Hero Stories: Between Guilt and Grudge

So she's gone?

I haven't seen her since twilight fell last night.

Really? This again?

Yes...

*sighing* She's been doing this more often nowadays.

What if she gets caught by Humans? I hear they're going around in packs lately.

She has no sense of danger, that's why she does this. I'll go try and find her.

No sense of danger... Hmm, for some reason it feels strange to hear you say that.

...

Well, I'm counting on you. Tell her to come straight back because we're all worried.

Right away.

...

This seems like a good place. It's completely deserted.

It's high up and not far from the place, so visibility is good. There are also a lot of places for me to hide and watch what happens.

Right, so I'll place this here and then go around...

...!

...Huh?

...What's wrong?

I thought I heard something from over there.

Really? Well, I don't see anything.

Hmm... Am I hearing things? Y'don't think...I've been possessed by a Wicked, do you?

Hey, don't say stuff like that. Now quit dragging your feet. We'll be in big trouble if we really do come across a Wicked.

Yeah, yeah, I'm coming.

...

Oh, Muwi, it's just you.

What are you doing here? It's dangerous.

Is it now?

You almost ran into those Humans just now, did you not? This is the border between the Human villages and Wicked territory.

*chuckling* I think they would be the ones in danger if that were to happen.

...

So, what do you want? Did Beehoo order you to come chase me down?

He did. We should hurry back.

That's going to be a bit difficult. You see, I'm still in the middle of something. Why don't you go tell Beehoo I'm fine so he should stop worrying about me.

I'm afraid I can't do that. Beehoo gave me his order first.

Stubborn as always, aren't you?

But...

Aha! I heard this most terrible whining sound, like nails on a chalkboard, so I went looking for the source. Of course, it had to be you.

...How long have you been here?

I was here long before you arrived. I just stepped away for a moment to do something for Yulha.

Nowadays, it's become harder to find Humans or Wicked in these mountains. But just when I finally spotted some Humans, you scared them off!

Thanks for nothing!

...What does that have to do with me?

Didn't you hear them? They got scared because of all the noise you were making.

I was hoping to have a pleasant heart-to-heart with those Humans...

Juni.

Yes, Yulha.

A "heart-to-heart" with Humans? Do you realize how foolish that sounds?

Forget it. What's the point of explaining myself to someone as stubborn as you. Hey, instead of interrupting Yulha's important work, could you please just get lost?

No, I cannot.

You're such a pain, Muwi, you know that? Well, if you're going to ignore Yulha's orders and my warnings, I'll just have to beat some sense into you.

Do you really have to pick a fight every time we see each other?

It seems the two of you haven't even considered the dilemma you'd put me in if you continue making such a fuss.

...

...

With the two of you like this, there's no point staying here. Let's go back.

You've finally returned. I've been waiting.

To think that you'd come this far out just to greet us. Your sincerity is quite excessive, Beehoo.

I couldn't help it, you had me worried.

Then, your worries were wasted.

They weren't, actually. Even for you, it's dangerous to be out there on your own.

Despite all the years that have passed since the war ended, the situation on the border hasn't improved one bit.

So what if it hasn't improved? Am I supposed to waste my life away hiding from them as you do?

You know that isn't what I mean.

Is it not? No matter how you word it, the conclusion is always the same.

I'm not saying we need to keep hiding and running away. We just have more important work that we should be doing.

You know that better than anyone.

You're right, I do. And that's precisely why I refuse to keep hiding.

Beehoo, how can you think like that when you know what it is we must do?

Don't forget. Protecting Wicked territory is not our only duty.

I'm aware. But...

After the great war ended, we heeded your suggestion to never leave our lands again in order to atone for our sins.

It was all to prioritize the safety of our land and people. But what good did that do?

Now the Humans come from the other side of the mountain, threatening our livelihoods as they encroach upon our lands.

So tell me, Beehoo, are we safe now? Are we living in peace? Have we regained what we lost in the war, our place? Our purpose?

If you can't answer that, can you at the very least offer any guarantee that things will get better?

I...

You still have no idea what we should be doing besides protecting our land, do you? You're blind to what's been happening all around us.

You're too radical.

I'm just being frank. At least I can never be accused of not caring.

...

Yulha. You haven't forgotten that promise we made long ago, have you?

"Long ago"? You mean...

Yes. The day those negotiations of yours fell apart.

It's cheap of you to bring that up here.

We promised to prioritize our own stability. I'm just trying to achieve that stability in a different way than you.

Don't you worry. I have no intention of doing any less than my all, but I will do it my own way.

And I will pray that brings us good results.

Well, if you have anything else to say, it can wait until next time. I need rest.

...

Despite all the things that happened in these mountains, I don't have a single good memory about this place.

Perhaps because this is the border between us and the Humans...

...

But for that same reason, I had always hoped this could be a place of harmony.

P-Please, I don't wanna die, Argh!

What... is that? How has this happ?!

What did we ever do to deserve this?!

What have you done? No no no. You misunderstand. Your existence itself is the problem. And we have the solution.

How could you say that? You people said your own kind only exists to protect us!

Were we not on the same side? Was that all a lie? Did you to betray us from the beginning?

No, we simply changed our minds. We realized the world would be better off without you.

We do as He wishes now.

"Do as He wishes..." Urgh, even now, the shame I feel for our actions then is immeasurable.

It was my fault. I'd forsaken my duties.

If I hadn't forced Yulha to shoulder the burden all on her own, we wouldn't have suffered the shame of being used by the enemy.

She must despise me for the guilt I've made her feel.

That's why I must take full responsibility for protecting our land now.

But given our current state, Yulha should know that it's reckless to provoke the Humans. So why does she insist on...

...

Yulha has always been an open and proactive woman, but she was never quite this aggressive before the war.

Why did she change so much? When did she change? Was it because of the collapse of negotiations? Of course, that probably came as a terrible shock...

...It doesn't matter when it happened. I just need to stop her.

Yulha has been spending a lot of time around here recently. Muwi found her here not too long ago too.

But why here, of all places? Did she find something here? Or maybe...

As expected, I have a clear line of sight to the other side...even the village.

This is the perfect place to start the attack from. Once we send the signal, those on the other side can start cleaning up outside.

But why did Beehoo have to follow me all the way out there? Such an annoyance... Hmpf, at least I had already finished my work on that side.

Why is he still loitering around there by himself? Is he waiting for me because he assumes I'd find my way there again?

*chuckling* This is bringing back some memories...

He's got that same dumb look he had then. During the war, after He gave us that power, Beehoo couldn't grasp how to handle it and just stood there dumbfounded, waiting for me to help him.

It was quite pleasing to see the shock on his face when I ended all those Humans' lives with a wave of my hand.

Will I ever see him that way again? Or will he naively insist on trying to change me until the end?

What a pushover... Though, it makes things easier for me that way.

Yulha! There you are!

Hmm? Have you been looking for me?

Both you and Beehoo were gone, so...

Anyway, you need to hurry back! A fight broke out back in the village!

A fight?

People were discussing what to do about the Humans who are destroying the forest in our territory, but things got heated and a fight broke out.

One side insists that we should preemptively attack the Humans, while the other wants to sit back and see how things develop before acting.

Hmm, I see.

Well, settle down, it's nothing to get so flustered over.

It's not?!

It's only natural for people to butt heads when they disagree. Beehoo and I do so all the time.

But if things keep going like this, things could get much worse and war could even break out...

Then I have even less desire to stop the fighting.

B-But why?

Don't you all hate the Humans?

...

It's not just trees, we've lost many of our own people to them as well. It's only natural to rage against those responsible.

But instead, we just quietly endured it. Now our territory is being chipped away little by little. We're allowing the sins of the past to tie us down.

The brutality of Humans knows no limit. Their crimes will soon outweigh even our own.

How much longer must we hold out? Must we sit back and wait until every unspeakable act of violence has been committed against us?

I...

If it were up to me, I would... Well, let's just say I hope Beehoo can get over his indecision.

He's always been so complacent. I'm worried that by the time he finally stops dragging his feet, it will already be too late.

We have a duty to protect our land and our people.

...

Ah, I got a little carried away. For now, don't worry too much about the fighting. They just don't want to lose any more of their loved ones.

I still have work to do, so I'll be back later. You can head back without me.

Just tell them that I don't want to see any of our people's blood shed.

...Understood.

Juni.

Yes, Yulha! I'm at your disposal!

You're certainly enthusiastic today. Have you finished preparations?

I have! As you requested, I've told them to split up, get into position, and await further instructions.

Were you able to get the lay of the land without much trouble?

Of course, us Wicked know every inch of this mountain.

Although...there is one thing.

Oh?

Us Wicked know this mountain well, but we've fought the Humans a lot here.

...Meaning they probably know this area just as well as we do.

Excellent analysis.

Hmm... So even if we strike first, I'm sure it won't be easy to win.

You shouldn't worry so much, we haven't even started yet. Worrying will only make the worst-case scenario more likely.

Besides, those cowards will most likely run away at the first sign of trouble.

There will be no change in the plan.

Okay!

Proceed tomorrow exactly as we discussed.

Tomorrow? You want to do it tomorrow!?

What? Are you scared?

Never! When have I ever shied away from a fight?

You never let me down. Good girl.

I'll make sure everyone is ready to go as soon as possible!

...She follows instructions well. And she's so cute about it, too.

*sighing* I suppose this peace and quiet ends tomorrow. There will be no going back...

No... The chance to turn back has long since passed. The only choice now is to gain strength and move forward. And...

Discard that which is no longer of use.

...Just what happened here?

A Human did this.

That must be one of the rumored weapons. It was there ever since we discovered the body. I've seen Humans use such weapons on occasion myself.

Yulha was extremely fond of that one...but for him to have died in vain like this...

...

Yulha...

To think that they would betray us like this. I was too naive.

What do you mean...?

I thought the meeting was to be held at the border because it was equal ground. But now that I think about it, they chose this place because of how easy it is to hide your presence here...

From the very beginning, they never had any intention of working with us.

...

I extended an olive branch... I wanted to work towards the peace that Silvana so desired, to atone for our past sins...

But that race of arrogant cretins committed the same acts that led us here. They chose violence. But they're fools for making us their enemies...

With this, I will feel no guilt for what happens to them. I will look them in the eyes as I...

Yulha... Calm down...

"Calm down"!? Do you not see what they've done!?

Of course, I do! But we cannot let emotion cloud our judgment!

My judgment has never been more clear! When an enemy rejects negotiation, that means they've chosen all-out war.

But...

What is it? Are you afraid that things will go awry as they did during the great war?

In that case, feel free to stay at home. I have no need for cowards.

Leading our people has always been my only purpose. Do not get in my way now.

It's not that. Just calm down and hear me out. You know yourself what happened with them before...

Are you trying to say we deserve this because of the mistakes we made in the past?

Do you value your own well-being over the lives of your people?

Not at all. I...

*panting* *gasping*

Muwi? Is something wrong?

Argh... Urk... My head...!

H-Hey! What's wrong?! Get a hold of yourself!

S-Stop! Not this again! My head! Ahh!

Muwi! Where are you going, you idiot?! It's dangerous out there!

...

It is not my own well-being I'm concerned with. It is the safety of all our people.

There are still so many of us suffering the after-effects of the great war. We've lost so much, and so much has changed.

I understand how you feel, but it is far too soon. You know that as well.

So, keep a level head. It's not like you to lose control like this.

...

Everyone is in their positions!

I know. I checked up on them all as I came up the mountain.

So what's our next course of action?

I've been keeping an eye out all morning, but I haven't been able to discern the enemy's movements yet. I don't think there's any need to rush in.

Didn't you push for the plan to be executed today because it was urgent?

They've started to catch wind of our movements. But this doesn't mean we should blindly rush in, that could be more dangerous for us.

The important thing is that we attack first and take the land.

Umm.... Yulha.

Yes?

If this works out, can we really return to how life was before the war? In freedom and safety...

You doubt me?

Not at all! I wouldn't dare! It's just...

It's the first time since the war that I've even thought about returning to that time. We've always been running away from the Humans even when they did such horrible things to us.

To top it off, this fight isn't just about winning. It's more than that. I've never done something like this before, so I don't know how to feel about...

Juni, we've talked about this several times.

If we want to regain our freedom, we must get rid of dead weight. That's what we're here to do today.

Don't let old friendships hold you back.

...Okay.

I got all caught up in my dumb worrying and ended up annoying Yulha. I'm such an idiot. I totally misunderstood Yulha's intentions.

But I can't just run around aimlessly like last time. Yulha's changed since then. She's so angry now, and everything ended up so...

This is all because of what happened back then... Urgh...

Should I have told the others? About how I saw him that day, how I sensed something else in the mountain...

*sighing* Whatever. What's the point of worrying about that now, anyway.

Muwi! Muuuwiii!

You idiot! Where are you? Are you hiding because you know I'm going to beat the crap out of you this time?

He's really nowhere to be seen. He's always running away, saying he's too busy with Beehoo's orders...

Hmm... Could he be...

He knows how much stronger I've been getting lately, so he's avoiding me because he knows he might actually lose.

That must be it. I've been training so hard to try to beat him. Now he's scared and doesn't want me to hurt his pride.

But I refuse to let him off that easy! I've been waiting for this day! This time, I'll show him what I'm made of!

*gasping*

...W-What did I just hear?... That didn't sound like a Wicked...

Could it have been a Human? O-Oh no, what do I do...?

Yulha warned us to be careful because the Humans roam in groups...

...Wait... That was definitely the sound of only one person though.

...And come to think of it, what am I even doing hiding?! They're a single puny Human, and I'm a Wicked!

And not just any Wicked! I'll be the strongest Wicked in the land someday! One Human is no match for me!

Ha! All right! If Muwi refuses to fight, I'll have to let it all out on this Human!

Hey! Human! You thought you were tough trespassing on our land all alone, didn't you!? Well guess what! The great Wicked, Juni, is about to teach you a lesson!

Huh? Where did they go? I swear they were right here...

Who was?

Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh!

How long have you been there!? You almost gave me a heart attack!

I only just arrived.

Well then make a little more noise! There was no need to sneak up on me like that!

Why would I make any noise while on an important mission?

...Where were you going?

That's not for you to know. Shouldn't you be back home in bed, kid?

I'm not a kid! I'm older than even the oldest Humans!

Well, you're still just a kid to us.

Now stop making so much noise and go home. I don't want you dragging me into trouble.

Hmph, fine! I'm going!

How annoying... There was definitely something weird. Why did he have to show up now of all times? Today has been the worst...

Whatever! What's the point of looking for something that's already gone? I'll just make myself feel worse by wasting my breath!

Tomorrow, I'm going to find Muwi and show him what I'm made of.

Urgh... I can't get it out of my head. What if that noise I heard was the person who killed him...?

How was I supposed to know he'd end up dying? It's been so long ago now that it's not even worth bringing it up anymore...

Looks like they're on the move.

Everything is ready. Though I'm not sure they will listen.

Me neither, to be honest. Things might have already gone too far.

Then...

B-Beehoo! We're under attack!

What?! Already?!

I didn't expect it to happen so fast... Did they work everything out?

...I can worry about that later. I have to go fight back.

...

Were you waiting for me? With so many forces behind you...

Judging by the mood here, I don't think you're here to help me. And it isn't the human villages beyond the border that you have your eyes on...

Isn't that right, Yulha?

*chuckling* It's not like you to work things out so quickly.

I take this betrayal as your intention to leave the land of the Wicked?

Leave? Not at all. Quite the opposite, really. We're here to clean things up.

You look taken aback. How novel. I'm sure you've realized that this day would come eventually.

It just came a little earlier than you expected. That's all.

Think of the harm you will do our people if you go ahead with this. If we are not united, we will grow weaker and even more isolated.

In the short term, yes.

But no more isolated than if we continue to stay hidden here. And that path leads only to our extinction.

Did we not suffer enough tragedy in the great war? I do not want even more of our people to lose their lives.

We need as much strength as we can muster to maintain our hold on our land. We cannot afford to fight amongst ourselves.

Is that your excuse for running scared as our enemy continues to spill more and more Wicked blood?

...

I know you lost someone close to you, and that you will always resent the Humans for it. I understand, truly.

But was it not you who first sought to reconcile with them through those negotiations? You know better than I do the need for harmony and stability.

But now you seek for your own people to kill one another? Don't you see how this will only possibly serve to speed up our demise?

If we cannot even unite amongst ourselves, how can we achieve anything?

Do you really believe that?

Huh?

Harmony with others... It's worthless. The relationship between our two races is beyond repair.

Since we cannot achieve what we want, we must do what we can. And this means cleaning up whatever blocks our path.

Whether it's betrayers, or simply obstacles.

So... it doesn't matter to you whether they are your own kin? Is this really how you plan to achieve stability?

We've been left with no other choice. These meddlesome obstacles will only cause us to stumble on our path, leading to uncertainty, and ultimately our fall.

...

For a long time, you and I haven't seen eye to eye. I had no expectation that I would convince you to take another path.

But I hoped you might at least listen. When it has mattered, we have always stood side by side.

Even if our values were different, our duties and the goal towards which we strived have been one and the same. I thought we might be able to compromise like we always used to.

I see now, even that hope was folly.

How could she cut down the comrades she fought alongside for decades? I never imagined she could be so heartless.

At least, not until just after the great war ended.

I hardly even recognize her anymore. Is this really all because of my decisions? Even then...

...You really have changed.

I've changed? Is that really all your feeble mind is capable of thinking about in a situation like this?

It is hardly my fault that you mistakenly thought I was something I'm not. I am the same woman I have always been.

From your despicable narrow-mindedness to your pathetic lack of responsibility, I have never liked you.

I've known from the start that you didn't like me. But that doesn't change the fact you're not the Yulha that I knew back then.

Though we disagreed often, we never saw each other as enemies. Irrespective of our personal feelings, we were still partners.

Do you remember what you said to me when I had neglected my duties?

You asked me not to give up. You asked me for my best, as a comrade, not as some obstacle that you needed to overcome.

If you had thought the same way back then, you would never have helped me realize my mistake. You would have seen it as a chance.

You'd have killed me and taken leadership over the Wicked for yourself. But you didn't.

...

After the great war ended, ever since the day you lost your comrade...I was aware, in some sense, that you were beginning to change.

Tell me. What caused you to change so much? Could it be that you still...

What do you care? Stop wasting my time.

Huh?

How our relationship used to be, whether I've changed or not, none of that matters. What does matter is that you are no longer of any use to me.

No... You were never any use to me.

It is because of your stupid decision that the Wicked have been forced into hiding.

Not a day goes by that I don't regret what happened. I resent myself for not fulfilling my obligations and for causing that terrible war.

But that does not excuse the sins we committed in this land. So, I thought we had no choice but to accept the scorn our actions have earned us.

We must do the work that is laid out before us. That is an undeniable truth.

That is not hiding or running away. No matter what you do, everyone knows it's too soon.

There may yet be a way to return to the how things once were between our peoples. We haven't even tried anything yet.

So why do you...

You still don't get it, do you? How many more times must I tell you that there is no turning back.

...

Enough of this useless chatter.

The Wicked territories are already under our control. This tiresome conflict is over.

...

Fine. There's no use in talking anymore. I have no choice but to do as you wish.

Let's get started, Muwi.

Right away, sir.

Hey there! Little boys shouldn't be involving themselves in the business of grown-ups.

You again?

Of course! Until I finally beat you, you're going to be my rival.

But "finally" comes today!

How bothersome. I don't have time to play with children.

The bothersome one is you, not me! You little weakling!

When you ran into the woods and fainted because you saw a dead body, do you know who helped you that day?

I pitied you, so I sincerely tried to help you out.

...I have no memory of that.

Wow, you're so mean! How can you just gloss over my kindness like that!?

Whatever! It's not like it's ever going to happen again now that we're enemies!

Urk...

Your technique is totally lacking in versatility. All my training was worth it just for this.

What should I do with him, Yulha?

Kill him, of course. Stop wasting my time with obvious questions.

You hear that? Such a shame. Our Yulha doesn't need you...

As much as I'd love to spend all day rubbing this in, I'm a busy girl with lots to do.

...Beehoo...

...

You just said you already had control of the Wicked territories... You said we were already finished here.

Get to the point.

I have some bad news, it wasn't me that was defeated. Every single one of your people has been captured.

I just received the signal.

Do you really expect me to believe that?

Apprehend the traitors! Don't let any of them get away!

W-What the!? Where did they come from!?

Arghhh!

What...? How...? My special forces should've been the only ones here!

You thought I was a coward who wouldn't be prepared for anything, didn't you? Well, you were wrong. Just like you, I've also changed.

I've already told you I won't run anymore. But in your arrogance, you overlooked the meaning my words contained.

...I can't believe it.

I've known for some time that you planned to betray us.

The attack came sooner than expected, so I wasn't able to prepare as thoroughly as I would have liked, but I knew well enough what you were planning.

Like you suggested, why don't we quit this useless chattering and end things here.

Aha, another beautifully written letter.

Let's see... A conflict born of betrayal and nourished by resentment; I wonder how it all ended.

Please accept my condolences regarding the delay. The conflict was somewhat more drawn out than I would have liked, hence this letter's belated arrival.

In summary, your sagacious advice enabled us to repulse the traitors from our lands and in so doing protect them.

I am ashamed of myself for doubting you for so long due to your Human heritage. I owe you much.

Thanks to your benevolence, we have also become aware of the possibility for harmonious coexistence with the Humans.

We will repay you for all of your assistance by helping you in your efforts to ensure that all life enjoys perfect tranquility.

If there is anything at all that you require, do not hesitate to ask. I await your reply.

...Benevolence, coexistence...tranquility?

...Bwahahaha!

No, your kind will enjoy no such tranquility. You have grown arrogant in victory and set your eyes on the unattainable.

Fool. You were merely a pawn in my greater plan.

*panting* Ack...!

...What a pain.

You Wicked were made far too tough. And your lives are so needlessly long.

Don't you realize that struggling in the face of death will only prolong your pain?

Tsk... I never will get used to fighting with daggers, they always give me callouses. Oh, great. Now there's a stain!

I don't even have a cloth to clean it off with... Ah, here's something.

Lucky you, you got to serve a purpose even after death. You should be honored that I chose you to be our little tragic hero.

Now... As we wait for the sapling of misunderstanding to grow, what terrible gift should I prepare for them?

Letters are always best for passing along news, are they not? What should I write first? "I'm truly sorry for your loss"? *giggling* Oh, I'm so funny.

Hmm, but yes, a letter really would be best. The anonymity makes it all so much more mysterious.

Fools love to place their faith in things they cannot see.