives supplementary lessons to students who don't take their studies seriously. I've asked her to include you in her class as part of the trial experience.

I specialize in Battle Theory, and today we're going to put our skills to the test with a mock battle between students.

Isuka told me about your physical abilities. You should be on equal footing with IDA students... I believe the experience will be quite thrilling.

You want us to fight here?

Yes. The roof is a fine place to let loose... Or rather, a place you can fight without restriction.

I think I'll pass. I don't like pulling my punches.

You wouldn't have to. Jade is quite powerful.

.....!

.....!

Did you say...Jade?

I did, yes. It sounds like you're familiar with him. Unfortunately, he's yet to arrive.

And he isn't the only one, either. Seems like those tardy students are in need of some punishment. Hehe.

I'll go look for them!

Would you help search for them too?

Yeah, no prob.

Thank you. Let me tell you who look for...

(I...have to fight Jade?)

(Back in my time layer, he...)

(I...)

You okay?

Y-Yeah... Fine.

Teach just told me which students we gotta find. Says we oughta search the third floor. Also said we should talk to anyone we see skipping class and hanging out on the roof.

In other words, we're in charge of the third floor and roof. Let's get moving, then.

......

*yaaawn* What a nice nap...

Hey, are you Mighty? Think you're supposed to be in Professor Cerrine's class right now.

Oh... Now that you mention it, you might be right. Did you come to get me 'cause you're in the class too?

Yeah. Teach asked us to help find the kids who hadn't showed up yet. We're actually trial students. We're gonna be crashing your class for today.

So get moving, or else we can't start.

Hey, Jade. Aren't ya supposed to be in that class too...

Huh? Where'd he go?

You mean Jade?

Yeah, he also takes those extra classes. We run into each other sometimes. Guess ya could say we're fellow nappers.

That's his favorite spot to catch a few winks. It's nice and cool 'cause of the breeze. I remember him being right next to me when I passed out, but...looks like he got up before me.

This does seem like a nice place for a nap.

Wanna join the club? We skip class to take naps instead of notes.

You can't skip class for that! Just nap during recess or something.

Haha. Well, guess I'd better head for class. Later!

...On to the next.

Oh, there's Sevyn!

Huh? Who're you?

Professor Cerrine is holding an extra class on the Sky Terrace today and you're supposed to be there now.

That time already?

...Hold on a sec. Who are you guys anyway? Are ya new students?

Trial students.

Pretty bold choice wearing that during a trial class. Looks good on you, though.

...Get to class already.

Fiiine. But I'm kinda in the middle of something right now.

Yeah, and you two can help!

What's up?

Well, y'see... I'm in love with this girl named Saki!

Saki?!

Yeah, but she's got a scary older brother!

That's why I wanna get his approval before I ask her out. And to do that... I'm gonna challenge him to a fight!

Is this Jade we're talking about?

Oh, you know him? He's super-duper strong!

That guy could probably toss me like a ragdoll. That's why I want Foran and Sevyn to help me train! Foran's a master with the lance! And someone saw Sevyn fighting outside of school and said he was really strong!

I bet you're always talking about spirits to hide your true powers. It's pretty cool!

Why would I be hiding anything? Besides, I really can see spirits.

There you go again!

Ugh... Like I said, I'm not gonna train you. I'm out, gotta get to that class.

Aww...

Hey. Do you really need her brother's permission for this? I think you should just tell her how you feel.

I feel like she's more likely to accept if her brother likes me, though... And if I just ask her to date me outta the blue, she'll probably say no... That's why I want her brother in my corner.

But that's just how love is! If you wanna reach the goal, you've gotta get over all the obstacles in your way! That's why I need someone to train me!

Sounds...complicated?

Give it up. It's pointless to even try if you can't tell someone how you feel without help.

That's mean! Wait... Are you trying to discourage me because YOU want Saki?!

...You're joking, right?

I-I was just asking. It's good news for me if you're not. Haha... Phew...

Oh, I know. Maybe it'd help if you told me about your own love life.

My...love life?

...I've had enough of this.

Let's go.

I see Saki branching out and talking to different students these days.

Is that so? I'm glad she's starting to getting used to her life here.

I was a bit worried after the incident, but everything seems fine now. Even Jade appears to be more social than before, at least, a little.

That's a relief.

...Can I help you with something?

You could tell we were here, huh.

Yes. Aren't you two supposed to be taking a trial class right now?

Yeah, but we're helping the teacher find some off the tardy students.

Then we heard your voice. We didn't mean to eavesdrop, honest.

I heard you talking about Saki and Jade.

Could you tell me more about the "incident" in question?

It seems you have a deep connection with them in the time layer you come from, so I guess it's only natural you'd be curious.

The two of them were involved in some trouble here at IDA.

Everything was resolved peacefully, but we can't just pretend it didn't happen. And it's not like we can just erase it from the students' memories.

I know what you mean. I can't just forget what happened back then either...

So you're saying that incident caused people to look at them differently.

No. What I'm saying is that there are people who will accept you, no matter what your past is.

Saki and Jade are slowly warming up to their new environment. That's what the professor and I were talking about.

I see...

(So things didn't go very smoothly for them here either...) (But they were able to overcome that and live normal, peaceful lives.)

So people here accept you no matter what?

Yes. That's part of what we want you to experience as trial students.

...No one asked for that.

C'mon. We still have a student to find.

We checked most of our assigned area. Let's head back to the roof.

(Is that who I think it is?)

Are you sure it's okay? It's gonna be pretty heavy...

It's fine. I mean, you're stocking up on all your necessities today, right?

Yeah. Thank you.

Oh!

What are you two doing here? Are you enrolling at IDA?

No...

We're taking a trial class.

You really surprised me there. Haha. But those uniforms suit you.

Saki...

This is my brother, Jade.

Jade, meet Dewey and Dewey.

Now that I think about it, we met in KMS City before. Didn't know you were friends with them, Saki.

Friends of yours, Saki?

Yeah. They helped me out a lot in the past.

That's good to hear.

......

Hey, Jade. Professor Cerrine's holding an extra class on the roof. Better not keep her waiting.

Huh? Not ringing any bells...

Jade! You forgot about your class?! You have to get going, now!

...Oh, all right. I'll go shopping with you next time, Saki.

Works for me.

You seem pretty close to your brother.

There was a time where I put distance between us. But now we talk more than we ever did before.

Glad to hear it.

(I wasn't able to protect them back in my own time layer, but here...they get to spend their days like a family.) (This is a potential future I took from them.)

Well, that's that. We better get back up to the roof too.

...Right.

Sorry, but I'm leaving.

Without even taking the class?

If I go, I'll have to fight Jade.

Oh, right. The professor wanted us to have a mock battle.

I can't believe I'll have to fight him, of all people...

Even if it's just a mock battle, I can't do it.

You fought him in your time layer, right?

It was a battle to the death. But no matter what excuse I make, the outcome remains the same, I'm a killer. And I refuse to take anything else away from those two.

(Back then, and even now...)

(I don't want to destroy whatever future they have.)

I had to fight to survive. That's how I became as strong as I am today. I don't know what'll happen if I fight someone living in such a complacent world.

If I'm not careful, the same fate could befall him here.

Help! Someone! Anyone!

What happened?!

The robots we were working on during class are going haywire!

What's going on here?

Professor Cerinne!

We've dealt with this sorta thing before, stopping rampaging robots 'n' all that.

Back then, you fought to protect, and you didn't hurt a single person.

That means you can do it again! You can fight without hurting anyone! And if you lose control, I'll be there to stop you. So you don't have to worry about a thing!

......

You think you can stop me with that puny water pistol of yours? Once you're dried up, it's all over for you.

Hey, I'm coming too!

I'm sorry... I can't get up. My ankle hurts too much...

It's okay. I'm gonna make sure nothing happens to you!

And I'm going to make sure nothing happens to you this time.

...Not bad.

...Was easy.

...Just so you know, it's my job to protect Saki. She's my sister after all.

Y-You hear that...?

Yeah. So put your money where your mouth is!

Look after that girl!

Will do!

Let's do this.

Right.

Count me in!

Looks like we did it.

Yeah...

Thank you. All of you.

Don't mention it.

(Jade and I saved Saki together... It's too convenient. Is this some kind of dream?)

I'm the one who should be thanking you.

What? Why?

No, it's nothing...

The other naughty robots have been punished. I see you've all done quite nice work here too.

Hehe. I can't wait to see what a show you put on during the mock battle!

So you're the one I'll be up against. Seems like it'll be fun, judging by that last fight.

I...

Now come on. It's back to the Sky Terrace for all of us. We've put the makeup class on hold for far too long!

Now, let the battle begin!

......

(It's just like last time.)

(No... It's not.)

That means you can do it again! You can fight without hurting anyone! And if you lose control, I'll be there to stop you. So you don't have to worry about a thing!

Right.

As if.

Let's go!

...Hah.

I can't help it.

(Haha... How stupid of me. I can't believe I thought I might kill him if I wasn't careful.) (He's damn strong. If I'm not careful, I'll be the one biting the dust.)

Don't hold back on my account.

Now then, that concludes our trial class.

It looked to me like you were enjoying yourselves. In fact, I'd like you to become full-time students here!

Yeah, it was a blast. Lemme think on that full-time student thing.

It wasn't bad, for sure. I'll...think about it too.

Oh my...

It looks like I made it in time. I came to say goodbye. What did you think about your time here?

It was amazing! I finally got to see what it's like going to school!

I think the people here are naïve. They don't understand the dangers of the world...but maybe there's nothing wrong with that.

Oh, what?! You're leavin' already? Well, take that sick uniform with ya!

But I can't wear it unless I'm a student...right?

Heading out?

Hey! Good to see you two.

Hope you had fun!

Sure did!

Too bad we couldn't squeeze in a nap on the roof. Would've been kinda cool.

You can nap anywhere, can't you?

Yeah, but it feels special to do it at school.

That so? Guess you'll have to try again next time.

I'm already looking forward to seeing you again. But you'll have to be quick if you wanna get a nice, sunny spot.

Thanks for the tip. Let's make it happen!

Haha. It sounds like you'll be back soon enough. When you do return, I'll help you get registered.

Thanks!

Ah...

Jade.

Yeah.

Looks like it all worked out, huh?

......

That was sooo much fun!

I was kinda surprised when you said you'd think about enrolling. That's not like you!

...It wasn't a bad experience. But the day-to-day lives of people here is just...

It's not something I deserve to enjoy.

You might be the only one who thinks that way.

What do you mean?

I mean, the things you did won't just disappear. But torturing yourself over it won't change anything. Instead of thinking about the people you lost, why not think about the ones you still have and what you can do for them?

What I can do...for the people I still have...

(Like helping Jade save Saki...) (If I keep moving forward...will I find other things I can do?)

I don't think it'll be easy to figure that out.

Why not start at school then?

School?!

...I guess even a fool has his good moments.

What'd you call me?!

Wait, what? Did you say I did something good?

No. You're hearing things.

Liar! I know what I heard!