Vol. 5 Ch. 2 Ep. 8: Nightmare

...My Ayame was as bright and warm as the afternoon sun.

She was our President, always lending a hand, and capable of anything.

Her confident smile always assured me that things would...work out.

Not enough cooks for the Autumn Festival? I'd be happy to help! I live alone, so I'm used to cooking.

A couple of Mouryo making a scene near the Tree of Deities Observatory...? Don't worry about it. I'll handle them in a minute.

Oh, sweetie, you lost your parents in the crowd? Don't cry. I'll find them. Can you be brave and stay here until then?

Whenever something went wrong, Ayame was there. Everyone flocked to her.

Even when asked too much, Ayame would simply smile.

President Ayame! Please spar with me!

Ayame, help us pick the slogan for the festival!

Ayame, I'm really sorry, but can you work a night shift this weekend? My chef called in sick...

No worries! I got it!

In contrast, I...I could barely keep up with her.

I cried at every unexpected challenge, at every criticism. No matter how hard I trained, I never won a single spar against Ayame.

It is cruel...but watching her made me hate myself. How could I compete? How could I even compare?

Without Ayame, I'm utterly incapable. I'm a fraud.

I'll never be Ayame.

No one else is worthy of standing in her place. Ayame will always be the true Hyakkaryouran President.

And still, she would always have a bright, cheerful smile as she reached to help me up.

It's fine.

Because the truth is...

Ugh!

*pant* *pant*...Another dream.

Why do I keep having this nightmare...

Oh, up already, Nagusa? And so sweaty!

Maybe you just miss your old pillow...

...Yabuki Shuro.

In the flesh, so to speak!

How fun to find you here! It's like something out of a fairy tale.

...Or, maybe it was destiny, considering you came to me.

What could make cowardly Nagusa return to the great North?

Was it Ayame? You miss her, don't you?

I could ask you the same, Shuro.

What is your scheme? Are you manifesting Artifact Spirits in Ebisu for your own sick amusement?

Oh, who knows? I do hate spoilers! Can't just GIVE the ending away!

But I've been having fun watching your self-pitying nightmares, truly.

Still, I think it's time that we made them a reality.

Hahaha! Oh, was that the Hundred Lotus? I admire the confidence!

Don't tell me you still believe that you can replace Ayame, pathetic Nagusa.

It matters not what I believe.

All that matters is that I fulfill the role.

So noble! Let's give this girl a hand!

But...no matter what you tell yourself, no matter how far you go...you're still YOU.

I wonder how much you can endure, my soft, sensitive Nagusa.

Now, let's begin in earnest. Places, everyone!

*pant pant*

...It's not over yet!

...Oh, so persistent!

You're really taking your time...

Nagusa!

We heard gunshots... What's going on?

Nagusa, are you in need of assistance?

"Is everyone all right?!"

I'm fine. However, that bard from Nature's Beauty...

Ugh, great. The whole squad's here to watch.

That girl...

Ah, she's that kid from the festival!

Kid? You have no idea!

Nagusa! I'll come back for you, princess.

...Oh well. Too bad. I guess we'll have to meet up later!

Bye!

You're not going anywhere!

Renge, Yukari, in formation!

A-Ah! I'm sorry! I lost her!

Damn it! That little rat!

Fufu, nice try, slowpokes!

I must go, so sorry! Until next time!

H-Huh...?

Yaaaack!

...Glad I didn't miss this.

Is anyone hurt?

That voice...

Impossible...

It's been a while, Nagusa.

...And the rest of my girls!

...Ayame!