Coding & Translation: Panicle
Images: Juchan
★ Soel and Larg: The Adventures of Mokona Minuta is a picture book illustrating the first year of the lives of Soel and Larg, two rabbit-shaped children with a big future ahead of them. They learn many lessons about themselves, others, and the world around them from their creators, a gentle-hearted magician named Clow and a high-spirited witch named Yuuko. As they spend each season of the year with each other, Soel and Larg help Clow and Yuuko come to some emotional epiphanies of their own.
The story takes place in Tokyo sometime between the 1960s and the early 1970s, with some scenes set in the nearby suburb of Tomoeda.
→ <h1>Soel & Larg</h1><<set _show to { start: 0, end: 6 }>>
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<h4>The Adventures of Mokona Minuta</h4>
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<h5>CLAMP</h5>
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<h1>[[★->Good Morning]]</h1>
</div>//Soel and Larg: The Adventures of Mokona Minuta// is a picture book illustrating the first year of the lives of Soel and Larg, two rabbit-shaped children with a big future ahead of them. They learn many lessons about themselves, others, and the world around them from their creators, a gentle-hearted magician named Clow and a high-spirited witch named Yuuko. As they spend each season of the year with each other, Soel and Larg help Clow and Yuuko come to some emotional epiphanies of their own.
The story takes place in Tokyo sometime between the 1960s and the early 1970s, with some scenes set in the nearby suburb of Tomoeda.
[[→->Introduction 2]][[Introduction]]
[[Profiles]]
[[How to Read]]
Chapter 1: [[Good Morning]]
Chapter 2: [[Presents]]
Chapter 3: [[Red and Blue]]
Chapter 4: [[Let's Make Something]]
Chapter 5: [[Even When We're Far Apart]]
Chapter 6: [[How about That One?]]
Chapter 7: [[Okay, How about THAT One?]]
Chapter 8: [[Similarities]]
Chapter 9: [[Somehow]]
Chapter 10: [[Midsummer]]
Chapter 11: [[Greetings]]
Chapter 12: [[Splish, Splash]]
Chapter 13: [[Shh, Shh]]
Chapter 14: [[Farewell!]]
Chapter 15: [[Hello!]]
Chapter 16: [[Daytime]]
Chapter 17: [[A Beautiful Yellow]]
Chapter 18: [[Shining]]
Chapter X: [[Aliens!]]
Chapter 19: [[A Stroll in the Rain]]
Chapter 20: [[Helping Out]]
Chapter 21: [[Getting Ready for Winter]]
Chapter 22: [[Lessons]]
Chapter 23: [[A Halloween Invitation]]
Chapter 24: [[Surprise!]]
Chapter 25: [[Going Forth...]]
Chapter 26: [[...And Coming Home]]
Chapter 27: [[Fluttering, Flying, Falling]]
Chapter 28: [[The Shining Star]]
Chapter 29: [[Decorating the Tree]]
Chapter 30: [[We're Having a Party Today!]]
Chapter 31: [[After the Party]]
Chapter 32: [[The Following Morning]]
Chapter 33: [[Greetings Old and New]]
Chapter 34: [[Our First Dream]]
Chapter 35: [[Our First Mission]]
Chapter 36: [[Scitter Scatter Pitter Patter]]
Chapter 37: [[Anniversary Chocolate]]
Chapter 38: [[We've Got Work to Do]]
Chapter 39: [[Filled with Love]]
Chapter 40: [[The Cherry Blossoms Bloomed!]]
Chapter 41: [[Somehow, Really]]
Chapter 42: [[Zzz...Zzz...]]
Chapter 43: [[A Dream of White Wings]]
Chapter 44: [[Silence]]
Chapter 45: [[Good Morning Again]]
[[Epilogue]]//Soel//, full name "//Mokona minuta Soel//," is the white Mokona! Soel is good at drawing and loves sweet things.
//Larg//, full name "//Mokona minuta Larg//," is the black Mokona! Larg has good handwriting and loves spicy things.
Both Mokona love parties, singing, and good food!
<<linkreplace "What about that guy?">>Clow Reed is one of the Mokonas' creators. The son of a Chinese sorceress and an Englishman, he is credited with developing an entirely new system of magic, and is regarded as the most powerful magician in the world. He lives in the suburb of Tomoeda with his creations, whom he considers to be his children. Clow's hobbies include cooking, reading, and playing pranks on his loved ones.<</linkreplace>>
<<linkreplace "And what about that lady?">>Yuuko Ichihara is the Mokonas' other creator. She runs a store out of her old-fashioned home on a conspicuously-undeveloped lot in the middle of urban Tokyo. Her clients include antique dealers, professional women down on their luck, and the greater population of spirits, demons, and other eerie creatures in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Yuuko's hobbies include drinking, traditional Japanese arts, and watching cartoons.<</linkreplace>>
[[Before you move on...->How to Read]]<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 7 }>> <div class='hide' id='next0'>We open our eyes, and it's dazzling.
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Flickering through the light, a black-haired woman and a black-haired man come into view. The man is wearing glasses.
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Huh? How come we know what "glasses" are?
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"You two are //Mokona minuta//," the woman says.
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//Mokona minuta//.
//Mee-noo-ta?//
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"We made you, but you were originally based on a creature that named itself 'Mokona.'
So 'Little Mokona,'" the man says.
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[["Mokona." What's a "Mokona?"->Good Morning 2]]
</div>It's the day after we first opened our eyes.
Two people are standing here, smiling at us.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 6 }>>
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One of them is the woman with the long hair, Yuuko.
The other is the man with the glasses, Clow.
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We've already learned their names!
Clow and Yuuko.
They're holding something in their hands. Something gold with a red stone, and something silver with a blue stone.
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<<linkappend "What could they be?!">>
"These are magical tools," Yuuko says.
"They're sealing tools," Clow says.<</linkappend>>
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Magic? Seals?
[[What are those?->Presents 2]]
</div>We got a red stone and a blue stone to wear in our ears.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 6 }>>
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Hey, look! There's something written inside them!
You're right. There's something written there.
What could it be?
It sort of looks like a pair of symbols.
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Symbols...what kind of symbols?
That's it. We'll go ask Yuuko and Clow.
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Hey, Yuuuuuuko!
"What's up, Soel?"</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Hey, Cloooooow!
"What is it, Larg?"</div>
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[["Look, these things in our ears have something written in them!"->Red and Blue 2]]
</div>Yuuko and Clow live in different houses.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 6 }>>
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We live in Yuuko's house.
The two of us, Soel and Larg, together.
Sometimes we go over to Clow's house to play.
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We take naps with Yue,
and we play tag with Kerberos, too.
We talk with Clow and Yuuko about all kinds of stuff, too.
Clow teaches us things with his gentle voice.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Soel, Larg.
The two of you can each do many different things, so your lessons will also have to be different."
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[[We see...->Let's Make Something 2]]
</div>Yuuko and Clow teach us all kinds of new things every day.
Studying is hard but fun.
Today's lesson is going to be different from usual.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 6 }>>
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Soel is going to Clow's house.
Larg will stay in Yuuko's house.
What's going on?
We're separated. What kind of lesson will this be?
</div>
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"Well, you two can talk together even when you're far away from each other!
Kind of like using a telephone."
We see! Can we call anybody we want?
"No, it's just between you two, Soel and Larg."
Just between the two of us...
</div>
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[[It's like a secret conversation!->Even When We're Far Apart 2]]
</div>It's sunny and warm!
We're walking and walking along.
Sometimes we hop up and down.
It's a beautiful day.
We're having fun and going on a journey together.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 6 }>>
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Oh. We've discovered something on top of the wall.
<<linkappend "What could it be?">>
It's a cat!
Huh! A cat!<</linkappend>>
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Yuuko loves cats!
Clow likes them, too.
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How about we take it home as a souvenir?
A souvenir! Good idea.
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[[But...->How about That One? 2]]
</div>We're still walking.
Walking and walking along.
Soel and Larg, walking together hand-in-hand.
As we're walking, we come to a stop in a wide open space.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
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We know! This is a park!
It's filled with trees. The grass is rustling in the wind.
You know, Clow said that the neighborhood dogs like to come and gather here after they've had their walks.
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[[The dogs don't walk alone, you know.->Okay, How about THAT One? 2]]
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We're here!
We're here.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
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This is Yuuko and Clow's favorite place.
They said before that they love to watch the sunset from here.
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Even though they don't always agree with each other...
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...they're the same in that they both like the view of the sunset from this hill.
That's what Yuuko told us.
Clow smiled when he heard her.
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It really is beautiful.
It's so beautiful!
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We love this beautiful sunset, too!
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[[We're the same.->Similarities 2]]
</div>We sat under a tree on top of the hill,
and had a long discussion about how to take the sunset home with us.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
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But we couldn't come up with any good ideas.
We held each others' hands and started to get sleepy.
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Somehow, we ended up dozing off!
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This is no good!</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
We have to get up and think of something.
The sunset's already turning the color of the night sky.
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It's pretty how the orange and grape colors mix together.
But they're breaking up, too.
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[[This is no good...->Somehow 2]]
</div>It's hot today.
Days like today are called "high summer."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
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Yuuko taught us that during the summer in Japan, you send things called "midsummer greetings."
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"Midsummer greetings." That sounds neat!</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
[[We'll try to send one, too.->Midsummer 2]]
</div>It's hot today, too.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 10 }>>
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Yue told us what kinds of places are cool in the summer.
Kerberos told us what kinds of places are warm in the winter.
</div>
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So both of us have gotten good at finding comfortable places!
We wanted to tell Yuuko, so we said,</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
<em>Allow us to guide you to the coolest place in our humble abode, madame.</em>
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So we took Yuuko into her treasure room.
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"There aren't any windows, so it's actually kind of hot in here."
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So you may think!</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Try plopping yourself down.</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
There's a breeze coming through the crack in the door.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
"Oh, so there is!"</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
[[But wait, there's more!->Splish, Splash 2]]
</div>A cat came to Yuuko's house today.
It was raining, so it probably came here for shelter.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
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Whenever a cat or a bird or any kind of animal comes to their houses, neither Yuuko nor Clow will chase them away.
If they're wounded, or if they're hungry,
they'll treat their injuries or give them food, but...</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Whenever they come to wander around or just happen to pass by,
they'll leave them be.
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The cats in particular like to have their own way the most, Clow told us.
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Yuuko said, "So that means Yue always gets to have his own way, right?"
Clow gave a cheerful laugh at that.
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Look at this cat here.
How can we let it do its thing?
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[[Let's observe!->Shh, Shh 2]]
</div>Today, we had a send-off.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 11 }>>
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It's because Summer is going away, you see.
It has to leave for other places soon.
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Yuuko told us that it's summertime while Summer is here.
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Summer...</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>is heat, isn't it?</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
It's not like Spring, which spreads warmth all around you.</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
But it's not like Winter, which shakes you with the cold.</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Summer is itself.</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
It's when the sky shines,</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
And the clouds drift away,</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
And the wind is hot.
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[[And you feel light, somehow.->Farewell! 2]]
</div>It was a little sad when we sent off Summer,
but Fall was right behind it.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Hello! You just arrived, right?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Fall...</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>is the breeze, isn't it?</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
The wind is cool, and the sky stretches on forever...it's really nice.</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
You know, Fall is Yuuko's favorite season!
She says it's when food and drinks taste the best.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
We love Fall, too.
We love Spring and Summer and Winter, too.
We're really happy that we get to live in a place where we can see all four of them.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[...->Hello! 2]]
</div>We're taking a bath with Yuuko.
We asked her why we were taking a bath while it's still light out.
Yuuko looked bright and cheerful and said, "It's the absolute best during the daytime!"<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Whee! We love taking baths.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
The bathtub in Yuuko's house is made out of a wood called "cypress."
It smells really nice.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
The one in Clow's house is slippery and super wide.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
[[We like them both!->Daytime 2]]
</div>
Once we made our wish on the reflection of the harvest moon,
the yellow Moon on the surface of the water suddenly got softer.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
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The yellow lightened to white,</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
and the round circle of the Moon stretched out and changed...
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<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Huh?</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
What?!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Is this a rabbit?!
We both got so surprised, we shrieked in shock!
</div>
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"Oh! A moon rabbit."
A rabbit from the //Moon,// Yuuko?
"That's right. It's a messenger from the moon."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[What's this in its paws?->Shining 2]]
</div>
Whenever it rains, we can't go outside.
We play inside, since we'd just get wet under the rain.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
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Playing inside is fun,
but we both want to see what the city is like when it rains.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
When we told Yuuko, she smiled and said,
"Okay. I'm going to make you something special that'll let you go outside on rainy days."
Hooray! What's going to help us go out in the rain?</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"You'll just have to wait and look forward to it! I'll have it ready for you by the next time it rains."
Got it.
We're looking forward to it. We'll wait!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
So excited...so excited...so excited!!</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
[[Rain, please come sooner!->A Stroll in the Rain 2]]
</div>
Yuuko and Clow like to play games with each other.
Sometimes they've met up together for it,
and sometimes they haven't.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
One game they often play is chess.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
They like it because they can play together even when they're far apart.
</div>
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Sometimes we help them out with their games, too.
They both have their own chess sets at home.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
That is, they each have their own, but they're the same kind of set.</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
In order to let us help them play together...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
[[Clow and Yuuko made their own kind of chess.->Helping Out 2]]
</div>It's gotten cold recently.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
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Yuuko and Clow were telling us that's because winter is coming closer.
</div>
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Winter is //cold.//</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
The wind blows, and it feels like ice.
The air becomes dry.
</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>
Winter...</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
has its own pace.</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
It takes its time coming. It takes its time going.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
When winter comes, all the flowers and trees grow quiet.
The cats and the dogs we play with get a quiet feeling, too.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[...->Getting Ready for Winter 2]]
</div>
We live in Yuuko's house,
but we often go to Clow's house and spend the night, too.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Whenever we stay over at Clow's house,
we always play together with Kerberos and Yue!
But today's a lesson day, so we'll be patient and wait until it's over.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
There's a big room filled with books in Clow's house.
It's called a "library."</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Feel free to read whatever you like!"
Thank you, Clow!
But where can we even start?</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"Wherever you want. If you see a book that looks good to you, you're welcome to read it."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Okay, got it!
[[How about this one?->Lessons 2]]
</div>
We read lots and lots of books in Clow's library.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
It's still going to be a while before we can read the book that's waiting for us,
but we've woken up quite a lot of other books!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
And you know what?
In one of those books, we read about something called "Halloween!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Halloween is on October 31st.
It's the eve of "All Saints' Day."</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
The ancient Celts considered it to be the last day before the new year.
And it's said that on Halloween, the souls of people who've passed away will wake up and come home!
It's like Obon here in Japan.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"That's right! You've done a lot of studying, haven't you."
Yuuko laughs while drinking her tea.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
[[This is the perfect time for tea.->A Halloween Invitation 2]]
</div>"It's been a little boring these days, huh," Yuuko was saying.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We love it whenever Yuuko's happy,
so we talked about how we could make her boredom go and fly away.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
What to do?</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
What could we do to make Yuuko laugh?</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
What could we do to make the boredom fly away?</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
That's it!</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
//Teatime.//
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
It's a time of delicious cakes, and good tea, and fun conversations.</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
Our snack today was going to be senbei.
The senbei goes into that light brown bowl over there.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
//But not today.//</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
We're going to give Yuuko a surprise!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next10'>\
[[Mission Success...?->Surprise! 2]]
</div>"Do you want to go on a picnic?" Yuuko asked.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"As for where, hm...how does a forest sound?" Clow asked.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
A picnic!
We've never been on one.
What kind of picnic will it be?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"You can go wherever you want to go -- fields, mountains, the sky's the limit."</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
That sounds like fun! Will we be bringing anything?
How will we get there?</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"By foot! Would you like to go?"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
We want to go!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[The two of us are going on a picnic!!->Going Forth...2]]
</div>We're home!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We're hooome, Clow!
"Welcome home, Soel, Larg."</div> <div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Yuuko, we're hooome!
"Welcome home! How was the picnic?"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
It was super, super fun!</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Clow, when we were in the forest, we saw all kinds of fruits and mushrooms that we read about in a book from your library!
Look, look! We brought some back for you as a souvenir!
"They look delicious! Thank you."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Oh, oh, and something else!<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Yuuko, when we were in the forest, we saw a bunch of birds and animals you told us about that we'd never seen before!
We became friends with everybody and played together!</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[Oh, I see...->...And Coming Home 2]]
</div>Night has fallen, and we're just about to go out with Yuuko.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
She said it's because she's got to get ready for something at Clow's house.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
When we begged her to let us go together, she said,
"Of course!"
and picked us up and took us along.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
The road is dark in the night.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
It's Winter now, so we have to say "Goodbye!" to the Sun earlier and "Hello!" later.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"It's been warmer than usual this winter, but it's supposed to get pretty chilly today."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Yeah. It's cold.</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Yuuko, are you okay?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
"I'm fine! I've got gloves and a coat on, see? How about you two?"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[We're fine, too!->Fluttering, Flying, Falling 2]]
</div>We made our way to Clow's house.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"Come in!"</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Before we can ring the doorbell, the door opens and Clow comes out to meet us.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Good evening, Clow!
"Good evening, Soel, Larg!
"You must be cold, Yuuko. I've got a fire going in the fireplace, so shall we go into the living room?"</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"I want to warm up my insides, too, so some mulled wine would be great, thanks."
"It's already set up."</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Clow laughs cheerfully as he takes Yuuko's coat.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
When we tell them that they really seem close,
Yuuko tilts her head and asks, "How so?" Clow just laughs.</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Huh? But why?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
We really, really do think that you're close...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[It's warm inside the house.->The Shining Star 2]]
</div>The Christmas tree is on display in the living room in Clow's house.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
There isn't anything on the tree yet, but we're working on decorating it now.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Yuuko, Clow! This is really fun!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"I'm glad to hear that. Here, there are still some ornaments left."
Got it, Clow!</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"We'll hang the star on top of the tree for you, okay?"
Got it, Yuuko!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
But why is it that we're decorating the tree for Christmas?</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"There are many theories behind that. One is that it's to call out the spirit of the tree, while another is that it's a symbol of how Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit... Every land and every era likely has had its own reason, but I'm sure people in the past were fully aware of what and whence they were."</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"Trees have a particular power in them, that's why."</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
"Evergreens in particular, as their leaves don't fall in the winter."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[Evergreens...->Decorating the Tree 2]]
</div>December 24th is here!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
It's going to be //Christmas!//
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
We read all kinds of books in Clow's library and learned everything about Christmas.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
But, you know, in the end...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
We think that Christmas is the day we're going to enjoy with everybody we love -- Yuuko, Clow, Kerberos, and Yue.
When we told them, both Yuuko and Clow smiled at us kindly.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
So that's why we're having a party today!
[[A Christmas party!->We're Having a Party Today! 2]]
</div>The Christmas party has ended!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We loved seeing everybody have fun all day long.
We loved seeing our loved ones be happy.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Yuuko was drinking even more than usual...</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Clow was making even more delicious food than usual...</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Both Yue and Kerberos played with us...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
It was super, super fun!</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
But not matter how fun it is, it really does have to come to an end.</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
What a shame, huh? When we told Yuuko and Clow we were sad,</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
they gave us stockings.
Woolen stockings, one for each of us.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[What could these be?->After the Party 2]]
</div>
Good morning...!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
It's already afternoon when we open our eyes.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
We played aaall throughout the day yesterday at the party,
so it looks like we ended up sleeping late.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
The Sun is high above our heads.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
If it's at that point in the sky, it must be past 1 o'clock, right?
Clow was the one who taught us how to tell time by the position of the Sun!</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Oh! That's right!</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
The stockings we hung up by our pillows!</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Ohmigosh!!!</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
There's something inside!</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
There's something inside both of our stockings!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
What could they be?! What could they be?!</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
[[We pull them out of our stockings, and...!->The Following Morning 2]]
</div>"So, it's a new year," Yuuko says.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"We're going to have a new calendar starting today," says Clow.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Which means...</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Let's get you both dressed up," they say together.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Today is January 1st.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Clow and Yuuko told us about this.</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
When the new year comes, you're supposed to keep one new thing on yourself.
Anything's fine.
Socks, or a handkerchief, or clothes, too, of course.
A ribbon in your hair is good, too.</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
After that! You should also have something that you used a lot over the past year.</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
With those, you pray to "greet the new year with the new,
and spend many more years with the old and true."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[That's what they say.->Greetings Old and New 2]]
</div>Good morning, Yuuko!
Good morning, Clow!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Um, um, um, we had our first dream of the year!</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
We had the same dream. We were in it together.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Just like you taught us, we put slips of paper under our pillows with the following words:
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"In the long, long night / In a deep, deep sleep / May my eyes be opened /</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
To a ship in the waves / To the sweetest of sounds."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
In old-fashioned Japanese, it's //"Nakaki yo no / too no nehuri no / mina mesame / naminori hune no / oto no yoki ka na."//</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
That's something called a palindrome! We read about it in a book!
The syllables are the same whether you read it forwards or backwards.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[Oh, oh, but about the dream!->Our First Dream 2]]
</div>Yuuko asked us to go on a mission for her.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
She said there was something she wanted delivered to an antique store a little far away from here.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Could you do that for me?"</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Of course! We're always happy to help you, Yuuko.
What do you want delivered?</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"You remember those special mochi from New Year's? The little round things?"</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Yeah! Clow made rice cakes covered in soybean flour, then he tucked some red bean paste in each one,
and then he made a ton more!
They were super delicious!</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"I want you to deliver //those// to the antique store."</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Oh, we know what that is! That's called sharing your good luck with others, isn't it?
"That's right! You know a lot, don't you."</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
We read it in a book.
"Simply remarkable."</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
Ehehe. Yuuko ruffles both of our heads.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next9'>\
"So can you do it?"</div><div class='hide' id='next10'>\
[[We can do it!->Our First Mission 2]]
</div>Today is Setsubun.
It's the day we scatter beans around!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
You see, when you scatter the beans, you drive away disasters!</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Oh, and you have to completely roast the beans first, or else they're no good.
That's because you don't want them to sprout after they've fallen on the ground.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
In other words, it's as if you don't want the sprouts of disasters to pop up.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Yuuko and Clow taught us about it, so we've scattered a bunch of beans!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Umm...when you scatter the beans, you're supposed to say, "Fortune in, demons out," right, Yuuko?</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"Yes, you are. But, you know...it's a little different in our house. Right, Clow?"</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"Right. You say 'Fortune in, demons in too' when you scatter the beans, don't you?"</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
Huh? Really?</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
"Both fortune //and// demons are welcome in our house!"
Yuuko laughs as she speaks.</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
"Because whether they're good or bad, having as many customers as possible is fun!"</div><div class='hide' id='next10'>\
It is! It's better to have lots of different people come and play with us, isn't it.</div>
<div class='hide' id='next11'>\
[[Fortune in, demons in too!->Scitter Scatter Pitter Patter 2]]
</div>Today is February 14th.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We found out that today is Valentine's Day!
So we went to tell Yuuko while she was sprawling out on the couch in the living room, and she said,</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Oh, yes. I know that very well,"</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
in a glowing voice.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
That's right! We read it in a book.
But, you know, there's something we don't understand.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"Hm? What is it?"</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
So, in //this// book...
It says that Valentine's Day has a religious connection, but...
In //this// book,
It says that it's a day for giving things to the people you love.</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Oh, but //here,// it says that it's when girls give chocolates to people they have crushes on.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[Which one is right?!->Anniversary Chocolate 2]]
</div>We've got to hurry, we've got to hurry!
It's going to be March 14th soon.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
March 14th, you know, it's //White Day!//
Clow told us that.
It's the day you give out return gifts for Valentine's Day.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"It doesn't exist yet, though."</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Yet?</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"Right. It's a holiday that will come to be in the future."</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
That's kind of weird. Oh well, it sounds like fun!</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
We want to try celebrating it. Can we?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"Of course."</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
Yaaaay!</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
Clow gave us that delicious fondant au chocolat on Valentine's Day,
so we're both going to celebrate White Day, the holiday-that's-not-yet-a-holiday.</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
[[But...->We've Got Work to Do 2]]
</div>We did it, we //did// it!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Our White Day present!</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Our thank-you for Valentine's Day!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
We made marshmallows together.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
The vanilla-flavored marshmallows are Soel.
The chocolate-flavored marshmallows are Larg.</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
We drew on faces just like ours!
The decorations on the foreheads are tiny candies.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
We put them in a pink bag and tie it tight with a ribbon.</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
And just one more thing.</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
The peach blossom branch we picked on the mountain.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
We read in a book from Clow's library that there's a legend saying peach blossoms ward off ill will!</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
[[It's tucked in here with the ribbon, too.->Filled with Love 2]]
</div>
Somehow, we're really tired.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We think maybe it's because Spring is here and it's warm,</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
But no matter what we're doing, we're super tired.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Whether we're playing together outside,</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Or sitting on Yuuko and Clow's laps,</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Or eating dessert,</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Or reading our very favorite books,
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
We're just really, really tired.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
We were thinking that maybe we just weren't getting enough sleep,
so we went to bed early, but...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[We're still tired.->Somehow, Really 2]]
</div>Tiredtiredtired...<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
The sun is high in the sky...</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
But we can't keep our eyes open...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Yuuko and Clow are watching over us with the kindest faces...</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Somehow it's really relieving...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Can't...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
... ... ... ... ...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
... ... ... ... ... ... ...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[→->A Dream of White Wings]]
</div><div class='shine'>
Deep blue.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Pale light.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Oh, this is one of those dreams where you know it's a dream.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
We fell asleep,</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
And now we're having the same dream.</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Since it's a dream, we can somehow understand all the things surrounding us.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
The far-off blue is space-time.</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
The flickering lights are many worlds.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
So...</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
This white feather floating up and down...</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
What could it be?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next10'>\
[[★->A Dream of White Wings 2]]
</div>
</div><div class='shine'>
<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
[[Just a little while longer...->Silence 2]]
</div>
</div><div class='shine'>
We had a long, long dream.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We dreamed that all these white feathers flew away.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Guide lights scattered all over, here and there.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
And after them--
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Black.
Blue.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
And then green.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
And washing over it all, a warm and gentle color like cherry blossoms.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
As we're dreaming,</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
We both somehow come to understand what we have to do.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[And we've been woken up.->Good Morning Again 2]]
</div></div>Coding & Translation: Panicle
Images: Juchan
<<link "★">><<script>>
// Set up our variables.
var tag = tags().filter(function (tag) { return tag.startsWith('Chapter'); })[0].toLowerCase();
var src = 'illustrations/' + tag + '.png';
// Set up the dialog and open it.
Dialog.setup('');
Dialog
.wiki('<img src="' + src + '">')
.open();
<</script>><</link>>
<<nobr>>
<strong>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter1")>>Chapter 1: Good Morning<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter2")>>Chapter 2: Presents<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter3")>>Chapter 3: Red and Blue<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter4")>>Chapter 4: Let's Make Something<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter5")>>Chapter 5: Even When We're Far Apart<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter6")>>Chapter 6: How about That One?<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter7")>>Chapter 7: Okay, How about THAT One?<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter8")>>Chapter 8: Similarities<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter9")>>Chapter 9: Somehow<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter10")>>Chapter 10: Midsummer<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter11")>>Chapter 11: Greetings<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter12")>>Chapter 12: Splish, Splash<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter13")>>Chapter 13: Shh, Shh<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter14")>>Chapter 14: Farewell!<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter15")>>Chapter 15: Hello!<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter16")>>Chapter 16: Daytime<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter17")>>Chapter 17: A Beautiful Yellow<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter18")>>Chapter 18: Shining<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter19")>>Chapter 19: A Stroll in the Rain<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter20")>>Chapter 20: Helping Out<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter21")>>Chapter 21: Getting Ready for Winter<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter22")>>Chapter 22: Lessons<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter23")>>Chapter 23: A Halloween Invitation<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter24")>>Chapter 24: Surprise!<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter25")>>Chapter 25: Going Forth<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter26")>>Chapter 26: And Coming Home<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter27")>>Chapter 27: Fluttering, Flying, Falling<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter28")>>Chapter 28: The Shining Star<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter29")>>Chapter 29: Decorating the Tree<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter30")>>Chapter 30: We're Having a Party Today!<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter31")>>Chapter 31: After the Party<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter32")>>Chapter 32: The Following Morning<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter33")>>Chapter 33: Greetings Old and New<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter34")>>Chapter 34: Our First Dream<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter35")>>Chapter 35: Our First Mission<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter36")>>Chapter 36: Scitter Scatter Pitter Patter<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter37")>>Chapter 37: Anniversary Chocolate<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter38")>>Chapter 38: We've Got Work to Do<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter39")>>Chapter 39: Filled with Love<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter40")>>Chapter 40: The Cherry Blossoms Bloomed!<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter41")>>Chapter 41: Somehow, Really<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter42")>>Chapter 42: Zzz...Zzz...<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter43")>>Chapter 43: A Dream of White Wings<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter44")>>Chapter 44: Silence<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("Chapter45")>>Chapter 45: Good Morning Again<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("ChapterX")>>Chapter X: Aliens!<</if>>
<<if tags().includes("epilogue")>>Epilogue<</if>>
</strong>
<</nobr>>[[Table of Contents]]
[[Glossary]]
[[Publication Info->Introduction 2]]
[[Credits & Notes]]<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>><div class='hide' id='next0'>Psst!</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
We've been learning about the Moon.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Yuuko told us that there's something called a "harvest moon."
She said it's when there's a really, really pretty moon.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
The Moon is always beautiful, but this is when it's even more beautiful.</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Wow...
We really want to see it.</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
When we asked Yuuko about it, she said,
"Well, then, let's go moon-watching tonight!"</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"We'll get Clow and the others, too. I'll tell them to bring some snacks along."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[Hooray! We're going moon-watching with everybody!->A Beautiful Yellow 2]]
</div>CLAMP"It looks just like you. Just a little bigger, though." <<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"Let's give you each your own names," says the man with the glasses.
"Right, let's," says the woman with the long black hair.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
//Names.//</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
What kind of names will we get?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"How about 'White Bean' for the white one, and 'Black Bean' for the black one?" the woman says.</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"No, Yuuko, I honestly don't think that's a good idea."</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"Oh? You got a problem with my taste in names, Clow?"</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"My reason is that names have a certain power to them, right? Let's give these two powerful names."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[Power. What's power?->Good Morning 3]]
</div>"You are <div class='glow'>MOKONA MINUTA SOEL</div>."
"You are <div class='glow'>MOKONA MINUTA LARG</div>."
<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
The white one is Soel.
The black one is Larg.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"It's nice to meet you!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Yeah. It's nice to meet you, too!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
[[→->Presents]]
</div>So Soel gets the red stone,
and Larg gets the blue stone.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 6 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
They match the gems on our foreheads.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Have you taken a liking to them?"
Yeah! We like them a lot.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Thank you, Yuuko and Clow.
We're really happy.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
This was our first present.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
[[→->Red and Blue]]
</div>
"Those are runes," Yuuko says.
These symbol-looking things are //roons?//
"Every character has its own meaning," says Clow. "Those runes are //particularly// powerful."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 3 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
//Power.//
That's what you said what you gave us our names, wasn't it?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Yuuko takes one of us onto her lap.
"Mm-hm. You two are going to need this power someday."</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Clow takes the other onto his lap.
"Right. You're going to meet two special people in the future, and your power is going to be essential to helping them."
[[Is that so!->Red and Blue 3]]
</div>
"Well, not just two people. To be exact, there'll be four."
Oh, Yuuko's petting me. I'm happy.
"That's right."
Oh, Clow's petting me. I'm happy, too.
Two people. Well, no, four people.
We're looking forward to meeting them.
But...<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 6 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
For now, it's nice to sit here on their laps and get petted.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
[["Oh, if it isn't already time for lunch."->Red and Blue 4]]
</div>"Clow, go and get that special sake you were talking about earlier!"<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 8 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'> "Drinking at this hour, are we? You're as dashing a gentleman as ever, Yuuko."</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>"It'd taste even better in the guest room! Go get Yue and Kerberos, let's start a drinking party!"</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>"Yue doesn't drink at //all.//"</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>"It's the ambiance, Clow, the //ambiance//. Besides, Kerberos drinks, right?"</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>"Hm, he'll take a little, but he'd rather have dessert."</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>"Well, then, you drink Yue and Kerberos's shares. As your punishment!"</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>"Punishment for what?"</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>"Rules are rules!
All right, time for the drinking party."
[["Mokona, you two are invited, too!"->Red and Blue 5]]
</div>Okay.
We'll drink some, too!
We jump from their laps with a //boing!//<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 6 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Our earrings ring like bells.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
[[→->Let's Make Something]]
</div>What can I do?<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 7 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
What can //I// do?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"You'll learn that at your own pace starting from now,"
Yuuko answers with a laugh.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Okay.
We'll do our best.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"We'll start your lessons beginning tomorrow."
In that case, can we just play today?</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"Of course. But don't get into anything dangerous, okay?"</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Okaaaaay.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[Let's go play together!->Let's Make Something 3]]
</div>
Something pretty would be good...
Something with a pretty color...
Something with a pretty sound...
Something pretty.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 6 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Something we can make together.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Once it's done, we'll give it to Yuuko and Clow.
We wonder if they'll like it!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
[[And the present is...->Let's Make Something 5]]
</div>"Mokona..."
What is it, Yuuko? How did you like the present?
"It was a very nice present," Clow says.
That's good. We're happy, too!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 6 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"But what in the world did you mix up to make this?"
We threw in all different kinds of things from Clow's room.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Oh, I see.
You made this purple jiggly thing in Clow's room."
Jiggly?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Oh, dear. You went and put aether in it, didn't you."
[[Eh-thur?->Let's Make Something 6]]
</div>"First of all, this isn't your fault.
It's Clow's fault for putting those kinds of things out in his study."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 8 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"The materials I have in there aren't dangerous so long as you don't mix them together!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Well, even so, it's your fault!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Yuuko and Clow are talking.
It sounds like a serious conversation.
But when we stare at them, they both turn and look back at us.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"Thank you, Mokona," they say, laughing.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
What a relief.
We glance at each other's faces,
and we break out laughing, too.</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
We'll try to make you a present again, Clow and Yuuko.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[→->Even When We're Far Apart]]</div>Ehehe.
This sounds like it'll be fun.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 6 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"Here, go and try talking, Larg."
Okay, Yuuko.
What to say...
That's it! This is like a telephone, so I'll start like this!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
''Hel-looooo! Hel-loooooooo!''
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Oh. It's Larg's voice!
"Why don't you try answering him, Soel?"
Okay, Clow.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
[[Hel-looooo! Hel-loooooooo!->Even When We're Far Apart 3]]
</div>Oh. It's Soel's voice.
"Good, it looks like it came through."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
''Yuuko looks like she's happy!''
''Clow looks happy, too.''
''I'm glad.''
''Me, too.''
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Talking together is fun. We can talk to each other no matter how far apart we are.
Let's try it out some more!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
''Psst. Clow was just saying that Yuuko drinks too much!''</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
''Yuuko, Clow said that you drink too much.''
"//Excuse// me?"</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
''Psst. Yuuko was just saying that Clow is a four-eyed snake!''</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
''Clow, Yuuko said that you're a four-eyed snake.''
"Hahaha, is that so..."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[Psst!->Even When We're Far Apart 4]]</div>''Know what else? Clow says he's wondering if he ought to stick some medicinal herbs in Yuuko's drinks and water them down a bit!''<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 6 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
''Know what else? Yuuko says this time, she's thinking of hiding Clow's glasses. Maybe in the attic or something!''
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Oh. Yuuko's laughing.
But it looks like her forehead's wrinkling up into an angry shape.
Oh. Clow's laughing.
He looks a little upset, but he seems to be happy, too.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Talking together is fun!
We can hear each other's voices, no matter how far apart we are.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Let's have a secret conversation again!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
[[→->How about That One?]]
</div>
But Clow said,
"Yue is just like a cat."
So...is Yue a cat?
Clow already has a cat, so maybe something different would be good as a souvenir?<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 6 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Probably.
Yeah.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
The kitty is cute, but we're going to look for a different souvenir.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Well then, Kitty.
See you later!
See you later.
If we meet again, let's play, okay?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
[[Meanwhile...->How about That One? 3]]
</div>
"Wonder where Soel and Larg have gone off to."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 7 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"The two of them can walk fairly quickly, can't they?"</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"They can hop even faster than they walk!
Oh, but other than that, I hope they're not taking in too much while they're outside."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Are you worried they're going to run into something dangerous?"</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"No, it's not that. Don't you get frustrated when they're seeing interesting places you can't?"</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"I thought as much."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"At any rate, we ought to search for them."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[→->Okay, How about THAT One?]]
</div>
Um...they walk together with people.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Clow told us that that's called being "housemates."
In a book we read, it said that the people are called "owners," but when we told Clow and Yuuko about it, they both said,
"They live their lives together, so it's better to think of them as 'housemates.'"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
For some reason,</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
We like the feeling of "housemates" more than "owners."
Ehehe.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
So in that case, Yuuko is our housemate.
Clow is Kerberos and Yue's housemate!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
[[Oh!->Okay, How about THAT One? 3]]
</div>
It's true! There //are// dogs in the park.
It looks as if they've gathered together and are talking to each other.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 12 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
They're coming over here!</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
The dogs' housemates don't seem to have noticed.
They've gathered together and are people-talking to each other.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
All right, let's go say hello to the dogs!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Hello!</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Hello!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Would you like to play with us?</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Yaaaaaay!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
Ahaha, that tickles!</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
I like to fluff up their fur!</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
It's so high up when they let you get on their backs!</div><div class='hide' id='next10'>\
Running together is so much fun!</div><div class='hide' id='next11'>[[This is great!->Okay, How about THAT One? 4]]
</div>Do you think the dogs would agree to be souvenirs?
Our souvenirs for Clow and Yuuko!
Both Clow and Yuuko love dogs just as much as they love cats.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Oh, but that's no good. The dogs already //have// housemates.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
What a shame.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Okay, we'll look for another souvenir.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
But...</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Dogs, if we meet again, let's play together, okay?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
[[Later that day...->Okay, How about THAT One? 5]]
</div>
"These are definitely their tracks. Looks like Soel and Larg were here in this park."
"People often stop by this park as they're out walking their dogs, but it seems as if there weren't any problems."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"For now, at least, nobody's discovered them."
"I'd been hoping to take them out to this park for some time. They told me they wanted to play with the dogs."
"If they wanted dogs, you could have just taken them to your house."
"Kerberos isn't a dog, Yuuko."
"He's a little like one."
"Ahahaha. When you say 'a little,' do you mean 'a lot?'"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Even though you already told them you'd take them here, they...say, Clow?
Were there any other places they said they wanted to go?"
"Hmm. Now that you mention it..."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
[[→->Similarities]]
</div>We're the same!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
The two of us have come to like the same thing Yuuko and Clow like.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
This is called "being on the same wavelength."
Clow taught us that.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
The beautiful sunset.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
The sunset our loved ones love.</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
If only we could make it into a souvenir...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
But you can't take the sunset home, can you?
I wish we could.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
What can we do...?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
Let's think of something together.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[→->Somehow]]
</div>We have to stay awake!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
But...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Somehow...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
[[The souvenir...->Somehow 3]]
</div>
<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>><div class='hide' id='next0'>Huh?</div>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We're rocking.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
We still can't open our eyes very well,
but we can see the sky and the ground rolling behind us even though we're not walking.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Huh?
Huh?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
It's Yuuko and Clow.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
They're carrying us in their arms. Soel with Yuuko, and Larg with Clow.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"I knew they would be up on that hill," Clow says.
"We were looking for you," says Yuuko.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[Hey, guys...->Somehow 4]]
</div>
We went on a journey together.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We wanted to get a souvenir for you.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
But...</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Even though we found a lot of good things,
we couldn't bring any of them home.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
So that's why...<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
...we didn't get anything.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
We're sorry.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
It gets quiet, and Yuuko and Clow pet us.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
"You really wanted to bring us something home as a souvenir?"
They're petting us very gently.
Yeah, but we didn't get //anything.//</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[["But you did get something."->Somehow 5]]
</div>"Soel, Larg, you got just the right thing."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We did? What is it?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Letting us hear all about the things you did on your journey today."
"That's the best of souvenirs."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Can a story really be a souvenir?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"It can be a wonderful souvenir!"
"I know both Yue and Kerberos will definitely love it."
"Of course, the two of us will, too."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
We're so happy to hear that.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
[[We got just the right thing.->Somehow 6]]
</div>After we get home, we'll tell you all about it!
So many things happened on our journey.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"So, Clow. Now that's settled, some snacks with drinks would be great, thanks."
"Ahahaha. I had a feeling you were going to get to drinking."
Clow and Yuuko look like they're having a good time.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
We hope we can make it even better for them with our souvenir.
We hope we can make them smile.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
[[→->Midsummer]]
</div>
The letter from Clow came!
His midsummer greeting came!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Yue and Kerberos are in it, too.
Clow wrote the letter.
He made it just for us!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
[[We're so happy!->Greetings 2]]
</div>Yue wrote something on the back, too!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
He wrote,
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Hot."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
[[Sounds like he's really hot.->Greetings 3]]
</div>Kerberos put his pawprint on it! He smacked his paw down like a stamp.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
This is great!
We sent a midsummer greeting for the first time,
And we got one for the first time, too!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
We really are happy.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
We'll treasure this forever.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Thank you, Yuuko.
Thank you, Clow.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
[[→->Splish, Splash]]
</div>
This thing's super nice and cool!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"Wow. This tub is really nostalgic."
A happy expression comes across Yuuko's face.
<<linkappend "Is that what that's called? A tub?">>
"Yes, it is. You fill it up with water and so on.
This one's a little different from your average tub, though."<</linkappend>></div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
<<linkappend "How is it different?">>
"If you fill it with cold water, it'll never get lukewarm.
I got it as payment for a previous job."<</linkappend>></div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Wow. That's amazing!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"It sure is! To thank you for showing me a cool place, I'm going to let you swim in this tub."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Yaaaaaay!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"Now would you two please carry it into the garden?"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[Okaaaaay!->Splish, Splash 3]]
</div>Hup, hup!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We're bringing the tub to the garden.
We fill it with water from the well.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Now hop on in. Enjoy your pool!"
We sure will!</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
@@.pulse;//Splish//@@ @@.pulse;//splash//@@ This is fun!
</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
@@.pulse;//Splish//@@ @@.pulse;//splash//@@ This is great!
</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
The treasure room was our favorite summer place,
but now it's inside this tub!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
That's it!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Next time, we'll invite Yue and Kerberos to the pool with us!</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
"...Well, I'm not sure if the size of the pool is right. But the mental image sure is."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[→->Shh, Shh]]
</div>We try to quietly follow the cat.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Oh!</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
It went into our room!</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Oh...it flopped down and curled itself up.
Oh...its tiny little eyes closed.
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Has it gone to sleep?
Has it come here to go nighty-night?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
What a nice kitty.
We want to pet the kitty.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Hey, Kitty, can we pet you?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[Nyaa.->Shh, Shh 3]]
</div>
Yaaaaaay.
It's best to be gentle.
We're soooo happy.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Shh, shh...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Prr, prr..."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Shh shh shh...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"Prr prr prr..."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
It's so fluffy and warm...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Hey, Kitty.
Is it okay if we take a nap with you here?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[Meow.->Shh, Shh 4]]
</div>Yaaaaaay.
We're good at petting, so it let us!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Yuuko and Clow pet us all the time,
so we know where and how it feels best.
We just did the same for our friend!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
It looks like the cat enjoyed it,
so we're glad.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Nighty-night.
Nighty-night, Kitty.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
But...</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Petting you was really nice,
so can we do it just a bit more?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
[[→->Farewell!]]
</div>But Clow told us that Summer has its own highs and lows, too.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
He said whenever there are summer days that never get warm,
it's because Summer isn't feeling well.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Whenever there are summer days that are unbearably hot,
it's because Summer's spirits are running high.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Thank you, Summer.
Thank you for coming here!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
We can't wait to see you again next year!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
[[...Huh?->Farewell! 3]]
</div>Even though Summer has gone away...<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
It's still hot!
It's just like summer!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"A lost child, huh?"
Huh? Who got lost, Yuuko?</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Summer did. I met it a little while ago around the corner."
Really?! That's great, Clow.
We can still see Summer!</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"Man, Summer seriously has a bad sense of direction.
It thinks it's left when it's actually come right back."
"But Winter often comes back, too, doesn't it?"
"Winter tends to forget stuff at home, which is why you get those cold snaps when Spring's here."</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Oh, so //that's// it.
Is Summer still here?
We can probably go and meet it.</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
And give it another send-off!</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[→->Hello!]]
</div>We can only be with Fall for a short time,<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
But while it's still here,
Let's do all the things we can only do this time of year!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
It's nice to meet you, Fall!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
[[→->Daytime]]
</div>"And you can't have a daytime bath without //this!//"
Yuuko comes in with a bottle of sake.
Woo-hoo! Larg loves sake.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We like to see Yuuko when she drinks, too.
She just looks so happy.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
A daytime bath!
And a daytime drink!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
It's different from usual, but it's super fun.
Next time, we'll try it at Clow's house!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
[[→->A Beautiful Yellow]]
</div>When night came, everybody gathered in Yuuko's garden for a party.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We ate special dumplings called //dango//, and drank a lot, and sang songs.
It was a lot of fun!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
And you know what?</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
The Moon really //was// extra beautiful.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
What a beautiful, beautiful circle.</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
What a beautiful, beautiful yellow.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Wow...</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[We wish we could have the Moon.->A Beautiful Yellow 3]]
</div>"That would be a little hard," Clow laughs.
Why?
"Because the moon belongs to everybody, you know."
Really?
Then we shouldn't take it.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"But if you want to borrow it, you can."</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Borrow the Moon? How?</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Bring me that tub over there."
Okaaaay!</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"It's filled with water, yes?"
Yup, it is!<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"All right, place it over there..."
Yup! All done!<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"...and take a look inside."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[In the middle of the water in the tub...->A Beautiful Yellow 4]]
</div>
There's the beautiful yellow moon.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Its reflection is flickering on the surface of the water together with the beautiful night sky.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
It's amazing. It's absolutely amazing, Clow!</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Oh, a water mirror, huh?"
Yuuko peers into the tub.
"You know, if you make a wish on the reflection of a harvest moon, it'll come true."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Really?!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
The beautiful Moon can grant our wishes!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Okay!</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[Let's wish for something together!->A Beautiful Yellow 5]]
</div>
Oh, Moon...<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Please let our loved ones be happy.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Please watch over them from the sky.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
[[→->Shining]]
</div>It's holding something that looks like a wooden stick.
What could it be?<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"It's a mallet used for making mochi."
Wow! That's an amazing rabbit, Clow!</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"There's a harvest moon tonight, so moon-based magic is much more powerful than usual. As such, this fellow came out of the reflection of the moon in the water."
Why did the moon rabbit come here?
"Why don't you try asking it?"
Okay, we will!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Hey, Mr. Rabbit. Why did you come here?
Huh? Because you want to teach us how to make mochi?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Yuuko lets out a joyful laugh.
"That's fantastic.
The moon rabbit's mochi is the most delicious you'll ever taste!"
Clow smiles brightly.
"I'm glad for you two. This means the moon has taken a shining to you."
</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
[[Really?->Shining 3]]
</div>The rabbit eagerly nods its head.
Hooray! We're so happy!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
The Moon loves us, so we love the Moon, too!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
We can't wait to learn how to make mochi with the moon rabbit.
This will be so much fun!
We'll make tons and tons, and then everybody will eat together.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Thank you so much, Moon.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
[[→->A Stroll in the Rain]]
</div>The night after the day after the next day, it rained.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
The rain we were looking forward to! The rain we were waiting for!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Yuuko, Yuuuuuko!
Did you finish the thing that'll help us go out in the rain?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Yes. Here, behold!"
What is it?
"An umbrella.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>But it's a little different from a regular umbrella.</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
You see, if something like you two Mokona was seen walking around, everybody would be shocked! It'd be total pandemonium."</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Yeah. Yuuko and Clow told us that back when we took our journey.</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"So because of that, I made this umbrella so that whenever you're under it, no one will be able to see you."
That means that under this umbrella, nobody will find us?</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
"That's right. And now you can take a stroll in the rain for as long as you want."
That's amazing. Thank you, Yuuko!</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[Can we pretty please use it now?->A Stroll in the Rain 3]]
</div>"Of course. Take care and come home soon!"<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We lift up the umbrella and go out on our stroll.
Our stroll through the city at night.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
The city is sparkling under the rain.
The leaves, the flowers, the trees -- everybody seems happy.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
The city's face is completely different from when the sun is out.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
...Hey, you know?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
We both love the Sun,
but we've come to love the rain, too.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
[[There spread a rumor afterwards...->A Stroll in the Rain 4]]
</div>"Oh, and Soel and Larg stopped by the house yesterday. Carrying a red umbrella. You made that for them, right, Yuuko?"<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"Yeah. They told me they wanted to go outside in the rain, so..."</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"It looked like they adored it. They were showing it off to Kerberos and Yue, too."</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Oh, really? The rain has been nonstop recently, so they've been going out for walks with that umbrella every evening."</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>"It's a pretty little umbrella.</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
...by the way, Yuuko?"</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"What is it, Clow?"</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"Have you heard the rumor that's been going around lately?"</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
"What rumor?"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
"They say on rainy nights,</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
you can see a red umbrella bobbing along the street, with no one underneath it."</div><div class='hide' id='next10'>\
"... ... ...Huh?"</div><div class='hide' id='next11'>\
"There's been a growing uproar over 'ghosts' in the neighborhood."</div><div class='hide' id='next12'>\
"... ... ...//Huh.//"</div><div class='hide' id='next13'>\
"The Mokona are hidden while under the umbrella, but if anything were perhaps to //happen// to it...?"</div><div class='hide' id='next14'>\
"... ... ... ... ... ...//''Oh.''//"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next15'>\
[[→->Helping Out]]
</div>It's a chess set with pieces shaped like us.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
'Cause we can talk to each other no matter how far apart we are.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Soel learns what Clow's doing from Larg.
Larg learns what Yuuko's doing from Soel.
We each tell each other everything.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
But!</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
We never, ever call a game!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
[[Yuuko and Clow have fun, anyway.->Helping Out 3]]
</div>Yuuko says, "It's not as if we have fun just because we win or anything like that."
Clow says, "You see, Yuuko and I almost never let our games come to an end."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
It doesn't matter who wins?
"Yup!"
It doesn't matter when the game ends?
"Right!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"When you think about it this way, playing the game itself is the fun."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
They laugh, giving the same answer at the same time.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
(We thought it was kind of cool,
how they were both laughing and having a good time together after saying that.)
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
This is neat!
We want to try and play chess.</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
[[We want to try and play a game together with the people we love.->Helping Out 4]]
</div>When we told them that we wanted to learn how to play chess, too,
they both got even happier.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"Sure thing! Soel, I'm going to teach you all about my surefire way to win at chess," says Yuuko.
"Of course! Larg, I'll teach you all of my chess strategies," says Clow.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
This is so great!
Once we learn everything we can,
we'll all be able to play chess together!</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
And we can make things even more fun for everyone!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
[[→->Getting Ready for Winter]]
</div>"That's because winter's the season for resting and getting ready."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
What does that mean, Yuuko?</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"All throughout the long winter, the animals are at rest. Meanwhile, they're doing all kinds of things to get ready for the spring."</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Getting ready for spring... The long, dark winter...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"But the wintertime has its many joys, too."
What does that mean, Clow?</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"Because it's so cold during the winter, you won't have as many chances to step outside. As such, you should discover all you can do //inside//."</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
All the fun things we can do inside... The long, happy winter...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
They both told us that it's going to get even colder from now.</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
When it's cold, our paws freeze, and our cheeks burn,</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
But we love winter all the same.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next9'>\
That said, it's better to be even a little warm than it is to be cold!</div><div class='hide' id='next10'>\
[[We're going to help Yuuko and Clow get ready for winter!->Getting Ready for Winter 3]]
</div>We're going to knit them scarves.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
That way, they won't mind going from the warm house into the cold outside!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
We're going to make Yuuko and Clow each their own scarf.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Fluffy scarves! Warm scarves!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
We hope they can have fun no matter how cold it gets over the long winter.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
We hope they can be happy.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
[[(A winter gift.)->Getting Ready for Winter 4]]
</div>
"So...did you get one? From Soel and Larg?"<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"A scarf, yes. The two of them sent it to me."
"I got one, too."</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"It made me very happy. They were telling me about how they knit them by hand."
"Oh, yes. But, uh...</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>...Why do they //match?"//
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
[[→->Lessons]]
</div>
The cover is so pretty.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Oh, but this is no good. We can't understand it very well.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Well, then, I'll take care to hold onto it for you.
If you work your way up from books you can read now,
you'll be able to read the more difficult ones in no time."
Really?</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Yes, really!
Until you can, this book will be waiting for you here in this library."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
The idea of the book waiting for us makes us happy.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"You know, all books are waiting for someone to come and read them.</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Until then, they stay sound asleep,</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
waiting for the person who'll open them and wake them up."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[Clow smiles as he speaks.->Lessons 3]]
</div>"So for that reason, whenever Yue and Kerberos aren't here with us in the world, they also sleep on the covers of a book."
You're the one who wakes Yue and Kerberos up, right, Clow?<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"For now, yes."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
When Clow says that, he smiles softly with a gentle expression on his face.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
A gentle and loving expression.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"But in the not-too-distant future,</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Yue and Kerberos are going to fall into a deep, deep sleep...</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
...so that they can wait for the person who will open the book and wake them up."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
That person isn't going to be you?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
"No..."<div><div class='hide' id='next8'>[[It won't be.->Lessons 4]]
</div>"There are many meetings in this world, and many partings, too.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
These are //not// just between human beings.
So because of that, even after they've parted ways with me, I want the ones I've loved to meet new, good people...and to be happy."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Clow is gently looking somewhere far into the distance.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Somewhere far, far, far away.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Hey, Clow?</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"Hm?"</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
We're both happy that we got to meet you and Yuuko.</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
And we're sure Kerberos and Yue feel the same way.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
"Thank you."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
Clow smiles at us kindly.</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
We love him so, so much.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next10'>\
[[...->Lessons 5]]
</div>
This is how Clow and Yuuko teach us important things that aren't written down in books.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
This is a valuable lesson, too.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Well, then. Let's get started on your lessons."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Okay.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
While we can't read the book we picked out yet, we're going to do our best.</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Book, please wait here for us.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
[[→->A Halloween Invitation]]
</div>The Twine version of //Soel and Larg// was built using Sugarcube 2.0. Images are courtesy of [[Juchan->https://juchanx3.tumblr.com/]], who scanned her own copy of the Portuguese edition of the book.
Thank you to [[Jai->https://cardcaptorcoconut.tumblr.com]] for her invaluable help in proofreading the story and providing translation advice.
Common words in Japanese that have become widely recognized in English (e.g., //obi//, //furoshiki//, //makizushi//) have been left untranslated with explanatory notes in the [[glossary->Glossary]]. Because honorifics rarely occur in the book, they have been omitted entirely. Full names are given in Western format, with family names following given names.
If you have any questions concerning this book or this translation, please feel free to contact me on my [[blog->https://rispen-hortensie.tumblr.com/]].
[[Now let's get started!->Profiles]]We're having our tea with a cake Clow baked for us.
Kerberos delivered it!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Clow is amazingly good at cooking.
The things he makes are always delicious!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Sa-ay. You two wouldn't happen to want to eat even //more// desserts from Clow, would you?"
We do! We really, really do!</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"In that case, do you want me to call up Clow and the others and throw a //Halloween party?"//</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
A party?! You can have parties on Halloween, //too?!//
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"Yup. And you get to dress up in costumes. You walk around with a lantern made out of a pumpkin while saying, 'Trick or treat?' That basically means, 'If you don't give us candy, we'll pull a prank on you!'"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
That sounds like fun! We wanna try, we wanna try!</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"Well, then, I'll lay out everything for the pumpkins and the costumes. Oh, and yeah, we'll write out an invitation, too. And--oh, but it'd be boring if we sent them out the usual way, right?!"</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[Yuuko's got a big grin on her face.->A Halloween Invitation 3]]
</div>Yuuko grins and laughs.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We love the expression on her face whenever she's like this.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
It's the face she makes whenever she's thinking up fun things to do.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Oh, and something else.
I've got a special 'Birthday Celebrations for the Whole Family' calendar here!</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
In the space between October 28th and October 31st,
there's a picture of a pumpkin with bat wings carved into it.
If we punch it out, we can make it into an invitation!</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Hm, I wonder if they'll realize what it is.
This is exciting, isn't it?"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
It sure is!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
We really hope they recognize the invitation!
We're so excited!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[→->Surprise!]]
</div>
"And so...
You hid yourselves inside the sweets bowl, am I right?"<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
That's right!
Were you surprised, Yuuko?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"...Yeah.
If by 'surprised' you mean 'stunned.'"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Yuuko, weren't you saying that you were bored?</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
That's why we were thinking of surprising you!</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
How'd we do? How'd we do?
Did your boredom fly away?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"Thank you, guys. It flew right out the window."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Ehehe!
[[We're glad!->Surprise! 3]]
</div>"But that said.
It's okay if it's just me, but there's a chance that customers will open containers and stuff around here, so don't hide yourselves in them anymore."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Why?
Wouldn't that make the customers' boredom fly away, too?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Far from just their boredom.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
You'd surprise them so much, their //hearts// would fly right out of their bodies!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
[[→->Going Forth...]]
</div>
"Well, you've been waiting for this for some time, so how about a forest that's a little farther away?"<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
After Clow says that, he and Yuuko begin to @@.fade-in-out;recite@@ something.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
@@.fade-in-out;A strange pattern appears beneath their feet.@@</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
What are these?!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
@@.fade-in-out;"Magic circles!"@@</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
The patterns are different for Clow and Yuuko, aren't they?</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
@@.fade-in-out;"Because we use different magic systems, that's why!"@@</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Each of the two magic circles is just as pretty as the other.</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
When the two of them finish @@.fade-in-out;reciting the spell@@,</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
@@.rumble;a giant hole gapes open in the walls of Yuuko's house!@@</div>
<div class='hide' id='next9'>\
On the other side of the gap, we can see a sea of green trees.</div><div class='hide' id='next10'>\
"Now, then, off with you two!
You'll be safely connected to this gap until you come back home."</div><div class='hide' id='next11'>\
Thank you, Yuuko and Clow!</div>
<div class='hide' id='next12'>\
[[Okay, we're off!->Going Forth...3]]
</div>We travel through Yuuko and Clow's strange gap and find ourselves on our first picnic.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
The forest is full of trees,</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
so it's nice and shady and cool.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Is anything here?</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Is //something// here?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Our hearts are beating fast.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
But,</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
we've got the lunch Clow made for us, so everything's going to be all right.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
Our first picnic...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
We're going to find lots of fun things to do,
and we'll let Clow and Yuuko ask us all about it!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next9'>\
[[→->...And Coming Home]]
</div>"Was this blue snake here one of your playmates?"<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
That's right! The snake carried us back all the way to the exit!</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Thank you for doing that, Snake.
Here's some sake as gratitude. Feel free to share it with everybody back in the forest."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Thank you, Snake!
Let's meet again!
We wave goodbye to Snake.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
@@.rumble;The gap Clow and Yuuko made closes shut.@@</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Their magic circles disappear, too.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Hey, you know what?</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
That really, really //was// fun!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
There were lots of living creatures we never knew about before!</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[There were lots of things we never knew about before!->...And Coming Home 3]]
</div>"That's really great. Do you want to go again?"
Yeah! We wanna go!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"Well, then, how about we send you to the ocean next time?"</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
The ocean! We've never gone there! We wanna go!
What is it like?!</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
The ocean we've seen in books was sparkling and shining and beautiful.</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"And not just the ocean, you know.
Go out and see that forest again. Go out and see all different kinds of places!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Okay! We'll go!</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
All different kinds of places...</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Places we've never been before...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
What will we find?</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
What will we do?</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
We're looking forward to it!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next10'>\
[[Afterwards...->...And Coming Home 4]]
</div>"Both Soel and Larg seemed like they enjoyed themselves, eh, Yuuko?"<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"I'm glad. From here on out, the two of them are going to keep on going to many new places and seeing many new things."</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"It's important for them to take it all in, right? The red and blue stones we gave to them as earrings when they first woke up -- 'strength,' 'sealing' -- they need to learn how to use their powers for when the right time comes..."</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"Because while Soel's the only one who'll be going on the journey, Larg's got something to do on his own, too."</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"I feel sorry for them, that they're going to have to be far apart from each other despite being so close...</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>Don't you?"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
"Yeah, I do. But even so, the two of them can meet in dreams, since they share such a deep, deep connection."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
"Just like all the worlds of the universe..."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next9'>\
[[→->Fluttering, Flying, Falling]]
</div>
But tell us if you get cold, okay, Yuuko?<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We'll help keep you warm together!</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Eheehee. Thank you."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Huh?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Did you feel something cool on your cheek just now?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Look up at the sky.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Huh? What?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Something white is fluttering and flying and falling toward us.
It's cold when you touch it.</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[What is this?->Fluttering, Flying, Falling 3]]
</div>
"It's snow."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Snoh. Is it different from rain?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Snow is rain in a different form. When rain freezes in the sky, it falls down like this!"</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Wooow. So this is rain in disguise!
This is so, so cool.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
We love the rain, but we love the snow, too.
It's beautiful both in and out of disguise.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"It'll have piled up tomorrow."</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Huh?</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"The snow."</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
The snow!!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
"If it does pile up, let's have a snow fight at Clow's house."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next9'>\
[[A snow what?->Fluttering, Flying, Falling 4]]
</div>
"I'll tell you tomorrow on the battle grounds."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Okay! We'll do it!</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Together with Kerberos and Yue!</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Ee-eh...Kerberos would be happy to do it, but Yue probably won't budge from in front of the fireplace."</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Really? But it seems like so much fun.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"Oh, yes. I love snow fights, too!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Yuuko loves snow fights...</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
But Yue won't do them...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
We wonder what it'll be like?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
We're looking forward to tomorrow!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next9'>\
[[→->The Shining Star]]
</div>Orange sparks scatter as the firewood crackles and sings in the fireplace in the living room.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Clow and Yuuko are sitting down in chairs.
Yuuko's already on her second glass of mulled wine.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Hey, what kind of preparations did you have to make today at Clow's house?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Christmas preparations," Yuuko answers.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Krismas?</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
What's that?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"It's come to be seen as the birthday of an important person, but it's unknown when he was actually born," Clow says.
We don't really know, but we celebrate it, anyway?</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"Right. But the reasons why people celebrate the day itself differ from person to person."
So it's okay to celebrate it however you want?</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
"If you're not religious, that is. That's fine by me, anyway," says Yuuko.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[Huh...->The Shining Star 3]]
</div>Christmas is somebody's birthday.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
But nobody actually knows whether or not his birthday was on //this// day.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
//Buuut// all kinds of people celebrate it for all kinds of reasons as a holiday.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Yuuko grins and laughs. "So anyway, I guess Christmas was about Christmas trees all along."</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Christmas //trees?// What're those?</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"You take a fir tree, right? And then you decorate it!"</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
With paper slips with wishes written on them?</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"That's Tanabata, dear."</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
Oh, so they're different.</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
"You decorate a Christmas tree by hanging ornaments on it and so on.</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
Just like this one!," Clow says, showing us a beautiful star.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next10'>\
We're going to decorate a tree with this! Wooow!</div><div class='hide' id='next12'>\
"There's a lot more where that came from! We were thinking, you know, that this year we were going to leave decorating the tree up to you guys."
"I have all different kinds of ornaments set up for you!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next13'>\
[[Hooray! We want to try and make a beautiful tree together!->The Shining Star 4]]
</div><<message 'Soel and Larg'>>Soel and Larg's names are derived from two letters in the runic alphabets of early Germanic languages, //sowilō// (ᛋ) and //laguz// (ᛚ). While CLAMP romanizes these runes as "Soel" and "Larg," a more accurate romanization based on the Old English pronunciation of the runes would be //Sigel// and //Lagu// -- which you can actually see in the close-up illustration of the runes in Soel and Larg's earrings in [[Red and Blue]]!<</message>>
<<message 'Mokona minuta'>>In Japanese, Clow and Yuuko refer to Soel and Larg as //Mokona modoki// (モコナ=モドキ), which loosely translates to "mock," "pseudo," or "imitation Mokona." //Modoki// is a common element in Japanese bird and plant names, such as //ume modoki// (ウメモドキ, Japanese winterberry or "false plum") and //kamakiri modoki// (カマキリモドキ, mantidfly or "false mantis").
While //Mokona fallax// and //Mokona falsa// are the most accurate translations of //Mokona modoki//, I opted for //Mokona minuta// ("Minor" or "Little Mokona") to maintain the alliteration of the original.<</message>>
<<message 'The original Mokona'>>The original Mokona first appeared in CLAMP's fantasy series //Magic Knight Rayearth,// which starred three young women battling for the fate of the magical realm of Cephiro. While Mokona was initially the series mascot, it was later revealed to be the god that created Cephiro in the first place. Clow and Yuuko discovered the existence of parallel dimensions in a chance encounter with Mokona.<</message>>
<<message 'White Bean/Black Bean'>>The two Mokona bear more than a passing resemblance to //manjū//, traditional Japanese sweets made out of flour and rice powder kneaded into soft round buns. Yuuko attempts to follow her stomach by naming the Mokona //Shiroan// (白あん, "white bean paste") and //Kuroan// (黒あん, "black bean paste").<</message>>
<<message 'Runes'>>Soel and Larg's earrings contain the runes representing their names, //sowilō// and //laguz.// As noted in the entry for "Soel and Larg" above, the Old English pronunciations of these runes -- that is, the pronunciations Clow would be most familiar with given his English heritage -- are //sigel// and //lagu.// While the runes are Germanic, CLAMP most likely chose them for their meanings in the context of the Taoist concepts of //yin// (陰) and //yang// (陽). Many of CLAMP's illustrations featuring Soel and Larg rely heavily on yin/yang imagery.
//Sowilō// (ᛋ), the s-rune, means "sun," coinciding with the //yang// attributes of openness, brightness, and positivity.
//Laguz// (ᛚ), the l-rune, means "water" or "lake." Because yin is associated with water along with the attributes of seclusion, darkness, and negativity, CLAMP possibly chose //laguz// in the absence of a singular Germanic rune indicating "dark" or "moon."<</message>>
<<message 'Two special people'>>Clow is most likely referring to Syaoran and Sakura, the protagonists of //TSUBASA RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE// and alternate-dimension versions of the main characters of //Cardcaptor Sakura//.<</message>>
<<message 'Yue'>>Yue is one of Clow's creations. His name is derived from the Chinese character for "moon" (月), referencing his alignment with moon-based magic. While he has a dour, taciturn personality, he holds a deep love and loyalty toward his creator. He also gives insightful relationship advice.
Yue made his debut as an antagonist and later a supporting character in //Cardcaptor Sakura.//<</message>>
<<message 'Kerberos'>>Clow created Kerberos alongside his "brother" Yue. Kerberos, who draws his power from the sun, takes his name from the three-headed dog who guarded the gates of Hades in Greek mythology, referencing his role in protecting all of Clow's other creations. He has a childish, comical personality, and tends to prioritize eating and sleeping over his duties. Kero is willing to provide invaluable emotional support and brutal honesty when necessary.
Kerberos is the main mascot character for //Cardcaptor Sakura//, where he is better known by his nickname, "Kero."<</message>>
<<message 'Midsummer greetings'>>//Shochū mimai// (暑中見舞, "midsummer greetings") are customary greeting cards sent to friends and family during the hottest months of the year. The cards are a form of commiseration over the unbearable summer heat.<</message>>
<<message 'The cat'>>The white cat in this chapter is based on CLAMP's Scottish Fold Kogane, who passed away in November 2013 at the age of 16. Kogane and her older sister Kakyō (see entry "Nyantoro Panyang Banthi" below) made repeat appearances in CLAMP's side works throughout their lifetimes.<</message>>
<<message 'Dango'>>//Dango// (団子) are small round rice dumplings prepared with a variety of colors, fillings, and toppings depending on the season. Soel and Larg are eating //tsukimi dango// (月見団子), which are traditionally served piled in a pyramid on top of a plate or a special wooden stand for offerings (三方, //sanpō//).<</message>>
<<message 'Moon-watching'>>//Tsukimi// (月見, "moon viewing") is a popular fall celebration similar to the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival held every year between September and October. Many people celebrate Tsukimi by displaying pampas grass, sake, and seasonal produce as offerings while eating special dishes (including tsukimi dango).<</message>>
<<message 'Moon rabbit'>>The moon rabbit is a common figure in myths and folktales across Asia and the Americas. In Japanese folklore, the rabbit is constantly pounding mochi (see entry below).<</message>>
<<message 'Mochi'>>Mochi are round dumplings made out of pounded rice flour. The traditional method of making mochi requires a two-man team, with one person whacking the rice flour with a mallet while the other flips the dough in tandem.<</message>>
<<message 'Nyantoro Panyang Banthi'>>This domineering alien who looks like a cat, talks like a cat, but isn't actually a cat is based on CLAMP's beloved pet Kakyō, who passed away in March 2012 at the age of 17. Kakyō starred in a book of her own, //Kakyō's World Domination Diary// (//Kakyō no chikyū seihuku nikki//), published by Kodansha in May 2002.
Nyantoro Panyang Banthi, the protagonist of //Kakyō's World Domination Diary//, is an alien conqueror locked in rivalry with the cat-people of Planet Nyanyek. In her attempt to conquer Earth (among many other aliens trying to do the same thing), she finds herself living with [[four women in Japan->https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clamp_(manga_artists)]].<</message>>
<<message 'Bon Festival'>>//Obon// (お盆) is a late-summer holiday celebrated between the middle of July and early September depending on both the lunisolar calendar and the region. It is a Buddhist festival centered on visiting and caring for the graves of one's ancestors, ensuring for them a peaceful afterlife by expressing gratitude and remembrance. The holiday is also celebrated by many different folk dances across Japan.<</message>>
<<message 'Birthday Celebrations for the Whole Family!'>>Readers on the [[SALooN CLAMP BBS->http://chronicle.tsubasa.to/saloon_bbs/clamp/bbslog/99.htm]] have speculated that this is a reference to an official calendar containing the birthdays of CLAMP characters, which CLAMP posted to their 15th Anniversary website in 2004. Since the website has been long offline, I opted for a more general translation that echoes popular family and school calendars.<</message>>
<<message 'Senbei'>>Senbei (煎餅), rice crackers, are a common snack across Japan. They come in many sweet and savory varieties.<</message>>
<<message 'Tanabata'>>//Tanabata// (七夕), also known as the "Star Festival," is a summer holiday held between July and August. Tanabata is celebrated with large street festivals, and in Hokkaido, children go from door to door at local businesses for candy and other treats, much like Halloween in the United States. Soel and Larg are confusing the idea of hanging ornaments on the Christmas Tree with the common Tanabata practice of writing wishes down on paper and hanging them from bamboo leaves.<</message>>
<<message 'Oshōgatsu'>>//Oshōgatsu// (お正月) is a five-day holiday celebrating the New Year. Though it was originally celebrated on the same day as the Lunar New Year (see entry below), the Meiji government (1868 - 1912) mandated that it be celebrated on January 1st of the Gregorian calendar beginning in 1873 as part of its larger Westernization efforts. There are many special customs and foods associated with the holiday, and celebrations vary depending on each family and region. Soel and Larg are reciting a traditional New Year's greeting.<</message>>
<<message 'Obi'>>Obi are sashes used to tie kimono. Yuuko most likely received these elaborate, beautifully-made obi from a mentor or close friend.<</message>>
<<message 'Lunar New Year'>>The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the new year in the traditional Chinese calendar, also known as the "Xia calendar" and the "old calendar." It is the largest holiday of the year in China and Chinese communities across the world. Due to the calculation of the lunisolar calendar, the date of the Lunar New Year varies between January 21st and February 20th. Because Oshōgatsu was originally celebrated on the same date as the Lunar New Year, many of the beliefs and practices surrounding the two holidays are similar.
<</message>>
<<message 'First dream'>>The term for one's first dream of the year in Japanese is //hatsuyume// (初夢). The dream is supposed to indicate how lucky (or unlucky) the coming year will turn out to be.<</message>>
<<message '"In the long, long night..."'>>Soel and Larg are referring to a well-known palindromic poem dating to the Muromachi period. The poem is associated with //hatsuyume//, or one's first dream of the year (see the entry above). The original classical Japanese is as follows:
なかきよの
とおのねふりの
みなめさめ
なみのりふねの
おとのよきかな
The syllables read the same from left to right and from right to left ("na-ka-ki-yo-no...").<</message>>
<<message 'Furoshiki'>>//Furoshiki// are square or rectangular pieces of fabric used to wrap up objects for either easy transport or gift-giving.<</message>>
<<message 'Setsubun'>>//Setsubun// (節分), celebrated on February 3rd in Japan, is a traditional festival intended to welcome in spring and usher out the old year. Soel and Larg are taking part in //mamemaki// (豆撒き, "bean scattering") in order to drive out wandering spirits -- though Yuuko, who owns a store catering to wandering spirits, puts her own twist on the custom.<</message>>
<<message 'Makizushi'>>//Makizushi// (巻き寿司, "rolled sushi") has become a mainstay of Setsubun celebrations across Japan. Makizushi features ingredients such as egg, cucumber, bamboo shoots, pickled radish, and //kanpyō// (dried gourd shavings) rolled up in rice and seaweed. As you can see in this chapter's illustration, the rolls are normally eaten whole for good luck.
Yuuko alludes to the fact that eating makizushi on Setsubun is not exactly "traditional:" the Osaka Seaweed Sellers Association began to heavily market makizushi as a holiday food in 1977. Author Nanase Ohkawa was born in Osaka in 1967, which means makizushi was most likely a feature of her childhood.
The original title of this chapter, "Makimaki pakupaku," can be literally translated as "roll-roll, chomp-chomp."<</message>>
<<message 'Fondant au chocolat'>>//Fondant au chocolat//, also known as //coulant au chocolat//, //moelleux au chocolat//, and molten chocolate cake, is a light and fluffy chocolate dessert with a warm, liquid center. The origins of the cake are a mystery, though it was almost certainly invented sometime during the second half of the twentieth century. Celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten claims to have invented the dessert in 1987, roughly two decades after the events of //Soel and Larg//.<</message>>
<<message 'White Day'>>White Day, celebrated on March 14th throughout East and Southeast Asia, is the result of the confectionary industry's successful attempt to make Valentine's Day sales twice per year. The National Confectionary Industry Association of Japan originally marketed the holiday as a way for men to thank women for Valentine's Day gifts. As Clow remarks, common White Day presents include marshmallows, white chocolate, and cookies, along with other gifts that are not appropriate to mention in front of children.
In 1973, Tokyo-based confectionary companies Eiwa and Fujiya launched a joint marketing campaign, //Merci Valentine//, encouraging consumers to buy marshmallows and other sweets a month after Valentine's Day. The first White Day was officially celebrated in 1978.
Clow is using his powers of divination to forsee the first celebration of White Day, which is our clearest indication that this story is set in either the 1960s or the early 1970s.<</message>>
<<message 'Hanami'>>//Hanami// (花見, "flower viewing") is a popular spring pastime with roots in the court culture of the Heian period (794 – 1185). Many people in Japan enjoy //hanami// parties when cherry blossoms bloom nationwide between March and April, and the season has become a massive draw for international tourists. Contemporary //hanami// get-togethers focus more on good food and drink than on the flowers themselves.<</message>>
<<message 'The feather'>>The feather Soel and Larg see in their dream is one of many scattered across the multiverse. The plot of //TSUBASA RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE// is centered on a journey to gather these feathers and knit the worlds of the multiverse together.<</message>>"Oh, that's right. While we're talking about Christmas, there's one more thing."
While Yuuko asks Clow for a stronger drink this time around, she sends a look our way.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"Santa Claus, right?" Clow says, as he stands up to get the scotch he had //also// already set aside.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Santa Klaws?
What's //that?//
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"We-ell, that's...well, to put it as simply as possible, he's a nice old man...who gives presents to good kids?"</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Woah! He gives out //presents?!//</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"On the night before Christmas, he delivers presents to all the children while riding in a sleigh pulled by reindeer."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Woooow!
If you're good, you'll get presents!</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[Will we get presents, too?!->The Shining Star 5]]
</div>
"Now, only if you're good!"<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We'll do it! We'll be good!</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
And then we'll get to meet Santa!</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Oh, oh. When is "Christmas?"</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"December 25th.</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
But, we-ell, so far as the event goes, Christmas Eve is more exciting.
That's why we're going to have our Christmas party on the 24th."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
The 24th!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Wow...Wow...!
Our first Christmas party!
Our first Santa!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
We can't wait!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[→->Decorating the Tree]]
</div>Fir trees are evergreens, right?<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"That's right! You've learned a lot, haven't you."
We read it in a book. We learned the names of trees and flowers and all other kinds of things!</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Wonderful."
Clow pets us. Ehehe, we're glad.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Well, only a little more to go! We're looking forward to the final product."
Yuuko pets us, too. We'll do our best!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
A beautiful Christmas tree. A powerful tree.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Does the tree we decorated have a power of its own?</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
What kind of power could it be?</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
It'd be nice if it was the power to make everyone warmer and happier, even if only a little.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[→->We're Having a Party Today!]]
</div>Right as the clock strikes midnight,
Right when it becomes the 24th,
Everyone will have a party together around the Christmas tree.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Clow made all the food for us.
There's a cake shaped like a log with a little Soel and Larg on top!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
It's going to be Christmas!</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
It's going to be a party with the people we love!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
We just know it's going to be a wonderful day!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
[[→->After the Party]]
</div>
"So on the night before Christmas, you hang these stockings on your bed, see? You might get a present!"
"They'll be tucked away inside those stockings."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
//Really?!//
Who's going to put them there?!</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Santa's gonna be coming!"</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
//When?!//</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"This //very// night."</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Okay, then, we're going to stay up!
We're going to stay up all night and wait for Santa to come!</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"Well, Santa...they say he gives presents only to children who have fallen fast asleep."</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Oh?! Is that so?!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
Well, then, we'll go straight to sleep!
We'll be good!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
If we do, then Santa's going to give us presents in the stockings Yuuko and Clow made for us, right?!</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
We can't wait for tomorrow morning!!</div><div class='hide' id='next10'>\
[[→->The Following Morning]]
</div>Are these //us?!//<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
They're doll versions of us in these round glass boxes!
When we open them up, they give off a sweet, nice smell.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Oh, they're //candy!//
It's a Soel and a Larg made out of sugar!
Wow!</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
We can't believe Santa gave us such amazing presents!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
We want to thank him!
We want to tell him how happy we are!</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Next year, we're definitely going to stay up late and tell Santa,
"Thank you for the wonderful gifts!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>
[[And soon...->The Following Morning 3]]
</div>"Soel and Larg seemed delighted with their gifts, didn't they?"<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"Yeah, incredibly. The craftmanship on those candies was really well done, Clow. As skillful as ever!"</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"The flavor was guaranteed thanks to your taste-testing, Yuuko!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"It looks like they've all been eaten up. I split some with Kerberos, so..."</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"And Yue wouldn't eat any at all, of course."</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"But those weren't the actual presents, right? It was really what they came in."</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"Those domes are for Soel and Larg to sleep in while they wait for that coming day."</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"Right, they'll be inside them waiting for the kids to arrive. The one who's going to wake them up, and the ones Soel will go on the journey with."</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
"It'll be soon. In the not-too-distant future..."</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[→->Greetings Old and New]]
</div>Yuuko's taken good care of the obi we have on our backs for a long time.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
She said that's because a very special person gave them to her.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Clow wove the ribbons we have on our heads and waists himself.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
They're really soft and beautiful!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
These are the old things and new things Yuuko and Clow prepared for us.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Both of them are amazing.</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
Now that we're all dressed up, it's time for our special greeting.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"To each and all,</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
we wish you a Happy New Year."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[Somehow...->Greetings Old and New 3]]
</div>
"It's New Year's, huh, Clow."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"It is. But so far as we're concerned, it's really the old calendar that's the foundation of the year, isn't it?"</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Both Soel and Larg were happy and all, though."
</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"It would be nice to celebrate the Lunar New Year with them once this New Year is over."</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"The date changes every year, so it would be kind of a hassle, wouldn't it?"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"But, you know...
Didn't the two of them in their New Year's outfits look kind of like sumo wrestlers?"</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"Ahaha!"</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"That ceremonial stomping real sumo wrestlers do has the power to drive away evil spirits, too.</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>Maybe we should look into making them loincloths next year..."</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>"Ahahaha!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next9'>\
[[→->Our First Dream]]
</div>
We were flying through the sky! Oh, and we were catching monkeys with wings.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
What does that mean?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"That was a //good// dream."
Really, Yuuko?!</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"It's a lucky omen. Good things will happen to you this year."
We're so glad, Clow!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Our first dream was a good dream!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
We're so, so happy!
We wonder what kind of dreams everyone else had.</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
We hope they were nice dreams.</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
We hope they have nice dreams, and that this year will be a good one for them.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[→->Our First Mission]]
</div>"Well, then, hop on this!"<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Yuuko points to the window.
Outside, there's...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
A //bird?!//</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Would you please take these kids onto your back for me?"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Oh, wow, wow!
The birdie is going to take us there?!
</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"Sure is. We've already settled the negotiations with the lucky mochi as my bargaining chip!"
Yuuko grins and laughs.</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"The wind is going to be strong, so here are some goggles. Oh, and you're going to have to jump, so here are some parachutes, too. Hm, what kind of furoshiki should I use for the mochi..."</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
You could just put them in our mouths!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
"Oh, you're right. Your stomachs can be used as storage, eh? On that note, be safe out there!"</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
We will!</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
[[And we're off!->Our First Mission 3]]
</div>We get up on the birdie's back.
Its feathers are pure white.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
We greet it and say, "Nice to meet you!,"
and it sings a hello back to us.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
All right, then!</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
We'll ride on a bird and fly through the sky for our very first mission!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
[[→->Scitter Scatter Pitter Patter]]
</div>"Fortune in! Demons in, too!"
As we chant, we scatter the beans with all our might.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Afterwards we eat makizushi Clow made for us.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Is eating makizushi on Setsubun a custom, too?</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"No, it doesn't have any relation to Shinto-Buddhist ritual, but, well..." Clow says.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"It's a business strategy the seaweed vendors cooked up. But that's all right! It's great just to be able to eat some delicious makizushi, no matter the reason," says Yuuko.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Yeah, that's right. Today we scattered beans around, ate makizushi...</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
The plum tree in Yuuko's garden is even beginning to bloom a bit.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Spring will be coming soon, right? We can't wait.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[→->Anniversary Chocolate]]
</div>"They're all right, and they're all wrong."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Huh? //Huh?//</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"The day is February 14th for all of them, but its meaning changes depending on the person."</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
So it's different for everybody?</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"That's right! And it's not just February 14th. Each and every day of the year has its own meaning for each and every person."</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
That's kind of hard to understand.</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"It's not as hard as you think. What I mean is that you //yourself// get to decide what kind of day today is.</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
It's okay if you take a look at a day the world has decided is a holiday and think,
'This doesn't mean anything,' and pay it no attention.</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
It's also okay if there's a day nobody considers important,
but it's important to you, so you imagine it as your own holiday."</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
So in that case, what does Valentine's Day mean for you, Yuuko?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next9'>\
Yuuko smiles a beautiful smile and answers,</div><div class='hide' id='next10'>\
"Valentine's Day is the day I eat delicious chocolate."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next11'>\
<big>[[♥->Anniversary Chocolate 3]]</big>
</div>"What a splendid answer!"<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Clow comes into the room with an affectionate smile on his face, pushing a cart.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"My dearest hopes that this chocolate rises to the occasion, Yuuko."
As he speaks, Clow takes a plate from the cart and places it on a table in front of the couch.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Wooow! It looks so delicious!
What is it?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"It's a kind of chocolate cake called //fondant au chocolat//."
Fondant au chocolat. Even the name sounds delicious.</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"Clow's fondant au chocolat is a work of art!"
Hooray! We're excited, Yuuko!</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"It tastes even better if you eat it with fresh cream, so please!"
Okay! Thank you, Clow!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Today is February 14th. Valentine's Day.</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[Oh, that's right!->Anniversary Chocolate 4]]
</div>Hey, Clow? Yuuko?<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"What is it?"
"What is it, sweethearts?"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
We're both going to make this a holiday.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
From now on, February 14th will be...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
The day we eat delicious chocolate together with the people we love!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
[[→->We've Got Work to Do]]
</div>What are good things to give on White Day?<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"Anything. I imagine it'll be candies, baked sweets, marshmallows, so on. People will likely give all kinds of other things, though."</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
There was a book on making desserts in Clow's library!
We'll use that to try and make something!</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Wait for us, Clow!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"Thank you. I'll start looking forward to March 14th!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Oh, hey, would it be a good idea to give some to Yuuko, too?</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"Of course. She would be thrilled!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Okay, we're going to do our best!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[Hmm...hmmm...->We've Got Work to Do 3]]
</div>
We've memorized the recipe from the dessert book!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
All the ingredients are in Clow's house,
but there's something we want to give to him with it, too.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
It's still kind of early for it, but Yue was saying that he spotted one on the mountain.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
We can go there and get it by ourselves,</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
but we can't ask either Yuuko or Clow how we can make sure we don't catch anybody by surprise.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Hmmm...hmmmm...what to do?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
That's it! We'll ask Birdie!
The bird who helped us deliver the lucky package on New Year's!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
It'll fly up to the mountain for us!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
We call out to Birdie, and it comes to us right away.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
Thank you, Birdie. To the top of that mountain!!!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next9'>\
[[→->Filled with Love]]
</div>There's a little bit of the branch left, so we'll make peach blossom wine.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
You make it by adding minced peach blossoms to sweet white sake.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
They say if you drink it, you won't get sick, and you'll live a long life.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
White Day's a holiday that doesn't exist yet.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
When the time comes and it becomes a real holiday,
we hope that we can be together with everyone...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
...so we'll fill this present with all our love--
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
And that's it! A present for the two people we love!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[And they were happy.->Filled with Love 3]]
</div>
"Soel and Larg's White Day present was cute and delicious and...it was wonderful, wasn't it?"<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"It truly was."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Those peach blossoms, though...</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
It's nice that they wished us good health, but what do you think about having even //longer// lives?"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"Ahahahahaha!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
[[→->The Cherry Blossoms Bloomed!]]
</div>The cherry tree in the garden at Yuuko's house bloomed!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
The flowers are so pink and tiny.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
They're really, //really// beautiful.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Yuuko was saying that we're going to have a //hanami// party under this tree tomorrow.
She and Clow were talking about what kind of food we're going to have.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
We can't wait...!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
The sun's been kind of warm these past few days.</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
When we asked Clow if Spring was going to be coming anytime soon, he laughed and said,
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"It's already here!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[Huh? We had no idea!->The Cherry Blossoms Bloomed! 2]]
</div>Yuuko laughs too.
"Spring is a shrinking violet, you know?"<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Spring is shy. Spring is gentle and kind.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
We both love Spring, too.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
But there's something that's been bothering us.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
It's...</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
It's just that we're getting tired out too fast.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
We're studying here under the cherry blossoms, but for some reason, we're tired.</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Even though we slept a lot last night, we keep on hhhyaaaaawning...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
We have to make sure we go to bed early today so we don't end up falling asleep during the //hanami// party tomorrow.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
[[→->Somehow, Really]]
</div>Hhhyaaaawnn, we went and started feeling even more tired.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Even though we want to read these books...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
We can't...we've got to keep our eyes open...!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Hhhhyaaaaaaawn...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
[[→->Zzz...Zzz...]]
</div>
<div class='shine'>
It's very pretty.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
It's very precious.</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
It's very small...</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
But it's very strong.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
It isn't real yet,</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
but the stream of time leading to when it //will// be has begun to flow.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
That's right.</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
We understand! It's a dream, so of course we understand.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
This feather...</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
It'll be the signal for when we have to part with each other.</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
And then it'll become a guiding light for all kinds of people.</div><div class='hide' id='next10'>\
That is how it will be.</div><div class='hide' id='next11'>\
In the not-too-distant future.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next12'>\
[[★->A Dream of White Wings 3]]
</div></div><div class='shine'>
The two of us will stay asleep until then.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Until somebody...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Until that one somebody who's supposed to wake us up, wakes us up.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Until then...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
We'll be here together, with each other.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
We will...
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
We will.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[★->Silence]]
</div>
</div>"They went to sleep..."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"Yeah, both of them."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"The next time Soel and Larg open their eyes, he'll be here, won't he?"</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Mm-hm, and so will the other kids."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"They're sure to become fast friends."</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"Aren't they? Soel and Larg have to say goodbye to each other,</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
but no matter which world they'll find themselves in, they'll be able to befriend all the people they meet."</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
"It'll be just a little while longer...</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
Until then,
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next8'>\
Good night."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next9'>\
[[→->Good Morning Again]]
</div>Who?<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Clow? Yuuko?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Huh?
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
It's a boy we don't know.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
We know he's wearing glasses just like Clow.</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
And he's younger than Yuuko.
</div>
<div class=hide id='next5'>\
But he looks like a cheerful boy.
And a kind one, too.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
We don't know his name yet,</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[But we're sure he's going to become a good friend from now on.->Good Morning Again 3]]
</div>
Our second "good morning."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Our second awakening.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
And from now on,</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Our second life.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>
//Here goes!//
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>
[[→->End]]
</div>
<h1>//The end.//</h1>
<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
<h1>[[★->Epilogue]]</h1>
</div>"I'm sorry. I feel as if all I've done is ask you for favors."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"And while looking completely unapologetic, too!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Ehe. That's not it, but...it doesn't show on my face, I suppose."
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Well, isn't that because you're a...four-eyed snake?"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"Ahahahaha!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
[[...->Epilogue 2]]
</div>
Huh?<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
//Huh?//
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Somebody's up on top of the antique cabinet.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
<<linkappend "Oh!">> It's a cat!<</linkappend>></div><div class='hide' id='next3'>"I beg your pardon. I am no cat!"</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Eh? You're not?
But with your ears and your tail, we think you have to be a cat?</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"I am Nyantoro Panyang Banthi.</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
I hail from the planet Nyantaro, and am a space alien who but looks like a cat."</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
//What?!// A //space alien?!//</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
Sooo cooooool!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next9'>\
"Ohoho. It is only right to praise a being as peerless and magnificent as I, you strange and fluffy creatures."</div><div class='hide' id='next10'>\
Oh oh oh, if you're a space alien, do you have a spaceship?</div><div class='hide' id='next11'>\
"But of course. My most beloved spaceship, the //Nyantoro Nyanyanmeow."//</div><div class='hide' id='next12'>\
[[SOOO COOOOOOL!->Aliens! 3]]
</div>Come on, come ooon, we wanna ride, we wanna ride! We wanna ride on the spaceship!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"Goodness, even though we've only just met?"</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
But we //wanna.// We bet it's super cool inside!</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"All the aliens speak of it as the finest ship in space, you know."</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
As she speaks, the alien's eyes suddenly flash.</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
We wanna get on, we wanna get on! We wanna ride on the best ship in space!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"Very well, then. I shall allow you to board. In exchange, you must keep this confidential from other earthlings."</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
So that means we can't tell Yuuko and Clow and Kerberos and Yue?</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
"And those are who, exactly?"</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
Clow made Kerberos and Yue. They play with us!</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
Yuuko and Clow are really nice. And on top of that, they can use all kinds of magic!</div><div class='hide' id='next10'>\
"These are earthlings?"</div><div class='hide' id='next11'>\
They live on Earth, but maybe they're kind of different.</div><div class='hide' id='next12'>\
"Earthlings are utterly unable to willingly use something like //magic."//</div><div class='hide' id='next13'>\
Really?</div><div class='hide' id='next14'>\
"Hmm...it may perhaps be the case that there are aliens other than myself who have come to invade this Earth..."</div><div class='hide' id='next15'>\
[[Um...?->Aliens! 4]]
</div>The alien that looks like a cat is thinking about something.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
Her eyes flash again.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next1'>\
"Very well, I shall allow you to board! //And in exchange,//
I will be told all there is to know about this 'Yuuko and Clow.'"</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Okay, we'll tell you.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Because we love them both a lot!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Wheeee!
We're getting on the spaceship.
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next5'>\
This will be our first time!</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
This will be so much fun!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next7'>\
[[And it was fun.->Aliens! 5]]
</div>
Yuuko, Yuuko!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"Soel, Larg. Have you finished opening up the windows?"</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Yup, we're done!</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Well done! Thanks for helping out.
Aren't you tired?"</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
Nope. We aren't tired at all!</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
Hey. Can we go sleep in the hammock together now?</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
"Of course, hop on in!"
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next6'>\
Yaaaay!</div><div class='hide' id='next7'>\
"But you finished a little late, huh? What were you up to?"</div><div class='hide' id='next8'>\
Um, well, we got a ride on a space alien's spaceship.</div><div class='hide' id='next9'>\
"A space alien?"</div><div class='hide' id='next10'>\
A space alien that looked like a cat! Her ship was shaped like a cat, too.
It was really cool!</div><div class='hide' id='next11'>\
"That sounds amazing."</div><div class='hide' id='next12'>\
And she said she'd stop by again later whenever she's around.</div><div class='hide' id='next13'>\
"Oh, so you became good friends, eh?"</div><div class='hide' id='next14'>\
[[We did!->Aliens! 6]]
</div>Oh, and she asked us all kinds of things about you and Clow!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
<div class='hide' id='next0'>\
"And why was that, hmm?"</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
The space alien had a really hard look on her face when she asked!
</div>
<div class='hide' id='next2'>\
It was like...</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
She said you and Clow are planning to invade the earth,
so you've got to be aliens, right?
And if that were the case, you'd be her rivals.
</div>
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"...I see.</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
We have to tell Clow to watch out so that he doesn't get attacked by aliens, okay?"
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[[→->Table of Contents]]
</div>In addition to Soel and Larg, some other interesting folks appear throughout the book. If you encounter a name or term you don't recognize, it will be in the [[glossary->Glossary]].
To progress the text, simply click your mouse or tap your screen. For the best possible reading experience, please enable fullscreen mode on your web browser. A colorblind-friendly version is available [[here->https://soelandlarg.github.io/monochrome]].
To view the accompanying illustration for each chapter, click on the star in the middle of the side menu.
To return to a previous page, click the dark arrow buttons along the top edge of the side menu. To collapse the menu, click on the light arrow button in the top-right corner.
Take care to read the text at your own pace. You can save your progress at any time by clicking on "Bookmark," or return to the [[Introduction]] by clicking on "First Page."
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[[Are you ready to begin?->Title]]
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[[Are you ready to begin?->Tutorial]]
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"'White Bean' and 'Black Bean' are at max power! //Ultimate top-level// power!" says the woman, with a slightly disgruntled expression.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
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"That's right. They sound delicious, too, don't they?" says the man in glasses with a laugh.</div>
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"How about 'Soel' and 'Larg?'"
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"Those are old magical letters, aren't they?
I don't want to change the names I picked out, but..."</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
The woman still has a disgruntled expression, but...</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"...well, they're good names nonetheless!"
She smiles.
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"In that case, let's get on with the [[naming ceremony->Good Morning 4]]."
</div>The artist group [[CLAMP->https://clamp-net.com/]] originally published //Soel and Larg// as //Soeru to Rāgu: Mokona=Modoki no bōken// in July 2004 after serializing several chapters on their CLAMP-Pla.net website. Head writer and organizer Nanase Ohkawa intended the book to be a complement to their then-ongoing series //xxxHOLiC// and //TSUBASA RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE//, which featured Larg and Soel as supporting characters and mascots. The character of Clow originally appeared in CLAMP's critically-acclaimed fantasy series //Cardcaptor Sakura// (1996 - 2000), while Yuuko made her debut as the deuteragonist of //xxxHOLiC// in 2003.
Portions of the book were adapted as a drama CD, //xxxHOLiC Kei//, in 2006, starring Sayaka Ohara, Rikiya Koyama, and Mika Kikuchi. The drama CD included an additional epilogue scene set between the final two chapters.
Brazilian publisher NewPOP produced a Portuguese translation, //Soel e Larg: As Aventuras de Mokona Modoki//, in November 2013. While the original Japanese edition has gone out of print, [[the Portuguese edition is still widely available->http://www.newpop.com.br/?p=415]].
『ソエルとラーグ モコナ＝モドキの冒険』は2004年に講談社から出版されたCLAMP先生の作品の一つです。この作品は英訳版がないため、出版されて15年後、新しく翻訳させて頂きました。現在、原作は絶版ですが、中古品の数が多く、安い価格で購入することができます。ご興味がある方、ぜひお買い求めください。
[[Meet Soel and Larg!->Profiles]]
[[Or learn more about this story!->Credits & Notes]]"By the time these two open their eyes again, I'll already be gone."<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 16 }>>
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"...Yuuko."
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"What is it?"
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"Thank you.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
I'm happy I got to meet you."
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[[★->Title]]
</div>"It's perfectly fine if you still don't understand."
Really, Yuuko?<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 7 }>>
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"You'll know how to use them when the time comes."
Oh, okay, Clow!
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They put them on our ears.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
Ehehehe!</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
"Stop squirming around!"
But it //tickles!//</div><div class='hide' id='next4'>\
"It looks like you two are having fun, eh?"
Yeah. It is fun!</div>
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Hey, can we swap them around and play with them?
"No, you can't. They were made specially just for each one of you."</div><div class='hide' id='next6'>\
[[O-kaaaaay.->Presents 3]]
</div>That's it!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 6 }>>
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Let's go into that room Clow's always in.
Clow said he makes all kinds of things in that room.
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Let's make something together!
Something we can give to Clow and Yuuko!
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A present, like what we have on our ears.
So we can thank them for giving these to us.
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We'll give it to them together, as Soel and Larg.
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[[What should we make?->Let's Make Something 4]]
</div>"That's not all! Look at this little purple guy.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 7 }>><div class='hide' id='next0'>\
It's somehow responding like it's alive, and it's even babbling!"</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
Is the thing we made talking?</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
"Yeah. You can just hear it, see? Listen."</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
What is it saying?
<div>
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"It's saying, 'I want to become a human soon!'"
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???
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Is that a good thing?
[[Or a bad thing?->Let's Make Something 7]]
</div>So with Yuuko's help, we made our own midsummer greeting.<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
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Ehehe!</div><div class='hide' id='next1'>\
We put it in the mailbox, so it should get delivered to Clow.
This is exciting!
We wonder when it'll get delivered.
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Will Clow send us one, too?
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[[→->Greetings]]
</div>The weather's been nice all day today!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 9 }>>
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Yuuko is going to open all the windows in the house so that fresh air comes in.
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We're helping, too.
With a heave and a ho, we open the windows and the doors.</div><div class='hide' id='next2'>\
The breeze is nice and soft.</div><div class='hide' id='next3'>\
The sun is nice and warm.
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Yuuko was saying that we'll take a nap together once we're done.
In the hammock in the garden, in the shade of the big tree!</div><div class='hide' id='next5'>\
It'll be a nice long sleepy time.
We can't wait.
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Okay. The windows in this room are the last ones!</div><div class='hide' id='next7'> [[Heave-ho, heave-ho!->Aliens! 2]]
</div>
Oh, wait, before we actually begin! Click on your screen!<<set _show to { start: 0, end: 7 }>> <div class='hide' id='next0'>
Okay, now click it again!
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That's how you progress the text! So when you're reading through the page, just click...
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...to move on to the next line, until the link to the next page appears!
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Clow and Yuuko taught us about that.
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They said it had something to do with "er-gohd-ik literature." We're not really sure what that is, but...
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...anyway, we're really happy you're reading our book! We're looking forward to meeting you!
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<<link [[Now let's really get started!->Title]]>>
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<</link>>
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