Nice to Meet You Again

Krervo. Sorry to keep you waiting.

Ah, that was quick. I wasn't expecting you to find time for this so soon.

Well, I'm free right now, and I wanted to check this off my list before I forgot all about it. So, what can I do for you?

There's actually something I'd like you to take a look at.

I found this among the excavated materials collected from our contaminated region fieldwork.

That's...

I thought it was just an old scrap of cloth at first, but then I realized there was some kind of pattern on it. I did some research, but I couldn't find anything with the same pattern.

I assume it must have had cultural significance in the past...but I'd love to pick your brain. What do you think it is?

It's...the traditional dress of the titans.

It's a type of special occasion wear, which is why there are so few remaining.

I knew you'd be the girl to ask! Did you come across this when you were researching old curses and mutations?

No, not quite. (In fact, it was made for me...) (No, this is the wrong world. If it was found here, then it wasn't for me, it was for the other one...)

(Oh, how I wish I could see her again...) (If I saw her, I could...)

Toova? Everything okay?

Oh...sorry. I'm fine.

Actually, I was wondering...would you mind if I kept that cloth?

Not at all, help yourself. I was only looking into it out of curiosity; it has no bearing on Natural's research. If it's relevant to your own research, it would be far more useful in your hands.

Thank you, I really appreciate that.

And thanks for your help today. If anything else comes up, would you mind if I called on you again?

Of course. Well, see you later.

(Aldo, Aldo...I have to find Aldo.) (If I wait around in Elzion, maybe he'll show up sooner or later.)

Aldo!

Toova? You seem unusually flustered.

Would you mind taking me back to Antiquity?

Sure, no problem. Are you ready to go right now?

Really? You're going to agree, just like that? You don't want to hear my reasons first?

No, I'm good. I know you'd never do wrong by me, and that's all I really need to know.

It's dangerous to be so trusting, Aldo.

You think so? Well, I'm usually the one asking for favors or dragging others along on my adventures.

It made me kind of happy to actually be asked for a favor for a change.

That still doesn't mean you should just agree to things without a second thought.

Okay, okay. Then tell me. Why do you want to go back to Antiquity?

Do you remember me once telling you about my friend?

Yes. Those who die gripped by fear, anger, or suffering...

Will recall their entire lives colored with that same pain, and die cursing their fates.

That anguish, etched into her face by her dying breath...

You're not speaking hypothetically, are you.

......

It was long...very long ago. A friend of mine. Someone I had known for ages.

Is this Orphia?

Does that mean it has something to do with that "elf" word you were interested in?

So you know about her. She is indeed a dear friend, but no. I mean someone else. I've had many meetings and partings over the years since Orphia left me.

She is indeed a dear friend, but no. I mean someone else. I've had many meetings and partings over the years since Orphia left me.

And this person died in anguish... Did someone do something to her?

Yes. ...I did.

What do you mean?

It was my fault. I couldn't bear to lose yet another dear friend. She lay there dying, and I couldn't help but say, "So you're going to leave me behind, too?"

But... I mean, it's only natural you would feel like that...

Maybe. But I shouldn't have said it. My thoughtless words wounded her... I made her cry as she lay there dying. She didn't want to die, she said. She didn't want to leave me, she said.

And then...she died. With anger and sadness as her last conscious memories, all because of me.

I just want to see my friend one last time. I know that this is a different world and that she's not really the friend I used to know...

But I just want to see her again and apologize for what happened...

I see... Then let's go see her. Where can we find her?

Thank you, but there's one extra stop we need to take first. There's someone else I want to take with us.

Oh? Who?

The me of this world. She is the one who's supposed to befriend her, after all.

Then let's go to Ratle. I think that's where Toova usually hangs out.

Toova! I'm so glad we found you.

Oh? What brings you two here?

There's somewhere I'd like to take you.

By all means. Where are we going?

Pador.

Pador? Never heard of it.

No, I guess you wouldn't have. It's just a little village, and it's not even on this continent.

But I've told Aldo about it. Pador is the last village I stayed at before my long slumber.

That was Pador? Then this friend you told me about was a titan?

I want to see that friend again... But in this time layer, you're the one who befriends her, not me. So I wondered if you'd mind coming along?

Hmm... Very well. If you're sure I won't get in the way of your reunion...

Don't worry. I'll be happy just looking on from afar.

Wait, so you're offloading all the interaction to me? Then what even is the point in going? Look, I won't pry into your reasons. But you don't exactly look excited to be seeing this old friend again.

I suppose there's something you wish to accomplish in seeing her? If there is, then I hope you succeed.

You see right through me.

Of course I do; I am you.

I'll do my best. So will you watch over me?

Toova? What's wrong?

Sorry. I was just wondering if this is how it feels to have a little sister.

Little?! But I'm older than you!

Maybe in years, but not in mentality. You seem so very young to me. Maybe that is why you are so anxious.

But very well. If you wish me to watch over you, I will. Now, shall we depart for Pador? If it's on another continent, I imagine this will be quite the long journey.

If we take Synth Hydra, we can be there in no time.

No, not this time. Toova may wish to go to Pador someday, as I once did.

I say we travel on foot so that she can learn the route. Though we'll still need Hydra for the first leg...

Sure, fine by me. Let's go and board Synth Hydra then!

There you are, Toova.

I wasn't even looking, but it still found me...

Hm? What's that?

Krervo gave it to me. He found it in the contaminated region.

Is that...cloth? It looks like it's seen better days...

It's from the outfit I used to wear, back when I lived in Pador. It's a ceremonial dress, so it's a little different from the titans' usual attire.

It's incredible that something so old found its way back to you.

......

Oh... Sorry.

It's okay. You're right, it really is very old.

My friend made this for me soon after I first came to Pador. But humans are always going to stand out in a titan village, aren't they?

Yeah, I guess some of the titans will never have even seen a human before. I imagine that attracts some looks.

On top of that, I'm not even a regular human. I felt so out of place. They were good enough to accept me, but they had no idea what to do with me. But not her. She was different.

To her, we were one and the same... Wearing the same clothes, eating the same food, sleeping in the same place.

So this cloth brought back all those memories? And that's why you wanted to go back to Pador?

Yes. But I have to admit, I'm also a little scared.

The girl we're about to see isn't the friend I used to know... All of my memories of our past have never even happened to her yet.

It will all be okay, you'll see. If you made friends once, you can do it again.

You're very optimistic. But very well, I'll take your word for it this once.

Aldo, we're approaching our destination. I suggest you get ready to disembark.

Got it. Thanks.

If we head through Hokishi Forest and past the Valley of the Ancients, we'll get to Pador. You're sure you want to go on foot?

I'm sure. Okay, let's head out before we lose daylight.

What a beautiful, lush place.

So, is anything ringing any bells?

I'm not sure. My memories of passing this way are all so vague... And once I entered Pador, I hardly ever left.

So you don't remember the way to Pador? I guess we'll have to rely on Aldo, then.

I've got this.

Toova? Are you all right?

Yes... I'm fine.

Are you nervous?

Maybe... I said some truly awful things to her in her last moments. I don't know how I can face her again.

Try not to worry yourself over that. She doesn't even know you yet. To her, that's never even happened.

Instead of worrying, try to focus on the good. Like, what would you like to talk about when you see her again?

Hmm... I guess it would make sense to introduce myself first... But...

What is it?

There are two of us. Two Toovas.

Yes, I see what you're saying. It could confuse her if we both use the same name. I know, I'll use a fake name...

No, you're the one who's going to forge a relationship with her, so you should be the one to keep your name. I'll use a code name for now.

A code name? What's that?

Like an alias, for when you can't reveal your real name.

Are you thinking of your Sapient Complex name? Galette, wasn't it?

No, I'm never using that name again. I won't allow myself to be bound to that place in any way.

My code name will be...

Sis.

Sis it is, then.

Sis?! It's not much of a code name...

It works for me. We look so similar that any stranger would easily accept that we're sisters.

You good, Aldo?

Um, y-yeah... Got it, Too, I mean... Si...Sis...

...Are you sure about "Sis"?

I'm sure.

Okay then. It's still a long trek to Pador, so we'd better get going.

Her house should be around here somewhere...

Sorry, I can't help you there. I don't know who lives where here.

Aldo? Fancy seeing you here!

Garam! Perfect timing. There's actually something we want to ask you.

What, not even so much as a hello first? My, you must be busy. Well go ahead, ask away.

We're looking for a titan, but we don't remember where she lives.

I see. And who are you looking for?

A woman named Wydad Barrya.

Ah, her...

She's just over there.

Thanks, Garam. That really helps.

No problem at all. But say, are you free after this, Aldo? While you're in Pador, it would be great to catch up over some food or something.

Huh? Oh... That sounds great, but...

Go ahead. We can manage without you.

Okay. Come to the tavern once you're done.

Sorry for stealing him away. I'll give him back as soon as possible.

Okay, it looks like it's finally time to meet her.

Excuse me, do you have a moment?

Whoa, you're so teeny tiny! Are you humans?

That's right, yes. We're doing a little sightseeing with Aldo.

Aldo? Yeah, I think I've heard of him. Garam's friend, right?

That's right, yes. We're traveling companions of his. I'm Toova, and this is...

Call me "Sis."

(It's one thing for me to call her "Sis," but other people? No, her alias is too weird...)

I'm Wydad Barrya. Nice to meet you.

Yes... Nice to meet you, Wyd. ......

Is that it? Wasn't there something you wanted to say?

I did, but... (She looks so much younger than how I remember her. We must have come to Pador way earlier than I'd expected.) (What on earth do I say to this child?)

Um? So...did you, like, want something?

Yes, um... We don't know your village, you see. Aldo and Garambarrel have gone to the tavern, so we were hoping someone could show us around.

Ohh. Sure, I'd be happy to.

Thank you. Isn't this great, Sis?

I think I'll pass. You two have fun.

Did I do something wrong?

Don't worry about her, she's always been a little...difficult. Well then, let's get going.

I want to go somewhere quiet.

Is the view from here the same as it was back then?

Seeing you again, when you don't even know who I am... I never imagined it would be so...

Is she okay? Is there anything we can do to cheer her up?

You're so kind to show such concern for someone you just met.

Any ideas, Aldo? Has she ever told you about how she used to spend her time in Pador?

No, she never told me much at all...

Wait. She did say she had some clothes made for her. It sounded like it was a special memory for her. But she said it was some kind of special ceremonial outfit, so I doubt we could get our hands on one...

I can help you there! I come from a family of weavers, you see. Ceremonial dress is easy enough to do. I'll just need some decorative materials.

Then that settles it. Tell us what materials you need, and we'll help you find them.

Really? Then I'd love to use some feathers for the headpiece! There's a bird in the Valley of the Ancients with the most beautiful feathers.

Okay, then let's get going.

Why don't you stay behind, Aldo? Wyd and I have secret girl things to discuss.

Teehee! We sure do.

I...see. Then I'll go check on, um, Sis.

Thanks, Aldo.

What are you doing there, Toova?

I was talking to Wyd, in a way. I know my Wyd doesn't exist in this time layer...

But I thought, maybe if I stood here, looking over the same view as her, my voice might somehow reach her.

So where did the other two go? You're not with them?

No, they went off to the Valley of the Ancients together. They seem to have gotten pretty close already.

It figures. A young Wyd and a me that hasn't yet tired of socializing. Of course they'd bond fast.

So it was different for you?

I guess. I'd built a wall, you see.

But I am a little worried. Wyd said that she got stung by a bee monster when she was young. I hope she doesn't get so caught up in enjoying herself that she goes and disturbs a hive...

She has Toova with her, so I'm sure she'll be okay... But if you're that worried, you could always head out and join them.

I'm not that wor...

Oh, who am I kidding? I'm going. I can't risk her getting hurt.

I'll come with you. They're only in the Valley of the Ancients, so I'm sure we'll find them right away.

Wh-What do we do?!

Wyd, get behind me.

You did it!

Oh no! Wyd, quick! There's no time to lose!

But why? The monsters have...

Ahhh! There are so many of them!

(Against such a swarm...I don't know how long I'll be able to hold them off.)

Oh no, you don't!

Looks like we were right to come after all.

Thank you both! You have no idea how glad I am to see you!

Let's save the talk for later. We still have the queen to deal with!

We'll take care of this, you get Wyd to safety!

Sorry about this, but I can't allow you to hurt my friend!

That was awesome! You guys are crazy strong!

I'm so sorry. I should have taken better care.

It's not your fault. You've never been here before. How could you know what monsters are lurking out here?

Besides, Wyd probably just wandered straight into that nest without even realizing it.

How did you know that?!

I heard that was just the kind of kid you are.

Anyway, I'm just glad nobody got hurt. Did you manage to find what you were looking for?

Yep, and plenty of them, too!

What were you looking for?

Teehee, it's a secret! Come on, let's go back to Pador!

She's been hard at work in there ever since we got back.

But you seem pretty happy considering.

I suppose I am. I guess it feels a little nostalgic to see Wyd working away like this again.

Sorry for the wait, Sis. Here you go!

What's this?

It's a present. You came all this way to Pador, but you didn't seem to be enjoying yourself. I just wanted you to have at least one nice memory...

*gasp* Is this what I think it is?

It's a titan outfit, but I tried making it in human size. Well, what do you think?

I appreciate the gesture, but I cannot accept this.

What? Why not?

It should be Toova who gets this, not me...

Oh, I don't know about that. Maybe this simply isn't my time?

Besides, I'm sure Wyd could always make me another sometime. Right?

Right?

You haven't changed at all. Different time layer, different year, but you're still the same you...

Um, what?

Oh, it's nothing. Well, thank you for the incredible gift. Do you mind if I wear it right now?

Go ahead! Do you know how to put it on?

Yes, I remember.

Well? Does it fit?

Yes, everything seems to fit well, but...

Oh, stop fussing and show us already!

Well?

(It's probably best not to let Suzette see her like this.)

It really suits you! You look just like a titan.

So, you said this was a special ceremonial outfit? Then what's the ceremony?

Umm...it's worn for the harvest dance, to pray for a bountiful harvest.

I believe it goes something like this...

You know the dance?! How come?

A dear friend once taught me.

I'm so jealous! I'm not old enough to have been taught it yet.

Then why don't I teach you? It can be my way of thanking you for the outfit.

Are you sure?! I'd love that! Thanks a ton, Sis!

Listen, Wyd. Before we start, there's something I want to say. (I had wanted to apologize to her for what I said in her final moments...) (But though they are the same person, this Wyd is not my Wyd.)

The truth is, my name is also Toova.

Wha?! You have the same name?!

Feel free to keep calling me "Sis" though. It can get a little confusing knowing two girls with the same name.

But I'd love it if you could remember that there's, in fact, another Toova. (What I need to say to this Wyd isn't "sorry." It's...)

Thank you, Wyd. I hope we get to create many wonderful memories together.