First Encounter
I went to the plaza to meet my new Journey member, but for some reason, the place was completely empty.
As I sat there spacing out, a blue butterfly caught my eye.
...Huh?
Drawn to it as if under a trance, I followed the butterfly until we finally arrived at our destination.
There, a girl with an otherworldly aura stood quietly.
How are you feeling, Captain?
How am I feeling?
You looked so very tired when I first saw you earlier.
Like someone who hasn't truly slept... in a very long time.
Did I really look like that...?
I pride myself on living a fairly routine life—discipline is essential on the Journey, after all.
As I thought that and tilted my head slightly...
The girl before me tilted her head in the same way, like a reflection in a mirror.
Fufu, it's all right if you don't understand.
We're inside your dream right now, Captain. In a dream, you don't need to find meaning in every little thing you see.
My dream...?
Only then did it strike me—there wasn't a single person passing by.
This should've been one of the busiest streets in NOA, yet there wasn't a soul in sight even in broad daylight.
Yes. While you were sleeping, I may have intruded by accident.
But don't worry. You'll be waking up soon.
Wait.
Yes...?
I want to know your name.
It feels like fate, meeting like this.
I see. I'm glad you asked.
My name is...
Captain! Captain, are you in there? Captain!
I awoke to hear a panicked voice calling me from outside, and opened the door.
Phew... Thank goodness you're still in your quarters, Captain.
I was worried something might've happened to you.
Something happening? That's unlikely.
It's not something to brush off with a smile!
Captain, do you even know what time it is?
A glance at the clock told me I was at least thirty minutes late for my meeting with my Journey member.
W-what?
How's that possible?
Don't just stand there! Get ready!
Your member walked all the way from the plaza to Candle Square's lobby looking for you!
I can change my clothes myself!
I pushed Lisa away before she could pull my pants off, and closed the door.
This had never happened to me before, and I was left completely bewildered...
Yet, for some reason...
I felt more refreshed today than I had in a long time.
When I finally reached the lobby, ushered along by Lisa, I saw the blonde girl sitting quietly in a corner.
Ah. Hello, Captain...
Did you... sleep well?
Sorry I'm late.
I must've overslept for the first time in ages.
Oh, there's no need to apologize. I didn't mean it in a bad way.
Still, you should always make sure to get enough rest.
Otherwise... you won't be able to have good dreams.
Mm, thanks for the advice.
But... your name is...
Oh my, you've forgotten.
Even though I told you back then...
Back then?
Her words stirred a strange sense of deja vu within me.
Come to think of it, I feel like I had an important dream while I was asleep...
Seira.
My name is Seira, Captain.
As I tried to recollect my memories, Seira gently took my hand in hers.
I've... been waiting for this moment to begin our Journey together.
Her hand was so light and soft like a feather—it barely felt human.
It's a pleasure to meet you, Captain.
Yet even so, I found myself nodding instinctively under her gaze.
The same goes for me.
Nice to meet you too.
...There was something about her eyes that felt quietly sorrowful.