Date A Live Fragment: Date A Bullet - Volume 8 - Chapter 2

Farewell My Friend

 She landed. 

 It seemed like she was falling into a bottomless abyss, but it ended faster than she thought. 

 However, Sawa glanced around. 

 She understood very quickly that this place was not the First Region Keter. In this dark space, there was a solid glass floor along with a pure white round table and two matching chairs. 

 “Did I keep you waiting?” 

 “…I wasn’t waiting…but…where, is this place?” 

 Sawa said with a confused expression. 

 “Before that, I didn't bring <Zafkiel> with me. And you don't have <Lucifugus> here either.” 

 “…Wow, that’s true.” 

 She looked at her palm. 

 There was no <Lucifugus>. Not having a weapon made her feel insecure, but what was most unsettling was the state of this place. 

 “Uhm…so what now?” 

 “Regarding that, are you asking about how can I kill you? Or how can I win? Is that also your question?” 

 “That’s it for sure.” 

 Sawa said the reason she came all the way here for. 

 “────That’s possible of course.” 

 Kurumi said that and then giggled. That smile contained confidence. Sawa realized that she somehow wouldn’t be able to fight. 

 She sat down on the chair. On the other side of the table was Tokisaki Kurumi. 

 “So, how can I win?” 

 “Before that, I'll explain to you how this bullet came to be.” 

 Between Kurumi and Sawa, a teapot suddenly appeared. Kurumi stood up, and elegantly poured the black tea from the teapot into the cups. 

 “Two spoons of sugar, one spoon of milk. …Is that okay?” 

 “Yeah, that’s fine. My taste buds haven't changed much either.” 

 Sawa bitterly smiled as Kurumi asked that question. A soothing atmosphere, a gentle sensation, and a peaceful tea party. 

Sawa did not hesitate to bring the tea cup to her mouth. She never doubted whether she was poisoned or not. 

 “Ah, it's delicious.” 

 “Yes, you like Assam tea, correct? I tried my best, but I don't know if I can reproduce the taste properly.” 

 “Yeah. Maybe it tasted like this.” 

 "Really?” “That’s right.” 

 Both of them smiled at each other. 

 And so, Kurumi said softly. 

 “The bullet that hit you was the Twelve Bullet <Yud Bet>. Its power was synthesized from the Seventh Bullet <Zayin>, the Ninth Bullet <Tet> and the Tenth Bullet <Yud>.” 

 “…A synthesis of those three, stopping time (7th), disregarding time (9th), and reading 

 memories (10th) …” 

 ──So that’s what it was, Sawa mused. 

 “This place is like a mental world. A place where time stops, and our memories are shared…there’s the impression of something like that.” 

 “…Sawa-san’s insight is a little scary.” 

 Kurumi’s expression stiffened from a little smile. Even though she wanted her to understand the power of the bullet, anyone would feel like they’re in a bind from an instantaneous reply 

 “How awful.” 

 Sawa──like usual with the face of the White Queen, pouted her cheeks as if her mood had spoiled a little. 

 “Anyway, Sawa-san’s guess is correct. This is my mental world, and also Sawa-san’s mental world.” 

 “In that case, as expected we don't have to kill each other?” 

 “No, we can't kill each other. If I get killed, Sawa-san will die too. This world will remain like this. It will become an eternal prison where you can’t escape.” 

 Sawa turned silent over those words. 

 Sawa believed that this wasn’t a lie. Kurumi having conquered up a lie was something she didn’t need to humor in the slightest. 

 At this moment, these circumstances already told how much danger she was in. As a result of that, Tokisaki Kurumi knew she didn’t even need to lie. 

 “In that case, I dare say you have a means to either kill me or die yourself?” 

 “I can’t say that would be a victory.” 

 “…Do you think I want to win?” 

 Kurumi faintly furrowed her brow at those words. Indeed, if she was really, really…determined to devote her revenge on Tokisaki Kurumi, then that could also be one 

 course action to be taken. 

 Sawa frowned, feeling her surroundings shake a little. 

 “I’m prepared for that. Even if you take that risk, I’m──” 

 “Kurumi-san is?” 

 “…No, let’s continue talking. About the rules of the Twelfth Bullet <Yud Bet>.” 

 As if flowing, as if singing, Kurumi once again eloquently explained the rules of this bullet. 

 “The heart is the crux of this battle. If my heart is broken, my inner world will collapse. The me in reality will become a mindless doll, and you will make a triumphant return as the winner. Did you feel my background shake just now?” 

 “The turmoil of the heart, that’s what it appears to be. Yeah, I understand. Then, I have one question.” 

 “Yes, ask away.” 

 “──What is the victory condition for Kurumi-san? To kill me?” 

 “No. I have only one victory condition. It is to established a separation between Yamauchi Sawa and the White Queen.” 

 These words shook Sawa’s world this time. 

 “…You can’t.” 

 “No, I can. Yamauchi Sawa and the White Queen joined together as accomplices. However, those thoughts and feelings haven’t all completely merged.” 

 ──That’s right. Yamauchi Sawa was an ordinary girl that could have been found anywhere. The White Queen was an isolated inverted clone that could be found nowhere else. 

 The only thing connecting the two was their shared desire to take revenge on Tokisaki Kurumi, 

 “So that’s why I judge it to be possible.” 

 “…Do you want to believe in Yamauchi Sawa?” 

 “Yes. I believe in Sawa-san.” 

 “Do you really think you can trust me?” 

 Already, Yamauchi Sawa understood the rules of this world. Agitate and persuade, the one with a broken heart will be defeated. 

 A final battle without a single gun, bullet, saber, and blade. 

 ──No, this was more than a fight. 

 “Now then Sawa-san, let’s start our last date.” 

 It should be called a date (fight). 

◇◇◇

 “I didn’t think the day would come where we could calmly talk like this.” 

 “It can’t be helped because we were trying to kill each other just a while ago. Besides Sawa - san’s face no longer being Sawa-san, it seems like we’ve gone back to the old days.” 

 “Do you want to go back?” 

 “That’s a difficult question. There are certainly times when I want to go back. But as a clone, I would disappear if I return. But still, the main body and her thoughts haven’t particularly changed so much. Although that reply only works with the assumption that I am the main body. So, I’m about halfway in wanting to go back, I suppose.” 

 “What about the remaining half?” 

 “We have sins. Don’t you think it’s too shameless to deny those sins?” 

 “That’s true. ──Was killing me a sin?” 

 Which one of them let out a small gasp? 

 “Yes, of course it is a sin. Moreover, it’s not just the death of Sawa-san. I am also responsible for the sins that Sawa-san committed.” 

 “──Don’t ridicule me.” 

 Rather than being upset, it was Sawa’s anger that had shaken this world. 

 “Selfishly killing, and then selfishly feeling the need to take responsibility. How absurd.” 

 “Then, Sawa-san’s sin belongs to Sawa-san? If I didn’t kill Sawa-san, would you have still crushed those Quasi-Spirits under your foot?” 

 Their world had to be unwavering to each other. Sin was sin, punishment was punishment, atonement was atonement. And responsibility was responsibility. 

 “That’s a hindsight-based opinion, Kurumi-san. I chose to kill. I abandoned morals and took to emotions and survival. I despise letting Kurumi-san shoulder that burden.” 

 Emotions were revenge. Survival was desire. 

 “…That’s true.” 

 “It just like that, Kurumi-san.” 

 “Then, for argument’s sake, are you intending on repeating this even after I die? Once revenge concludes, Sawa-san’s purpose will be lost.” 

 “──────” 

 Silence. Sawa’s world slightly swayed. 

 “There is a goal.” 

 “Sawa-san’s goal is to survive?” 

 “Welcome the king, and destroy this world.” 

 “That’s the course you say you want to take. But after destroying this world, will you give up on survival?” 

 “…Maybe. It doesn’t matter what happens after Kurumi-san dies.” 

 It was simple to denounce this as irresponsible. 

 However, Yamauchi Sawa was not responsible for this world. Even with the great responsibility that comes with great power, she was not a hero. She decided not to take that path. 

 “Is that really the Yamauchi Sawa’s will?” 

 “…It is.” 

 With Sawa’s world shaking behind her, Kurumi could tell that was a lie. 

 “Sawa-san. You──are you sure that you don’t want to stop?” 

 “No way. On what basis did you form that opinion?” 

 “You were once so kind.” 

 “Is that all?” 

 “You love people, school, parents, cats, and the world. I don’t think you would choose to destroy this world.” 

 “That would be the Yamauchi Sawa in the olden days.” 

 “Between now and the past, people don’t always change drastically. The one thing I can believe is that Sawa-san only hates me.” 

 “──────” 

 Silence. The world trembled again. 

 “That’s why I’m trying to persuade you. You mustn’t destroy the world.” 

 “This is starting to resemble a lecture on morals. Don’t kill people. Why? Let me ask you that.” 

 “Morals aren’t something to be made lightly, since it would be sad to kill a person.” 

 “Some people aren’t sad though.” 

 “You will be sad. I don’t care about others.” 

 “…I agree. It might be sad.” 

 “That’s a difference from the White Queen.” 

 At that moment, Sawa’s eyes narrowed. Seeing this, Kurumi realized. 

 ──It felt like she made a mistake just now. 

 But what did she say that was the mistake? The White Queen and Yamauchi Sawa were different. That should be obvious for Kurumi. 

 It was obvious, but there was doubt. 

 Such a warning echoed within Kurumi before disappearing. 

 “Hey, Kurumi-san. Even the White Queen makes for no difference. When inverted, or better yet because of being inverted, did you honestly think there would be compassion in my heart? That’s so unlike Kurumi-san” 

 “I have some degree of mercy, right?” 

 Having been criticized, Kurumi counterargued. 

 “None whatsoever. After all, how will this story end? While carrying both the weight of this world and him.” 

 “That’s──” 

 To that, which one would be correct? 

 Tokisaki Kurumi’s world wavered, shaking rather remarkably and violently. 

 “Kurumi-san is the type of person to choose him over the world. Even if the world is destroyed, the life of the person you like is prioritized. I am the same. Even if the world is destroyed, my goal is prioritized. See, is there much of difference?” 

 “──────” 

 Silence. She tried to argue, but no words would come out. 

 “That’s why I prioritized my purpose. It’s fine if this world is destroyed. And I don’t mind if you perish.” 

 Sawa stood up. 

 “Where are you going? We aren’t done chatting yet──” 

 “Let’s continue. But I don’t like such a murky place. Let’s change the location.” 

 Sawa lightly waved her arm and choose a battlefield in her favor. The hallways of Kyoou Girls Academy. Kurumi was surprised to see even the students coming and going be successfully replicated. 

 The student’s faces were truly faintly detailed. 

 “Now, Kurumi-san. Let’s walk. Just like how it used to be.” 

 Sawa said that as she started walking. Kurumi hurried up to nestle side-by-side to her. This was a scene that once existed and could never again be regained. 

 Even if the memories no longer remained, the body remembered this. 

 “So, Kurumi-san, you are a clone, right?” 

 “…I see you’re trying to stab at where it hurts. Although that is correct.” 

 “Right now, there is no reason to say the main body is real and the clone is fake. Even if it has been whittled down to a single point of past coordinates, Tokisaki Kurumi-san is still the same Tokisaki Kurumi-san.” 

 “Thank you for that…?” 

 Despite being confused, Kurumi still gave her thanks. 

 “But you can say this too. Because Tokisaki Kurumi exists in the real world, you don’t need to be here.” 

 “I imagine that’s useful as long as your plan is to collapse the Neighboring World.” 

 Then, Sawa replied──informing her as if poking fun at her surprise. 

 “In that case, after defeating you, I can die too.” 

 “…Huh?” 

 The world violently shook. 

 “I’ll say it again. For me, if it means killing Kurumi-san once, then that’s enough. I’m satisfied. I don’t care about the world. If I am able to kill you, then it will be over.” 

 “It shouldn’t be like that…!” 

 “──Certainly, I was doing various things. Invoking King ■■■■ to the Neighboring World, bundling all the energies making up Empties and Quasi-Spirits under the King to alter the real 

 world. But even if I can rewind time, it should be impossible to tamper with the world that I lived in.” 

 “Trampling Coronation──” 

 “Yeah. But if Kurumi-san dies here. Can’t I toss that all away? Of course, if the Dominions seek my life, it’ll be fine to fulfill that request.” 

 If she died, everything will be resolved. 

 “──What will you do?” 

 “Let…” 

 Considering what she wanted, Kurumi stopped her words at just the last moment. Perhaps if she had said that word in this occasion, Kurumi’s heart would perhaps break. 

 Kurumi dies and Sawa wins. Of course, if she kept her promise, Yamauchi Sawa would also choose her death soon afterwards. 

 And Kurumi didn’t think Yamauchi Sawa was lying. She was likely thinking that she could truly die. 

 However── 

 “Those words certainly do ring true.” 

 “Yes, of course.” 

 “But. Things won’t necessarily go as plan after I die. If Sawa-san choses to live on a whim, then it’ll all be over.” 

 “I will keep my promise.” 

 “Unlike me?” 

 Sawa bitterly smiled at the humorous joke. 

 “…Kurumi-san, it’s not that I didn’t keep my promise.” 

 “Sawa-san aside, my unreasonableness can pile up like a mountain…” 

 ──I haven’t met the person I want to meet. 

 ──I haven’t told my friend that I don’t want to bid farewell. 

 It might be unreasonable to call this unreasonable, but she couldn’t turn her killing intent towards the enemy right in front of her eyes that needed to be defeated. 

 The noise from the crowd made her feel strangely calm. As expected, dying was out of the question. 

 “To that suggestion made earlier, I’ll have to refuse after all. There is still something I want to see while alive.” 

 “A person perchance?” 

 “That’s more or less half…no, that’s 80% of the reason. The remaining 20% is you, Sawa- 

 san.” 

 “…Please don’t say that you want to save me, Kurumi-san.” 

 “I won’t say that. Just like how you aren’t able to save me either.” 

 The noise in this hallway continued even after break time was over. There was no bell echoing. 

 The two walked to the end of the corridor. While it was unclear which one of them took the lead, both went up the stairs to the rooftop and opened a heavy iron door. 

 “Oh my.” 

 A refreshing breeze softly blew. There was no fence that should be here to prevent people from jumping down. 

 “The view is better without that there.” 

 “I can’t argue about that.” 

 The blue sky that continued to everywhere, and the maddening huge cumulonimbus. It was beautiful. Kurumi thought it was irresistibly beautiful. 

 “Now, are you sure you want to continue?” “Of course.” 

 With that said, Kurumi and Sawa sat on the bench. 

 “Sawa-san. I’ve been skeptical for a long time…no, this doubt is to the extent from the long 

 interactions with her, so this only a guess.” 

 “Yes. What is it?” 

 “Is the personality of the inverted clone really nonexistent?” 

 ──She was wondering whether or not to say this. 

 From beforehand, there was a little unease, but that turned into conviction from the previous question and answers. It may have been said unintentionally. When confronting her with the words, “There were differences from the White Queen”, Sawa had a troubled look while trying not to express overt discomfort or sadness. 

 From that, it was likely she wanted there were be differences. 

 “The multiple personalities manipulated by Sawa-san were constructed by Sawa-san. The inverted clone is now gone besides the appearance left behind and the power of <Lucifugus>. …Is that correct?” 

 “…That’s right. I’ve been Yamauchi Sawa ever since I fell here. The only difference is in 

 appearance and powers. Because you see, in reality I am…” 

 Because she was only a lump of flames. 

 From Yamauchi Sawa’s heart, her physical information was fatally missing. 

 “That’s why I wonder just how to describe this. I am Yamauchi Sawa, but only just the heart. Only just the mind. Only just the memories of the past. Humans are unexpectedly pulled by the body.” 

 “By the body…?” 

 “My dad was a diligent and kind person who always laughed. But whenever he entered a car, he got a little angry. He clicked his tongue quite a bit, and always tapped his fingers on the steering wheel in irritation.” 

 While thinking that scenario play out, Kurumi nodded in agreement. 

 “Isn’t there a science fiction story where the personality of a person changes after acquiring a mechanical body. It’s the same as that. For humans, their soul will change in accordance to the vessel called the body.” 

 “Then, the heart of the inverted clone is──” 

 “Not sure. I don’t know if it’s from satisfaction of the contract exchanged. Or perhaps maintaining a personality is too much of a daunting task. It’s unexpectedly hard to just keep hating.” 

 “That’s true.” 

 Kurumi earnestly emphasized with that feeling. For instance──although this was an impossible assumption. 

 If the woman who twisted Tokisaki Kurumi’s fate was begging for forgiveness. Even with no matter how much denunciation is dealt, it would take accepting everything. And if the suitable punishment for her sin was executed. 

 Her hatred may have ceased. 

 However, such an assumption seemed quite improbable. Kurumi continued to chase after her secret maneuvers. 

 A sense of mission besides hatred. 

 Atonement for the crimes committed while being deceived. 

 Without them, Tokisaki Kurumi might have bent the knee someday. Or perhaps she would have forgotten everything and choose to live peacefully. 

 However, that was merely a pointless assumption. 

 And the same applied for Yamauchi Sawa. 

 “Sawa-san. Don’t you hate me?” 

 “I must have hated you. Yeah, I should hate you. I said it over and over again. I’m not evil, the evil one is Kurumi-san. I despise Kurumi-san who is evil, so that’s all there is to it. The evil one is Kurumi-san!” 

 Sawa suddenly looked to the sky and yelled that out loud. 

 Kurumi was able to understand. She didn’t really have to think about what had just been said, but rather she knew from considering her own circumstances. 

 It couldn’t be avoided. Even if she tried to convince herself otherwise, it was honestly unavoidable. 

 I did something terrible. 

 I did something that wasn’t permitted. 

 And I would still do that. 

 I’ve done horrible things that should not be forgiven. 

 But no punishment will be given regardless of the crime. 

 Yet, there was something grating within myself. 

 Everyone possesses this. Everyone despises this. If it’s too strong, there will be an attempt to ignore it. If it’s too weak, it won’t be confronted. 

 People call this a conscience. 

 “Nah, I don’t think so myself. Or rather, I can’t think of it anymore.” 

 Both their worlds began to shake. Kurumi could understand that Sawa was talking about her true intentions. 

 “I was going to encounter you, strike you down with my grudge, and pin the blame of my sins on Kurumi-san with the intention to kill. All I could do was hold onto that grudge. So maybe I, 

 only──just wanted to meet with Kurumi-san.” “Please stop. My heart is about to break.” 

 Kurumi covered her face with both hands. For Yamauchi Sawa, those were words that spoke her true feelings. 

 After all, just as Sawa had said, it took a huge amount of energy, and above all a cause to continue hating. She couldn’t forgive. She mustn’t forgive. 

 “I’m about to break too.” 

 Sawa bitterly smiled. 

 The calm air remained the same from that time. And yet, there clothes and appearance showed that the past was hopeless too far to reach. 

 “Hey, Kurumi-san. Forget about the previous proposal. How about this?” 

 Sawa spoke in a forward tone. 

 “──Why don’t we die together?” 

 A long silence, Kurumi’s heart was shaking. Sin, punishment, and atonement, those words came to mind and soon disappeared. 

 The friend who had completely changed was right in front of her eyes. And from her perspective, there was Tokisaki Kurumi who had also changed. 

 “That’s a bit…” 

 Kurumi said the words she barely avoided speaking earlier. 

 “Let me think about it for a bit.” 

◇◇◇

 And then, Sawa and Kurumi somehow kept their distance. Sawa remained on the rooftop while Kurumi decided to go to the classroom. 

 She could tell that her heart was about to break. Resignation rather than surrender. Not despair, but instead something that was closer to hope. 

 Even so, she came here with the determined resolve to meet that person. 

 That’s why she came. 

 But when arriving here, she thought it wouldn’t be bad to have a double suicide with Yamauchi Sawa. 

 After all, she was always suffering. She was turned into a monster for no apparent reason. She was killed by her friend for no apparent reason. Deprived of her face, deprived of her past, she was alone all this time. 

 What she had done was an evil that absolutely shouldn’t be forgiven. 

 She had crushed as many Quasi-Spirits as there were stars in the sky. 

 When you die, that’s when the story ends. Punishment and redemption, all of it would come to an end. 

 It was very lonely to die alone. Tokisaki Kurumi understood that well. When she was cast into that shadow, it felt like her chest was tightening. 

 With two people, it may not be as lonely. 

 The White Queen would die. The Neighboring World will survive. It was an ideal ending. 

 “I don’t want to meet that person.” 

 She told a lie. 

 “I don’t even remember his name. Even the face is blurry.” 

 She told another lie. 

 “I think it’s too obstinate to still be in love.” 

 This contained part of her real intentions. Even for herself, she was a little too persistent. “In the first place, this first love is not fruitful.” 

 She preached common sense to herself. 

 “And, and, and even──if I’m not there, there is already a Tokisaki Kurumi for that person.” 

 Fight, fight, keep fighting. He proudly stood up despite engulfed with injuries from everything around him. 

 And to the sins left behind, he came together with an invitation to obtain forgiveness. 

 If there was only one Tokisaki Kurumi, Kurumi thought that she might not have lent her ear to such a voice. 

 However, me was not alone. At least in the real world, Tokisaki Kurumi was not uncommon. 

 Certainly, that was the case for that person as well. A girl who he spent only a day, no half a day at best, wouldn’t be remembered by him. 

 …Still, if her appearance was different, she might have been remembered. 

 However, she was only a clone of Tokisaki Kurumi. Nothing more than only one of the commonplace Tokisaki Kurumi. 

 Even if they met again, she as an individual that wouldn’t be identified. 

 Being forgotten, not being able to understand who she was, she reckoned whichever one would be a painful conclusion. 

 Then. 

 In that case. Even if means ending things here, this might be better. Kurumi headed to the rooftop again, vaguely making one request to Sawa. “Can you recreate our town?” 

 She smiled and said, “Of course”. Kurumi and Sawa’s homes, Kurumi and Sawa’s school, Kurumi and Sawa’s school route, all of it was resurrected. 

 An uninhabited home, school, and town. 

 Kurumi, who separated from Sawa again, leisurely walked around the town. 

 Everything that Tokisaki Kurumi lost was here. It was an irreplaceable and precious memory. 

 She decided to return home. After leaving behind her little hesitation, she opened the door to the home. 

 “Welcome home, Kurumi.” “Welcome back, Kurumi.” 

 “I’m home. Father, mother.” 

 She looked at the illusion. 

 Her kind father and mother, two people whom she could never meet again. It was sorrowful. It was painful. So much so, since this was a life lived well here. 

 Enduring the tears that were about to start, she went inside the home. There was no rest during the days of fighting. That was to be expect, but this comprehension was truly grasped when returning to home like this. 

 People where creatures that sought a place to return. No matter how poor or broken it was, just having a place to call home was enough to give a slight sense of relief. 

 Especially if a loved one was there. 

 Yamauchi Sawa, who had become the Dominion of the First Region Keter, was able to revive her parents as illusions. At the very least, she would need to ask how this was done. 

 Should she accept this as lifeless, or should she accept this with joy? 

 …Which one was it? Her chest was aching from the nostalgia. This was a complex emotion 

 that was neither pain, sorrow, nor joy. 

 She wanted this to continue for forever. Lying on this bed, feeling at ease──welcoming a new morning without any fear. 

 ──Ah, but. 

 That person was not here. She wasn’t here either. 

 That child will probably cry. No, she might get angry over how untactful this was. With her sharp intuition, she might even be indignant over Tokisaki Kurumi making a choice that wasn’t like her. 

 This journey that she’s traveled. 

 It was difficult, bloody, and filled with various painful emotions. 

 Still, if asked whether or not she had fun──she would say it was entertaining. 

 Worthless quarrels, worthless fights, worthlessly saying that this was Tokisaki Kurumi’s dream. 

 Within her chest, there was a flame that would never subside no matter how much water was poured. 

 If she took a look back. 

 Nostalgic recollections, nostalgic memories, they were lost for Tokisaki Kurumi──and it was something that should never be regained. 

 “That’s right. It was always like that.” 

 She didn’t lose this. She made the choice to discard it. 

 She acknowledged she was ignorant. She recognized she had been deceived. But still. 

 That was her choice, and it was the consensus shared with the me who chose revenge and atonement. 

 While thinking that no one would recognize that, she lamented that sadly no one would understand her. 

 …The person who appeared to her. No, he didn’t recognize that either. Come hell or high 

 water, she was always too wary. 

 But if he knew Kurumi’s past, knew Kurumi’s feelings, he wouldn’t pull back in disgust, and instead confront it head-on. If it was that person, she was certain about that. 

 Just a little, her strength revived. 

 Throughout the bitter, painful hardships, what was the reason she struggled even after being killed as unnecessary? 

 An important hope. A prayer that couldn’t be thrown away. 

 ──I hope we can meet again someday. 

 That was it. No matter how many different Tokisaki there were, or even if it was the main body Kurumi, only she made that promise at that moment. 

 She smiled at the illusion of her parents and lowered her head. 

 “I’m sorry, father, mother.” 

 ──There was a person she liked. 

 ──I want to meet that person. 

 ──Holding that pride close to her chest, I want to meet that person. 

 She started to walk. While her parents stretched out their arms to hold her back, she passed through them without pause. 

 There was a feeling of pushing forward from behind. Endure the tears, this was no more than an illusion, hallucination, and fantasy. 

 But if her parents were really here. Then, they would also silently push her forward. 

 May my child be happy. 

 They would pray something like that. 

 “Goodbye, father, mother. And also, to who I used to be.” 

 She opened the front door. The sentiment for tears were still there from knowing she could never come back. Still, her steps didn’t stop. 

 Yamauchi Sawa was waiting for Tokisaki Kurumi at the school rooftop just like before. It was time for the sun to set, time for twilight. The sky was dyed orange as the dim clouds signaled that nighttime would arrive soon. 

 It was not necessary to wonder if the proposal would be accepted. Just as Yamauchi Sawa was here after various experiences, Tokisaki arrived here after her countless experiences. 

 Their journeys wouldn’t intersect. 

 At some point, different paths had been taken. 

 Suddenly, she remembered Lu Xun’s book My Old Home. It was the story of two children that took different paths in life after becoming adults. 

 Kurumi fell in love and started walking towards the future. 

 Yamauchi Sawa stopped in the past with her revenge. 

 Just like those two boys, they wouldn’t meet anymore. 

 “──Sawa-san, are you sure?” 

 Hearing Kurumi say that, Sawa stood up from the bench. Seeing to be waiting for a confession, Sawa expressed a bitter smile. 

 “What happened?” 

 “Sorry. It’s nothing. Now, let’s talk.” 

 Kurumi took a deep breath. Placing her hand against her chest, she clenched her hand into the shape of a fist. Her lips quivered as her eyes moistened. 

 “It’s a shame. But I want to go to tomorrow after all.” 

 Even if it meant facing a desperate future. Even if it meant dying tomorrow without any meaning. 

 It wasn’t possible to stop. 

 Sawa replied with, “Is that so”. Their mutual silence was less than a minute, but felt like an eternity. 

 “Yeah, then it can’t be helped. This is…my loss.” 

 “…” 

 “I won’t apologize. Otherwise, this will turn into a battle of apologizes.” 

 If it was like when they were friends, they would quarrel over a pointless reason, and then continue apologizing for each other’s wicked acts. 

 “Kurumi-san.” 

 “What is it?” 

 “I don’t regret it. All of it. I’ve accumulated various things that are truly unacceptable. Still, I don’t regret it.” 

 “I’m also similar in that regard.” 

 She faced forward to not have any regrets. It was for the sake of stopping her regrets in its tracks. 

 “As a tradeoff, can you listen to my one wish?” 

 “If it’s possible…I will as much as I can.” 

 Sawa’s wish was surprising for Kurumi. But she agreed, especially since she didn’t have to do anything herself. No matter how much she asked for the reason, Sawa just softly smiled. 

 “Well then, this is goodbye.” 

 “…That’s right.” 

 The memories rushed about. Did they first meet during the entrance ceremony? No, that wasn’t it. Both of them could recall that it was during the first seating change. 

 Being so well compatible was truly a strange feeling. It was only natural that they became friends. Going home together, having fun together, it felt like they did everything together. 

 Because she wasn’t in love then, she often talked about longing for love. 

 They confined unexpected secrets to each other. Staying overnight, they would amuse themselves with conversations until falling asleep. 

 Eternal friendship. Eternal friends. An irreplaceable friend. 

 How lucky she was to be able to have such a thing. That’s what she thought. 

 But now, Tokisaki Kurumi and Yamauchi Sawa only have vague memories of those times. For a long time, the harsh battle robbed them of their nostalgia. 

 She remembered only one thing. 

 “It was fun.” “Yes, very much so.” 

 That was enough. That was all. 

 Sawa closed her eyelids and went to sleep. Right by her side, Kurumi held her hand to cuddle close together. 

 “Good night, Kurumi-san.” “Good night, Sawa-san…” 

 Kurumi’s voice had a slight tremble. With things like this, Yamauchi Sawa felt a little sad and happy. 

 ──The end of the journey. 

 ──The demise of the atrocities. 

 Yamauchi Sawa, the White Queen disappeared as if melting into the sunset sky. 

 The world was over. The world came to a close. 

 But rather than a collapse, the world slowly and faintly disappeared as if dozing off for a nap. 

 Time began to slow. The Twelfth Bullet <Yud Bet> shot by Tokisaki Kurumi had brought a definite end to the girl called Yamauchi Sawa. 

 This wasn’t death, suspension, or an exile. 

 Going beyond that, this destroyed the heart. 

 She imagined it was a very long exchange, but it still felt too short for a final parting. 

 What to say, what to talk about, how to reply, all of that have been accomplished. Therefore, all that remained was her final wish. 

 “Hibiki────san!” 

 Calling out to her so loudly, Hibiki turned up in a flustered state from the commotion. 

 “W-W-What’s wrong, Kurumi-san? Did something happen and you need help!?” 

 “Not at all. Hibiki-san, Sawa-san…no, the White Queen wants to talk to you.” 

 “…What?” 

 Hibiki slanted her head. It was no wonder. The point of contact between the White Queen and Hibiki so far was…well, they weren’t on the best of terms. If there was anything, at most 

 they held a mutual percentage of hostility for each other from being kidnapped and having one’s appearance be imitated. 

 “This is already quite sufficient.” “That’s right. I just noticed!” 

 The White Queen had fallen and wasn’t moving even an inch. Still, Hibiki turned her gaze to Kurumi as if asking if she would suddenly get up. 

 “I think I will keep my promise.” 

 “But…is that okay? I’m…” 

 “This is a request from Sawa-san. And above all, I’ve already said goodbye.” 

 “Is that so…” 

 Kurumi silently left Sawa. To show not having any regrets, she didn’t turn to look back. 

 And in her place, Higoromo Hibiki confronted the fallen girl. 

 “Uhm…” 

 “Hello, you awful person.” 

 Hibiki wanted to retaliate by saying something similar, but…she was about to die. Even 

 Hibiki could understand that much. In no more than five minutes, she would vanish and scatter throughout the Neighboring World. 

 This was Tokisaki Kurumi’s victory. 

 “You’re dying, aren’t you?” 

 To Sawa’s question, Hibiki looked the other way as if her mood had spoiled rotten. 

 “Will you die?” 

 “So what?” 

 She had nothing to do with her. However, Sawa erased her smile and admonished her with a serious expression. 

 “Are you aware that this will hurt Kurumi-san?” 

 “Huh, no that’s…!” 

 ──That was a matter of course. 

 Tokisaki Kurumi was ruthless and cruel. But that didn’t mean she would feel nothing from the death of a friend. 

 She would certainly be hurt, cry, and have regrets. Even Hibiki could tell that much. 

 However, even leaving the side of Tokisaki Kurumi was impossible for Hibiki after all. 

 “Maybe I won’t die.” 

 “No, you’ll die. You’ll definitely die. Without a doubt, you’ll die. I guarantee it.” 

 “Such an unpleasant guarantee!” 

 “…Do you want to survive?” 

 Sawa glared at Hibiki as if seriously stating that she wouldn’t permit any lies. 

 “Of course.” 

 Therefore, Hibiki responded casually, concisely, and honestly. 

 She wanted to live. She wanted to stay alive. 

 Once, when she lost Hiryu Yue, she was able to live through revenge. However, when separated from Tokisaki Kurumi──it would make no sense to take revenge on anyone. 

 Meaningless, hollow, she would become a genuine Empty. 

 “Right.” 

 And so, Yamauchi Sawa informed her. Agony and anguish swooped down at Hibiki. 

◇◇◇

 Hibiki had returned. Kurumi slanted her head and stared at Hibiki with an innocent look. 

 Her movements contained the nuance of asking, “Can you tell me what you talked about? Otherwise, what various things had occurred?” 

 Of course, the nuance had been conveyed to Hibiki. It had been conveyed, but ── 

 “I can’t tell you everything.” 

 Hibiki resolutely informed her. Having known her for a long time, Kurumi knew Hibiki would stubbornly stick to what was just said. So, she shrugged her shoulders and gave up. 

 “The White Queen…what happened to Sawa-san.” 

 “She disappeared completely and entirely.” 

 “…I see.” 

 “That’s right.” 

 Silence. It felt like a farewell that was too abrupt. It was a long separation where she would purse her lips in regret over being left behind. 

 “This is…an earthquake?” 

 The First Region Keter trembled. 

 “That’s correct. It seems like the Neighboring World is about to end.” 

 “…What?” 

 Kurumi slanted her head at what Hibiki had said. What did she say just now? 

 “The connection to the real world has been severed. As successor to the Dominion of the First Region Keter, I Higoromo Hibiki will exercise that authority to entrust a decision to all Quasi - Spirits in the Neighboring World.” 

 “Decision…?” 

 “Yes. Whether to stay or leave.” 

 ──Thus, the story reached its end. 

 ──The final chime rung for a world that would no longer spin forward. 

 In other words, this was something that could be found anywhere. 

 A farewell story.