=== Alear & Kagetsu === --- C --- [Kagetsu] Divine One! Divine One! [Kagetsu] Since you appear human, I am curious─what are the differences between dragon and human? [Alear] Let's see... We live a bit longer than humans, we're typically stronger and more agile... [Alear] You're right about appearance, though─we look much the same. [Kagetsu] Interesting! Is it also true that you slumbered in the Somniel for one thousand years? [Kagetsu] What was it that woke you, after all that time? Did you tire of sleeping? [Alear] To be honest, I'm not sure. [Kagetsu] I see. And what were you doing before you went to sleep? [Alear] I'm sorry. I don't remember much from before I woke up... [Kagetsu] Hm... A pity. [Alear] You're asking lots of questions, Kagetsu. Why are you so interested in me? [Kagetsu] Why should I not be? We are friends, of course! [Alear] Friends? We've actually not spoken that much... [Kagetsu] To my mind, we have been friends ever since we first spoke. And I like to know my friends! [Kagetsu] Is it not so for you? Do you not want to be my friend? [Alear] No, of course I do! [Kagetsu] Good! Then I would like to know all about you, so we can strengthen our bond. [Alear] So I should get comfortable and brace for more questions. Got it. --- B --- [Kagetsu] Your hair, Divine One─is your style unique, or is it common to all dragon fashion? [Alear] Now that you mention it, I have no idea. I don't actually know much about dragons. [Kagetsu] It seems they are mysteries even to themselves. [Alear] I apologize. You have so many questions, and I have so few answers. [Kagetsu] Not at all! I am happy merely to talk with you. [Kagetsu] In my homeland, it is the Dragons of the East who are worshipped, rather than Divine or Fell. [Kagetsu] That is why I find you so very interesting. [Alear] I had no idea your people worshipped the Dragons of the East! [Alear] I'd love to know more about your homeland. What's it like? [Kagetsu] It is part of the queendom of Solm, but remote. There is not much contact with other regions. [Kagetsu] Our culture is unique and vibrant. But we are quite secluded. [Alear] Is that because your people want to protect their culture from outside influences? [Kagetsu] Perhaps, yes. But they also lock it away! [Kagetsu] I may not seem it, but I was born to royalty. I was trained always to preserve my legacy. [Kagetsu] That meant always being home, thinking only of family. It was sad, never to step outside of that. [Alear] But now you fight with us for a cause you believe in! [Alear] I'm sure your family is proud of you and the difference you're making in the world. [Kagetsu] Maybe so. [Kagetsu] Did you have any other questions for me? I am happy to answer. [Alear] Oh, I sure do. We haven't even discussed the food in your homeland yet! --- A --- [Alear] Thank you for the chat the other day, Kagetsu. [Kagetsu] Exactly what I was going to say! After our talk, I feel our bond has become unbreakable. [Kagetsu] To tell the truth, however, I was rather reluctant to speak too much of my homeland. [Alear] Why is that? [Kagetsu] You said my family back home would be proud of me... [Alear] Yes? [Kagetsu] Those were kind words, but...they were untrue. [Kagetsu] I abandoned my responsibility and my role. I left only written words to explain my leaving. [Kagetsu] Are there any parents who would look proudly on their son for this? I think it is impossible. [Kagetsu] Perhaps they have forgotten me altogether. [Alear] Oh, Kagetsu... [Alear] That just means we have our work cut out for us, doesn't it? [Kagetsu] Huh? [Alear] If you accomplish great things, your family can't help but be proud of you! [Alear] So you'll just have to become a living legend across the land. Nothing to it. [Alear] They can't forget you if your name is on the lips of all the world. And as your friend, I'll help you. [Kagetsu] My friend, the Divine One... [Kagetsu] I had thought one meeting was enough to become friends. I now realize it is not so simple. [Alear] True. Friends are much more than that. They help each other through their darkest moments. [Kagetsu] If that is the case, then our bond of friendship has grown incredibly strong! [Alear] You think so? [Kagetsu] Yes! We were friends from the start, but our bond has grown much stronger over time. [Alear] That's true. It certainly has. [Kagetsu] Indeed. And thanks to that powerful bond, word of our great deeds will be spread far and wide! --- S --- [Kagetsu] ... [Alear] You seem to be deep in thought, Kagetsu. What's on your mind? [Kagetsu] Divine One... I fear that our bond of friendship has weakened. [Alear] Did I do something wrong? I'm so sorry! How can I make it up to you? [Kagetsu] No─it is my fault. [Kagetsu] I understand you now have this Pact Ring, which you will give to your cherished partner. [Kagetsu] I wish to be happy for this person, but however much I try to suppress it, I feel only jealousy. [Kagetsu] Your bond with your partner will be stronger than any bond of friendship. [Kagetsu] I cannot bear to be happy for you because I find myself only wishing that were me. [Alear] Kagetsu... [Kagetsu] That is why I say our bond has weakened. It is because of my selfish jealousy. [Alear] Kagetsu. [Alear] You're being silly. [Kagetsu] No! I am being serious! [Alear] I mean it's silly for you to fret. I was already planning on giving this to you. [Kagetsu] The Pact Ring. Why? [Alear] Because I want you to be my cherished partner. [Kagetsu] You do? Truly? [Alear] Our bond is more powerful than any friendship. I would never lie to you. [Kagetsu] Our feelings are identical? Yes! I am so happy! [Kagetsu] Haha! I have never had greater happiness in all my life! Thank you! Thank you! [Alear] Hehe! No, thank you, Kagetsu! [Kagetsu] First friends, now partners. I think this bond was meant to be. What is next for us, I wonder? [Alear] Family, perhaps? At the very least, I'd love to meet yours. [Kagetsu] Very well. Once I am ready to return home, I will take you with me. [Kagetsu] Until then, , I will work hard to make you proud of me. [Kagetsu] And as your partner, I will devote my life to bringing you happiness. Because I love you!