Ash Returns to the Sky 6

Natsume: For the greater good... for everyone’s sakes...? Is that how you justify this to yourself?

And are we supposed to thank you for ruining our lives?

I’ll never forgive you.

For hurting me, my family, my friends... everyone I’ve ever loved. For picking us off and killing us underfoot.

Tsumugi: It was a necessary sacrifice, and that sacrifice was kept to a minimum.

What more would you have us do...? It’s not like you were physically hurt, and none of you were actually killed.

It’d be nice if you just gave up and accepted things as they are. That’s really all I can say; there’s no point in apologizing.

No matter how bad things get, you’ll make it through as long as you stay alive.

It’s not possible to climb up from rock bottom every single time... but you know, a person can still find happiness even at rock bottom.

It is hard, though, don’t get me wrong. That’s why Eichi-kun is trying to save as many people as possible before they get to that point.

At least, that’s what I believe.

So even if the whole world turns against Eichi-kun, even if they disparage him, if they throw stones at him—I’ll stand up and protect him, as his friend.

If you hate me so much, Natsume-kun, go ahead and hit me; I don’t mind.

I’m too far removed from it all, anyway... No matter what you do to me, I won’t feel a thing.

Eichi: (......)

(...Oh, I’m in the nurse’s office. I must have collapsed at school, even though I still have to play the part of liberating hero. I still have to keep up appearances.)

(I might just be overexerting myself. The medicine is getting less effective.)

(I’ll die if I’m not careful. Really, what am I doing?)

(At the rate I’m going, I’ll lose my life before I even get out of school... before I grow up and become the idol I’ve always dreamed of.)

(No, I can’t die yet... I don’t want to die, I don’t want to die... I don’t want to die.)

(I have to... I have to keep going... It’ll be fine. I’ll be fine, I’ll be fine...)

(Don’t worry, Keito. This time, I’ll let you write up until the very last moment. I’ll show you that I can have a happy ending.)

Wataru: So, anyway, you wish for me to play the “villain,” yes?

Eichi: ...?! Hi–Hibiki-kun?

Wataru: Oh, my! You treat your costar as a mere stranger! If you intend to be the main character, then you ought to carry yourself with more audacity!

It’s poor form to bring one’s real-life relationships to the stage with them!

Don your mask! Let the role seep into you, and become the character of your story!

You are the hero and I am the villain in this tragicomedy of yours, correct?

Plunge your knife into the heart of evil and bathe yourself in his streams of blood... ☆

Ah, but I am a princess here! Is this your marriage proposal to me, I wonder?

If so, please let me know; I’ll treat you with a kiss overflowing with love and surprises~ ☆

Eichi: Um... I–I’m sorry, but did you need something from me, Hibiki-kun? Are you making arrangements for tomorrow’s live?

Wataru: I am! I get the sense that the script was poorly written; I simply can’t discern the role I’m meant to play!

Naturally, this Hibiki Wataru can perform any role handed to him with confidence!

Alas! even now I know not whether I am meant to die to the stab of a knife, screaming in the agony of death, or if I should greet you with a kiss and a warm embrace!

So I thought I should check, just in case ♪

Eichi: Wh–why are you asking me? You could have asked the more prominent members, like Nagisa-kun or Hiyori-kun... or even Tsumugi-kun, since he’s our manager.

Wataru: Fufufu, I would prefer you not think me an idiot! Shoddy script though it is, I can at least identify the main character!

It is none other than you, Tenshouin Eichi-kun... ♪

Eichi: (Oh, he said my name... He’s been on the other side of the television screen for so long.)

Wataru: Oh, dear. You don’t look so well, hm? Forgive me for causing such a ruckus while you lie in your sickbed!

I do love merrymaking~ That’s why I’ve felt just a bit lonely recently!

Eichi: Of course... because I’ve slaughtered your precious friends, one after another.

Wataru: Indeed. I passed by Rei a while ago, and he seems to have aged considerably.

He told me he intends to watch my performance tomorrow no matter the cost to him, so I would recommend you take care on your way home afterward.

Eichi: On my way home... I admit I haven’t really thought that far ahead; even now, I can’t imagine winning against you.

I wonder what story will unfold after we write “The End.”

Wataru: Please try harder; humanity’s power of imagination is without limit.

By the way, you seem to know quite a lot about me... That’s why you saved me for last?

Eichi: Yes. You’re a proud performer with impeccable skill. During the crucial final act of the play...

I could trust that you wouldn’t cast everything to ruin with arbitrary ad-libbing.

You’ll play the part of the villain, and you will lose, just as it is written.

But Hibiki-kun... the truth is that I really don’t want to see you lose.

Wataru: Shh... you mustn’t say that. If you say that again, I will lose my respect for you.

If you are an idol, then you will tuck those words deep inside your heart.

Eichi: That’s unfair of you, but you’re right. It’s because you’re like this that I can’t help but...

Hibiki-kun?

...He’s gone. I wonder if it was all just a dream. It wouldn’t matter if it was, though.

I’ll see you tomorrow, on stage, in real life... We’ve finally arrived.