Scenario:Nectar - Someone, Once Upon a Time

Someone, Once Upon a Time

Numerous failed possibilities flow into Nectar. One is of a girl losing all of her friends, and another of her perishing together with the skies upon failing to protect anything. Nectar continues processing all of this information inside himself.

---

This is a story drawn from among failed possibilities, its time and setting are up for debate.

Though the incident did not actually occur, it had the possibility of occurring.

Shinsha: Ngh... Sniff...

Over the course of the War, skydwellers had created many different kinds of technology to fight against the power of the Astrals.

Among these were ruthless creations that were either sealed away after the War, far from the reach of people, or led to the persecution of those who possessed them.

However, with the fear of the Astrals' return looming above the skydwellers, there were a few who continued to develop such technology.

Jorha—a group of people who went on to form the Sky's Sanctum.

They proceeded to imprison a girl who had the ability to access an endless amount of power from beyond the gate.

Shinsha: Ah... Aah...

The power the girl drew out gave life once more to failed experiments that were on the brink of death.

Then the Sky's Sanctum would once again take away this life mercilessly—and that became the beginning of their downfall.

Shinsha: Everyone...

Shinsha: My friends...

Shinsha: Give them back!

The endless experiments caused the girl much suffering, until her heart finally shattered from losing those she called her friends.

Shinsha: Aaah!

Shinsha: ...

Shinsha: It's so... cold...

Shinsha: I'm so lonely... Where's... everyone?

No longer able to process the reality in front of her, the girl left the destroyed Sky's Sanctum behind, taking her power with her.

She sought out the primal beast of death whom she had once heard of, in order to obtain its power and revive her lost friends.

And yet, in another failed possibility...

Shinsha: ...

The Three: ...

The girl died along with other subjects in an experiment.

In this failed possibility, the shapeless being called Nectar was cut into millions of pieces until it lost its sense of self.

The pieces then absorbed the girl's power, each one bubbling and swelling before multiplying in number.

They filled up the Sky's Sanctum, the snowy island, and finally, every corner of the sky...

Completely ravaged by nothing but gray, the Sky Realm fell to destruction.

Having failed in protecting the girl, the gray matter that was once a wedge died along with the sky.

But by that time, the gray matter no longer remembered what it had wished for in the beginning.

Someone, Once Upon a Time: Scene 2

Nectar sees a possibility in which Shinsha lives peacefully as a normal girl with no special powers. This gives Nectar a suspicion that his encounter with Shinsha is at the sacrifice of Shinsha's potential to have a life of peace; yet, as insolent as it may be, he finds himself still wishing to be with her.

---

This is a story drawn from among failed possibilities, one that did not come to be.

There once was a girl who never possessed a special power.

She never reached into the gate, and she was never found by the Sky's Sanctum.

Shinsha: Mom! Dad! I'm going out!

The girl had friends that were not shapeless blobs nor animals, and she lived a normal life.

Shinsha: Morning, everyone!
Hey, how did you do on the homework? I didn't really get the last question...

In that corner of the sky, she lived out her life peacefully like any other girl.

She never imagined that shapeless creatures even existed in the skies.

Seeing this, I feel... very...

...

If I am to meet Shinsha, that means she must be captured by the Sky's Sanctum.

It means that she can never smile under the blue skies, or live peacefully with her family.

...

Nevertheless...

I want to be together with Shinsha, even if all of that needs to be sacrificed.

I understand that it is insolent of me to think this way. Yet, I cannot separate this part of me from myself.

Someone, Once Upon a Time: Scene 3

Once the processing is finished, Nectar reveals to Shinsha that his existence may be bringing misfortune to her life. Seeing his distress, Shinsha refutes the idea and tells him firmly that she would still rather be with him. Nectar embraces her, his determination to continue life with Shinsha renewed.

---

Nectar: ...

Shinsha: Ngh...

Shinsha: Nectar?

Nectar: ...

Shinsha: ...

At that moment, I felt that something was different about Nectar.

I thought... maybe this was the part of Nectar called Kamuzumi.

That's why I couldn't bring myself to say something right away.

Nectar: Shinsha...

Shinsha: Yes... What's wrong?

Nectar: Shinsha... You're...

Nectar: ...
No. This is about me.

Shinsha: I'm listening.

Nectar: I... may be the one who took away your happiness.

Shinsha: Huh?

Nectar's words were like a bolt out of the blue.

He had always been the one who stayed with me, saved me, and protected me.

There had never been any instances where Nectar took anything from me.

Nectar: For example... your eyes.

Nectar: With the power from the gate and my abilities, there may be a way to revive your eyesight.

Nectar: But I...

Nectar: I want to be needed by you.

Nectar: That's why I've never attempted to cure your eyes...

To have my eyes cured?

I can't believe such a thought had never occurred to me...

You've already given me pieces of yourself to replace the body parts I've lost. That's more than enough of a gift.

So please don't fret over the mere possibility of healing my eyes.

Nectar: I... I only focused on myself, and that's why I end up wishing for your misfortune—

Shinsha: That's not true!

Nectar: ...

Shinsha: That's not true at all, Nectar...

Shinsha: You're always here to help me. You were with me back at the Sky's Sanctum, and you're here with me on this ship too.

Shinsha: Please. I don't want you to deny the fact that you've saved me.

Shinsha: Truly... The salvation you've given me is... my treasure...

Nectar: Shinsha...

Shinsha: So... that's why, no matter what, I...

Shinsha: I want to be with you, Nectar. Even if you regain your previous powers or duties...

Shinsha: Even if it's better for you to live out your days for the Sky Realm as its wedge...

Shinsha: I still want to be with you, even if it means getting in the way!

Shinsha: Please, Nectar.

I was being difficult. I was weak, and on the brink of tears.

Nectar: Shinsha...

Still, Nectar embraced me.

Nectar: Shinsha... Shinsha, Shinsha!

Shinsha: Nectar...

Shinsha: Even if... "If," okay?

Shinsha: Even if we don't ever find the Peach Spring Valley or reach it...

Shinsha: As long as I'm together with you, and Ugusu and the others...

Shinsha: As long as we can continue traveling together like this... I will be happy.

Shinsha: So...

Shinsha: So, um...

Nectar: Yes, Shinsha.

Nectar: I will be here with you.

Nectar: If that is what you wish for, then it cannot possibly be wrong.

Nectar: Shinsha.

Shinsha: Okay...

Shinsha: Okay!

Nectar: From now on, I swear I will always...

Nectar: I will always continue to protect you.

Nectar: That is what my power is for!

Something about him changes then and there, though only in the slightest.

But his hand remains cold and gentle.

Shinsha: Together forever... It's a promise.

Nectar: Yes, Shinsha.

Someone, Once Upon a Time: Scene 4

Days later, Nectar and Shinsha go on a date at a cafe, much to Fediel's delight. On their way home, the pair are joined by Ugusu and Kushina. When Ugusu surprises Shinsha with a present, the girl's face lights up with a smile. Nectar finally accepts that no matter what failed possibilities may exist, this reality, too, can bring happiness if he is here to protect it.

---

Nectar: Shinsha. Please open your mouth.

Shinsha: Okay! Aaah...

Shinsha: Mm! It's delicious!

Nectar: I'm glad to hear that.

Shinsha: Here, you try too, Nectar. I'm sure it'll be even more delicious if we eat it together!

Nectar: Yes, Shinsha.

A date!

Yes! This is it—a date! I knew biding my time would pay off handsomely.

Fediel: Hnnngh!

Kushina: ...
(Fediel's kind of a strange one, huh?)

Ugusu: Fediel! Are you sure you just want to watch? Don't you want to eat cake with them too?

Fediel: This is fine! I would hate to ruin the development of their dyad.

Fediel: I will continue to observe the girl of the gate and the former wedge from here!

Ugusu: All right! Then I'm going to go out to buy something!

Kushina: ...
(What are you going to buy?)

Ugusu: Hmm, I'm still thinking about it! But it's something important.

Kushina: ...
(Oh? Then I'll go too. I'll help you carry things.)

Ugusu: Ooh, thanks, Kushina! You're so nice!

Kushina: ...
(Yeah, yeah. You're not getting anything in return for the flattery, you know.)

Kushina: ...
(We'll see you later then, Fediel!)

Fediel: If only they'd get a little closer to one another... Yes! This chemistry!

Ugusu: Fediel's not listening.

Kushina: ...
(Definitely not. Let's get going then.)

Ugusu: Yeah!

Shinsha: Hehe.

Nectar: Are you enjoying yourself, Shinsha?

Shinsha: Yes, very much so! I was just thinking, I didn't know a date could be this fun.

Nectar: If you're having a good time, then I'm happy.

Shinsha: Are you... not having a good time, Nectar?

Nectar: I am. When I have your undivided attention, Shinsha, it brings me joy like no other.

Nectar: What I mean to say is, I'm having a good time.

Shinsha: Oh? That's good then!

Nectar: Do you feel lonely without Ugusu and Kushina here?

Shinsha: Hm... I'm happy when they're here, of course.

Shinsha: But I know that the two of them are well and having fun. Plus, we'll see one another again after this.

Shinsha: So I'm just really happy that I get to have you all to myself, Nectar!

Nectar: Shinsha...

Fediel's Voice: Aaah! What are you doing!

Fediel's Voice: That was it! That was your chance to do something bold—but you let it get away!

Shinsha: ...

Nectar: It seems we have attracted a rather bothersome onlooker in Fediel.

I'm willing to bet Kamuzumi, or whatever he is now, made a rude quip at my expense. But no matter, for I am generous and tolerant.

I shall let his trivial comment slide. After all, I was able to witness some excellent moments between him and the girl of the gate.

Fediel: I am thoroughly satisfied! Now, I will return to Alster Island and exchange opinions with the Erune lass!

After spending a lovely time alone with Nectar, all that's left is an enjoyable walk back home.

I truly think that as long as Nectar, Ugusu, and Kushina are with me, even something as simple as going home feels like a party.

Nectar: Shinsha, Ugusu and Kushina are here.

Ugusu's Voice: Heeey! Shinsha! Nectar!

Shinsha: Ugusu! Kushina!

Kushina: ...
(Did you have a good time on your date, Shinsha?)

Shinsha: Yes, I enjoyed it a lot!

Ugusu: Huh? Where's Fediel?

Nectar: Fediel left just a moment ago.

Ugusu: Oh, okay!

Shinsha: How did your outing go today? Was it fun?

Kushina: ...
(We walked around so much, I'm exhausted!)

Ugusu: Yeah... I wanted to look for a bunch of stuff...

Nectar: Did you find what you were looking for, Ugusu?

Ugusu: Yup! Kushina, hand it over to Shinsha!

Shinsha: Huh? You want to give it to me?

Ugusu: Yeah! It's supposed to be a present for you!

Shinsha: Wha!

Ugusu: Ta-da! Here you are, Shinsha!

Kushina gently places something in my palm—something metallic with a complex pattern printed on it.

Shinsha: What's this?

Ugusu: Cookies, packed into a cute tin!

Ugusu: The tin's got bumps and dents here and there, so I thought touching it might be fun for you too!

Shinsha: Yes... It is!

Kushina: ...
(You know how Ugusu has a job delivering letters around the ship?)

Kushina: ...
(He said the first thing he'd buy with the money earned was something for you, Shinsha.)

Shinsha: Oh, Ugusu!

Ugusu: Ehehe. That's 'cause I love you a lot, Shinsha! As much as Nectar does, you know!

Nectar: ...

Kushina: ...
(Now, now, Nectar. You've had an entire day with Shinsha, after all.)

Kushina: ...
(Let Ugusu have his moment here.)

Nectar: Kushina...

Shinsha: Ugusu... Kushina... Nectar, too.

Shinsha: Thank you all for such a wonderful day!

Nectar: You're welcome, Shinsha.

Ugusu: Since Shinsha's got such a big smile on her face, today's a great day for me too!

Kushina: ...
(Hehe. I couldn't agree more.)

Ugusu glides down to perch on Shinsha's knee as Kushina pushes her chair.

And that is how this day, so full of happiness, came to a peaceful end for me—for all of us.

I did not need my power as a former wedge, nor the power from the boundary, to bring about such happiness.

That is why, no matter who or what I may have been in the past...

Even if Shinsha may have had a completely different life in a failed possibility...

None of it matters, because together, we can have all the happiness we need.

And I must be here to protect this happiness. That is what I strongly believe.