That 246: To the Land of Dreams

After about three hours had passed.

We stood around the body, our faces grim, in front of the gift shop on the first floor of Maihama Station.

Only one person was kneeling beside Hihibiki Kōsuke—

"Please... no... This can't be... Kōsuke... Please..."

His father, Hihibiki Norio.

I had never seen an adult man cry before.

He had come from "Gran Delinia," as if forcing himself despite the difficulty, summoned by radio communication.

No one present had any words to offer him.

I'd heard that parents who lose their children continue to grieve until the day they enter their grave...

"Such... such a thing... Why... why... why... why...?"

Mr. Norio, repeating "why" like a broken tape, we left them alone together for a while.

Rinon was rubbing her reddened, puffy eyes.

Koushi had a crumpled face, just like Norio.

Yokku was wearing a mask, so his expression was unreadable.

Miharu looked somewhat annoyed.

Hanae was pressing a handkerchief against her eyes.

Tsumuri looked not sad, but rather serious.

The atmosphere was so stiff and serious that any careless remark seemed forbidden.

Ugh. I really hate this kind of mood.

When I was little, during my biological father's funeral, when I was picking up his ashes,

I said, "Looks like a barbecue party, huh? lol lol lol lol lol lol lol,"

and ended up earning the disapproval of everyone in the family.

Amid the solemn atmosphere, we stepped onto the pedestrian bridge connecting the second floor of Maihama Station to the park… or rather, to the main entrance of "Avienia."

"…Hey, 'Haku'"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry about earlier. I lost my composure like that."

For a moment, Rinne didn't understand what she was referring to,

"Oh, please don't worry about it. I would've forgotten it myself if you hadn't mentioned it."

"Good… So, what do we do now?"

"First, let's get Kio and the others to move to a new base as quickly as possible. We don't know when the 'Hungermen' might attack again. And this time, try to find a place that's as inconspicuous as possible."

"That sounds good. That's the best plan."

"And please, especially tell Kio—if he's feeling too strained, to head back to Sagakyo."

"That old man? I can't imagine him retreating from here."

Is that so.

I felt a faint unease in Rinon's words.

Anger, hatred, and the desire for revenge can fuel powerful actions, but they also change a person. I couldn't bear to see someone who'd suffered unjustly become unhappy.

"I have a suggestion. I'm sorry, but could you leave me here for now?"

"Is that... for Kio's sake?"

"Yeah... I don't think I'd be much help, but staying on this side with Yoi and Takafumi—there'd be all sorts of complications..."

Someone needed to step in when the group split apart.

"That's right. I'm worried."

As expected, Rinne.

It's reassuring to have a companion who notices these subtle nuances in relationships when moments like this arise.

"Rinne, I'd like you to stay here—"

I, Migan, and Tuzuri will be entering "Avienia."

By the way, Asuka is currently waiting for us elsewhere, as she can't leave "Avienia" abruptly due to some complications.

"Then, from following up with Kio-san onward, I'll leave everything here in your hands."

"Understood. Leave it to me."

"By the way—while encouraging Kio-san is fine, please don't get suggestive with your encouragement."

"...Huh?...What?!"

"Remember, she's married."

When I smiled slyly, they realized it was a joke.

You're foolish.

and gave me back a weary smile.

"Good. You're into older women, Rinne-san, right...?"

Loud

accepting the light chop with a resigned grace, like this or that.

Perhaps it was because her own psychological wounds were too deep for her to leave.

But if I can manage a forced smile like that just now,... well, I guess I'll be okay.

▼

Rinon had left, and all that remained was to head toward "Avienia."

"Then, let's go!"

I called out to Miyoi and Tsumuri, who nodded solemnly and fell in step behind me.

Walking side by side across the quiet pedestrian bridge, I glanced at the oversized, playfully designed trunk-shaped gift shop on my left. Gradually, something began to catch my eye...

▲▲

/▼

The iconic shape made from "triangle triangle line break half-width space triangle."

A silhouette recognized by everyone on Earth—anyone unfamiliar must be an alien or from another world—this globally popular character.

"It's been... about three summers ago since I last came here. How nostalgic. Disneyland."

"Yaaah!"

I recoiled in fear, covering both ears.

It's over. My adventure ends here!

"Yazuri-san! O-oh my, scary... You really said that name out loud like that..."

Then Yazuri-san, apparently amused by my overreaction,

"Seriously! 'Warrior' guy, you're too late—there's no copyright on anything anymore."

"Is that so?"

I looked up at the large, popular mural of Nakkie Cat painted on the wall.

Nakkie, completely unaware of my feelings, beamed with a big smile, giving a thumbs-up.

"But then... if I ever write some kind of memoir in my later years, will they charge me a huge fee for using my image?"

"Well... I don't know. But before that, saving humanity should be the top priority."

Yeah, I guess you're right about that.

"Hey! You two!"

We were hesitating when Miharu suddenly shouted at us, clearly annoyed.

"Stop stalling! Let's go already! Come on, let's go! Let's go!"

And she was flailing her arms and legs about, somehow.

She seemed just a little excited.

I guess she was, after all, just a little elementary school girl.

Still, I kind of understand how she feels.

After all, as we approached the entrance… a cheerful tune was growing clearer.

"Yeah, yeah, I get it, okay!"

I nodded slowly, like a tired office worker, and followed behind her.