Hero Stories: Growing Pains

Did you find a way for us to get to the snowfields?

Yes, an acquaintance of mine is on his way over here.

Just follow him. He'll take you straight there.

Great. We'll be able to save some time and energy thanks to you.

How is Yufine? Have her wounds gotten any better?

I'd say so, but I'm not sure if she'll be able to fully recover by the time we leave here.

...She says she's fine, but it's going to take some time.

We'll be stepping out for a moment, Alencia.

Where are you going?

We don't have enough food for dinner, so Cecilia and I will go and get some more.

I thought we had plenty. We're running low already?

I guess Yufine wasn't lying when she said she would eat her way to a full recovery.

Arky can't believe how much she eats in a single sitting!

That's why I want to tag along. And besides, I want to get some fresh air for a chan...

You're not going anywhere.

But I feel fine walking around now. My wounds are already healed...

And I heard that staying active could help speed up the healing process.

Let me guess, you heard that nonsense from Charlotte.

I didn't say a word to her!

Anyway, you're not going anywhere. You stay here and let them go get supplies.

But I want to go outside! I'm so sick of staring at the wall in my room all day.

You always say no to everything I want to do.

...If you don't let me go with them right now, I'm going on a hunger strike!

...

Why don't you let her come with us? It won't be dangerous, we're all going to be within earshot.

...*sighing* I don't know what I'm going to do with this stubborn child.

Does that mean I can go with them?

Fine, just remember to stay low if you run into any danger.

Got it, got it, I'll be careful! Be back soon!

Just keep her safe, all right?

Don't worry, we will.

I think this should be enough. Look at how much I caught!

Don't get greedy, only catch as much as you can carry.

I can handle this much. Do you need help with yours, Charlotte?

Your basket is touching the ground. Is it that heavy?

It's not because it's heavy! M-My basket has a longer handle than yours!

They look about the same size to me. *giggling*

She looks so happy to be outside.

Well, she's been cooped up at home ever since she got hurt.

Is everyone ready to head back?

Already? Can't we stay a little bit longer?

Alencia will get worried if we stay out here too long.

...

What's wrong, Yufine?

I just feel like Alencia worries too much about everything, especially after my injury.

It's not like I'm a toddler learning to walk for the first time. Sometimes I really don't understand her.

Well, Alencia has watched you grow up, so it's understandable that you're still a kid in her eyes.

Hmph, I don't think she'll treat me any differently even when I become a fully grown Dragon.

I'm not a little kid anymore...

Arky understands how frustrated you must feel right now. It's all because you and I are too cute for our own good.

It is?

I feel like Master treats me like a little brother sometimes, and I know it's because I'm just too adorable.

If I were to stay in my magnificent Guardian form, I'm sure he'd treat me differently.

Isn't that right, Master?

...I admit that I've treated him like a little brother before, but that's because I thought he was being immature, not because I thought he was cute.

Whoa, you can transform like Dragons do, Arky?

That's right. You'd be completely mesmerized if you saw Arky's real form.

My luscious fur glows like the sun.

Glows like the sun...! That's amazing, Arky!

I beg to differ...

It sounds like you can't transform into a Dragon, Yufine?

Yeah, I forgot how to when I lost my memories.

Arky hopes you get your memories back soon.

I may look at you differently once I see you turn into a majestic Dragon too!

...

Would Alencia worry about me a little less if I were able to transform?

...Mmm...

...

...Luna...

Where have you been?! Do you have any idea how much I missed you?

Now you're not even going to look at me? Come on, let me see...

When she finally turns to face me...

...

I realize her eyes are filled with tears.

Why... Why are you crying? Have you been crying alone all this time...?

I run toward her as fast as I can, but I can't seem to get any closer.

Wait, Luna! Don't go!

...

Without a word, she flies high up into the sky on the back of a Wyvern.

Luna! Don't leave me!

Don't...leave...! Luna!

...It was a dream...

Thank goodness. It was just a dream...

But I can still picture Luna crying so vividly.

So vividly...that I feel like I've actually seen it before.

...

If I was just a little faster, I might have been able to reach her...

Ugh, this is so frustrating.

I'm just going to go for a walk.

I thought walking around would take my mind off things, but it's not helping at all.

Why did I have that dream...?

What are you doing here all by yourself?

Charlotte? What are YOU doing here?

I asked you first.

I just...needed a quiet place to think.

...I didn't know you did that too.

Huh?

Never mind. What is it that's bothering you?

It must be something serious if it kept you from sleeping.

I had a nightmare. A really sad one.

What? You're acting this way over a dream? You're such a child...

It wasn't just a dream! You have no idea how sad I felt!

Luna... She abandoned me and flew away...

I saw her crying, so I was going to comfort her... But then she didn't even give me a chance to talk to her and just went up into the sky.

If I'd been able to turn into a Dragon in my dream, I would've been able to catch her...

But I couldn't! *sobbing*

What I meant to say is that it was just a dream. There's no need to feel sad about it.

But...

A dream is just a dream. It's not real, and it's not going to come true.

Even if it does, all you have to do is to remember how to transform into a Dragon before you meet your sister.

Huh...?

Then you'd be able to catch her, unlike in your dream.

...Transform into a Dragon...

I may look at you differently once I see you turn into a majestic Dragon too!

Wait, Luna! Don't go!

...

Luna! Don't leave me!

You're right!

Transforming into a Dragon would solve almost all of my problems. First of all, Alencia would stop worrying about me so much!

Plus I would be able to talk to my sister and go see Garo, too!

They say it's normal for kids to have mood swings... I guess it's true.

There's somewhere I want to go!

What are you talking about? Look at the time, you're not going anywhere.

No, it has to be right now. Otherwise, Alencia won't let me go.

I'm sure that going here will help me figure out how to transform!

I don't even know the last time I came here, but it looks almost exactly the same as I remember!

I practically lived here when I was little, but seeing it after such a long time feels kind of weird.

Do you even know where we're going?

Of course! I mean, some things have changed a little, but I remember bits and pieces after seeing some of the stuff around here!

What "stuff"? I don't see anything that stands out.

Do you see that thing over there? That's a slide I used to go on all the time as a kid. I guess no one uses it anymore.

You used that as a slide?

Yeah, doesn't it look fun?

...It looks like a bone from a large animal. It's really high, too...

Do you want to give it a try, Charlotte?

No thank you.

Hmph... It's really fun... Are you scared of heights?

No, but we're not here to play. Let's focus on retrieving your memories.

And for the record, I'm not afraid of a children's ride like that.

Hehe, you're right. If it wasn't for you, I might have spent the entire time playing here.

It's colder here than where we're staying.

Are you all right? Your face is red.

I'm fine.

Are you going to be okay walking around with me a little longer?

Well, I'm not going to leave you here alone.

I can already hear it now... She'd lecture me till my ears bleed if something happened to you.

So I need to stay near you to make sure you're safe.

Heh...

Why are you looking at me like that?

Thank you, Charlotte.

I'll be sure to find a way to transform into a Dragon this time for your sake, too.

And once I do, you'll be the first to ride on my back! And we can go to Ritania!

We can go see Garo and eat dragon nuggets and...

Those things can wait. For now, let's keep going.

Hm, this is where you used to live? It's in pretty bad shape.

Yeah, I don't think I visited here much after I moved to Wintenberg.

Is anything here ringing any bells?

Hmm... I remember I was small enough to walk under this dining table.

But now, it comes up to my waist. I guess I grew a lot, hehe.

Anything else?

What else... Huh?

...This drawing...

It looks like a mural.

I...I remember this! I drew this!

The creatures in this look hideous. You must have had a lot of nightmares when you were little, too.

Can you guess what they are?

By the looks of it, I think they're monsters...

This is my mom, and here's my dad. I'm right here, and...

What?! Are you saying this is a drawing of your family?

Yeah!

...

What?

You're not the artsy type, huh?

That's not true! My mom said I was really good at drawing when she saw this!

At least, I think she did.

Well, that's what mothers say to boost their child's confidence.

Hmph...

But now that you mention it, it does look like a family.

Is this your sister next to you?

Yeah... I think I drew this before I met her.

Mommy, look at this!

So this is why you didn't answer when I called you earlier. Did you finish drawing?

Guess what I drew, hehe!

Well, let's see. This looks like you, am I right?

Yeah! It's a drawing of us. Hehe.

You did a great job. Let's show your dad and see how much he likes it.

Okay!

But Yufine, why are there four people in our family...? Who's this?

My big sister!

...Your big sister?

One of my friends brought her sister today, and we all played together. She's so nice that I wanted a sister too. That's why I drew one here.

...

Do you want to have a big sister?

Yeah, I'd be really, really happy if I had a big sister!

Mom smiles at me and gently pats me on the head.

You may not know this, but I've seen you before. I didn't think I'd ever see you again.

Luna, let's go outside after we eat!

Is there somewhere in particular you'd like to go today?

We should... Ah! Let's go to the candy store we saw the other day!

The owner said he'd give me twice as much candy if we come back!

So you're inviting me because you want more candy, huh?

No, I'm inviting you because I want to go there with you!

Haha, all right. But in return, you have to promise me you'll finish your food today.

...Hmph... But I don't want to eat this...

Don't be picky about your food, Yufine. Look at your sister, she's not complaining.

But I don't like it. Make me something else.

Mom's kitchen is not accepting complaints today.

Then I'm not going to eat! I'm not that hungry anyway.

All right, all right. I'll make you something else.

Really? Hehe, you're the best mom in the world!

...

Luna, you don't have to eat it if you don't like it! Mom said she'd make something else!

Is there anything you want to eat, Luna?

...No, I'm fine.

Hm, in that case, I'll make plenty so that you can share with Yufine.

Okay.

I feel like you say you're fine at least a hundred times a day.

Do I?

Yeah! You always say you're fine when I ask you to play outside... I've never heard you complain either.

Maybe it's because you're a grown-up, hehe.

...

Luna, are you there?

You should've told me where you were going. I had a bad dream. I'm scared to sleep alone toda...

...Luna?

...!

Luna, why are you crying? Is everything okay?

No, I'm not crying.

Liar. I saw you crying.

It's fine, Yufine. It's not a big deal.

...

Let's go back home. Mother is probably worried...

*sobbing*

Yufine?

You never tell me anything...but I know...

I've seen you cry before! *sobbing*

...!

I tell you every little thing... You're everything to me...

But why do you cry by yourself every night like you're completely alone in the world...?

Do you not like living here with me, Mom, and Dad...?

...

I like living with you...but I feel like you don't feel the same way...

...It's nothing like that.

You know that I had a different dad, right?

...I know...

I only recently reunited with Mother. So...I don't feel completely comfortable with her yet.

I need some time to bury the hatchet.

*sobbing* So...you don't hate us, right?

Of course not. You guys are my only family.

No matter what happens, my family means the world to me.

...Luna...

Me too... You mean the world to me too. Promise me you won't leave us.

I promise.

*sobbing* Charlotte...

What is it? A bad memory?

No... How could I forget the way Luna cried...?

I'm the only one she has...! *sobbing*

What if she's out there crying all alone? What do I do...?

Don't cry.

There's nothing you can do to change your sad memories of the past, but you can still shape the future.

....

All you have to do is to reunite with your sister and build new, happy memories together.

...

...Thank you, Charlotte!

Don't hug me so tight! I can't breathe!

When Luna and I are reunited, I'll never leave her again. I'll give her the biggest hug in the world the moment I see her!

All right, I get it. But let go of me first...!

Wait, so does that mean you remembered how to transform?

Agh!

I guess not.

That was the most important part... Maybe it's because I haven't fully recovered my memories.

Should I stay here longer until all my memories come back?

I don't think that's how it works. Besides, aren't you worried about how furious Alencia is going to be?

Then what other options do I have? I can't just go home empty-handed after making you come all the way here with me.

You're not going home empty-handed. You found some precious memories of your family.

I think we should call it a day. Nothing good can come from being too greedy.

And we need to hurry back so you can get some rest. You must be really exhausted right now.

...Charlotte.

What is it?

You seem really mature today. I always thought you were immature, like me!

I don't understand where you got that idea from! I've always been mature!

Right, right! You're officially a grown-up, starting today.

I don't need you to officially pronounce me a grown-up...

THUNK

What was that sound... Huh?

I thought it must've been a mistake when I heard there was a Human wandering around here, but I see it's true.

Do you have any idea where you are right now?

Wait, Charlotte is my friend! And she didn't come here with the intention to hurt any Dragons!

Dragons and Humans cannot be friends.

I'll make you pay for setting foot onto such sacred land uninvited.

Are you all right, Charlotte?

I'm fine.

You could have seriously injured her...! How could you just attack someone without even giving them a chance to explain themself?

Why are you defending a Human who has invaded our territory?

If you continue to side with the Humans, who do nothing but take the lands and lives of our kin, you'll be nothing but a traitor to your own kind.

...But you attacked her fir...

Wait!

I'm a double agent who serves Lady Yufine. I have no intention of hurting Dragons or taking their land.

It's my job to steal information and deliver it to her during the war!

"Lady Yufine"? What are y...

Shh, be quiet.

I swore fealty to Lady Yufine on the day she saved my life! Isn't that right, my lady?

...Uh... Ah!

She's absolutely right! Besides, look at how cute and tiny she is! Do you really think she could pose a serious threat to us?

...

She may appear that way on the outside, but Humans do not hesitate to turn their backs on anyone, even those who have saved their lives.

Allow me to give you a word of advice. Use her to your benefit, but keep in mind that she will never be your loyal partner.

Do not hesitate to end her life if you develop even the slightest suspicion.

I hear you. But do me a favor and keep the fact you saw Charlotte here today between us.

If word gets out, it will be much harder for her to get information.

...Understood.

*whooshing*

...Phew, that was close. We could've been in real danger if there were more of them.

Right, Char...

How could you use such demeaning words like "cute" and "tiny" to describe me!?

But I had no choice if we wanted to avoid any more suspicion.

And it's true that you are cute and tiny...

I'll let it slide this time, but never use those words to describe me ever again!

All right, I won't... Ow!

What's wrong? Are you hurt?

...Ack... I think I bumped into something while I was moving earlier...

I could've defended myself. Why did you act so recklessly?

Because I'd rather get hurt than see you get hurt. I already feel bad about dragging you here with me. Protecting you is the least I can do.

Thank you.

...

Let's just hope that something like this never happens again. But if it does, I'll be the one protecting you.

...Deal!

By the way, what are you going to tell Alencia when she sees your injuries?

Nothing. This is just going to be our little secret. I'm afraid she'll ground me if she finds out.

Okay, although I'm not sure it's even possible to keep it a secret.

We should head back before Alencia wakes up.

I distinctly told you that you needed to rest until you get better. But not only did you sneak out, but you came back home injured?

But it's really nothing. See, I feel fine when I mov, Ow!

...But she made it back in one piece. Don't scold her too much.

And you! You were supposed to stop her, not go with her!

I was under the impression that you were more mature and thoughtful than you look, but I see now that your mind is not even half as wide as your forehead!

What?!

It wasn't Charlotte's fault! Leave her out of it.

Did you ever stop to think about how worried I would be?

...

You sound more angry than worried.

Quiet!

I'm sorry for making you worry, Auntie. I promise it won't happen again!

Please don't be mad at me.

I'm not mad. I just don't want to lose someone important to me again.

...I know you don't. And I'm not lying, it's barely even a scratch!

We'll see if you're telling the truth soon enough.

But how did that even happen? I can't really think of anything that could have hurt you in Dragon Valley...

I saved Charlotte from getting attacked by Wyverns!

Wyverns? You were in much bigger trouble than I thought!

Hmph... That wasn't the point...

You just earned us a few extra hours of lecturing.

I really wanted to go with you guys...

Don't worry. We'll see each other soon enough!

I hope to see you in full health the next time we meet, Yufine.

Uh-huh, I'm going to stay put and wait until I fully recover this time.

I'll join you all as soon as Yufine feels better. Take care until then.

...

It's really hard to say goodbye when you're making that face.

But I really hate to see you go... Don't you feel the same way?

No, because we're going to see each other again soon.

How can you be so sure? What if something happens while you're gone...

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: time flies when you have a clear goal.

A clear goal?

Let's make a promise that the next time we see each other, I'll be a few steps closer to being a true queen and you to an amazing Dragon.

I trust you'll keep your word. I'll be waiting for you to let me ride on your back so we can fly to Ritania together.

...

Okay, Charlotte! I promise.