| The Price of Memory | |
| |
| Chapter Info | |
|---|---|
| Volume | 1 |
| Pages | 43 |
| Release date | May 28, 2003 |
| Chronology | |
| Previous Chapter 01: The World of Beginnings |
Next Chapter 03: The Wings of Hitsuzen |
The Price of Memory (記憶の対価, Kioku no Taika) is the 2nd chapter in Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE.
Plot[]
In the country of Japan, there lives a strong ninja named Kurogane. He serves Tomoyo, the princess of the land. Though he is capable of defeating several warriors at once, he still desires to become the strongest warrior of all, no matter what the cost. Tomoyo acknowledges that in all of Japan, nobody can beat him, however, she believes he still needs to learn more in order to know the true meaning of strength. With her magic, she sends him to another dimension as well as casting a spell that will decrease his strength should he kill others needlessly.
In the country of Celes, Fai emerges from a pool where the sleeping Ashura lies. He mentions that he can no longer stay in this country. He can't even stay in this world. He wishes to be in a world without King Ashura in it. Before leaving, he asks his creation, Chii, to let him know when Ashura awakens. He then transforms her into a barrier over the pool, and then leaves to go to the "Witch's origin."
In a more modern-seeming world, the witch Yūko Ichihara explains to Syaoran that if Sakura's scattered memories are not retrieved, she will die. Syaoran declares that he is willing to do anything to get them back. Subsequently, Kurogane and Fai appear, each with their own request: Kurogane to return to his own world, Fai to avoid his own world. Yuuko announces that essentially, all their three wishes are the same, but in order to fulfill them, each must give up something precious to them as payment. From Kurogane, she takes his sword; from Fai, he takes his tattoo; and from Syaoran, she demands that he give up his relationship with Sakura. Though her memories may be returned, she will never remember Syaoran. He agrees, and she gives them Mokona Modoki, which can lead them through their journey to the other worlds.