Hero Stories: The Reason for My Mission and Being

I have kept you safe.

As a friend, as family, as your guardian.

I had nothing, so fulfilling those roles for you was all I could do.

No matter what you become or how you live, I will always be by your side.

But if you refuse to let me fulfill those roles, my duty becomes meaningless.

And I will reject it.

...

...

Hmm...

...Oh?

Huh? What is this place? Why am I here?

I was in a village on the outskirts of Recluse's Forest...

Did somebody bring me here while I was sleeping? Is this Lua's doing? But I appear to be alone right now...

Lua! Where are you?! Did you bring me here?! Tell me! What are you up to this time?!

...

No response... Is there really nobody else here?

No matter how inscrutable she is, Lua cannot afford to abandon me, if only for the sake of the swords.

But...

Have I been here before? It feels somehow familiar. Almost as if...I'm home?

...

Sitting here pondering won't solve anything. I should go have a look around.

...I can't believe it.

I'm in the Summer Shrine? Then that must mean I'm in Theranhad...

There's no way I could have been brought this far while sleeping...

And why the Summer Shrine? The Summer Sword isn't even here...

*humming* *whistling*

Adin...?

What's she doing here? Hey, Adin! Wait!

You were precious to me, Adin. But I can't live for your sake any longer.

The Taeyou you once knew...is gone.

...!

Right... I did say that...

I'm sure I'm the last person she would want to see.

Huh? Did someone say my name?

...!

I swear there was someone behind me...

Hmm, I must have imagined it.

I almost got caught... How could I forget how sensitive her senses are?

Master! I'm here! I did all of the errands you asked.

Come in. What brings you back so soon?

Hehe, I finished everything quickly, and to absolute perfection! Everything was going really well today for some reason. I did good, right?

Yes, you did. So early in the morning, too. Go get some rest.

...

Master...?

But...wasn't she killed along with everyone else? And Zahhak has control of the shrine...

And I know for certain that Adin is with Ran. Why is she here with Master?

Nothing makes sense. Where do I even start...?

Adin...?

Oh! Hey, Taeyou!

...?!

How are you back already? I thought you had to go all the way to the harbor?

The man at the fish shop had to go down to the harbor as well, so he offered to take the item with him. Lucky, right?

I was wondering how you could be back so soon when you don't even know the way there. Did you make certain that everything was fine?

What do you mean?

What do I, You can't be serious... Don't tell me you asked him to take it in your stead without even seeing it delivered properly?

...

...*sighing*

Oh, come on. It's not like he would have thrown them away somewhere! I'm sure he delivered everything just fine!

How many times do I have to warn you not to trust everyone so easily? We both know how forgetful that guy is.

*gulping*

Which harbor was it? Come on, I'll go with you.

Uhh... Claw Hand Harbor, I think?

That's pretty far... All right, follow me.

Okay...

...

A sudden return to Theranhad, Adin here acting like nothing has changed, another me, and...

This familiar situation happening exactly as I remember it.

Yes, this all happened before...

We both went down to Claw Hand Harbor ourselves and the man at the fish shop was carrying on with his work having completely forgotten Adin's request.

And the item Adin was meant to deliver was...

What took you so long!?

I'm so sorry! I didn't know it was so urgent...!

For the first time in ages, we have a VIP guest from abroad! You almost ruined everything! There's hardly any time to finish preparing the food thanks to you!

*whining*

Please, calm down. We'll help with anything you need in order to make it up to you.

*sighing* I'll let you off this once because of Taeyou. This way, hurry up!

Y-Yes, ma'am!

The item was an expensive bottle of alcohol she wanted to serve to the VIP. In the end, Adin and I had to work for her until the early hours of the morning.

So far, it's exactly as I remember... Does this mean I traveled back in time?

How ridiculous... Is that even possible? I'm sure Lua is just messing with me somehow...

...No, that's not possible either.

Lua knows barely anything about my past, so how would she be able to create an illusion about such a trivial event like this?

It's so vivid...like I'm right back here again. Was I hypnotized?

Is this all just a dream?

People don't usually realize their dreams are dreams, but sometimes they do. What were they called...? Lucid dreams?

So, I'm just dreaming about the past from an outside perspective? That seems to be the most plausible explanation...

But why would I dream of this day specifically? ...And right after Adin and I were separated. It just makes me feel bad...

Is my unconscious searching for something through this dream?

...

There's no use standing out here thinking.

For now, all I can do is keep watching Adin and...me.

It really is identical.

Everything is happening exactly as I remember it, in the exact same order. Though some things are a bit mixed up...

I don't like this. It's as if I really am hypnotized...

CLANG! CLANG!

...Is it already time for sword training?

On your right! An opening!

Not a chance.

Hmph! It could have worked this time!

Don't be so silly. What kind of idiot narrates exactly what they're doing during a fight?

Oh, right. This one right here.

Are you making fun of me?

If you don't want to be teased, try harder.

You really think I can't do it, huh? Hyap!

What did I just tell you about making your every move so obvious?

It was a trick! I'm actually going this way!

Argh! A surprise attack?! You're so shameless...!

Ah! Wait! My feet are getting all twist, Waah!

...!

THUNK!

Owww...

Are you okay? Did you hurt your ankle?

I'm fine. Thanks for catching me. I can't say the same about my clothes though...

You're all covered in dust too. Come here, I'll brush it off for you.

I'm fine. Focus on your own clothes first.

Hmph, quit complaining and just come here! Let me at least get your back...

Eek! Your leg is bleeding...!

It's only a little scratch.

A scratch?! The blood is soaking through your pants!

You got cut catching me, didn't you? Urgh, I never should have tried that...

I told you, it's barely anything. It'll stop bleeding on its own in a couple minutes.

Anyway, I never would have expected you to come up with an idea like that. When did you get so good?

Is that what you're concerned about? Hmph, hurry up and clean up the cut. Dummy.

Ah, here you are, Adin. The master is looking for you.

For me? Now? But, Taeyou...

Oh, Taeyou is hurt? That's a lot of blood, we should hurry up and do something about it.

Hurry up and go, Adin. Second Master will help me.

O-Okay, but I'll be back as soon as I can! Second Master, please take care of Taeyou!

Don't worry, he's in good hands!

...

...

My expression looks...complicated. I had no idea my eyes looked that way.

I was acting relaxed, but it wasn't entirely genuine. Her sudden improvement shocked me.

I threw my sword aside, worried that Adin might get hurt... But if I hadn't, I would have probably got more seriously hurt as well.

Thinking back, maybe this is when that subconscious feeling of discomfort started...

Adin went to see the master, right...?

I was always curious why she wanted to see her. Well, now I can follow and see for myself!

Can this strange dream show me things in the past that I never saw myself?

So, you went back to Claw Hand Harbor?

Y-Yes... How did you know...?

Taeyou told me.

Urgh, of course he did...

You're not blaming others for your own mistake are you, Adin?

N-Not at all! I've been reflecting a lot on how I pushed my own work onto someone else...

If you are aware of your wrongdoing, I will not continue to reprimand you. You had sword training today, didn't you? How was it?

It was...fine....

Why the hesitation? Have you not been giving training your all? Or did you skip it altogether?

No, it's not like that! I'm studying as hard as I can!

Well, then you need to take that dedication and apply it to how you live your everyday life as well. That is the least I expect of one of my students.

I always do everything I'm asked. I haven't skipped anything lately...

Then why do you look so uncomfortable?

I...hurt Taeyou.

How?

We were sparring, and I tripped over myself and...cut his leg. The Second Master was treating him when I left...

I see... Don't worry, with appropriate treatment I'm sure he will heal in no time.

But...do you have anything else to talk to me about, Master?

I expect you want to rush back to Taeyou?

Umm...

Actually, this is not what I called you here to talk about.

Starting next week, I would like to begin your sword training in earnest. You have plenty of free time early in the morning, so that should be a good time for it.

What?! First thing in the morning?!

Are you complaining?

Of course!

Too bad.

Hmph... That's too mean, Master!

Even if it is, it doesn't matter. These lessons are necessary for you. I will be teaching you personally.

If you had not neglected your studies for so long, we would not be so pressed for time.

...Ugh.

I left a book in your room, be sure to read it. You may go now.

Okay...

...

*sighing* I'm starting to worry.

Someday she'll have to bear the weight of the sword, but she's still so immature...

When will she grow up? Taeyou is keeping a good eye on her for now, but...

...

...I always wondered what she thought of Adin, and why she was so protective of her...

Not just me, but everyone in the shrine had their suspicions.

After a certain point, she was always busy with some kind of lesson, and the master was always looking for her.

She knew from the start that Adin would wield one of the Four Season Swords. I wonder if Adin was aware from the beginning...?

Whenever I mentioned to her how I hardly saw her anymore, she would always say it was because Master had so many errands for her to run.

I pretended to believe the excuses. I saw the fact she was willing to lie as proof that she still wanted to maintain a relationship with me.

Was I being considerate of her, or was she being considerate of me?

*sighing* ...My head hurts.

What's wrong? Do you have a headache?

Yeah. I have a lot to think about...

...! A-Adin!?

Yeah?

Were you...talking to me?

Who else? Nobody else is here.

How...? Can you...see me?

...Is something wrong with you? Why wouldn't I be able to see you?

...

Right... She was able to sense my presence when I first saw her as well.

I assumed I was invisible... Was it only luck that I avoided detection until now?

How long have you been there...?

For a while. I wanted to surprise you, but you looked so serious.

Is something wrong? And what are you wearing? I've never seen you in clothes like that before...

Ah...

Urgh, I'm such an idiot... I let myself get distracted and careless...

Soooo... What's wrong?

...I was told to do something.

What thing?

I have to meet with some people. They wear clothes like this.

Oh... What kind of people are they?

Wouldn't you like to know. Anyway, I'm busy, so...see you!

H-Hey, wait! I wanted to ask you something...

Ask me later.

...

GRASP

What are you doing? I told you, I'm busy.

It won't take long. I don't know when else I might get the chance...

Why wouldn't you have a chance again? You know you can always talk to me. You can ask me later.

But...you keep trying to avoid me.

...

I know you lowered your sword to protect me and that's why you got hurt. I just really wanted to say thank you and...I'm sorry.

And wherever I go, you're not there, and it's like you're always avoiding me. So, if I don't ask you now, and we keep growing apart...when will I ever get the chance?

Are you disappointed in me? Are you deliberately trying to distance yourself from me?

Don't be silly. We just keep accidentally missing each other, that's all.

I really was busy back then, and I didn't want Adin to see me injured.

Is that really all? You don't hate me?

Of course, I don't.

Then...I'll help you! I'll go with you wherever it is you were going!

Ah... You really don't have to...

Let me, as an apology. It will help me feel better. So, where do we go now? Left or right?

I mean it, you really don't have to...

If you won't let me do even this tiny thing, I won't be able to get any sleep! Just accept my apology, okay?!

...*sighing*

I can't help but thinking...Adin can actually be quite manipulative.

She must have known that going on and on like that would wear me down eventually. She was acting that way deliberately.

Or am I letting her push me around because this is the past and we're separated in the present.

But how do I get out of this? I'm not the kind of person who can just create a fake errand out of thin air...

If I told her I'm from the future and this is all a dream, she wouldn't believe a word of it. That would just make everything worse.

...Wait a second. Does it even matter? If this is all a dream, if everything starts going wrong, I can just wake up...

Taeyou, are you listening to me?

Hmm? Oh. Yes...

I'm not sure you were...

...

Because you've had that same serious look on your face all day... Do you remember this place?

Hmm? Here? It's just an alleyway.

You don't...? We lived around here for a while when we first came south.

Oh, right. Now that you say that, it does look quite familiar.

Have you already forgotten all about the past now that we're finally living comfortably?

I didn't recognize it at first, that's all. This is where we met that merchant who helped us so much.

Phew... I was worried I was the only one who treasured our memories together.

Haha! And remember that time you fought with all those guards?

...

We were still so young, and I was running around excited to be in a new place. But the guards found it suspicious...

I was about to get arrested, but then you saved me from them! Thinking back on it now, that must have taken a lot of guts.

I remember what you said then too. That after all we've been through, a few middle-aged men are no match for you.

I said that? I don't remember.

Hey, quit lying! They beat you up pretty bad, but you refused to back down. They were so surprised, and it started attracting a crowd...

What did Master talk with you about earlier?

*giggling* Changing the topic because you're embarrassed?

Are you going to answer?

The same nagging as always. "Are you practicing hard?"..."You have a lot more to learn, so don't fool around"...

That's all?

Mhmm. Nothing special.

Really...?

Just like the real Adin...

Always speaking as if she has no idea how special she is. I can't deny that it bothered me.

If we knew what was going to happen, what would we have done differently? Would it have changed anything?

So, where did you agree to meet these people?

There's no need to rush, there's still plenty of time left.

Oh, there is? Shall we kill time with a little walk, then?

Sure.

Oh? How did we end up all the way out here?

Hmm...

It's been so long since we walked together. We must have gotten carried away while talking and not realized how far we've come.

We spent the whole time reminiscing about the past...

I still have no idea why I'm having this dream. I haven't learned anything useful.

Oh wow! I haven't seen this sign in so long!

Isn't this the sign at the village entrance?

The first thing we saw when arriving in Theranhad.

Meaning this is the spot where we took our first step on Theranhad soil.

Guess so...

I was so weak from hunger that you were holding me up all by yourself. I'm sorry, you must have felt so weak too.

It's fine. There's no need to apologize for something so long ago.

It's not like it was a one-off. You're always trying so hard to protect me.

You were the same even when we were still in the north. No matter what, I could always rely on you to be there for me.

I...

You need...to get out of here... You have to protect Adin... No matter what, you have to keep her safe...

That is the only way you two can survive. This is my last request. Taeyou...

...

I'm so thankful. You really are amazing. I've always been envious of your strength and tenacity.

I will do anything to keep you safe.

But why?

Because that is my only...

Your only purpose?

...Huh?

I'm asking, is fulfilling that role your only purpose?

My only purpose...? What are you trying to say...?

You never had any interest in anything except protecting me. Did you think I had no idea?

But you don't need to carry on like that anymore. I'm going to make sure of it.

What...?

Ever since we first met, you've given me so much help. And I've always been grateful for that.

But I don't want to rely on you anymore. I've worked hard and grown a lot.

You don't have to worry about me and protect me anymore. I can look after myself now.

So, you are...leaving me?

Hmm... I suppose you could take it like that.

Ack!

I'm much stronger than you now, after all.

...?!

Oh, Taeyou. So sweet, so pitiful. Looking after me all of this time must have been hard for you.

But this is it for you.

I... Why are you being like this? What are you doing?

You've always been so much better than everyone else. Smarter, stronger, more tenacious. It was no difficulty at all for you to beat me.

But you were not gifted with the ability to wield those swords. Incapable of controlling two powers at once, you're unexceptional.

That's why Master always preferred me over you. She only put you in charge of looking after me until I could become stronger.

Adin... How could you say that...?

The Spring Sword chose me. After all, why wouldn't it? As long as I wield the Four Seasons Swords, you are no match for me.

This is how things are meant to be. The time everyone has been waiting for is coming.

You...

Of all people, you can't talk to me like that! You can't treat me this way!

That can't be all I am to you!

You don't think so? Even after all this?

...

Then prove yourself to me. Show me your value.

Ack, Dammit...

I'm reaching my limit, and yet she still looks so carefree. Why only me...?

The pain feels so real. Why is this so hard? I feel like I can't breath.

Is it too much for you already?

...

Shall we end this here?

SLASH!

Argh!

I knew all along, Taeyou.

Joining with Lua to protect me and this world. It was all an excuse.

You don't care for the world or me. You only care to protect your role as my guardian.

...

You want me to stay weak so that I'm forced to rely on you.

That's all you've ever really wanted. How much longer are you going to keep pretending otherwise?

That's not true... I...

I can see into your heart, and the jealousy you feel towards her.

...!

Your sense of inferiority in the face of her ability.

...I...

You're so stupid, Taeyou.

SHWING

That's right, you are stupid. You don't even know yourself.

...!

Even complete strangers have been able to figure you out, so how much longer will you continue to deny reality?

What was it? "The Taeyou you knew before, is no more." Don't pretend like you changed because you got swept up in things. You've been that person since the very beginning.

Fearing that the girl you protected would one day exceed you. Yearning to stay within the warmth and stability of the Summer Shrine forever.

That is the true you.

Shut up! Don't speak like that with my face! How dare you imitate me!

Hmm? Then how about this?

WOOSH!

Does this image feel more familiar? Taeyou...unable to trust anyone, but trying to become strong by borrowing the strength of others.

...

Look at me. You betrayed and turned your back on your oldest friend.

These foolish desires have ruined you. Look yourself in the eye.

I said shut up! I don't want to hear it!

WOOSH!

Oh, so close! Yet you're too scared to touch even the hair on my head.

Do you still not get it? You used to just be unexceptional, but now you're not even that. You're at rock bottom.

Stop pushing others away. Stop pretending to be strong on your own. Accept the fact that you will achieve nothing by yourself.

...

N-No... You're wrong...

This is all just a dream. It's a lie! This isn't the true me!

I... What I want is...

...

Aha, sleeping beauty finally awakes. I didn't take you for one to sleep in.

...Why are you here?

You were sweating and mumbling while you slept, so curiosity got the best of me and I couldn't help but watch.

Now you're awake, so my little show is over. Get your things in order. We have a long way to travel.

...*sighing*

It surely was a dream. An extremely vivid one... Are lucid dreams supposed to be so unpleasant?

But even though I woke up, I haven't forgotten any of it...

You don't care for the world or me. You only care to protect your role as my guardian.

You want me to stay weak so that I'm forced to always rely on you.

Fearing that the girl you protected would one day exceed you. Yearning to stay within the warmth and stability of the Summer Shrine forever.

That is the true you.

No. That's wrong.

It's not because I feel inferior. I don't care about being stronger than you. Or care only about myself in my role as your protector.

I just...wanted to keep you safe. I wanted to fulfill my duty, and through it, feel my worth.

It was my only way to survive... My only reason to carry on in this terrible world...