SS-ST-1 Red Light at the Crossroads

Today's masquerade is another huge success!

Did you hear how loud they were cheering for the encore? I bet that one kid was a total Nyamuchi fan!

Like, her eyes were glittering like crazy when I came on stage! Man, that makes me happy.

We should add a little more fan interaction to our next show, whaddaya say?

It's one thing to think of ways to increase appeal, Yūtenji-san, but do not lose sight of Ave{@nbs}Mujica's worldview.

Bleeeh... What, you afraid I'll steal the whole audience away?

My fans are just here to soak up Ave{@nbs}Mujica's masquerades. Why not hook them on Mujica itself?

Your very posture is a part of the performance. We must not let our guards down until the curtains have truly fallen.

It is our mission to see our guests enraptured in this masquerade.

We must therefore present a convincing image—

Alright, alright.

Saaay, Muuko, didn't you get the biggest cheers when you took the stage?

You were happy, weren't you? You wanted even more fans, didn't you? Be honest.

I... don't...

Stop trying to incite Mutsumi, please.

Haha... come on, no arguing...

I just think everyone's looking forward to the next performance—

We've got so many people on our side right now. Here's our chance to repay them by giving our all.

Saki-chan's doing her best to compose the new song. The light in the loft's been on so late these past few days...

Be assured that in the face of all your efforts, I can hardly rest on my own laurels.

Saki-chan...

Sakiko, real talk. Remember to chill out a little.

We all get what you're putting into this, Saki-chan. I'll make sure the lyrics are worthy of the new song.

Togawa-san played me a sample before the show. It's a good song.

Well, if I had to say, maybe... the tempo could be a tiny bit slower?

Huh?! You all heard it already? When??

Just before the show today. I think you weren't in the dressing room?

I wanted to get the opinions of everyone, but time was short, so I simply played it for those present.

Nyamu made me go on her livestream as a guest... I didn't get to hear it.

Guh...!

What?!

Yūtenji, didn't I say not to—

L-Look, the light's turning green! We can talk about this on the other side!

*sigh* What a headache...

...It's so wonderful.

Hm? What's this all of a sudden?

I was touched by what you were saying just now.

Even after all we went through, even though we've fought, the five of us are still together as a band... It's so wonderful.

I've never asked them, but I'm sure everyone thinks that way... I know I do.

As for me, I'm so glad you can put your trust in me this way, Saki-chan.

I could offer my whole life to Mujica, I really could!

Though none say it out loud, they all owe a debt of gratitude to their Saki-chan. In Nyamu's own words, Mujica made her dreams come true.

A dream...

It's like how everything used to be... It's almost like we're dreaming.

Huh...

...Dreaming?

Come on, you two, let's not do this here...

Are you telling me to cast aside our identity as a band?!

Well, band or not, I don't care.

What?!

I mean, is there any reason we have to be a band for this?

What in the world are—

Besides, I don't hear Muuko complaining. Hell, she's the one who said 'it won't last' on TV.

Never mind being a band, I don't think she'd lose too much sleep over leaving Mujica.

......

That was—

...I won't let Mujica disband.

Where'd you get that from? I didn't say anything about disbanding.

A member leaving is the same as us disbanding. And it's a betrayal of our fans' support.

And what I'm saying is, we've already betrayed it just now. Besides, you talk a big show for someone too damn busy to show up to practice, don't you?

......

That's just irresponsible, isn't it?

How could you...!

If we're dealing in responsibility here, then I'd like to say you're the one who needs more practice, Yūtenji-san!

I've never felt Yūtenji-san to be lacking in practice. Togawa-san, aren't you the one not paying attention to your band members here?

Hey! What are you standing there for?

Did you leave something behind?

...Saki. The light's turning red.

Saki-chan?

We're not gonna wait for you if you don't keep up!

Is this... rain?

Sakiko? Sakiko!

Mm... hmm?

Time to get up, sleepyhead! It's a beautiful day.

M... Miss Vigna? Am I dreaming...?

Nope.

Excuse me, don't pinch my face!

I'm not pinching that hard. Just doing the check for you.

(Pinches own face) See? Not that bad.

You're not the one getting face-pinched without warning first thing in the morning!

Alright, alright, I'll lay off. Go get yourself ready; I'll wait for you outside.

So that was the sound of the mobility layer...

......

What was that strange scene... and those people?

So let me get this straight—you dreamt about a group of people you never met?

...Correct. The surroundings were completely unfamiliar too.

Unfamiliar vehicles, unfamiliar buildings, unfamiliar clothing...

Could it be a movie?

Oh, sometimes I watch documentaries before I go to bed, and then I dream about being in those places...

But I haven't experienced anything close to this before...

Maybe you're just tired?

Whislash was telling me how you always train until way late. Apparently you don't even stop until she tells you to.

And I think I saw your name on the Engineering Department's volunteers list...

You're still pretty new here. You've got plenty of time and plenty of chances to adjust.

Maybe take a little vacation if you're feeling tired? Give yourself a break.

I'm fine, I can deal with it...

M-Miss Sakiko! A hand, please!

The Medical Department just got a bunch of patients that we need to arrange accommodations for...

That's not meant to be Sakiko's job, is it?

Besides, isn't this a little complicated for a rookie to handle?

S-Sorry, but the person in charge wanted Miss Sakiko specifically...

Where are we going? Show me the way.

Huh?

I've helped them out before. I'm well-acquainted with the entire workflow.

If they're short of hands, I will most certainly lend mine.

Hey...

Vigna, I'll see you at the usual place!

Wait, hold—!

Jeez. I don't remember her learning any of that...

Fifty-three, fifty-four, fifty-five... fifty-six...

Almost done with the stuff on this shelf. It's good to go once it's packed.

Mrngh... It's been an hour. Where's Sakiko?

There you are, Sakiko!

I duly apologize, I ended up spending more time on the patients than anticipated...

No big. Y'know... you've only been on Rhodes a few months, right? 'Cause it feels to me like you've been a part of the place forever.

Really? It does?

Everyone's like yeah, leave it to Sakiko, she'll do a good job. People are counting on you without realizing it.

Heck, even I am. I have to keep reminding myself you're a rookie, and I can't put too much on your plate.

I saw you sign up for the music club, but you've never gotten to attend any of our meetings...

Vigna, it's alright.

I joined Rhodes Island because I wanted to help people fight Oripathy.

Oripathy... If I recall, that's how your mom died, isn't it?

...Yes.

Before she did, I was under the naive belief that I could live my days without worry or care.

...But Terra put the lie to that beauty.

I watched Mother struggle against her illness until it finally took her. I've seen so much since joining Rhodes Island...

Sufferings plague these lands as we speak, and I still have to learn.

Yeah, I think I understand where you're coming from...

Are you done on your side, Vigna?

The caravan's ready. We're just waiting on you and your batch of the supplies.

Oh, shoot! I'm on it!

What are you packaging these supplies for? An emergency shipment?

There's a town nearby that needs food and medicine urgently. The route's not safe. Need us to escort.

I'll come with you. There must be something I can help with.

No, you...

Alright, alright...

Iris. There's no need to be so nervous, and certainly no need to blame yourself.

...I should have noticed earlier.

Even the best of us let things slip through the cracks. Besides, you only correspond through letters. It's natural you wouldn't notice.

But... but she...!

You're hyperventilating again... come now, take a deep breath. Relax.

I gave Vigna a push just now. We'll be on our way soon.

...We have to make it there before dark.

We will.

We know what to do when we see her, we hashed it all out. Just follow that, and everything will be fine.

Sorry we're late!

That's alright—

Not a moment too soon—driver, take us away!

Phew. I hope we still make it in time—

Oh, we were in such a hurry, I almost forgot! Lemme introduce you girls.

This is Sakiko, our new trainee operator. She's from Victoria, just like you guys, and she's helping me out with logistics work right now.

Iris and Bena here are... uh... how do I put it...

Oh, yeah! 'Fairies!'

Er. Fairies?

Now now, Vigna, we can introduce ourselves. We've done this song and dance more times than we can count.

So, Miss Sakiko of Victoria, I assume you know fairytales of the Castle of Dreams?

I read some in storybooks when I was little.

Do you believe they're real?

Huh...?

Well... I did pester Mother about them plenty, at that age.

So you don't believe in them now.

Well, I don't mean that exactly—

But every fairytale is true, you know.

'Deep in the forests of Victoria, there towers the Castle of Dreams, where fairies make their home and bring sweet dreams to every child.'

Does it really exist?

Say, you're not all grown-up yet, right, Sakiko? Maybe those weird dreams of yours have something to do with the fairies.

Fairies would never barge into children's dreams without permission. It's not the done thing.

Dreams are the reflection of oneself, and the formation of thought. Doubly so for a child whose mind is still delicate.

Some dreams can change a child's entire life.

We bring sweet dreams to children, yes, but first we gain their permission. Then, we consider very carefully what the stuff of said dreams will be, and when exactly to bring them.

I have to say, the dreams I've been having are a far cry from 'sweet'... 'bewildering' is the more appropriate word.

You can always have Iris help you interpret your dreams. Once she's a little less busy.

Iris can? Actually, when was the last time either of you had time off?

Sakiko never got to meet you two 'cause you spent so little time at Rhodes in the first place.

Iris is the Master of the Castle of Dreams. There's a lot that demands her personal attention.

*sigh* It's a shame I'm not cut out for dreamspinning myself, else I could lighten some of her load.

(Mutters) Though there are others with the talent to spin dreams... but that 'child' is much too dangerous.

So is that the order of business this time as well? Bringing sweet dreams to children?

Yes, and no...

Iris, can I tell her?

...I'll tell her myself.

One year ago, I happened across a storybook that utterly captivated me.

I wrote to the address on the title page, and became pen pals with the author. Through letters, we exchanged fairytale interpretations and imaginations with one another.

But more recently, her replies began to dwindle. It had been a while since I'd seen her message, too.

Then two days ago, I got a letter from her. And inside was a brand new story she had written.

The protagonist girl has a quick-tempered father, and she finds herself isolated among children her own age...

It was the complete opposite of all her previous stories, and she told me... this was what her life was really like.

......

In closing, on the cusp of adulthood, she mentioned her birthday—the date is... tomorrow.

She wasn't even an adult yet?! Jeez...

And the single line at the end of the letter keeps haunting me...

She said she didn't want to grow up...

...Less than twelve hours until the day turns over.

Yes. That's why Iris is in such a rush. We must hurry to the town, and find—

What was that?!

We just burst a tire. The roads here are shot...

...What?!