act45side

But... but she...!

You're hyperventilating again... come now, take a deep breath. Relax.

I gave Vigna a push just now. We'll be on our way soon.

...We have to make it there before dark.

We will.

We know what to do when we see her, we hashed it all out. Just follow that, and everything will be fine.

Sorry we're late!

That's alright—

Not a moment too soon—driver, take us away!

The engine rumbles, and the vehicle accelerates through the passage.

Phew. I hope we still make it in time—

Oh, we were in such a hurry, I almost forgot! Lemme introduce you girls.

This is Sakiko, our new trainee operator. She's from Victoria, just like you guys, and she's helping me out with logistics work right now.

Iris and Bena here are... uh... how do I put it...

Oh, yeah! 'Fairies!'

Er. Fairies?

Now now, Vigna, we can introduce ourselves. We've done this song and dance more times than we can count.

So, Miss Sakiko of Victoria, I assume you know fairytales of the Castle of Dreams?

I read some in storybooks when I was little.

Do you <i>believe</i> they're real?

Huh...?

Well... I did pester Mother about them plenty, at that age.

So you don't believe in them <i>now.</i>

Well, I don't mean that exactly—

But every fairytale is true, you know.

'Deep in the forests of Victoria, there towers the Castle of Dreams, where fairies make their home and bring sweet dreams to every child.'

Does it really exist?

Say, you're not all grown-up yet, right, Sakiko? Maybe those weird dreams of yours have something to do with the fairies.

Fairies would never barge into children's dreams without permission. It's not the done thing.

Dreams are the reflection of oneself, and the formation of thought. Doubly so for a child whose mind is still delicate.

Some dreams can change a child's entire life.

We bring sweet dreams to children, yes, but first we gain their permission. Then, we consider very carefully what the stuff of said dreams will be, and when exactly to bring them.

I have to say, the dreams I've been having are a far cry from 'sweet'... 'bewildering' is the more appropriate word.

You can always have Iris help you interpret your dreams. Once she's a little less busy.

Iris can? Actually, when was the last time either of you had time off?

Sakiko never got to meet you two 'cause you spent so little time at Rhodes in the first place.

Iris is the Master of the Castle of Dreams. There's a lot that demands her personal attention.

*sigh* It's a shame I'm not cut out for dreamspinning myself, else I could lighten some of her load.

(Mutters) Though there <i>are</i> others with the talent to spin dreams... but that 'child' is much too dangerous.

So is that the order of business this time as well? Bringing sweet dreams to children?

Yes, and no...

Iris, can I tell her?

...I'll tell her myself.

One year ago, I happened across a storybook that utterly captivated me.

I wrote to the address on the title page, and became pen pals with the author. Through letters, we exchanged fairytale interpretations and imaginations with one another.

But more recently, her replies began to dwindle. It had been a while since I'd seen her message, too.

Then two days ago, I got a letter from her. And inside was a brand new story she had written.

The protagonist girl has a quick-tempered father, and she finds herself isolated among children her own age...

It was the complete opposite of all her previous stories, and she told me... this was what her life was really like.

In closing, on the cusp of adulthood, she mentioned her birthday—the date is... tomorrow.

She wasn't even an adult yet?! Jeez...

And the single line at the end of the letter keeps haunting me...

She said she didn't want to grow up...

<i>'This will be my final letter.'</i>

...Less than twelve hours until the day turns over.

Yes. That's why Iris is in such a rush. We must hurry to the town, and find—

What was that?!

We just burst a tire. The roads here are shot...

...What?!

Under the blazing sun, waves of scorching heat sink through the skin.

This is going to be a very long wait.

The moons are bright tonight... What could possibly be dangerous in here?

Take care. I've heard that in this castle, a great many creations 'come to life' when the moonlight shines on them.

Don't be deceived by its quiet stance in the corner now; our attacks <@tu.kw>won't do any meaningful damage to it</>...

But once the moonlight's shone on it enough, it'll quickly gain consciousness and come to life.

Living creations are very hostile to guests. Don't be fooled by their cute exteriors!

Whoa! Where did all these creations pop up from?!

It seems the moonlight does more than just fill them with consciousness. They'll be swifter and fiercer whenever illuminated, too.

We might be able to exploit this in the next fight. If we block the light, we should have the upper hand.

We might be able to exploit this in the next fight. If we block the light, we should have the upper hand.

Is that... a clock bell? Did I hear that right? Is the clock in the center of that big hall a living creation too?

No, the light and dark revolving on its face merely tell what time it is inside the castle. The thing stuck to it that's about to hatch, that's the real threat.

Still, take note. When the bell tolls, it means the moons are about to move. Pay attention to how the light shifts.

There! The moonlight's coming from a different direction now!

Get ready for battle! Remember, these creations become especially vicious under the moonlight, so mind your positioning!