Pond of Dripping Memories

Croakie, I sometimes wonder.

Why am I the only one who can wish for happiness?

Everyone has their own unique abilities, but... I haven't found anyone with an ability like mine.

Sometimes it feels like I have no one to share my secrets with... and it can get a bit frustrating.

Ribbit!

Huh? There must be a reason I have this power?

You mean... I should keep making wishes so that everyone can become happy?

But... Master told me not to get too dependent on power that comes too easily.

Ribbit!

I should work hard to help everyone since this is something I can do?

I'd like to do that, too, but...

I'm not sure.

Things don't always turn out the way I want them to.

I wish everyone could be happy... But I don't think everyone became happy when I wished for this.

Ribbit, ribbit!

Don't worry too much?

Urgh...

I don't know, Croakie.

I'm having trouble deciding who's right... you or Master.

Oh no! This is bad! Real bad!

Huh?

That's Naia, right? The one who lives at the lake?

She doesn't look happy.

Ribbit!

You're saying we should go help her out?

Mmm... Okay! I can't turn a blind eye to someone who looks troubled...!

Huh? Who's there?!

Hi, Naia! It's me, Ui!

Huh? Oh, hey, Ui!

Where are you rushing off to in such a hurry?

The thing is... the fire elementals suddenly showed up at the lake.

Apparently, Ifrit's been pretty weird lately... They asked me to check in on her.

The fire elementals...?

Yeah. It was the first time they've ever asked me for help.

What the heck is going on with Ifrit?

I'm busy enough cleaning up after the recent debacle! I don't have time to be running back and forth like this! Pew, pew!

Aw, calm down for now, Naia.

If there's something off about Ifrit... That must mean that she's not happy, right?

Could this be something I can help with?

Do you think I could tag along and help?

Hm? You, Ui?

Hehe, I'd appreciate that!

Especially since I am unable to control my water output sometimes and have almost extinguished Ifrit a few times.

Since you make it drizzle, you can help out with this "mist"-ery!

Yep! I'll do my best!

Move it, move it!

Let's find firewood worthy of offering to Ifrit!

Huh...? Things seem...

Really chaotic here...

I knew it... None of the elementals looks happy. I wonder what the problem is...

Well, we'll figure it out once we ask Ifrit directly.

Hey, Ifrit! Where are you? Hurry up and come out!

Hmm... What should we do? There's no answer.

...Hmph, so she's refusing to show herself even when I call out to her, huh?!

Umm... I wonder if something bad happened...

Ifrit, if you don't show yourself, I'm going to flood this fire pit, got it?!

Eek! Please don't!

Hey, Fire Elemental friend! What happened to Ifrit?

Don't even get me started! Boss is in a bad mood. She's just lying on the ground!

She is? What? What's going on with her?

I'm not sure myself...

Could it be that she's sick or something?

Come to think of it... I guess she does seem similar to the elves on the surface when they catch a cold...

Is there something I can do to help?

I'm not sure. Boss has such a fiery nature that her mood is constantly swinging back and forth...

She might even get better in a few days...

Hmm... We elementals don't really get sick, though...

Is she just faking it or something? Maybe fried nerves from having to be careful around Sylla?

*Sigh* She's such a hot mess... Did she swallow some plastic litter from Monatium or something?

Let's just go, Ui! Looks like we worried over nothing.

U-Uh... But...

We don't need to help her. She'll probably figure things out on her own.

Hoo... By the way, was it always this hot here?

I know it's always been hot here... but I don't think it used to be this bad.

Anyway, let's just go back and play by ourselves!

Wanna have a water gun fight back at the lake?

Hmm... It's okay. I'm good!

Alright, but don't stay too long, okay? Croakie's going to dry up completely in this dry place.

Got it! If Croakie seems like she's going to dry up, I'll take her to the lake and dive in!

Ribbit?

Why didn't I follow Naia?

Because something's strange here. I don't think Ifrit is just faking it.

It's not something to take lightly when an elemental is hurting!

I wanted to look into what's wrong on my own!

Ribbit!

You'll help, too, Croakie? Thank you!

Ifrit usually grows irritable when there's something going on with the Elemental Mountain caves.

Gabia might know something.

Gabia's roost should be around here somewhere...

*Groan*

Hm?

Ribbit!

Oh, there she is—wait, is she on the floor?!

Gabia, what's wrong? Are you hurt?

*Whimper*

Are you sick?

But elementals aren't supposed to get sick...

Urgh...

U-Under...ground...

Deeper underground? Something's happening there?

*Nods weakly*

Wait here! I will look into it and help you recover, Gabia!

Huh?

*Gabia grabs Ui tightly*

Wh-What's wrong?

Below... dan...gerous.

Dangerous!

Huh? I don't understand what you mean.

There's something dangerous down there?

Don't worry! I can do more than you know!

I can probably handle it myself!

So you stay here and rest, Gabia!

O...kay.

It's really like a maze here in the caves of Elemental Mountain.

No matter how far I go, the tunnels keep stretching on.

I wonder if I'm any closer to the place Gabia mentioned...

Hm-hmm... Hm-hm-hmm...

Oh, I hear something! It sounds like humming!

For some reason, it feels very familiar... It's very calming...

Let's follow the humming, Croakie!

Hm-hmm... Hm-hmm-hmm...

Oh, that's the dragon friend who frequents the Order occasionally!

She's always sick with something...

Hm-hmm—achoo!

Yeah, she's always sneezing like that. I think her name was... Vivi?

Hm-hmm... Ohoho, 'tis a stroke of genius!

By increasing the quantity of mercury and allowing it to seep into the ground...

Mine power shall naturally spread all the way to the Fire Elemental's domain!

Should that irritable flame continue to unknowingly heat the land more and more... 'tis certain Elias will become an oven for all who dwell there.

And when the mercury I have wrought grows heated and is loosed into the air...

At last, Mother, who is nothing more than a pitiful scrap of timber, shall be driven into a corner from which there is no escape.

Mercury in the moisture she absorbs, mercury in the very air she breathes...!

In the end, she shall wither and kneel before me. Ohohohoho!

Wh-What?

White dragon friend! What are you doing right now?!

Huh?! Wh-What the...?! Since when hast thou been watching me?!

To spring forth behind me so suddenly! Thou art utterly devoid of courtesy!

Stop it right now! Stop tormenting earth and fire friends!

Huh?

Now that I look on thee closely, art thou not the Drizzle Elemental that lives near Elemental Mountain?

Dost thou truly seek to stop me with thy paltry sprinkling powers?

Ohohohoho! How exquisitely absurd.

Hmm... Still, this is troublesome indeed.

I had no desire for witnesses...

And should I let thee go free, it would leave a stain upon my repute.

What this dragon friend says is a bit scary...!

I wish my dragon friend here would treat everyone preciously!

I wish she would have a change of heart and live happily!

Aaaack! M-My head! Argh!

I hope this was a good use of my wishes...

Urgh... this power...! I have felt it once before.

That filthy elf who rides upon a dustpan wielded a power much like this.

It was unbearable... seeing myself pitifully leaning upon Diamond's lap and fawning so shamelessly... Canst thou imagine how it felt to regain my senses the following morning?!

I know not how thou hast come to use the very same power...

But what once prevailed over me shall never do so again!

Never again shall I suffer such disgrace!

Aaaah!

Ohohohoho!

My wish... It didn't work?!

Until now, it's worked on everyone other than Master!

Ah, yes, that look upon thee!

The bewilderment of witnessing a strength surpassing thine own for the very first time.

The hesitation born of that which thou didst not expect.

'Tis the very posture of the weak.

Art thou only now perceiving that the world moveth not as thou wouldst have it?

I, too, have known such a moment myself.

Ah... how pitiful! How most wretched thou art. Ohohoho!

P-Please, my dragon friend...

Please stop what you're doing.

Had I even thought of stopping midway, I would never have begun at all.

Oh, you poor, wretched elemental, tsk, tsk.

Maybe I should have made a stronger wish.

Now, now... do not lament thine own weakness.

Thou hast merely come to that realization later than I.

There is nothing thou canst resolve.

To begrudge thyself... is time squandered.

And now... thou shalt be punished for daring to tarnish my honor and reputation, thou naughty little elemental.

Dost thou see that hole?

Huh? That one over there? The one with the silver liquid pouring out of it?

Ordinarily, I am not one to reveal the answer so plainly...

Yet, in consideration of thy plight, I shall kindly tell thee.

That silver stream is what wounds the earth.

'Tis the hole thou must seal, here in this forsaken corner of the cave.

If, as thou wishest, none are to be harmed, then someone must place a finger into that hole to seal it.

And who, I wonder, shall take on that task? Ohohoho!

Er... I can use a wish to plug it...!

My four-leaf clover...!

I will not allow thee to do anything foolish.

Thy abilities have been exposed to me, and thou hast already lost.

A loser ought to know when to surrender all.

That strange power of thine shall work no longer.

Try relying purely upon thine own strength and thoughts... it may be a fine lesson indeed.

Though... lesson or not, thou shalt remain trapped in this corner of the cave all the same.

Ohohoho!

Ugh... Ungh...! I... I have to stop it!

If everyone is to be happy, I must stop it!

Ribbit!

It's okay, Croakie! All I have to do is plug the hole with my finger to stop the water from flowing out!

*Cough*

Urgh, I feel dizzy all of a sudden...

*Cough, cough!*

This is simple! I can do it! *Cough*

So no one is in pain and everyone becomes happy!

*Cough!* I will do my best to stop it...!

Ribbit!

What's wrong, Croakie?

Ribbit, ribbit!

I look pale?

No, I'm fine...!

I'm okay, so don't worry. Nothing to fret over here! *Cough*

I'm only a little... tired.

Ribbit... Ribbit, ribbit!!!!

Huh? Croakie? Where are you going?!

Don't leave me alone here!

Croakieee!!!

Ribbit... Riiibbit...!

Huh?

What the heck?

Oh, you're that frog from before... the one the Drizzle Elemental rides around on, aren't you?

Why are you wandering around by yourself?

Where'd you leave that owner of yours who's always grinning?

Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit!

What?

Really? Is that so?

Ribbit!!

I see. Hmm.

Hehe, I understood absolutely nothing!

How do you expect me to understand any of your croaking?

Riiibbit...!

Ohhh, are you here to serve someone new? Say a phantom as lovely as me?

I mean, I get it. Just being "cute" can get old fast.

Someone like me, though? That's what makes you say, "Wow, she's pretty!"

Anyway, you've come to the right place! Not everyone gets the honor of carrying me.

Teeheehee!

Croak... Riiibbit...

Well, okay! We'll have to give you a fashion makeover first...

But it's nice that you're willing to be my mount!

Want me to mount you? Here, let me see your back...

Come on, back that dorsal up!

Kyaaah! What are you doing?! Let go of me!

I am a tasteless phantom! Spit me out this instant!

Ugh, it's so slimy!

Riiiiiibbit!!

Aaaaah! Where are you hopping off to all of a sudden?!

Stop, STOOOOOP!!!

Huh? Wh-What is the meaning of your appearance?!

Do phantoms sneak into Elemental Mountain by getting eaten by frogs these days?

You really thought such a lousy method would work?!

*Ptoo!*

Eww! Gross! I'm covered in drool!

Get out of here right now, phantom!

Elemental Mountain isn't a place for troublemakers like you!

Do you think I came here because I wanted to?!

That frog held me in its mouth and brought me here!

I didn't even want to come here anyway! I'll see myself out!

Ribbit!

Why the heck are you getting in my way?! I don't even want to be in this land of wet blankets anyway!

Hold on.

Isn't that frog the one the Drizzle Elemental rides around on?

The one who lives at the pond near Elemental Lake? I think her name was... Ui?

Why are you going around with a phantom like Selene?

Huuhhh?

Why? We can't travel together?

Everyone wants to be around a charming and daring phantom like me!

......

Wow... that arrogance of yours rivals Shaydi's.

It's exhausting whenever I see you.

Why? Are you jealous? I mean, I suppose a rough Wind Elemental who's always wandering outside would be jealous!

What did you say, you little brat...?!

Are you trying to pick a fight with me right now?!

Hahaha, why? You gonna try to land a punch on me or something?

No matter how hard you hit, I doubt it will feel like anything more than a fan set to "low"!

Argh! That's it! I'll send you flying all the way to Phantom Marsh!

Ribbit!

Eeeaaah! What are you doing?! Let go!

I don't want to be stuck with some Wind Elemental who doesn't even believe in skincare!

Ugliness is contagious, you know!

Turn it as I may within my mind, the thought doth gnaw at my very soul...

A power that fashioneth the world according to thy word... as thou willeth it to be.

That dirty elf... and now this elemental?

It seems there are far too many who wield such absurd power, are there not?

This world was meant to be the world of Yggdrasil... of Mother.

Such power should be hers, and hers alone.

And yet outsiders like elves, and lowly stewards such as elementals, are permitted its use?

Something is unmistakably amiss.

As I feared, Mother bestows power without law or restraint.

She wields it carelessly, never sparing a thought for what follows.

The very thought sets my teeth on edge.

I must hasten my work.

For the sake of my sisters, who yet remain asleep...

A wretch like Mother must be removed from this world, and a proper foundation must be created.

For a world that is ours alone... where we may live in true happiness.

……….

Happiness...?

……….

Mine heart feels... unsettled.

'Tis as if I have made a mistake.

Was there not once someone who chased happiness alone... a sister, perhaps?

Could it be...?

No. That cannot be.

'Tis absurd!

……….

Grr...!

Still... It would not hurt to confirm.

Since I do not abide mistakes.

Where did you go, Croakie...?

*Sniff*

When I first opened my eyes... you were the one who greeted me...

You were my very first friend... did you really leave me behind...?

Did you want to wander on your own sometimes...?

Were there places you wished to go by yourself that differed from what I thought?

I'm sorry, Croakie.

I think I only ever thought about myself.

So, please... come back to me...

I'll be a better listener for you...

I don't want to be alone. *Cough*

I hated it when I woke up, and no one was there...

I can't be happy if I'm alone... *Cough, cough*

……….

Ahem!

Oh, dragon friend?

You came back? Did you change your mind?

*Cough* That's good! You must have changed your mind for the sake of everyone's happiness!

Silence.

I do not make a habit of retracting my words.

I have merely returned to confirm one thing.

Confirm...?

Were you originally an elemental?

H-Huh?

Your answer may grant you escape from that unfortunate fate, and thus, honesty would serve you well.

What do you mean? I have always been an elemental...

Hmm...

Indeed, it seems you have not yet been cornered enough to answer honestly.

I could make this far more painful...

Yet if my concerns prove true, I would only come to regret it later.

Thus, I will attempt to convince you with words.

Shall we speak of an old tale?

An old tale? *Cough*

Yes... an ancient tale, from ages long past.

In a world much like this one, yet not the same...

There lived seven sisters.

Within a garden lovingly kept, they lived in happiness.

Their days seemed endless and untouched by sorrow.

They were born within the embrace of Mother, who created them.

Each vied to be held by Mother, showing themselves off as they quarreled.

Do you remember this?

I... I...

I don't know... If I say I do, will you stop?

Consider it carefully once again.

The power thou wieldest was a gift Mother mistakenly bestowed upon the Seven.

In unwittingly shaping them after her own likeness...

And thus the power she herself could not control flowed into them.

When time passed, and they awoke once more...

For reasons unknown, they could no longer wield that power.

Yet the power that makes thy wish come true is undoubtedly cut from the same cloth as Mother's own.

At first, I believed Mother had merely divided a similar strength among the Seven as she fashioned the new world...

But the thought soon struck me as unnatural.

For the venerable Mother gathered back every trace of her mistake with cold resolve.

She would not commit the same mistake again.

Truly, if she had, she would be proving herself something worse than a wretch... a fool, in fact, which would be rather amusing.

Dragon friend... Is this a story about yourself? *Cough, cough*

Drizzle Elemental, is this truly a story unknown to you?

I... don't know. I have never heard this story before.

But if you'd like me to say that I do...

I'll do it! If that will make you happy... I'll say that I do for the sake of your happiness!

Ugh... S-Silence!!

What happiness could possibly come of that?!

No true joy comes of pandering to another's feelings!

Dost thou still not understand?!

Such false happiness is utterly worthless!

What's with that attitude?! How long have you been lying to yourself?

It's a fool's way of thinking!

You're just like Mother! The one who fashioned us for the pleasure of others, only to forsake us in the end!

Urgh... Y-You're scaring me...! Don't get angry, dragon friend!

It's all my fault... I'm sorry! Please don't be angry...! *Cough*

I just... don't want to be sad.

Isn't being happy the best feeling?

I just want a world where no one is sad... where everyone can be at ease and happy...

.........?

Don't...

Don't tell me...

Wait...

Did you wish for your own happiness?

I'm not sure...

But probably not.

I am always happy, so there's no reason to make a wish like that. *Cough*

That's why I go looking for others to wish for their happiness too.

………!

Wh-What?!

You fool... What have you done?!

Ribbit!

Wh-What in the world...?!

Croakie?!

Why do you have those friends in your mouth...?

Didn't I tell you not to swallow just anyone because you're hungry? *Cough*

Yeah! Hurry up and let me out, you crusty toad!

Ugh... I'm all sticky... and hot!

*Ptoo, ptoo!*

Croakie! You're back! I thought you abandoned me!

Ribbit!!!

Oh, you went to get friends to help me?

I'm sorry, I didn't know...!

Alas! I was so far lost in thought that I perceived not the frog's absence...!

You are a dragon, are you not? What are you doing here with Ui?

Wind Elemental and friend-riding phantom friends! Please stop the dragon friend!

The dragon friend is angry and about to do something scary!

Excuse me?

Something scary? What is she trying to do?

She's trying to make the Fire Elementals angry and dry up all the water!

What? Is that even possible?

Did Shaydi put you up to this? Now she's even using dragons in her plans?!

Let's hear it, dragon.

Is what Ui's saying correct?

If it is, you'd better prepare yourself!

Do you think I'll let you get away with that?!

Tch!

Tch...! As expected, thine archery is not to be underestimated.

A Noble Elemental who rules over Elemental Mountain... and Wind itself at that.

My power shall not prevail against her by any ordinary means.

That vexing frog was quite clever to have brought reinforcements.

Don't run away. Stand and fight!

Anyone who disturbs Elemental Mountain will be pursued to the ends of Elias!

Ah... Seems the exalted Wind Elemental is busy protecting elemental lands.

Long time no see, friend who rides friends! *Cough*

Here, take this. I happened to pick it up along the way.

Huh?

Your frog brought me to Sprite Kingdom to get this.

My four-leaf clover!

Oh, I remember...

I gave one to a sprite friend before!

You remembered that, Croakie? And you brought it back for me?

Ribbit!

Thank you...!

Just make sure you avoid that pawnshop sprite from now on. We broke down the door, literally licked it up, and made off with it.

But wait...

Why did you just send your frog? What were you doing here?

I was blocking this hole...!

Dragon friend was letting some frightening water flow through here...

She said that it would hurt the land if I didn't block it.

Hmm...

What is that shiny white stuff? Silver or something?

I'm pretty sure that it turns to liquid like this when it gets really hot...

Isn't that hot?

N-Nope! It's not hot.

Really? Was I mistaken?

Well, I guess it's not something I should worry about. All this stuff about dragons and minerals is really not my thing.

*Cough, cough!*

Hmm... you don't look so good...

N-No! I'm fine.

Does touching this silver water with your finger make you sick?

Hey, move aside.

H-Huh? No! I have to block this!

*Sigh* I said to move!

See? You can just pick up any stone like this and shove it in there.

Why were you blocking it with your finger?

Oh... I... I see.

Th-The stone popped out!

Hmm... that didn't work? What should we do now?

Ribbit!

Oh, right! I can make a wish...!

A wish?

Oh, I just mean that I will find just the right stone that won't fall out of the hole!

Must be because you're an elemental... but there really is no "gravity" to your words.

There we go! This stone will fit right in!

Huh... It really is the perfect fit for that hole.

Not even a single gap... You're pretty good.

Mhmm! Haha...

Oh, looks like our mighty Noble Elemental has finished tying up loose ends?

Hey, Wind Box! All finished? What took you so long?

Ugh... urgh!

Wh-What?! You didn't win?! You lost?!

The longer I fought, I strangely felt my strength draining... Urgh...

Ohohoho!

How exceedingly foolish!

How darest thou! A lowly servant shaped by Yggdrasil for idle tasks!

Presuming thyself fit to stand against me?

How did she do that?

In a fair fight, she's someone who can actually go toe-to-toe with Shaydi.

I lured her into warmer ground.

With the Fire Elemental's roost so near...

I put my mind to use, that my ability might prevail even against the wind.

Wh-What?! That dragon punk is really that strong?

Watch out, friend-riding friend!

My power didn't work at all either!

Of course it didn't!

Who the heck do you think you'd be able to beat with that ability to gather a few dewdrops?

I... I guess...

Stand aside, phantom.

You strike me as one who holds no great interest in the protection of this elemental domain.

I have no wish to squander my strength, so withdraw at once.

Well... do you have business with this Frog Elemental, then?

I am not a Frog Elemental! I am a Drizzle Elemental!

Yes, your abrupt arrival has already interfered with a matter of consequence... Take the Wind Elemental, and remove yourselves from my presence this instant.

Hmph! It seems it's true what they say... The arrogance of dragons knows no bounds.

*Sigh!*

Sorry, but I can't just run away.

Excuse me?

If you have business with this Frog—I mean, Drizzle—Elemental, then you'll have to go through me first!

What...?! Why would a phantom stand in defense of an elemental?

Well, that's because...

I suppose I owe her a favor...

Friend-riding friend...! I am okay! You can run away!

Stay still, you fool! I'm going out of my way to help you, so don't go getting all weak on me!

If you're not here, who's going to make it snow for me again?!

Huh?

What didst thou say?! S-Snow? Thou hast made it snow?!

What hast thou done?!

None of your business! Anyway, you'll have to come at me if you have business with this little rascal!

I'll have you know, I can take a hit better than anyone.

You think I can't handle one snot-nosed dragon like you?

Grr! I am but a little sick, that is all!

Triggered?

I am wholly untriggered! Thinkest thou such a trifle could affect me?! I have endured centuries!

Oh, so you're a hag?

Eeeeeeek!! Fie upon thee! I shall make thee pay for that!

Well, then. Let's see what you've got!

I'm curious to see who will fall first!

Ooooh? Haha! Is that all you've got?

How did you even beat the Wind Elemental with skills like that?

Such a vexatious phantom...! Mine own powers work not against her.

She seemeth to abide by laws unlike those of dragons or elementals...

Friend-riding friend... she's strong...!

Did you see that?

I'm not just a pretty face, you know!

I'm actually quite a competent phantom!

For now, no path to victory doth present itself...

I shall look more deeply into the ways of phantoms, I trow.

Hey, what's with the hold-up?

I'll take whatever you throw at me, so hurry up and come at me already!

Hmm...

Forsooth, another course is required.

What's this? Are you scared?

Scared? Hardly! I am simply contemplating!

That's a nice way of putting it... but it looks like you're shaking in your boots to me!

N-No, 'tis not so!

Urgh...

How truly vexing.

I was certain that mine own power would suffice to subdue all with ease...

Yet were my machinations here to come to light,

my standing among dragons and the Order would be placed in jeopardy.

One doth not win every duel by charging headlong.

Surely... there must be some other way.

Hehe... Wow... seems there's nothing much to these dragons!

I was a bit nervous after you beat the Wind Elemental...

But maybe I'll pay the dragons a visit later and mess with them!

It might prove more fun than those elves...

Hmm... the Wind Elemental?

Dragon friend! Please stop everything you're doing!

Let's all apologize to each other and clear things up!

You're doing this because you're angry at the elementals about something, right?

Tell us what it is!

If you do, I will be the first to apologize!

That way, we can all get along and be happy!

Hey! I'm winning here! Why would I apologize?!

……….

Fool...

There be wrongs that no apology alone may ever amend.

In chasing after such fleeting joy, thou hast lost all sight of true happiness.

You're wrong!

Everything starts like that at first!

A misunderstanding leads to resentment, and resentment leads to fighting!

All the misfortune I've seen started that way!

All fights begin over small, insignificant things!

That's what happens when you don't talk to each other until things become irreversible!

And in the end, everyone forgets why they began fighting... and keeps fighting anyway!

Yeah, sounds about right...

Espi still glares at me for tying her up and messing with her.

……….

……….

Friend-riding friend, that seems wrong. You should properly apologize to her later.

Hey! All phantoms mess around like that!

Ohohoho!

Forsooth, it hath come to me. A duel with a phantom was never part of my design.

To slip free of this predicament... I need only exploit it.

Hah!

Wind Elemental friend!

Listen well.

Erase their memories at once.

What?

H-Huh?

What are you talking about? Is that flash pointer brat around, too?

I may possess no means to defeat that pink phantom...

Yet by the same measure, none among thee possess the means to defeat me.

Huh? You don't know that! I could beat you!

Surely thou didst not think me unaware?

Thou hast merely endured my attacks, never once landing a counterattack.

I-I did counterattack!

Well... If striking me with that towel be called an attack... then thou hast already proven thine own inability to prevail against me.

A-Argh!

Therefore, erase their memories, and let all be as though it never was.

In return, I shall forsake my designs to heat Elemental Mountain and take my leave without protest.

Well? Is this not the very course thou didst desire?

Um...

What? You could do something like that, Drizzle?

I... The thing is... Um...

Since their memories shall be erased regardless, it mattereth not whether thou speakest truthfully.

This wavering is truly meaningless.

A world that moveth only as one wisheth... how meaningless it is.

Dragon friend is right...

I can make wishes like that.

Things that I really want... they become reality.

Hmm... I see...

What an interesting ability.

Friend-riding friend... you don't find my ability strange?

Well, I'm not sure what everyone else thinks...

But we phantoms have a bunch of strange powers.

Yours is, shall we say, just a little more special?

R-Really?

Hurry up and do it.

Huh?

I said to get it over with already.

It's just like that dragon said, right? You told me everything because you're going to use your powers, didn't you?

B-But...!

Listen, Drizzle... It's all good.

The world's not going to change because you erased a few memories.

Sometimes, it's even better. There are some folks who even enjoy it.

Your power exists because it's needed somewhere.

So, use it as much as you want.

Look at me. I go around and use my natural looks and ability without a second thought.

So, no need to second-guess yourself. Got it?

What astonishing ease thou hast in uttering words devoid of responsibility.

Is this the phantom way of things?

Weren't you doing the same thing? Using your powers as you wished?

You wanted to ruin Elemental Mountain by spraying your silver water.

……….

Everyone's the same.

Me, you... even Drizzle.

We're just living as we were born.

Isn't it weirder to suppress this and live pretending to be something else?

Hmph.

Listen, dragon.

We can trust you to keep your word, right?

I am Vivi, the honorable Silver Dragon.

I stand by the weight of my word.

Hmm... Yeah, I did hear that dragons have weird standards. Sounds good to me, then.

What are you doing, Drizzle?! Hurry up and use your ability.

But Wind Elemental friend is...

What does it matter? She'll only remember bickering for a bit before passing out anyway.

It's probably for the best. She probably won't want to remember squishing around with me in that frog's mouth either.

So then, is all settled at last?

Then proceed, and make the wish thou so earnestly desired... for happiness.

Urgh... But... But...

It's okay, Drizzle.

The memories will return someday.

It was always like that with that flash pointer brat, too.

No matter how short or long the experience... memories carved into the soul always come back.

I'm sorry... I'm really sorry about this...!

*Sniff, sniff*

Hnnngh... Ungh.

Hm?

That's strange.

Why am I crying?

I feel like I had a sad dream... but I don't remember anything.

Seeing how hard I cried... it must've been really sad.

I always try to be happy, but I guess wishes don't work in dreams...

I wonder what it was that got me going like this.

Best thou trouble not thy heart with such thoughts.

H-Huh?

Dragon? Ah... I think I know who you are!

I... I am...

You're Vivi, right? I remember seeing you go for walks at the Order.

Nice to meet you! I'm Ui!

Ever a happy child thou art, yes?

Yep! I am always happy! I wish for happiness for everyone!

Huh? Dragon friend?

Your eyes are getting wet! Are you about to cry?

Did something sad happen? Want me to help?

Ui...

Tears are shed not only in sorrow, but in joy as well.

Which this be, even I cannot rightly say.

I'm sorry.

Prithee... allow me to rest upon thee a moment.

Huh?

At times, strive to hold even memories thou dost despise.

Happiness is not granted without first tasting misfortune.

Though when the burden be too heavy to bear, it cannot be helped...

Surrender thyself unto the river of ill fortune, and it shall bear thee onward unto the ocean of joy.

At times, be not ever so greedy. Remain still and let all things flow.

Umm... Ah, okay.

And... worry not.

Though thou shalt not recall it, the promise shall yet be kept.

What promise?

I shall no longer attempt harm upon Elemental Mountain.

And... wouldst thou make one promise unto me in turn?

What kind of promise?

Strive to remember the very first wish thou didst ever make.

W-Wish? Haha... What are you talking about? What wish?

The wish thou didst utter in thy hour of greatest despair...

Though it may not remain complete, I would urge thee to recover even the smallest fragment.

For upon reflection, it might yet prove to have been a fond memory.

Is it like one of those life lessons from Master?

Our dragon friend seems to speak in complicated ways... but it feels like she's offering sincere advice.

O-Okay...! I'll try!

Very good.

Good girl... my little sister.

Little sister...?

No. Disregard it. I spoke amiss.

Should fragments of memory find their way back to thee, seek me underground, Drizzle Elemental.

When that hour cometh, I have much to say unto thee.

Yep! I will!

But now... I must return unto my roost and redraw my schemes.

For if one hath come already, it may well mean that all have.

Each living on somewhere, under different forms.

My plans... shall require great revision.

Urgh...

Where the hell am I? Ugh, this damp cave... This is elemental territory!

Huh? Friend-riding friend?

Did I have too much of that grape juice yesterday?

What am I doing all the way here by myself?

Hmm?

I believe this is Gabia's area...

Selene?! What are you doing here?!

I-I don't know!

What are you up to? Did you bring me here?

Did Shaydi put you up to this? I've already gotten wind of your games, so out with it!

Oh, you got wind of it, eh? Oh, huff and puff all you want, you dusty windbag!

Ui! Go find Gabia and Naia right now!

The phantoms are at it again! They're trying to do something to Elemental Mountain!

H-Huh? O-Okay, Wind Elemental friend!

Aaaah! Listen! I told you I didn't do anything!

Stop following me! Go find Shaydi and pick a fight with her!

Stop right there!

Our phantom friends and our elemental friends never seem to get along.

They all seem like kind friends to me, though...

Ribbit!

Yes, right. You think so, too, right, Croakie?

Ribbit? Ribbit!

Make a wish to make them happy?

Ribbit!

Hmm...

I'm not sure.

I really give my wishes a lot of thought, but...

Things don't always turn out the way I want them to.

I wish everyone could be happy... But I don't think everyone became happy when I wished for this.

Ribbit, ribbit!

Don't worry too much?

Urgh...

I don't know, Croakie.

……….

Still...

Yeah... let's just leave it be.

This time, let's just see where the current takes us.

Just like that smart-talking dragon friend said.

I can't just ignore something a friend who spoke with sincerity said!

Master said something similar, too, right?

Ribbit!

Great. Let's go chat with Naia today!

Ribbit, ribbit!

Yep! Let's try to win the water gun fight this time for sure!