Hero Stories: The Hues of The Girl Who Remains

I'll see you all in the underworld!

Saria!

Ugh... Iser...ia.

Saria! Have you come to?

We're almost at the World Tree, so please... Please hold on a little longer...!

It's getting harder for me to, ...I think... this is it for me.

Iseria... I... There's something I have to tell you...

Hang in there, Saria. Don't waste your breath. Your injuries are only going to get worse!

Scold me or resent me, I'll listen to everything you have to say once you get better. So for now...

No, Iseria. This is it for me.

So... let me have a look at you... one final time...

No! Don't ever say final like that ever again!

Iseria...

Iseria!

What are you doing over here?

...

Everyone is out there dancing with smiles on their faces. Why are you scrunched up here in the forest all by yourself?

Couldn't I ask the same of you?

Me? Well, I like it here in the forest. I just felt the urge to listen to the trees whisper.

Whisper? Like, these trees?

Yep! Sometimes they're excited, sometimes they're composed, they're always telling me about all the things happening within this forest.

Then, can you hear what that white flower is saying?

Hmm... It seems quite timid. I can't seem to make anything out.

Odd, because I can hear it.

Really? What's it saying?

It's asking you to leave because it wants to be alone.

Eh...?

Iseria! It's a beautiful day today, isn't it?

The trees seem to be in a good mood too. Hmm, we did just go through a patch of dour weather, I guess.

...Yeah.

Oh?

What.

You've always kept to yourself, so I guess I'm a little surprised you gave me a response...

Hmph, you have a problem with that?

Oh, on the contrary, I'm appreciating it.

Hehe! Iseria, you must be in a good mood today, too, aren't you?

Tch...

How's this look, Iseria?

Mm, it looks fine.

Iseria! Wait for me!

Don't worry, I'll wait for you.

Iseria? Were you busy?

Wait up, Iseria!

Where do you want to go today, Iseria?

So this is where you've been, Saria.

The Elder's been asking for you.

Hm? I wonder why.

Who knows... Heh, don't tell me you caused some trouble?

Really? Hehe, me?

Who knows? Maybe you're one of those 'gentle on the outside, mischievous on the inside' types.

If that were the case, wouldn't my bestie Iseria also be called upon, too?

Pfft, yeah, good point.

Let's hurry, Saria. I'll walk you there.

Elder, you asked for me?

Saria, you are one of the very few who can converse with the trees and flowers, if my memory serves.

Can you tell me what this flower is saying?

...That it'll soon be spring.

It is anticipating the season of renewal, so that it may bloom in its full glory.

I see. So the vernal tide is finally upon us. My, this past hibernal tide has indeed lingered far too long.

...Elder, is there something bothering you?

Saria, I would like you to be the one who takes my place soon.

Elder? By that, do you mean...

As the new elder, you will be tasked with protecting this forest and all the Elves.

Elder, th-this is all too sudden.

You're asking me to be the next elder...? But I don't have what it takes to lead everyone like you do.

My dear, your gift of being able to hear the World Tree, that is not something anyone can attain.

Only a select few, only the Heir who is proxy to the Goddess, and those bestowed with unique gifts, could even fathom to be graced with Their Eminence.

I'm certain you also know just how true these words are.

...

Saria, what do you think our Eminence, the World Tree, wishes for this world?

They are fervently and earnestly hoping...

That Their wish and Their will... be carried onward for generations to come.

That is why our people were born, and the mission that we must bear.

And so, even if we have to lay down our lives, we must protect Dun Blyraia no matter the cost. That is what They have decreed.

If we are to ever lose the World Tree who is the root of life, we will have lost everything.

Our closest friends, our allies, and... everything that would have come in the future.

It puts me at ease to know that I made the correct decision in choosing you, my dear.

But Elder, if you are naming me as the next to lead our people, do you intend to leave our village?

I am sorry, Saria. There is not much that I can enlighten you with as of this moment.

However, find comfort knowing that all is as our Eminence has intended.

...

It will be a lonely, arduous journey.

But even if you must walk it in solitude, never forget that someone must tread that path to the end.

I leave the rest to you, Saria.

A path that must be tread to the end.

*sighing* ...The Elder did look extremely weary.

...Saria!

Saria! Watch out!

I-Iseria...?

Careful, hey, you have to watch where you're going! What is up with you? Are you okay?

What did the Elder say to have you so disoriented?

...It's nothing that serious. It's, well, the Elder said that I am to be the next Elder.

Huh? Wait, that's good news though.

It's just... I don't know what to think.

I don't know if I'm ready. Or if I'd even be able to fulfill my tasks.

Why are you doubting yourself already?

...I know.

Here, follow me.

Huh?

W-Wait!

This is...

Do you remember? This was our little hideout.

Back when we were younger and I was frolicking about, I got lost. You found me and brought me here.

Ever since then, this place had always been our secret hiding spot.

Yeah, I remember. When we first found this place, I remember how much you were frightened of this place...

I think we should wait here until everyone catches up.

What if we move around and miss running into the grown-ups? We'd be in more trouble.

B-But... isn't it... really dark here?

Eek!

Then why did you run off so deep into the forest if you are afraid of the dark?

...But it was brighter earlier...

And I was curious. I wanted to see what was deeper inside because it's so boring playing in the same place all the time.

It's boring?

Yeah! Don't you think so, too?

Not really. The forest might always look the same, but it always greets me in a new way everday.

The wind is always dancing in a different direction, the blades of grass always have something to say...

Maybe that's why the forest seems new to me everytime.

...Hmph, I don't get it. It's all the same to me.

You can listen to what the trees and flowers have to say. That's why you see everything differently.

Then, do you want me to tell you what they're saying?

...Huh?

The grass over there is gently whispering to you, trying to calm you down.

And the trees over there are shaking their bodies in a way so that they can tell the grown-ups where we are.

...Really?

Hehe. Whatever you can't hear, I'll be the one to tell you everything, Iseria.

So, I don't want you to be fed up with our home.

I remember the things you told me back then. That you'd tell me everything that I couldn't hear or that I wouldn't realize.

...I did.

So, Saria, what is that white flower over there saying now?

It's talking about how glad it is to see us again.

See? You may not have realized it, but you've always kept your promise.

And to me, you're the one who held out your hand to a misfit like me.

I'm sure that the Elder acknowledges you because she saw your benevolence.

...Iseria.

Looks like things here haven't changed at all. The trees, the grass... You and I, as well.

Well, actually, if we go by what you were saying, that would probably mean we did change... Hmm...

Haha, yeah.

Looking at how that little girl who'd always complain that the forest was dull and boring, to see you care for it so much now...

So I was right then, wasn't I? Iseria?

...Yeah. Saria.

I think I understand now, why you love this forest so much.

You do?

Well, this place... It always accepts us no matter how much we've changed.

It's the same with me. No matter who you become, I will always be by your side.

So, whenever you have any stressful days like today... you can always lean on me.

...Iseria.

I'm so glad I have you. Really.

Saria!

I heard that our people are also going to be a part of this Archdemon War. Does that mean... you're also leaving for the Sanctuary?

Yes.

If you're going, then I'll also!

No, Iseria. You were tasked with protecting our home.

The Sanctuary aside, the demons will come for Dun Blyraia and the World Tree.

...But, are you sure you'll be okay by yourself?

Out of all the younger elves, you're the only one going to the Sanctuary.

You've heard it too, haven't you?

The recent rumors. The people are beginning to lose their trust in the Elder because of her recent decisions.

...I have.

She did declare that we would be going to war, so that much should have been expected.

That's why she stated that she'd only take those who volunteered.

...Can't you just not go?

Even if the Heir of the Covenant is supposedly there, it's still dangerous.

Everyone is saying that many more fearsome creatures will be heading that way compared to what we're expected to be facing here in Dun Blyraia.

To be honest, I also can't seem to place all my faith on the Elder's decision. Is this really the best course of action for our people?

...Don't worry. We'll be back.

The World Tree told me we'll be fine.

What exactly did the World Tree say?

Sacred World Tree, please bestow upon me your wisdom.

All your children worry about the coming war. Is it truly for the best that the Elder and I leave Dun Blyraia?

The path before you is bound to the unerring course of fate.

You must travel beyond that horizon for the true future to reveal itself.

If that is what you ask of us, I shall comply.

...However, I would like to humbly ask one more question.

Speak.

Why do Your words not reach the others?

...

If your voice were able to reach all the others, then I've no doubt that all the Elves would gladly march the same road.

Even for our current situation with this war, if others could only hear Your voice, then none would doubt the Elder as they do now.

Many are afraid. They question if the Elder's decision is truly for the better of the Elves. Some have even begun to question whether the Elder truly remains qualified to lead.

All she has done was deliver your message, yet the treatment she receives... It is far too cruel.

One too many ears will only bend the truth.

And thus, I am only in need of one.

Only... one?

But the Elder and I both can hear Your voice. Do you not mean two?

All will be as it was intended.

...So that is what you ask of us.

Nothing in particular.

...Really?

Yes, They simply told us that all will be fine.

So don't worry so much.

...All right.

You probably still have a lot left to prepare for, I've taken too much of your time. Get some rest, okay?

Okay, Iseria. You too.

I wasn't able to tell her... No, I avoided telling her. Why... But it's Iseria...

"And thus, I am only in need of one."

I was afraid that those words would be 'bent.'

...Hehe, are you trying to comfort me?

Yes, you're right. I'm not sure what to think right now. About what the World Tree told me.

But once this war is over and I've had time to talk with the Elder... I think I'll find the answer then.

Yes. When that time comes... I can probably tell Iseria what the World Tree told me.

Heir of the Covenant, sir. Are you truly planning to lead the charge?

Yes, since that's the fastest and most efficient way.

If that is what you wish, we will abide by command.

Then, the remaining forces will be posted all around the Sanctuary and placed on high alert.

So he's the Heir of the Covenant...

You've all got your orders. Do not let your guard down just because we're on the outskirts.

This is a battlefield! One slip-up could cost you your life!

Saria, you too. Be careful.

Of course. Please take care of yourself as well, Elder.

Do not worry for me. Whatever happens...

Such is our Eminence's will.

...? I'm sorry, Elder, but what do you mean by that...

...! That's the enemy's aura.

It's begun. It seems we won't have time for more talk.

Saria. I'll leave it to you.

...Ma'am.

The enemy is on their way! Everyone, be on your guard!

What? Soldiers! Eyes up front!

It seems the other side is finishing up, too.

That bird is a lot more useful than it lets on.

Though it may be limited while grounded, it is able to see much more of the world when soaring through the skies.

Through it, I am able to discern what would normally be missed, such as the enemy's advancements.

If I'm not wrong, this is the first time the Elves have ever taken part in our wars.

Have your people finally realized that you can no longer choose to idly watch from your haven in Dun Blyraia?

...Even with this particular dispatch, we faced a lot of opposition from within the Elves.

As you said, it is true that we Elves only watched this world's events from within Dun Blyraia.

What my people fear the most is the unknown. That is why we tend to be obstinate to change.

We already have our hands full with protecting the forest. We had no leisure to pay heed to the events outside the borders of our forest.

...? And you were the one who were finally able to convince them otherwise?

No, not I. It was the Elder who stated that "it was time".

"It was time"?

Maybe she finally realized that if we shunned the outside any longer, even we inside would no longer be safe.

The danger imposed on our forest grows day by day, and it was inevitable that one day, we'd end up having to face something that we could no longer handle on our own.

So, a decision made out of practicality.

Hehe, these are simply the light conjectures of but one Elf.

Saria!

What is it?

T-the Elder's, She's collapsed!

...What?

Oh dear.

One too many ears will only bend the truth.

And thus, I am only in need of one.

Do not worry for me. Whatever happens...

Such is our Eminence's will.

So the Elder knew from the very beginning. She knew that this would be her last.

Even still, she didn't run nor deny it.

I see... So, I too must tread this path as one who's followed hers.

So that child is to be the next Elder?

...

It likely has to do with her contribution in the Archdemon War, but I heard that the Elder decided on it beforehand.

The Elder's been wrong already. She's the one who told us we had nothing to worry about for this war.

Given how that turned out, we can't outright blindly believe that that girl is worthy of being the Elder.

I agree. For all we know, she might be the one who puts us Elves in even greater danger...

...

Saria... I see you've got a lot on your mind.

I have to be there for her. Knowing Saria, she'll probably act like she didn't hear anything while its gnawing away at her from the inside.

I'm so proud of you, Saria!

Really?

Absolutely! I always knew you'd become the Elder. You're one of the heroes who fought next to the Heir of the Covenant.

But, I didn't really do much.

Haha... It doesn't really matter what you think.

It won't change the fact that my friend Saria is going to become one of the elders of Dun Blyraia tomorrow.

Don't worry about those naysayers. Well, I'm going to cheer so loud for you that you won't be able to hear them anyway.

...But what they are saying isn't wrong. Compared to the Elder, I'm still lacking on so many aspects.

Still, thank you, Iseria.

You're trying to make me feel better, aren't you?

Huh? Y-Yeah...

Heh. You're still you, aren't you, Iseria? Always so caring.

...And yet, you've changed, Saria.

Huh?

You've begun shaping up to fill in the role of the Elder. Your mannerisms and whatnot.

I already told you, didn't I? No matter who you become, I will always be by your side.

On a day like today, you can be a bit more happy, Saria.

...Iseria.

Iseria!!

Urk...

Kyaha! Is this all? It's so amusing to see them struggle in vain.

Now, stop hiding! I want more twigs to snap!

This is hopeless...

If this goes on, all the Elves will die...!

Iseria! Are you okay?

We have to escape. We need to gather the Elves and...

We can't run.

Saria! This isn't something that we can resolve just by confronting it head-on!

So what if we protect this forest? If we lose everyone, just what good would that even be!?

...I don't have time to argue.

You said it yourself, didn't you? Whatever I couldn't hear, you'd be the one to tell me.

So then, tell me. Must we sacrifice all we have in vain in hopes that we can protect this place?

Once we stop Nilgal, I'll tell you whatever you want to know.

So until then, I ask that you trust me and lend me your strength, Iseria.

... So, you won't tell me again this time.

You've... changed, Saria.

Despair, foolish twig-borns! Hahaha!

Gah!

We don't stand a chance like this.

Saria, we have to retreat while we can.

Retreat? What are you talking about? Wait, Iseria!

I don't want to either!

But... If we don't, we'll all die... We can't defeat them!

Iseria. No.

What hope will remain for us if we run?

What future could we aspire to?

...

A winter forest is beautiful because one day the snow will melt and life will return.

No matter how hopeless things are right now, we have to hold onto what little hope we have left, Iseria...

Now, get back on your feet. We must fight!

...No, Saria. Hope doesn't exist in this world.

I can't watch any more of my friends dying in pain...

I'm too exhausted to keep putting my faith in hope, Saria.

Iseria!

Saria! Watch out!

Eep!

It's not over yet, Saria.

You're right. I don't have the luxury of losing hope. We have to stand our ground with the forces we have left. We must endure...

So that we may ensure that our people will experience the hues of the coming seasons.

We must stop Nilgal from advancing any further! Do not let up!

...

Lady Iseria, will Dun Blyraia really be okay?

Saria is stronger than anyone I know, so they'll be fine.

But...

Kekeke... Elves! There are Elves here!

Kgh, Nilgal's minions made it this far...

I'll hold them here! Run!

Eek!

Silk, watch out!

Th-thank you, Lady Iseria...

How dare a dirty, little Elf...

More and more of them are appearing. I won't be able to hold them off by myself.

Silk, duck down over here!

I didn't know there was a place like this in the forest.

This is where Saria and I would come to hide when we were younger.

I thought the thickets surrounding this place would give us enough cover, but with enough time, they'll probably find us.

We'll move out when it dies down out there.

Everyone... should be okay, right?

...I can't say.

Lady Iseria, why did you leave Dun Blyraia?

Weren't you the one who was most loyal to the Elder? I, I was honestly a little surprised.

I'm not as strong as Saria is.

Even after constantly facing all these threats, she's strong enough never to lose hope.

I guess... if we gave up on hope, there truly would be nothing left of this small forest.

...That's true.

That's why Saria is so special.

Because she's someone who can see that hope.

But...

Hehe. Whatever you can't hear, I'll be the one to tell you everything, Iseria.

So, I don't want you to be fed up with our home.

The Saria that once allowed me to dream of hope no longer remains here.

So, instead of trying to protect this forest where I no longer see a future for without that person...

I began to believe that maybe what we Elves need is to look beyond the borders of the forest.

That's why I'm leaving.

Mmm... That's quite a difficult problem.

Since I've set my mind on leaving the forest, I've at least got to see how far I can get. No matter what it takes.

It seems like it's quieted down a little out there. Let's move.

Yes!

Goodbye, Iseria.

Saria. Here, the thing you requested.

Thank you. Could you leave it over here?

Sure. If you need anything else, you can ask me anytime.

Uh, but, Saria. Do you think Kiris will be okay?

Ever since she lost Evant, I think she's been having a hard time.

...I'll go see to her.

Kiris, how are you faring?

...

The sunlight is radiant today. The forest may be a mess... but how about you accompany for a walk?

...Despicable.

Huh?

Even after losing the one I love, I cling to life like some selfish idiot. I'm despicable.

Kiris, you shouldn't...

You wouldn't know.

...

You're the one that said that if we were to lose Dun Blyraia, we would never have another place to call home.

That's why we put our lives on the line and fought.

This place might be our home, just as you said, but to me... 'home' to me was every patch of grass and every branch where Evant was.

But now he's gone. And all that remains is emptiness.

...Kiris.

Iseria was right. All that remains here is death.

Why are you trying so hard to protect something so meaningless?

WHY!!

Kiris. I, too, have seen how much we Elves have sacrificed over the many years.

It's because of those sacrifices, that I want to protect this place.

So even after seeing all of our people's sacrifices... What, you CHOOSE to make the same sacrifices as they did?

Is that truly what you call 'protection?'

...Kiris. I can understand your pain, but you must not let that devolve into spite.

You really don't understand anything, do you?

...

After experiencing so many farewells, there is something I've learned.

That I must not falter in times like these. That I must resolve myself more that I had ever done so before.

Because that is the only way that I can plant the seed of hope into the hearts of our people.

So, to help Kiris back on her feet, I must become stronger than I am now.

This is... our secret place. Where Iseria and I spent so much of our time.

Even this place was unable to avoid the wrath of war.

...All of you tried your hardest to protect us, but we were unable to protect you back.

I'm... sorry. I'm so, so sorry...

I can't watch any more of my friends dying in pain...

I'm too exhausted to keep putting my faith in hope, Saria.

Iseria was right. All that remains here is death.

Why are you trying so hard to protect something so meaningless?

It will be a lonely, arduous journey.

I understand what you mean now, Elder. This truly is a cruel, lonely journey.

And all that remains in this forest, where even she has left me... All that remains is the deafening silence.

But even if you must walk it in solitude, never forget that someone must tread that path to the end.

I leave the rest to you, Saria.

But just as you instilled in me, even if I am to remain the final bastion, I shall protect this place.

Because that is the purpose that I have been tasked with.

...

Kiris, and everyone... Are you going somewhere? It's already quite late.

We have decided to leave.

Even if we put our faith in your words, all that awaits us is the inevitable sacrifice.

We no longer want to experience such pain.

...I love how the forest is filled with flowers and bushes.

What?

Of course, I also love the winter when all the flowers and bushes have withered away.

Because I know the flowers will bloom again no matter how desolate it may look.

So until the day comes when the flowers bloom once more, I shall allow this tranquility to keep me company.

If this is you trying your 'hope' talk again, we've already sacrificed more than enough.

It is because you've lost so much, and the will to no longer lose any more, that I speak of hope.

Despair will not offer you such mercy.

...Even until the end, you drape your words in incomprehensible poetry.

Putting my faith in you was probably the most foolish choice I made in my entire life.

...

Don't even try to talk me out of leaving.

Kiris...

Ah, the sun is quite warm today. Such is a sign that spring is on its way.

So, have you finally decided to wake from your long slumber? Hehe.

Elder! What are you doing here?

Oh, I was just listening to what the trees had to say.

The trees can talk?

Of course, little one. It's still winter so many of them are still asleep, but once spring finally comes, their laughter will fill the air.

Hmm... But I can't hear anything.

I will tell you what they say, so you don't need to worry.

Even though new Elves are being born, none have yet shown the ability to hear the World Tree.

My Eminence, if my duty yet remains... please, bestow upon me your guidance.

I... I no longer can recognize what remains of this husk I reside in.

They shall once again arrive here.

'They?' Who might you be referring to?

Those who greed for the forest shall burn everything in their wake.

Take heed, your duty is not complete.

...! That cannot be.

It has only been 20 years since the last Archdemon War.

For Nilgal to have reamassed his forces this soon... That's not possible.

The threat already looms on the horizon.

No... It's too soon.

Nilgal's forces are almost upon us!

Everyone, prepare for battle!

E-Elder... Will Dun Blyraia really be okay?

...Do not fear, my child. I shall protect our home.

Take the young someplace safe! I shall draw their attention from the frontlines!

All the Elves who've ever experienced war have left the forest.

I am the only one who remains. I have to do this. I must!

...But...

Ahahaha! How succulent, the fear I taste on your face!

I'll make sure that I drag that dignified face of yours through the mud this time!

Haha! You're mine!

What's this?

...

Iseria...! You came back!

Reinforcements have arrived! We just need to hold out a bit longer! Defend Dun Blyraia!

If it's you, I can do this.

Whenever one of us was down, the other would always be there to help us back up.

And this time will be no different. Just like we'd always done.

...You little!

...We'll get through this.

Yes, we'll get through this! Because we have each other!

You've lost, Nilgal. Rot for all eternity in a dark abyss.

Phew... You bless me.

But you know, don't you? We are simply going back, not disappearing entirely.

We will meet again someday, so allow me to give you a gift you won't forget.

I'll see you all in the underworld!

Saria!

Saria! Wake up!

Ugh... Iser...ia.

Saria! Have you come to?

We're almost at the World Tree, so please... Please hold on a little longer...!

It's getting harder for me to, ...I think... this is it for me.

Iseria... I... There's something I have to tell you...

Hang in there, Saria. Don't waste your breath. Your injuries are only going to get worse!

Scold me or resent me, I'll listen to everything you have to say once you get better. So for now...

No, Iseria. This is it for me.

So... please listen to me... one last time...

...Iseria.

Saria... Please...

Whatever path you may tread... Whatever you decide...we, I, love you.

It was because of love for our people that I was able to protect our home.

But it seems that in trying to protect our home, I ended up losing all of you.

Even though this may be the final season, the final hue, of my life.

You shall always remain in my heart.

Now...

And forever.

I always... wanted to tell you.

...

Saria!!

Saria. Spring is coming.

There was a day when one of the children said something to me.

That during the winter, the forest is cold and bare, and that it was not as pretty.

...And that's why I hope it's spring soon!

So, I borrowed some of your words and told her.

Even though it may seem that everything will disappear, the roots under our feet are already busy preparing to greet the spring.

This long silence that we see now is simply an agreement the spring and winter made to give those roots more time to settle in more firmly.

So then, does that mean spring needs to rely on winter?

Yes, you catch on quick.

So, you don't have to worry. Spring will be here soon. And I hope you won't bear a grudge to the forest's winter.

Mmm... Okay!

It won't be long until the flowers bloom in Dun Blyraia, will it? I'm certain you would have loved to see that when it happens.

Saria.

I still don't really understand what you could hear, or what you really thought about deep within your heart.

Sacred World Tree, please allow me to hear your voice.

You see? The World Tree won't grant me that request.

But there's still one thing that's for certain. It's that you had always cherished me.

And the one thing that I was never able to say to you... I think I finally have the courage to let it out now.

We... love you, too. Saria.

Now... And forever.