mercstoriatranslationsetc-blog

[mercstoriatranslationsetc-blog]

sky country 1st translation

warning: may contain offensive content, typos, translation errors, and engrish. the romanizations are unofficial. this was originally on a google doc and I’m lazy so the formatting is weird, sorry!

********CHAPTER ONE

?: Lady of holy wings... the one closest to god! ?: Oh, to think we would be able to receive Her Holiness into our temple during my lifetime...! ?: The day Her Holiness reaches maturity is the day we, the people of the sky, go to our god's side...! We must raise her with care within the temple until then. ?: We, the temple guardians, will increase our efforts so that nothing will harm Her Holiness. ?: Yes! We, the people of the sky, will protect Her Holiness as one...! ?: This good day, this holy night in which we received our lady of holy wings! Let us declare it a holy day henceforth! Saint Michelia's day!

?: Oh... how could this be? My God, is this some sort of punishment...?! What shall we do?! ?: What's going on...?! The whole town's making a fuss... ?: It's been decided! Tonight is a good day, Saint Michelia's day! ?: There's been an announcement from the temple! We're to celebrate our saint's arrival all through the night! ?: In accordance with our god's words, all of us are to open our doors and take each other's hands! Let us forget our grudges and our quarrels, let us celebrate together! ?: Today, a holiday...?! Quick, hide the child! ?: Waaaaaaaah! ?: Oh, please stop crying! Please, you must be quiet! Dear, what should we...! ?: We must hide it. If someone were to find it... especially someone in this holy city...! ?: Father, give him to me. If the whole world is against him, then I will protect him from everything. ?: Laviolle... but, how are you... ?: ...! Don't tell me... ?: No. Like this, he won't be welcomed in either. ?: Then what do you intend to do? ?: I know of a good place. A place where no one will find him, where no one will hurt him, where no one will visit. ?: Such a place... ?: Wait, the tower...! Of course, only the temple guardians enter that place. ?: But that also means being separated from us. You understand, don't you? ?: I understand. I will protect this child... I will protect my brother, even if I must do it alone. ?: Laviolle...! ?: Heeey! ?: Didn't you hear?! What are you holing up for, it’s a holiday! Let's go celebrate! ?: Dear, someone's coming...! ?: ...Alright. I'll lead the townspeople away. You take him out through the back exit. May god be with you... ?: ...I'll pray for you and the child's safety. ?: Laviolle, forgive your mother for being unable to go with you and your brother. Please, be safe. Please, take care of the child… take care of Orthos. ?: Yes, mother. ?: Heeey! ?: Sorry, sorry. My wife was giving birth. ?: Oh, so that's what was going on! Sorry for interrupting...! ?: No, it's already over. ?: Oh, so your child's here! Good for them, being born on such a good day! ?: It must have been our god's guidance that lead me here! Will you let me give them my blessing? ?: I'm sorry, but... ?: My son was stillborn.

?: Chirp chirp! White bird: Chirp! ?: Hello, good morning! Nice weather, isn't it? WB: Chirp! ?: Good morning! Would you like to have breakfast with me? Today's my... WB: Chirp! ?: Huh? You're going already? ?: Oh, I see, your flock's already on their way. But y'know, this place is nicer than anywhere else. You don't HAVE to leave... Small WB: Chirp... ?: I guess you have to, since you're migrants. ?: What a shame, you guys were making breakfast fun. WB: Chirp! ?: Haha! C'mon, that tickles! WB: Chirp! ?: Are you trying to comfort me or something? Don't worry about it, I have Brother. ?: ...Well, I mean, not that he can come today, since he's got work. WB: Chirp! ?: It's like this every year. I'm used to it by now. ?: You guys need to get going. It'd be bad if you got separated from your flock. Bye, sad to see you go! WB: Chirp! ?: ... ?: Well, there they go... there's a nice breeze today, so I guess it IS a perfect day to set off. ?: ...I wish they could've at least had breakfast with me first, though. Today's special... ?: …

Orthos: ...Happy sixteenth, Orthos. The holy city is the most beautiful town in the world, as always.

Fluffy: Grrrr! ?: Waaah! ?: Lieutenant Feyel! I'm sorry, but we can't...!

Feyel: Tch...! Feyel: Eliodas, Teufel, switch to support! Hold until Commander Laviolle gets here! We mustn't let them any closer to the holy city! Fluffy: Grrrr! Feyel: (Or so I say, but... it should be a while longer before the Commander gets here, since he's in the holy temple.) Feyel: (Can we do anything about this number of monsters without the Commander...?) Feyel: (No, it's not "can we", it's "we must"...! Her Holiness is in the temple.) Feyel: (I swear to these wings of mine, I won't let any monsters near the temple... near our lady. Especially not today, Saint Michelia's day...!) Feyel: What...?! ?: Grrrrrrrrrr... Feyel: This blast of wind... could it be…

???: GRRRRRRRR! Feyel: A cloud eater....! Feyel: (It's impossible! With just us... we can't handle this thing!) Cloud eater: Grrrrr...! Feyel: Today, of all days...! God...! ?: Feyel, move! Feyel: ....!

?: Don't let go of your blade to pray. Our swords are our second pair of wings, granted to us by god. ?: For us, to protect the holy city is to pray. Have you forgotten the oath you made when you became a temple guardian? Feyel: Co, Commander Laviolle... Laviolle: Lieutenant Feyel, if you're supposed to be a guardian, then don't let go of your sword until the very end. Laviolle: The moment you give up and let go, no one will be left to protect the holy city. Your prayer will no longer reach our god. Feyel: ... Feyel: Yes, sir! Cloud eater: Grrrr...! Laviolle: Feyel, you and the others take the rest of the monsters. I'll deal with the cloud eater. Feyel: Th, that's madness! In the past, even if every one of us banded together, we could barely chase it away! Commander, you can't go alone...! Feyel: At least allow me to... Laviolle: ...You need a little more experience. But, well... this is a good chance. Feyel: Huh? Laviolle: Chase away every monster that has entered the holy city. Don't let them near the temple, no matter what. However, you don't need to chase them further than the gates. Feyel: That's... Laviolle: I'm not saying I don't think you're capable. Tell me, what is our duty? To defeat monsters? Feyel: No... it's to protect the city, the temple, and Her Holiness. Laviolle: Correct. You understand, then? Feyel: Yes, sir! Cloud eater: Grrr....! Laviolle: Hmph. Seems like the day has come for us to settle our score, cloud eater. Cloud eater: Grrrr!

********CHAPTER 2

Cloud eater: Grrr! Laviolle: ... Lavioille: You should go. Cloud eater: Grr~! Feyel: Commander, are you... Feyel: The wind...! The cloud eater will get away on the wind! Laviolle: I told you not to chase them too far. Feyel: B, but... isn't this the perfect chance to rid ourselves of that vermin... Feyel: If we let it go here, won't it come after our clouds again...? Feyel: The cloud eater was acting strange, though... Laviolle: ...What is it? Feyel: It's just, I feel like all of the monsters are acting strange. Laviolle: ... Feyel: And in the first place, now that I think of it, isn't it also strange that we went against that many monsters, but have only suffered this much damage...? Feyel: I don't get why not only the cloud eater, but all the other monsters just ran away like that. Feyel: Monsters are supposed to be violent creatures that attack humans. Feyel: It's as though the violence was sapped right out of them. Feyel: It's almost like the work of those healers people have been talking about... Feyel: Someone as inexperienced as me can’t guess at what’s going on, but maybe Grandfather could tell us. Laviolle: ...Your grandfather was one of the cardinals, wasn't he? Feyel: Yes! If my grandfather were to lend us his wisdom, I believe he would be able to figure something out about all this strangeness... Feyel: Oh, um, I know I must sound stupid. I mean, there's no way a healer could actually be here.

Feyel: After all, this is the holy city, where the people of the earth are not allowed to... set…

Yuu: … Feyel: ... Yuu: Uh, hi…

Feyel: Aaaaaaaaah! Laviolle: I found him hiding in the shadows over there, so I grabbed him. Feyel: Ahhhhhh, cococococommander! Why are you holding an earth boy by the scruff of his neck!? Feyel: You're not supposed to touch them! Let go, quick! Shoo, shoo! Feyel: They say if you touch them your wings will fall off, or you'll get sick, or something! Anyway they'll rub their sins off on you and you'll lose our god's protection! Feyel: Commander, if we lost you, how could we go oooooon!! Laviolle: I'm touching him through his clothes, so it's fine. Feyel: Oh, rrrrrriight! That's right! There's no way you'd just touch one directly, right! Feyel: B, but, anyway, stop just kind of dangling him there and let go! Even if you're only touching him through your gloves and stuff, if something were to happen to you... Feyel: Uggggh, I don't even want to imagine it! If our commander became wingless, we temple guardians would...! Feyel: A-and anyway, his collar's choking him and he's getting bluer and bluer! Even if he's an earth boy, don't you feel kind of bad for him...?! Laviolle: Oh, am I hurting you? Sorry. Yuu: Cough, cough! I’m alive... Laviolle: I thought this would be the best course for not letting a wingless one escape. Feyel: Co, commander...! To put yourself at risk of losing your wings to catch an intruder for the temple's sake...! Laviolle: Our duty, first and foremost, is to prevent the wingless ones from entering this land. Calm down. Feyel: M, my apologies...! Feyel: ...However, if there really was a healer here, that would make him the reason we pulled through... Feyel: ...How could this be? Us, saved by a person of the earth... if Grandfather heard of this... Laviolle: Regardless, we were saved because this boy used his powers of healing. Laviolle: Thank you, boy. Yuu: Uh, sure... Feyel: Commander Laviolle... Feyel: ...That's true. Feyel: To be ungrateful would make me an embarrassment to the people of the sky... our god instructed us to be honest. Feyel: ...You saved us. Thank you, boy of the earth. Yuu: D-don't worry about it, sir... Feyel: However, you being here is a different matter. Why are you here? The people of the earth aren't allowed to set foot in this land. Feyel: Sadly, some other cities, that have come to be lacking in faith, allow people of the earth to enter, but this is the holy city. Feyel: It's not a place for sinners who have yet to be forgiven. Yuu: I, I'm sorry! I knew all that, but there was an accident! I was planning on going right back out...! Laviolle: And then you ran into those monsters, hm. Yuu: Yes, sir... Feyel: Whether that is true or not, and whatever reason you may have, one who is wingless isn't allowed entry. Feyel: I do feel sympathy for you people, tied to the earth yet struggling to draw closer to the heavens. However, it is a sin for a wingless one to come here. Yuu: Pleaaaase! Feyel: No! As a temple guardian, I mustn't allow an intruder to esca... Laviolle: Wait, Feyel. Feyel: Commander Laviolle?! Laviolle: You saw the cloud eater, didn't you? If this boy hadn't healed it, it would've kept coming to eat the rainclouds granted to us by our god. Laviolle: This boy was lead here bygod to rid us of that cloud eater, most likely. Feyel: By our god...? Laviolle: A lowly guardian like me cannot hope to fully understand our god's will, but I believe this was divine providence. Laviolle: Ever since the holy temple was built, a person of the earth hasn't once set foot in our holy city. Laviolle: And yet, right as the cloud eater appeared, a healer is here. If this wasn't brought about by our god's guidance, then what is? Laviolle: Above all, today is... Feyel: Saint Michelia's day...! Laviolle: Correct. This boy's sin will surely be forgiven, since he offered up his powers to rid us of the cloud eater. Feyel: Our god had intended to bring this earth boy to us from the start... Feyel: ...When I'm with you, Commander, I keenly realize how little I yet understand of our god's will. Feyel: As a guardian who protects Her Holiness closer than anyone else, I should be ashamed of myself...! Laviolle: ...You have wings, don't you? Just try your best. Feyel: Yes, sir! Laviolle: It's law that we are to not bring conflict into the holy city. Once I've investigated this boy's belongings, if nothing is amiss, I will take him away through the holy road immediately. Feyel: Yes, si... ?: Laviolle-sama, are you alright?!

***********CHAPTER THREE Laviolle: Pistia-dono...!

Pistia: How goes the battle...?! L: ...Don't worry. Please inform Her Holiness that the cloud eater has been sent away, and none of us have been harmed. P: Wha, that cloud eater?! Already?! P: Just what you'd expect from Laviolle-sama! I'm sure Her Holiness will be pleased! I'll go make my report right awa... P: Huh? L: ...Is there a problem? P: The person over there... don't tell me... is that a person of the earth?! L: ...That is correct. I will take him away immediately, however. L: ...Feyel, check his things. Even if this was our god's guidance, he's an earth boy. We can't have him here long. F: Yes, sir! P: Nevermind checking his things, he ought to be taken to the tower! What if he were to have some sort of ill effect on Her Holiness...! L: Wait, Pistia-dono. This boy lent us his healing powers in order to protect the holy city when we fought against the cloud eater. L: Surely, these deeds came from our god's guidance, and he will be forgiven for setting foot within the holy city. L: Taking such a person to the tower would be against our god's will. P: A person of the earth, protecting the holy city...? B, but, when I was in training, they said the people of the earth were still unforgiven of their... L: Those without wings are people living under the heavens, too. Some say the power of healing was given to them as a means of atonement. P: Yes, but... L: Rest assured. It's law that we are not to bring conflict near the holy city. L: In any case, I cannot allow you, who is closest to Her Holiness, near a person of the earth. L: I will take responsibility as a guardian to remove this boy from our land. P: I, if you say so, Laviolle-sama... ?: Ahhhhh, wait, that jar's... L: ...What's wrong? F: Commander, this is…

Merc: Myu, myuu... P&L: ... P: Water, taking shape and talking... L: Is it some sort of earth magic...? P: A lady of the holy waters...! There's no mistaking it! P: Our god must have brought this boy here so we could rescue her from him! P: I must take her to Her Holiness! P: Oh, you poor thing! Held captive by the people of the earth...! L: Isn't that jumping to conclusio... P: B, but, didn't he try to hide her just now?! How suspicious! Y: That's...! It's because I heard water's holy in the country of the sky, so I didn't want you guys to get the wrong idea...! P: The wrong idea? M: That's right! I'm technically not made of water! Actually, I'm not really sure what I am myself! M: That's why I thought it'd be bad if I got mixed up with the water that's so important to you guys... P: H, huh? You... what should I... P: W, well, I can't just go and decide whether what you say is true or not on my own. I'll take you to Her Holiness! M: Myu?! W, wait! Yuu-san is... P: Now then, Laviolle-sama. Please take that boy to the tower for now. Her Holiness will know if he has sinned or not! L: ...Understood. F: Feyel, I'll go check the tower first. F: It would be a pain if monsters were to attack us while we're flying. I'll chase them off. L: Bring the boy after me. He's small enough, you should be able to carry him with your wings. F: Yes, sir! Y: Huh, wha...! Wait, please! I...! L: (------) Y: Huh? L: I'll leave that to you, Feyel. F: Yes, sir! Y: ... Y: (What's going on…? He said "we won't do you any harm"...)

F: We're here. Y: This is that tower you guys were talking about…? Ugh, flying made me queasy... F: If Commander Laviolle hadn't chased away the monsters, it would've been worse. F: But... I suppose it's not surprising, since you don't have wings. F: ...You poor boy. Y: ... F: But anyway, considering this place hasn't been used a single time since it was built, it’s awfully clean in here. F: I thought it would be more dusty... and where's the Commander...? L: I cleaned the place while I was waiting for you two. F: Commander?! You didn't just chase the monsters away, but got here THAT quickly?! F: I, I didn't know, I apologize...! If you had just said so, I would've done it... L: I just did it while I was at it, don't worry. Return to the holy city before the monsters return. F: Huh, but what about you, Commander? L: I want to ask this boy about the water girl. F: In that case, allow me to help. I can't leave you alone with an earth boy. F: To support and protect my Commander is my duty as lieutenant. F: I'll go get a table from the other room. There should be a table and a bed in there, right? F: I've never been inside the tower before, so I'm not familiar with it, but... is it over here...? L: No, wait. F: Yes? L: If that's the case, we should report to Her Holiness first. We can hear what he has to say for himself afterwards. Let's go, Feyel. F: Huh, oh, yes sir! L: ...Don't get up to any mischief, earth boy. We won't do you any harm if you behave. Y: Ah, wa, wait! Merc is... L: ... F: ...If Her Holiness recognizes that lady of the waters, you won't be able to stay by her side anymore. Not as long as our god doesn't grant you wings. Y: ... L: Feyel. F: I, I'm sorry, sir... I just felt so bad for him... L: ... L: Let's go. The monsters will begin passing through the road of wind soon. F: Yes, sir. F: Anyway, you're so amazing, Commander...! I can't believe you had enough time to clean that room up... how do you fly so quickly? L: ...The wind was blowing the right way, that's all. F: Huh?! Is that really all you need to get there THAT fast…?

Y: …

Y: (Th, this is bad... I don't know Merc's identity, either. She might really be related to the sky country's god.) Y: (If that's true, then like that guy said, they won't let me see her again...! I need to find her before then...!) Y: I need to find a way out of here... ?: What a surprise. You think you can get out? Y: Huh?

**********CHAPTER FOUR

Orthos: Hi, I'm Orthos. I'm your roommate, unfortunately. Yuu: Roommate...? O: I meant what I said. There wasn't a lot of time to explain, so I don't really get what's going on, but... O: You're going to be here for a bit, right? That's what Brother said. Y: Brother? O: Laviolle-niisan. The stronger looking guy of the two who were just here. Y: Oh, that guy... Y: No offense to him, but I need to get out of here. O: And just how are you going to do that? Y: Huh? O: There's no stairs in this tower. No footholds down the sides, either. O: In other words, until someone with wings shows up, we can't leave. Y: "We"... aren't you a person of the skies...? Y: Wait, you don't have wings! O: Did you only just now notice? Do you earth guys not have eyes, either? Y: ...You're not from the country of the sky? O: Of course I am! Don't lump me in with you people. O: Look at this halo. It means I'm a person of the skies. Y: But, then why are you here...? O: ...Because I don't have wings, of course. O: Oh, for the record, it's not like I sinned and lost them or anything like that. I was born this way. O: Brother says god just forgot to stick them on, but the guys living in town won't see it that way. O: It's not a place that's kind to those without wings. O: That's why brother lets me live here in hiding. It's a tower for sinners without wings. O: No one wants to come near it. No one's ever seen me... even though I'm always watching them. Y: ... O: Haha, come to think of it, it's been a while since I've talked to anyone this much. O: Too bad the guy I'm talking to is an earth boy. I guess you're just as unlucky as I am, though. O: I don't know what's going on, but apparently, depending on what the cardinals decide, you might end up being stuck here forever as a bird in a cage. O: Honestly, I'd rather not live with some earth guy, but since we can't leave... Y: Nah, I'm leaving. O: ... Y: I need to see my friend. O: ...Are you being serious? Y: Yeah! O: ...See your friend, huh. O: ...If that's the case, would you take me with you? I want wings. Y: Huh? O: C'mon! I'll show you, poor little earth boy. Y: Show me wha...? Y: Whoa! O: Think of it as a special service. I'll let you use this telescope, too. You people apparently have bad eyes, after all! Y: Thanks a lot! O: See, look outside. Don't fall, though. Also, don't get within half a meter of me. Y: Yeah, yeah... O: There's more people than usual today, like every year. I guess it's some kinda holiday. Y: Come to think of it, Laviolle-san and the other guys were saying something about it being saint soandso's day... O: Saint who? Saint Theatrimia or someone, maybe? There's a bunch of days like that each year. O: See that big statue over there? That's a statue of Saint Theatrimia, who arrived in the holy temple hundreds of years ago. O: Long ago, when the people were thirsting from a drought, Saint Theatrimia offered up her prayers, and our god granted us rainclouds. O: Ever since, this holy city's never had water problems. It's a scene frequently used as a motif in art, and... O: See, look at the temple's walls. It's the building that's floating a bit higher than the town over there. Y: There's a painting of a woman holding her hands out to the people. Light from the clouds is illuminating her... man, it sure looks all divine and stuff. O: That's Saint Theatrimia. The light's the light of god's blessings. O: The statue's shown holding her hands out to represent the same miracle. Y: Huh... O: Maybe if I'd been born back then, too, I could've had her take my prayers to god... but the temple’s been empty since her. Y: Saint Theatrimia, huh... I don't think that was the name Laviolle-san and the others were talking about, though... O: Hmm...? O: Well, whoever they're celebrating, it's perfect weather for a holiday. O: On days like this, the light sparkles on the fountain in that square. It shines on the wings of the people flying above, and you can see a clear blue pattern on their feathers. O: You can see it, right? Right, below that road! Y: Oh, so that sparkly thing was light reflecting off of everyone's wings, huh... Y: Light reflects off of their wings, and it's like the whole town is shining... like the people are part of the town, too... O: Yeah, exactly! The holy city is beautiful BECAUSE of the shining wings flying above it! O: Flying through a sky like that must be heavenly...! O: That's what I've always thought. That I want to join in. O: I don't want to just watch from this tower. I want to enjoy holidays with them, and look down on the holy city from above, and dampen my wings with the water's reflections! O: Wouldn't it just be wonderful to become one of the wings coloring this city?! Y: So that's why you want wings... O: Right. I don't know if I can get them. O: But if I can just get them, I won't need Brother to protect me. I wouldn't need to hide in this tower! O: Both me and Brother can be free...! O: So, you don't mind, right? I want to leave this tower and look for my wings. O: Having to ask a person of the earth who wasn't chosen by god is MORTIFYING and HUMILIATING, but... O: Oh, wait, I should just make it into a deal. Where's your friend? Y: Huh? Uh... ... Y: Oh, I forgot I ask Laviolle-san and the others...! O: Pardon? Y: W, well, they said they were going to see that Her Holiness person, so if I just ask someone in town... O: Since the temple is empty right now, "her holiness" could refer to any of the cardinals or people related to the high angels, and anyway I don't think anyone would tell a guy without wings. Y: Ugh...! O: Okay. Let's do this. O: I'll help you see this friend of yours. In exchange, you help me get my wings. Y: How are you going to hel... O: I have a halo, after all. Let me find some kind of cloth... I guess this'll work.

O: If I hide my back like this, I can slide by with just my halo. I'll figure out where your friend is. O: In exchange... for starters, you get me out of this tower. O: What do you think? Not a bad deal, right? Y: I guess it's true that I wouldn't be able to find Merc by myself, but... Y: Are you really okay with this? Isn't it bad to let earth people into the holy city? O: ... O: It's fine. Technically, it's not earth people who are forbidden from entering. Y: Huh? O: It's "those without wings". Of course, normally that just means "earth people", so it's not exactly wrong. O: So, honestly, I shouldn't be entering the city, either. O: ...But the holy city is a town of miracles. If I can't get those shining wings here, I won't be able to find them no matter where I search. O: I don't know if god will forgive me, but I don't have any choice. Y: I see... Y: ...One last thing, then. Even if I manage to find Merc, depending on what happens, I may need to take her and run. Y: If that happens, I might not be able to help you look for your wings through to the end. O: ...Huh. You earth guys are surprisingly honest. O: That's fine, it's not like I had any hopes for you, anyway. As long as you get me out of here, I won't complain. Y: ...Can you just physically not make yourself say anything without sounding mean? Y: Well, whatever. Got it, it's nice to be working with you. I'm Yuu. O: Once again, I'm Orthos. A person of the skies, even if I haven't got wings. O: You can be all respectful call me Lord Angel or something if you want.

Y: No way. O: So? How exactly are you going to get us out of here? Y: I'm gonna figure that out next. O: ... Y: ... O: EXCUSE ME?! O: You earth guys are always like this! Isn't this what you call a scam?! I just assumed you had some kind of idea! Y: Of course I don't! I'm going to come up with one next! O: You know that what we just talked about doesn't count if you can't get us out of here, right? Y: I know! Y: Uhhh... we could let down some kind of rope... O: You poor thing. Y: What? O: You didn't notice? Look down. Y: Down...? Y: Whoa...! O: See? Y: W, why are there so many monsters... O: The area around this tower is a path for the monsters. There's a charm keeping them out of it, but they'll attack us right away if we leave. O: We wouldn't have time to let ourselves down a rope. That's why there's no lookout here. So, what are you going to do? Y: What am I going to do? Y: I'll just ask the monsters to take us near the holy city. O: ...You poor thing. Y: Stop it with the looking at me with pity in your eyes thing. Y: Look, there's THIS many monsters, I'm sure if we ask them all at least one of them will... O: You poor, poor thing... Y: That’s the third time, and he said it in such a heartfelt way...! O: We can't just ask them to take us without one of those healer people. Of course, if you were a healer, that would make things different. Y: I'm a healer. O: You... Y: Enough of that! Y: If you don't believe me, just watch! I'll do it by myself! O: Wha, hey, hold on! O: Are you seriously going to try and talk to them? That's reckle... O: Oh, for crying out loud! Fine! If you got hurt, it'd cause trouble for Brother! I'll help, too!

********CHAPTER FIVE

Engegar: Grrr~! Yuu: Oh, good... looks like it'll let us have a ride. Orthos: You really were a healer, huh. Y: Yeah! You still didn't believe me...?! O: Sorry. You were just so different from the healers I'd imagined. Y: Was that supposed to be an apology?! E: Grrr~! Y: Oh, whatever. C'mon, you hurry up and get on too. We're causing a monster traffic jam. O: I-I know, I know. O: ... Y: ... O: …

Fluffy: Grr! Y: If you get it, then hurry up! We're getting booed from behind! Y: Wait! You're not gonna say you don't wanna ride with an earth guy, are you? O: W, well, yeah, of course I don't wanna, but... Y: Well, the only monster who's willing to take us is this one, so there's nothing else we can do! Just hurry up and get out of the tow... Y: ... Y: ...O-oh, oooh, right... you said you've never been outside... O: ...! Y: ...What do you wanna do? O: ...I'm going, of course. You can't even find your friend without me, anyway. E: Grrr~! Y: Okay, let's go, please! E: Grrr! O: Monsters are softer and warmer than I thought they'd be... I didn't know, since I've only ever seen them from inside the tower... Y: ...So, what do you think of being outside? O: ...It would've been the best if only I wasn't with some earth guy. Oh, also, don't get within half a meter of me. Y: It's kind of a tight squeeze here! Y: Actually, since you're taking an earth guy to the city, should you be past the point of caring... O: If you had no choice but to steal once, would you say it's the same if you stole a second and then a third time? Y: No, but... O: That's how it is. Y: This is the first time someone's been so frigid towards me.

*********CHAPTER SIX

Pistia: Here we go... P: U, um, miss water lady... I'm sorry for shaking you up as we flew. Are you alright? Merc: It's fine, but... more importantly, I'd like for you to take me back to where Yuu-san is. P: B-but... why are you saying such things? I can't! P: The people of the earth are sinners, not yet forgiven by our god! I can't bring you near a person like that. M: I'm telling you, that's a misunderstanding~! I'm not a water lady, and I'm not even water! M: I wasn't being held captive by Yuu-san or anything, either! P: B, but, that's... if you just see Her Holiness, I'm sure you'll understand yourself, so...! M: That Holiness person again... M: (Myuuuun... She just won't get it, no matter how many times I say it...) M: (...If that's how it's going to be, I'll just have to tell Her Holiness myself!) M: Fine, I'll see this Holiness person. P: R, really? Thank you! You understand now, don't you! M: Well, no, but... M: ...Where is this? P: This is a roost in the holy temple. Her Holiness is in the chamber of prayer. I'll take you there right away. M: Please do. M: Anyway, while you were bringing me here, I noticed this town sure is lively... P: Yes! Today is Saint Michelia's day, so it's especially lively! M: Laviolle-san and the others were saying something about that, too. What kind of day is it? P: It's the day Saint Michelia... the lady of holy wings came to the holy temple. It's a day we devote to celebrating god sending her to us, and offer up our prayers and thanks. P: This year it's the sixteenth time we're celebrating it. Every year we get many pilgrims from all over! M: So this holiday's a really big deal...! P: Yes, of course! P: Everyone in the holy city, no, everyone with wings open their doors, take each others' hands, forget their grudges and their quarrels, and celebrate together until the next dawn. P: That's why tonight, almost everyone who doesn't serve the temple is allowed the day off from their work. M: People who serve the temple... so people like Laviolle-san and Pistia-san... M: Meaning, you guys are working all day while everyone else is having fun! P: Yes, I suppose. The temple guardians especially are out on guard for the whole day each year. P: Attendants like me must be by Her Holiness's side, so she can spend the day without any troubles. M: Th, that's really rough...! P: No, no! To be able to serve Her Holiness as an attendant is an honor above any other! P: Attendants can serve Her Holiness closer than anyone else, and it's our duty to grant her wishes so she can be at ease! M: I see... P: And anyway, Her Holiness is a very kind person, and she gives everyone in the temple the next day off! M: You really love Her Holiness, don't you, Pistia-san? P: L, love...! P: Nnno, that would be rude of me! Her Holiness is a person close to our god, after all! P: All I am allowed is to respect Her Holiness, and to not trouble her heart. M: O-oh... P: ...Her Holiness is very kind, so I must take care not to misunderstand. M: Myu...? P: It's only by Her Holiness's mercy that a person like me whose wings are so small is even allowed to serve as an attendant. M: Mercy, meaning... P: Back when I was a small child, who didn't yet understand the ways of the world, I coincidentally wandered across Her Holiness purifying herself by a spring. P: I didn't even understand how Her Holiness was Her Holiness, so not only did I enter a place of purification, I was rude enough to ask her to play with me. P: Her Holiness was so kind, she deigned to pick flowers and play in the water with me. P: Of course, her guards soon noticed and had me arrested. P: For a person not serving the temple to intrude on a place of purification is unforgivable, even if the culprit is an infant. P: However, Her Holiness saved me. She said she would have me as her personal servant. P: That's how I came to serve Her Holiness as her attendant. M: I see... P: That's why I must be an attendant worthy of serving Her Holiness. M: ...I don't get why that means you can't love Her Holiness as a person, but... P: Her Holiness is a person of purity, close to our god's heart. She mustn't be touched by such vulgar feelings. P: ...Feelings... such as admiration for one’s sister... wouldn’t be appropriate. M: Pistia-san... P: O-oh, how could I bore a lady of the holy waters with such talk...?! P: D-don't worry! Her Holiness grants her grace equally to all living beneath the heavens! P: Even if it hadn't been me who wandered across her that day, I'm sure she would have saved them! M: Pistia-sa-... P: Ah, here we are! This is the chamber of prayer where Her Holiness is. P: Your Holiness, I've brought the lady of the holy waters, as reported. ?: Please, come in. M: (A person close to god, who grants her grace to all... A person respected this much by Pistia-san... I wonder what this Holiness person is li...)

M: ... M: (W, wings taking up the entire room... are they all hers...?) P: I will be outside. M: (She's not going to leave us alone together, is she...!?) Michelia: Lady of... no, your name was Merc, wasn't it? Mer: Oh, y-yeah, it is. Mic: Forgive me for not rising in your presence. I'm not able to even move by myself. Mer: Myu...? Mic: These great, heavy wings of mine don't have the strength to fly, and their weight prevents me from standing and walking for very long. Mic: Like you, I'm unable to go anywhere without assistance. Mer: Miss Holiness... Mic: ... Mic: Hehe... please, just call me Michelia. Mic: Surely no one will dare complain if you do, as a lady of the waters. Mer: O, oka... Mer: Wait, that's right! I needed to tell you something, Michelia-san! Mic: ...What is it? Mer: I'm not that lady of the holy waters thing Pistia-san and the others are talking about. Mer: It's true that I don't know who I am either, but... I'm not water itself. I'm sure I'm not a water lady or whatever! Mer: So anyway, please let me go back to where Yuu-san is! Mic: ...I see. I understand, Merc-san. Mer: Then... Mic: However, I have no way of knowing whether you're truly a lady of the holy waters or not. Mer: Myu...!? B-but, Pistia-san said that you'd... Mic: Merc-san, is that Yuu person you speak of your friend? Mer: Y-yes, he is. I said I wanted to go on a journey, but I can't go by myself, so he took me along with him. Mic: And so you came to this country. Mer: ...We're really sorry we accidentally entered a place we shouldn't have. Mer: But it really was an accident! Please, help me and Yuu-san...! Mic: ... Mic: Help you, hm... Mer: Michelia-san? Mic: Merc-san, may I meet this Yuu-san of yours? Mer: Myu?! I-I mean, sure, but... why? Mic: I want to know god's will.

*******CHAPTER SEVEN Merc: God's will...? Pistia: You called, Your Holiness? Mer: Pistia-san? Michelia-san, when did you even call her?! Michelia: Just a moment ago. Mic: I can use a little magic, so while it is limited to a certain range, I can send messages to someone my voice cannot reach. Mic: Pistia. I want you to bring that earth boy in the tower here. P: Yes, ma'am. P: ...Huh? ?: Your Holiness, I've come to report. Mic: Oh, perfect. Pistia, let Laviolle in. P: Y, yes, ma'am. Mic: Laviolle, I've heard that you sent the earth boy to the tower. Laviolle: Yes. I've just returned from that. Mic: I apologize for the trouble, but I want you to bring him here. L: That's... L: I mean no disrespect, but... are you certain? Mic: ...Yes. I... want to know. L: ... L: Understood. I will bring him here, right away. P: ...! ...W-wait, please... Mic: Pistia? P: ...! I-I apologize! For someone like me to question Your Holiness's words... P: B-but, our wings were granted to us by our god, to take us away from the earth and bring us closer to the heavens... P: For us, with wings, and especially Your Holiness, the lady of holy wings, to bring the earth's sins closer...! P: It cause our god to take away your wings...! Mic: It might. P: Then, why... Mic: That's why. P: Y-your Holiness? L: I will be going, then. P: Laviolle-sama... P: (I don't understand. I don't understand what Her Holiness is thinking, not at all.) P: (I've served as her attendant for three whole years, yet I can't decipher even the slightest bit of her heart.) P: (Is it a mistake for someone like me to even try to understand the thoughts of Her Holiness, the one with god's wings...?) P: (Even though Laviolle-sama seemed to understand what she meant...) P: (But I suppose Laviolle-sama has protected Her Holiness longer than I've served her...) P: (So it makes sense that he would understand her heart more than me...) P: (...!) P: (If Laviolle-sama didn't stop her, that means maybe Her Holiness has heard something from our god.)

P: (It's impossible for Her Holiness to be mistaken, after all! I'm sure that's it...! I just don't understand, that's all...!)

P: (...I just, don't understand.)

L: (I didn't expect Michelia-sama to say she wanted to meet someone from the earth...) L: (She said she wanted to confirm something, but... depending on how things go, it might cause a stir in the city... I'll need to do something about it later.) L: (...this is good timing, though. If I can just get that boy away from the tower now...) Feyel: Commander! I can't let you touch a someone from the earth. I'll accompany you. L: (Well, if Feyel just hadn't noticed in the first place, I could've just made some stuff up and sent the boy back down...) L: (Made some stuff up, huh.) F: Commander? L: It's nothing. Alright. Follow after me. I'll fly in front. F: Yes, sir! L: (I didn't have time to tell those two anything... I hope they're behaving...)

Engegar: Grrr~! Yuu: Th-thanks... ugh, I'm kinda queasy... Orthos: So this is grass... I thought it was all the same color from up there, but up close it's all a bit different. O: ... Y: Whoa! Why'd you start running off all of a sudden...?! O: Oh, it's just... I just wanted to try running in a straight line at least once…

O: Haha... there's no walls! It's so weird! I feel so weird...! O: It's like I want to just run away and away... like I could just run away and away... O: ...I see! So this is what it's like to be free...! Y: ... O: ...! O: A-anyway, let's get going to the holy city. Y: Y...eah... O: It's that over there. Now, let's... O: Ow!! Y: What's wrong?! O: I hurt my foot...! Y: Did you twist your ankle? Y: Wait, why don't you have shoes on?! O: I don't have any. Y: Oh... 'cause you weren't planning on leaving the tower anytime soon... Y: Well, we can just buy you shoes in town. There's rocks hidden in the grass around here, though, so it's kind of dangerous to be barefoot... Y: I guess I'll just have to carry you until we're in town. O: Putting aside the issue of whether you CAN carry me or not... O: I can't touch some earth guy. I'd rather walk until my legs are all bloodied up. Y: That'd make ME feel it second hand, please don't... Y: And anyway, even if you touched us, nothing like what you guys claim would happen. Y: I've done handshakes with other people from sky country, but they didn't lose their wings or get sick. O: ... Y: ...We're really not the kind of thing you guys think we are. Y: I mean, we don't really get your religion and stuff... Y: So I can't say for sure that we don't have wings because your god won't forgive us, but. Y: What I just said was true. I don't think god'll be mad just because you touched me. O: ... I don’t have anyone else to rely on. And you don't seem to be lying. O: But what if, just what if, I lost my halo, too? If I did, I'd be... Y: ... Y: Mmm, okay. Let's do this. Y: Your bro said it'd be okay if we didn't touch directly. I'll try and fix up your foot without touching your bare skin. It's okay if I just wrap a bit of cloth on there, right? O: Okay, I'll let you do that. Y: For someone who was so reluctant, you sure held your foot out easy?! O: I've never gotten hurt this bad before... Y: You just cut it a little!

O: It really hurts, okay! Grr, you oughta feel this pain, too...! Trip~! Trip~! Y: Don't cast some weird jynx on me! Y: (Well... I guess he wouldn't even have had a chance to get hurt up in that tower.) Y: ... Y: Soo, anyway. How are you planning on getting wings? O: That's... Y: That's? O: I'll start thinking about that now. Y: ... O: ... Y: And you made fun of ME for not having a plan! I figured you had some kind of idea for where to look! O: I've never been outside that tower! Of course I don't! I'm gonna think about it now! Y: ...For starters, let's go buy some shoes and ask around in the holy city. O: ...Yeah. Y&O: We've got a long road ahead of us...

***********CHAPTER EIGHT

Yuu: Let's see, the shoe store is... Orthos: Take a left. Y: How do you know? O: I've been looking down at this town from the tower for fift... no, sixteen years now. O: I know the layout like the back of my hand. Y: Oh... O: Ah, go straight forward there. It's a tight squeeze, but the guys flying around up there will have a hard time spotting you. We'll be in trouble if you get found out. Y: Yeah. There's like nobody down here to run into, though. Everyone's up there. O: Yeah... it's dusty, and there's a bunch of pebbles. I guess it makes sense that no one would walk down here... Y: ... Y: Hm? Is that the shoe store? O: Yeah, that should be it... O&Y: ... Y: We're right below it... but how are we gonna get up there...? It doesn't look like there's stairs or anything... O: Ah... how could I forget? Of course there aren't. Who needs stairs when you've got wings? O: ...I got excited about leaving the tower and I wasn't thinking. I'm not "free" until I have wings. O: I'm a pathetic creature bound to the earth by gravity... just like the people of the earth... Y: ...Well, you can't fly, but you've got legs, so you can climb. Y: Let's look for somewhere we can get a foothold. We might be able to find a spot that connects to the shoe store. O: ...Yeah, let's. O: (...I want wings. If I have them, I can see our beautiful city from the skies above with Brot... with everyone.)

Feyel: Commander, this is... Laviolle: ... Send an immediate message out to every temple guardian. L: It's possible that a boy of the earth may have wandered into the holy city. Find him before the people do, no matter what. F: Y-yes, sir! L: However, according to Her Holiness's wishes, he is not to be harmed. F: Understood! L: ... You're not on the floor below, either. So you went with that boy, Orthos? L: Why can't you understand? As long as you're in this tower, I can protect you. L: Were you not satisfied just by watching? Was the holy city you saw through that telescope so beautiful to you? L: (Through the telescope, people are singing, dancing. Celebrating Saint Michelia's day.) L: (They believe that some day, that girl will take us to our god's side.) L: (What we should truly be afraid of is not god, but people. People puppeted by the god in each of our hearts.)

Merc: (Feyel-san said they'd find him in no time, but...) Mer: (People in sky country don't really like people without wings. Will Yuu-san be okay...?) Michelia: Merc-san, don't worry. Mer: Myu?! Mic: At times like these, don't you wish you could move by yourself? Mer: Myu... Mic: I understand. We're alike, after all. Mic: However, whatever happens, we're unable to help people ourselves. We can do nothing but wait. Mic: Don't worry. Laviolle's there, he'll take care of Yuu-san. Mer: Come to think of it, Laviolle-san was trying to help Yuu-san earlier when we first met. Mer: Myu! B-but, didn't he also say it was because of the country of the sky's god's guidance? Mer: So maybe he doesn't actually like Yuu-san all that much... Mic: That shouldn't be a concern. He isn't the sort to treat someone badly just because they're from the earth. Mer: Michelia-san... you really trust Laviolle-san, don't you? Mic: Yes. We share the same secret, after all. Mer: What do you mean by... ?: Your Holiness, it's time. Mic: Oh, it's already that late, is it? I understand. Mer: Myu? Is something going to happen? Mic: I'm going to go put on an act. Like Laviolle does.

Y: We finally made it... O: Finally... O: Okay, I'm going to go buy some shoes and ask some questions while I'm at it. You go hide in the shadows. Y: Got it. O: ... Y: ...? Aren't you going to go? O: Let me double-check first. I say "I want some shoes, please" and give them the money, right? Y: (Oh, right, he's never gone shopping before...) Y: That's right, want me to pretend I'm the shopkeeper? O: I don't wanna buy something from an earth guy... Y: Have fun, then. O: Well, I guess I don't have a choice... I'll make an exception and imagine you're a statue or something for practice. Y: Statues don't sell things!

Shoe lady: Welcome. What kind of shoes are you looking for? O: Um, those durable lookin... SL: Oh, my! O: Wh, what? SL: Where's your wings, boy? Why are you walking like someone down on the earth...?! SL: Y-you're not an earth boy, are you?! I don't know where you came from, but I'll call the temple guardians! I will! O: W-wait! SL: I won't! We can't have you people entering the city, not when our god hasn't forgiven you yet! SL: I can't go against god or against the other sky people! If I did, I wouldn't be able to stay here! O: That's not it! Look, see! I've got a halo, don't I?! SL: Oh, my... O: It's just, I got into an accident and hurt my wings a little while ago...! I felt bad about letting the wings god gave me get hurt, so I've been covering them up like this. That's all. SL: Oh, so that's what it was! I'm sorry for doubting you! And even mistaking you for an earth boy...! O: Ha, haha... it's okay, so long as we're on the same page. SL: You're here for shoes because you hurt your wings, huh? SL: I feel so bad for you, having to walk on the ground. Even if it's just until your wings heal... SL: I doubted you and all that, too, so I'll give you some shoes for free. SL: So don't get too down, alright? You'll be better and up in the sky in no time!

O: Th, thanks... O: ...Oh, um, I wanted to ask you something, too. SL: What is it? Let's see, I think we had some shoes for people who've injured their wings around here... O: Um, Her Holiness is... SL: Oh, I see! O: ...?! SL: You're off to see Her Holiness, aren't you, boy? SL: She's the one who's closest to our god, so she can ask for your injury to heal up fast! O: Huh...? SL: Hm? What's wrong? SL: You're going to tell your wish to Saint Michelia, aren't you? That's why you're here buying shoes on Saint Michelia's day. O: ...Y-yeah, that's it. SL: Oh, don't look so scared! SL: Her Holiness will pass along any prayer from someone with faith in our god. SL: As long as you've repented for getting yourself hurt, she'll pass along your wish, too! SL: Once she's done that, if it's the wish that's right for you, I'm sure god will grant it. SL: Here's your shoes, thanks for waiting! O: Right, thanks... SL: Oh, by the way, boy... O: ...? SL: Nevermind! It's nothing. SL: Come to think of it, it'll be hard for you to get to the holy temple with your wings hurt, won't it? Want me to get my husband to take you? O: That's... O: That's really nice of you, but I'll pass. I'm already going with someone. SL: Oh, are you? That's good. Have them carry you there. SL: Take care, you hear me? I'm sorry for getting you mixed up with someone from the earth. O: ...Don't worry about it. Thanks for the shoes.

*********CHAPTER NINE Yuu: Why didn't you have them take you? Orthos: ...People of the skies keep their promises. I said I'd help you, and I'm not gonna go back on my word. O: ...I don't know why Brother didn't tell me, but it sounds like there's a new saint in the temple. O: When the temple has its master, they're the only one called "Your Holiness". The person you were calling Her Holiness is probably her... Saint Michelia. O: That means your friend is probably in the temple. O: You don't know your way around the city at all, though. If I don't help you, you can't get there yourself, right? Y: I guess, but... O: Or what, you don't wanna go anymore? Y: Huh? O: We can't even get into the temple the right way. O: We've got no choice but to sneak in, and on top of that, they think your friend's some kind of  lady of the holy waters, right? If we're found out, we'll be in trouble. O: If you're going to give up, now's the time. Y: ...I'm not going to give up. O: ... That friend of yours must be really important to you. Y: ...Well, she has helped me out a lot in the past, and we've been together like, forever now. O: That so. I guess we're still headed to the temple, then. Y: Yeah. Y: If that saint lady's granting people's' wishes, she might grant your wish for wings, right? O: It's not Her Holiness who does the wish granting. "Her Holiness" is just the person who's closest to our god. O: That means she's able to pass our wishes along to god... or so they so. O: I don't know much about the current Her Holiness, but I'm sure she's like Saint Theatrimia and will send our prayers to god. O: ...If Brother's right and god really did just forget to stick my wings on... O: Then maybe I can still have them, even if it's a little late. Y: ... O: What? Y: ...Nothing. Y: Hey, even if god doesn't have your wings laying around on the shelf, there might still be another way of getting some. Y: Let's just start with the temple. O: Don't go jynxing us before we're there. I hope god didn't give my wings to someone else... Y: I just thought about it for a second, sorry. Y: How are we gonna get to the temple, though? It doesn't look like it's connected to the island we're on... O: There's an old bridge almost nobody uses. It's perfectly usable, though, and since it's in a place that doesn't stand out it's perfect for sneaking into the temple. O: ...If only it wasn't a bridge intended for sinners who've lost their wings. Y: ...You gonna be okay? O: You have any better ideas? O: No asking monsters for help. The security around the temple's tight. We'd get found out right away. Y: ...I can't think of anything. O: No objections, then. Let's just hurry up and go. Y: ...Oka... ?: My, my, if it isn't the temple guardians! Y: This is bad, let's hide! O: It's too tight! I said don't get within half a meter of me! Y: We're trying to hide, don't complain! SL: Why are you lot looking so scary on Saint Michelia's day? F: O-oh, it's nothing! Nothing you need to be worried about, ma'am. SL: But for all of you to be making faces like that, wouldn't it have to be a big deal...? F: Oh, no, it's just, you know. I’ve been wanting to be more serious all the time like our Commander, but I guess the look on his face is starting to rub off on me, too. F: It's kinda embarrassing, so could you please not tell anyone? SL: Ahahaha, so that's what's going on! Alright, let's say it's just a secret between you, me, and god. F: Thank you, ma'am. We'll be on our way, now... SL: Oh, that's right. F: Yes? SL: Does your Commander have a little brother? F: Why? SL: You see, the boy who came to my store here a little while ago looked JUST like him. SL: I realized after he left that he might be your Commander's brother or something, so I was wondering. F: I see. But unfortunately, you must be wrong.

F: Our Commander doesn't have any brothers.

F: ...Somehow, we managed to avoid getting found out. F: Teufel, Eliodas. Put on your usual face and make it look like we're just on patrol. Don't make the people uneasy, like just now. F: If they find out about that earth boy, there will be a huge fuss. F: ...We need to find him before the people of the city do, no matter what... F: Next is the southern district. Let's go.

?: ... Y: Sounds like they're only looking for me. O: No one knows about me, after all. Y: ... O: ...But if I get myself some wings, I won't need to hide anymore. I can tell everyone I'm his brother. Y: Y, yeah... Y: ... Y: But... O: (But... we're in a tight spot. I didn't think they'd find us out this quickly.) O: (If we're discovered, and they figure out I've been sheltering an earth guy, then even if I get wings they might just be cut right off.) O: (If that happens... I won't be able to stay here anymore.) O: ... Y: Orthos? O: ...It's nothing. O: (...He can't get to the temple on his own. Whether I have wings or not, I'm a person of the skies. If I lose sight of our ways, then I'll really be just like the people of the earth.) O: ... O: Let's go. Y: ... Y: ...Thanks. O: I'm not doing this for you. Y: Even then. O: ... Don't forget, I'm a person of the skies. I don't intend to get close to an earth guy. O: ... Y: ...Yeah. Y: Let's go, I need to find Merc.

?: Oh, Saint Michelia. Recently, due to the cloud eater, we've been having less rain. ?: Please, we want to ask god to send us more rain clouds...! Mic: Our comrade, troubled by life's hardships. Michelia has heard your prayer. ?: Ah, thank you, thank you...! Please, with those wings of yours, take my prayers to our god!

Mer: People have been coming in one after another to tell Michelia-san their wishes... P: Today's Saint Michelia day. Just for this one day, people can come in and offer their prayers not just to the temple, but to Her Holiness directly. P: But it's impossible for her to hear out everyone's prayers, so we draw lots to decide who gets to come see her. Mer: There's enough people coming to see Michelia-san that you need to make a lottery of it? P: Of course! Only saints loved by god can become the master of this temple. P: In the centuries since Saint Theatrimia, the temple has been empty. It's like a miracle that we're able to see Her Holiness and offer her our prayers in person. Mer: I guess if you put it like that, it makes sense that this many people would want to see her... P: On top of that, our current Holiness might be the one to grant our people's greatest wish! Mer: Greatest wish? P: Yes! P: We, the people of the skies, surpassing the wall of clouds separating us from our god... P: To achieve that has been our wish, ever since we were forgiven of the earth's sins and given wings to bring us closer to the heavens! Mer: Michelia-san's going to grant that wish for you? P: Yes, once she's grown, I'm sure of it! Those great wings of hers are proof. P: With her wings that are even bigger than the ones the high angels have, I'm sure she can fly high, high into the sky, high enough to get over the wall of clouds. P: And then she'll go to our god in the heavens. That's when our wish will be granted. Mer: So that's why Michelia-san is called the person who's closest to god... P: Yes. P: That's why all these people come to the holy city on Saint Michelia day, to have her pass our prayers along to our god. Mer: I, see... P: The next person is the last. Would you please wait here a moment? Mer: Alright. Mer: (Michelia-san's closest to god, so she can bring wishes to them...) Mer: (But... even though their wishes haven't been granted yet, those people all went home with smiles on their faces.) Mer: (Are those people happy with just that...? Or is it that wishes are granted right away when they ask Michelia-san...?) ?: Oh, God, Saint Michelia, thank you so much! Mer: Myu? Voices outside the window...?

Mer: It's raining.

***********CHAPTER TEN

Orthos: Over here, hurry! Yuu: Got it! Whoa, it's raining...! O: The bridge to the temple is right over there. I doubt anyone will be coming near, so let's get under it and take a break for now. Y: Okay! Y: Looks like we can stay out of the rain down here. O: I'm so tired... (my foot hurts where I cut it, too...) Y: Same. Getting chased around like this is pretty rough... we can't relax even for a second. Y: ...What's that? I can hear someone's voice. O: It's not anyone looking for us. They're just excited because it's raining. Y: Cause it's raining? O: I told you about Saint Theatrimia, didn't I? Rain comes from holy clouds granted to us by god. O: It hasn't rained recently, and it's Saint Michelia's day, so everyone's EXTRA excited. Y: Oh, right. Water's holy here in sky country... O: (But... this rain that's got everyone so happy is just making me cold. If only I had wings, I'd be glad like everyone else.) O: (If only I had wings...) O: (Would god grant me wings, though?) Y: Orthos? O: (...I don't know. I don't get god at all.) O: (I read the scriptures and history books in that tower over and over. I watched the people of the holy city pray to our god every day.) O: (But in truth... I don't understand god at all.) O: (If I had wings, would I get it like everyone else does? If I had them, would I be like everyone el...) Y: Orthos! O: Wha, what? Y: It's nothing, just... are you okay? You're looking kinda pale. O: Oh, yeah... Y: Does your foot hurt? O: Huh? Y: I mean, of course it does. It's not like it'll get all better just 'cause you're wearing shoes, so it makes sense that it'd get worse after you've walked on it... Y: It'd be bad if it got infected. Take your shoe off for a sec. O: ... Y: I know, I know, I won't touch you directly. We'll do it like this, okay? O: ...Thanks.

O: I hate you. Y: You realize that was completely out of nowhere, right...? O: (...He's dangerous. An earth guy without wings. He's different from everyone living in the skies.) O: (He hasn't got wings or a halo, so he can't live in the world I admire.) Y: There, all done. You can put your shoe bac... Y: A-choo! O: ...Rainy days get pretty chilly. We're lower down than the tower, so I guess it's not quite AS bad as up there, though. Y: Oh... Y: A-choo! O: ...This is where I'd say "don't get within half a meter of me", but I guess this cloth isn't big enough for that. I'll let you use half of it. Y: ...You okay with that? O: Just don't touch me. I don't wanna go and lose my halo right in front of the temple. Y: ... Y: Thanks... despite everything, I... don't hate you or anything. O: Ugh! Y: Do you have to look so grossed out? I'm kind of hurt. O: Even if you go and say stuff like that, I'm not letting you have any more blanket space. Y: Don't worry, I wasn't expecting you to be nice in the first place. O: Excuse me? I'm being SUPER nice considering you're an earth guy. (Grrr!) O&Y: ... Y: What if the security people find us out because they can hear our stomachs growling? O: That'd be the worst. O&Y: ... Y: ...Let's just stop. Arguing's only going to make us hungrier. O: ...Yeah. O: ... O: (...Brother always brought me food, so I never got hungry like this in the tower. I don't wanna STAY there, but...) O: (It was safer than anywhere else up there. Brother protected me from everything... but...) O: (Up there, I didn't have anyone who would share their warmth with me when I was cold.) O: (All I could do was shiver as I watched the people of the city celebrate their rain.) O: (I actually... hate rainy days.) O: I wish I had wings... if I did, then I'd... Y: ... Y: Oh. O: Mm, what? Y: Looks like the rain's letting up. O: You're right. It's already this late, too... Y: It's bright in town, but... the bridge is jet black. O: The celebrations in town go on all night, after all. If the bridge is dark, all the better for us when we sneak in. O: Let's go. Y: ... O: What's up? Y: Hey. O: What? Y: If god's already gone and given your wings to someone else and you can't get them even if you ask, what are you going to do? O: ... O: Who knows? Maybe I'll go back to the tower. I guess I'll be locked up for a different reason this time, though. Y: Are you okay with that? O: I doubt there's anyone who'd want to live their whole life there. Y: Well, that's true, but... O: But there's nothing else to it. If someone without wings wants to live in the heavens, that's the only place for them. Y: ...Down on the ground, there's a whole bunch of places that are just as pretty as the holy city. O: Ehhh...? Y: Wow, you sure don't look like you believe me... O: The earth is a land of sin. There's no way something beautiful could be down there. Y: ...Fine, fine, I get it. Y: ...I hope you get your wings. O: ...I hope you get to see your friend.

Merc: This rain... did Michelia-san...? Michelia: No. Mer: Michelia-san... you look kinda tired. Mic: Do I? ...You may be right. Mer: I bet it's because you've been listening to people all this time. Maybe you should res... Mic: No. I don't need to rest. What I need is to know. Mer: To know? Mic: Merc-san. Do you know why I was called a saint and brought to this temple? Mer: Myu? Um... because your wings are so big? Mic: That's correct. Mic: Everyone says these wings are proof of god's love. Mic: Even if they don't move yet, eventually they will grow, and be able to fly. They'll take me to god's side one day, they say. Mic: But you see, Merc-san. Mer: Michelia-san...? Mic: I can't imagine a day like that ever coming. Not one bit. Mer: Myu...? Mic: For the rest of my life, no matter how much time passes, no matter how much this body of mine matures, these wings will never fly. Mic: They can't. Mer: How can you know that...? Mic: How...? Because it's my own body. Mic: How could anyone but god know me better than myself? Mic: And yet, the people bring their prayers to me, believing I will take flight to the heavens one day.

Mic: They're heavy. They're so heavy. Mic: It's impossible for a person to fly shouldering such a weight. Mic: I can't handle... Mic: No, I'm sure no human can handle these wings. God's wings. Mic: Everyone tells me these wings are for carrying me to the heavens, for bringing me closer to our god. Mic: But look at me now. I'm just like those who live down on the earth. Mic: Our wings are proof that we've been forgiven of our betrayal. We are the people of the skies, the ones chosen by our god and allowed near the heavens. Mic: And yet, god's wings are what bind me to the ground like those who are wingless, and threaten to crush me beneath their weight. Mic: ...Merc-san, I don't understand. Mic: I don't understand our god. Mic: They say I'm closest to god and that it's my duty to carry prayers to them, yet they are unknown to me. Mic: Every year, the people celebrate me and bring me their prayers. Every year, my doubt towards god and my own powerlessness become more apparent. Mic: Why was I given these wings? Why can't I save anyone? Why do I have these wings, and yet... Mic: And yet, I cannot fly? Mer: Michelia-san... Mic: I want to know. I want to understand god. But, just as much... Mic: I wish I could throw these wings away. Mer: ...! ?: In that case... Mic: ...? O: In that case, why don't you let me have half?

**********CHAPTER ELEVEN

Yuu: Hold on, Orthos...! Don't just... Merc: Wha, Yuu-san?! Y: Merc! Wait, no, I need to not raise my voice...! It'd be bad if that girl outside heard...! Michelia: Don't worry. This room was made so that the voices inside can't be heard outside. Y: Oh, uh, okay, um... Y: (So this is that Holiness person, Saint Michelia... but going on what we just heard, she's not the kind of saint everyone in town thinks she is...) Mic: You said you wanted wings? Orthos: ...Yeah. O: ...I was just kidding, though.

O: I can see you're just a girl with huge wings... and why Brother didn't tell me about you. O: Sorry for sneaking in. I wanted to pray to god to give me wings, but it looks like this isn't the place I should be praying... Mic: I will grant your request. O: Wha... Mic: I'll give you half of these wings. O: ...Can you really do that? Mic: How did you make it here, wingless as you are? O: By... crossing the bridge intended for wingless sinners... O: ...! ...Don't tell me, is it possible to give fallen wings to someone else? Mic: That's correct. With the light of dawn, wings are taken away and given back. Mic: However, only people of the skies can be given wings. They cannot be given to one who already has wings, either. O: That can't be... giving someone else wings... that's god's... Mic: I don't know why our god granted us this magic. Mic: However, the first spell I learned after being brought here as a saint was this. Mic: Aside from a few cardinals, no one knows that wings can be transferred to others. Mic: Also, a wingless person of the skies shouldn't normally be able to come this far. O: That's... Mic: ...What will you do? O: ...Are you okay with this? Mic: ... Mic: ...The ritual will need certain preparations. I'll have Pistia do it. You needn't worry about me.

Pistia: (Wait wait wait, what's going on...? Is what Her Holiness told me just now true? Or am I just dreaming?) P: (Her Holiness losing half of her wings is a lie, right? God couldn't possibly forgive that. There's no way Her Holiness wouldn't understand that.) P: (Oh, but, maybe she just gets it and I don't because she's closest to god? Would Laviolle-sama understand if he were here?) P: (What should I do? Should I disobey Her Holiness? Or get the ritual ready, like she says?) P: (But if I do that, Her Holiness will...) P: (But an attendant like me shouldn't talk back against what Her Holiness says, that would be a sin itself...) P: (Oh, god... what should I do?)

Mic: It's bright outside. Mer: I heard everyone's celebrating Michelia-san coming to the temple all night. Mic: ... Mer: ...Are you really okay with this, Michelia-san? If you give up half of your wings, you might get lighter and be able to fly, but... Mer: I heard that the biggest sin in sky country is to lose your own wings. Mer: You told Orthos-san and everyone it was okay, but whether the ritual succeeds or not, won't you be in trouble...? Mic: Merc-san. Mic: Even if your friend was there for you, wasn't it hard for you to go out on a journey when you can't move by yourself? Mer: That's... Mic: You should be able to understand. Having a wish you'd be willing to stake your life on. Mer: For you, it's flying? Mic: No. Mer: Myu? Mic: There's something I want to know. Something I must confirm, even if I risk my life. Mer: Something you want to know... Mic: As you search for the truth, so do I. Mer: Then... what is this "truth" you want to find? ?: Y, your Holiness... Mer: Pistia-san? Mic: ...I may have done something cruel to that child. P: Th, the wingfall ritual's preparations are co, co, complete...

Feyel: We can't find him... we've searched almost everywhere, but... F: Um, Commander? Laviolle: ... F: Um, Commander? Is something the matter? L: ...No, it's nothing. Continue searching the city. F: Yes, sir!

********CHAPTER TWELVE

Orthos: Hehe, it's so pretty. Look, is there a sight like this down on earth? Yuu: Hey, don't get too close to the edge. There's no rails or anything. O: The whole town's shining as it celebrates Saint Michelia's day. Starting next year, I'll be able to join in. I get to be one of the sparkles making the holy city beautiful! Y: He's not listening... O: Come on, come over here and see. This is where the view's best. Y: Like I just said, that's dangerou... Y: ...It really is pretty. O: Right?! When dawn's light is here, I get to have all this. O: I can let my wings shine in the light and shine the water's reflections on the holy city, just like everyone else. O: And, and, on rainy days I'll be able to celebrate with everyone, and on holidays I can sing and dance and make a fuss all night, with people I don't even know! O: I bet Brother will be surprised! But I bet he'll be happy, too! O: We won't need to hide that we're brothers anymore! Brother won't need to visit that tower in secret anymore! We can be free, actually free! O: ... O: ... Y: ... Y: This city really is pretty, just like you said. It's shining all over. I can't believe we were running all soaked in the rain under there. O: ...Yeah. Y: Aren't you going to say the half meter thing? O: ...Well, this IS the end. Y: Wanna do a handshake, th... O: I'm not going to be THAT generous. Y: Oh, come on. O: ...Hey. Now that you've seen this, can you still say there's places on earth that are just as pretty as the holy city?

Y: Yeah, I can. Y: For example... in summer country, there's fish that reflect moonlight and it's like the ocean itself is glowing. Y: In snow country, there's a winter festival where everyone wears these special outfits call milka and they all make a big fuss in town. It's really lively. Y: It's really cold at night in desert country, but the air's all clear, and an oasis under the moon looks almost ethereal. Y: I saw some pretty fireworks in animal country, and... O: I wonder if you're telling the truth. Y: You still don't beli... Y: ... O: Where did those guys fly off to, I wonder? Why did they fly away in the first place? O: Was there a place as wonderful as the holy city? Was it one of the beautiful places you're talking about? Y: Those guys? O: My friends. Two migratory birds with pure white feathers. O: One of them's a kid who's barely out of the nest and always came to the tower when they were practicing how to fly. The other's probably... their sibling or parent. O: We got to being friends over the past few months, but... this morning, they left me behind and flew off somewhere. Y: ...What kind of bird are they? O: Like... white and pretty big-ish. Y: There's a million birds that could fit that description... Y: I heard there's migratory birds who fly all around the world, though. I might've seen them somewhere, too. O: If you run into them, tell them hi for me. Y: Like I said, I don't know which ones you're talking about... O: You earth people are so... Y: You and your vague descriptions are 100% what's at fault here. O: ...Even though I loved them, I can't quite remember exactly what they looked like. O: All that's left is the way they were shining as they flew away from the tower. O: ...Maybe I had as much envy as I did love for them. Y: ...You'll be getting wings at dawn, right? O: ...? Y: ...? You were envious of their wings, right? O: ...Oh. O: ...Oh, uh, right. Yeah, that's right, I don't have any reason to be jealous anymore. O: Look, see that plaza at the center? Everyone's getting together. Dawn must be close. O: Oh, but since it's so cloudy today, dawn's light might be late... Y: It WAS raining earlier... why does everyone get together in the plaza at dawn, though? O: On most holidays, everyone raises their glasses to the sky at dawn. O: Since it's Saint Michelia's day, I guess they're all celebrating her coming to the temple. Y: That's sure a lot of people down there. O: Well, yeah. Everyone in town's celebrating for her. Y: Huh... O: Just a little longer, then I'll be reborn when we hear those people toasting. O: ...Man, if only it'd been one day earlier, it could've been right as I turned sixteen. Y: Right as? O: I turned sixteen today. But once dawn's here, I'll be sixteen and a day, right? O: So if it'd been one day earlier, I could've made a fresh start as a sixteen year old. Y: It was your birthday today? O: Yeah. I guess it's not a big deal compared to Saint Michelia's day, th…

Y: Happy birthday. O: ... Y: Orthos? Look, I know you probably don't wanna hear it from some earth guy, but... Y: Wha, what's wrong?!

O: ...I don't know. Maybe it's just tears of joy because I get to be rid of you soon. Y: Oh come on, that kind of crying doesn't make me glad at... O: (Why can't I stop? The tears just keep coming.) O: (This has never happened before. This... this...) Y: Wha, wait, is this my fault? Is it really my fault? Were you seriously that uncomfortable? Look, I'm sor…

?: OVER THERE! Y: What...?! O: That's... O: Brother...?

**********CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Pistia: I, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Your Holiness...! But, but, I...! I didn't want anything to happen to Your Holiness, so I...! Michelia: So you told Laviolle. P: Yes, ma'am...! Mic: Did you know what that would mean? P: I, I'll accept any punishment...! I don't mind losing my wings, or falling to the earth...! Mic: ...If that's the case, then even if I go to our god's side, it won't have anything to do with you anymore. P: E, even then...! I just don't want you to lose your wings and suffer, Your Holiness! P: Please, please stop this! P: Even if Your Holiness understands god's will while I don't, even if Your Holiness losing your wings is part of god's plan! P: I'm certain the others won't understand...! They might even dare to chase Your Holiness from the temple...! If that happened, it would just be so sad...!

P: Y, your Holiness...! You saved me when I was small! P: I don't want you to suffer when you're so kind, even if it's god's will! Mic: This isn't god's will. P: Your Holiness... P: Then, why...? I never understand. I never understand what Your Holiness is thinking...! P: Even though Your Holiness is closest to god, you meet with people from the earth, and try to lose your wings...! P: For me to be so completely incapable of understanding your feelings... I'm a failure as an attendant! Mic: Pistia. P: Your Holiness...? Mic: To tell the truth, I actually don't understand what god's thinking one bit, just like you don't understand me. P: Huh? Mic: That's why I wanted to know. Mic: ...Whether god is really there or not. P: ... P: (...This person is... she's just a person, like I am. She's just a really nice girl....)

Feyel: What is... Pistia-dono said she wanted us to keep a wingless person away from dawn's light, but... Orthos&Yuu: ... F: There's two people whose wings I can't see. O: Br... Laviolle: One of them has a halo. He probably hurt his wings and is hiding them under that cloth in shame. F: But, then why is he with that earth boy... perhaps he helped him escape from the tow... L: Of course not. If he did that, he wouldn't be able to stay here. L: A person of the skies wouldn't do something that would get them exiled from the holy city. F: That's true... the only person who could possibly be forgiven of such a thing would be Her Holiness, who knows god's will best... F: But in that case, who exactly is the one beside that boy supposed to be... L: A person of the skies, of course. L: Correct? O: ... L: ...It's just a coincidence that you were with this person of the earth, right?

O: That's... F: Why won't you answer? At this rate, you'll be arrested alongside that boy. O: ... F: Surely you're not planning on taking his hand, are you? O: I... O: I...! Y: Orthos. O: ...! Y: ...I definitely can't bring myself to hate you. Y: I'll be fine. You get to be part of the holy city you've always admired, right? Say your half a meter line. O: ... Y: ...well, or I could just walk away myself, I guess. O: Wai...! O: The wind...!

Y: ...Oh. Oh no. And I'M the one who was lecturing him about not falling off…

?: AAAAH! ?: Yuu...!

************CHAPTER FOURTEEN Yuu: This bad, this is real bad...! Yuu Storia's going to be over...! I haven't even gotten Merc's memories back... Y: Wait, I left Merc in the temple...! Y: What was with that wind, anyway?! Is it because I broke the law and entered that temple?! Did the sky kingdom's god get mad and this is some kinda divine punishment...?!

Y: Ahhh, I'm sorry, god! But I couldn't just ditch Merc and leave the country by myseeeelf...! Y: This morning, I mean, yesterday? Yesterday I helped protect your holy city from the cloud eater, so can I get a free pass from tha... Y: It's so cloudy! Why's it so cloudy there's not a single beam of light even though it's already dawn...?! Y: Wait, hold on, seriously?! Did I seriously make god that angry?! Are the clouds their way of saying "absolutely not" to my prayers?! Y: Ah... I'm done for...! Y: AAAAAAAA! Y: AAAAAAAAaaa... Y: ...ah?

Y: ...an angel?

Orthos: Too late. I'm not an angel anymore.

Y: ... Y: Your hand!

O: Man, you earth guys's hands and our hands aren't all that different. Y: That's not it! Y: Are you okay with this? If you touch me, you'll stop being a person of the skies or whatever... if you do this, you won't be able to go back to the holy... O: It's fine. I don't want you to call me an angel, I want you to call me your friend. O: Just like I don't actually want to call you some earth guy, I want to call you Yuu. Y: ... O: Whoa, look, Yuu! I can see the world behind you! Y: Huh? O: Your world is... just like you said. The ocean's shining, and the desert's oasis is almost like a jewel. O: Something's sparkling in the distance. Maybe those are fireworks? They're glittering like wings. O: Oops, careful! Y: Whoa! D, don't just dart upwards like that...! O: Do you wanna keep on falling, then? Maybe that flock of birds down there will be nice and catch you. Y: Just kidding, thank you very much for magnanimously grabbing me before I slammed right into a flock of birds! O: Good boy.

O: Oh, those two...! O: Yuu, look! It's those two! They're my friends! Y: Wha, where?! O: They're already gone. Y: I can't tell them apart from the other birds in the flock in the first place... O: Huh? These birds... O: What's up? Y: I've seen this kind of bird on the ground before. If I travel around, I might really run into them again. O: ...I wonder if they knew that there's places on the earth that are just as beautiful as the holy city. Y: Orthos? O: Yuu, look up there. The holy city's so tiny from here. O: Even though it was so big when I admired it from the tower... Y: ... Y: It's going to be hard to get back up there from here... O: Seriously. Especially with me carrying you. O: Oh, right! O: Why don't we just go on down and travel the world together? It doesn't sound like a bad idea to me. Y: Merc's still up there!

O: Ahahah! Yeah, you're right!

O: Let's go on back, then.

Y: ...Sorry. O: It's fine. O: There were more beautiful things than I thought there was, and what I wanted was something I could have without wings. O: ...And anyway, I've gone and left someone important to me back there, too. Y: ... O: ...Hey, Yuu. O: I'm sure I'll come to love your world as much as I loved this world in the sky. You're the one who showed me everything. Y: ... O: So, thanks. O: For helping me when I got hurt, and bringing me out of that tower.

O: Thank you.

O: I love you.

Michelia: ... Pistia: Your Holiness, your wings...! Mic: Saint Theatrimia's miracle... P: Your Holiness...? Mic: (I was waiting for my punishment. My punishment from god. For daring to try and confirm that they were there.) Mic: (But instead of punishment, god granted me the light of their blessing.) Mic: (Right now, I'm seeing god behind those two.) Mic: (God is in the heavens. But they're also within our hearts.) Mic: (Our hearts, which cause us to love and to save others. Which cause us to fly for someone else's sake, even as we fear falling.) Mic: (God is there, watching over us silently. It isn't god who saves people.) Mic: (It's people who save their friends, themselves, their enemies. It's ourselves.) Mic: (God gave me these great wings because they're inside me.) Mic: (I was blind. I couldn't even see this god who was so close to me.) Mic: (But now, with my eyes cleansed by god's light, I can see. I can see that god is within me.) Mic: (I don't have those great wings anymore, but I can save those who desire salvation from me, and be saved as I do. I can love those who desire my love, and celebrate being loved myself.) Mic: (That itself is what it means to have god by my side. I had no need of wings from the beginning. It wasn't just my wings that were heavy, it was my own body as well.) Mic: (This heart of mine is the only thing that can rise to the heavens.) P: ... P: Your Holiness... P: (Ahh, right now, this person has become a real saint.)

Laviolle: (Oh, so that's it. I should've just done that.)

L: (...I could've just done that.) Feyel: I could've sworn I just saw that boy sprout wings... who exactly is... L: My brother. F: Huh? L: That's my one and only brother, who didn't have wings until just a moment ago.

F: Wingless...? Huh? Huh?! L: ...I'll be leaving the temple guardians. F: What do you mean by... L: I don't need to guard that birdcage anymore. ?: Even though it was so cloudy, there's light... ?: What's going on?! ?: It's the return of Saint Theatrimia's miracle...! Oh, lady of holy wings, Saint Michelia...! ?: Who's that boy?! ?: It's a person of the earth...! ?: Why is the light of god's blessings shining on a person of the earth...?! L: ...But before that, I suppose I need to do something about this fuss. L: Feyel. I'm sure you're not happy about it, but for now, I still have authority here. Head to the plaza and... ?: People of the holy city. F&L: ... ?: It's Her Holiness! Her Holiness has come! ?: But, her wings...! Her wings have been halved...! ?: How could this be, that person of the earth must have...! L: ... L: (...Did Michelia-sama find it? God's existence.) Mic: ... Mic: God gave my wings to that boy. Mic: God did not grant us our wings so that we could pity or look down upon those who live on the earth. Mic: It is so we can love, save, and offer our hands to other people. God is within such a heart. Thus, god…

Mic: Gave that boy wings, broke apart these clouds, and granted us the light of their blessing. ?: Saint Michelia... ?: How divine... ?: Let's toast to Her Holiness...! ?: Me too...! ?: Me too! ?: To Saint Michelia's miracle! L: ... L: (Clouds, huh...) L: (The shadow I saw between those clouds... that was the cloud eater that boy healed. I suppose it came with the strong wind a moment ago...) F: Saint Michelia... L: (For a cloud eater to appear, eat the clouds, and cause light to shine right in this moment...) L: (Is this a coincidence? Or is it fate, brought about by god's hands? ...I don't know yet.) L: (But... either way, I hope we all have a kind god in our hearts.) L: (A kind god, filled with mercy and acceptance.)

**********CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Michelia: Merc-san, my little comrade. May god's protection follow you on your road. Mic: If you ever find yourself troubled, please come to me. I'll welcome you and your friends any day. Merc: Michelia-san... Mic: From now on, I won't just bring prayers to god. I'll do what I can do, too. Mer: Okay, thank you. Michelia-san, let me know if I can ever do anything for you, too. Mer: Not that there's a lot I can do myself, but... Mic: No. Mer: Myu? Mic: You can't imagine how much I was comforted by meeting someone in the same situation as myself. Mic: Just by listening to what I had to say, you saved me, just a little. Mic: Perhaps this is how those who left their prayers to me felt. Mer: Michelia-san... Mic: I'm certain there are things only you can do. Mic: I'm certain that since god gave you the body you have, there are things only it can achieve. Mer: Do you think so? Mic: Yes. Someone out there will be saved by you, like me. That's what I think. Mer: ...Thank you. Mic: Take care. Mic: ...Oh, yes. Mer: Myu? Mic: Pistia has something she wants to tell you.

Pistia: U-um, miss lady of the holy waters... Mer: Pistia-san... P: I-I'm so sorry...! For taking you away from your friend...! Mer: Myu, it's okay now! Mer: You just wanted what was best for me and Michelia-san when you brought me here. Mer: You don't need to worry about it so much. P: B-but... if I hadn't gone and did something nobody wanted, then everyone... Mer: It's okay! Yuu-san was fine in the end. Mer: And anyway, when Yuu-san got back... Mer: Thanks to you taking his hand right away, everyone else in the city was able to accept him. Mer: So you've already done enough! P: Person of the waters... Mer: Myu... if it's still going to bother you... P: If there's anything I can do, anything at all...! Mer: Then please stop calling me "person of the waters" and start calling me Merc! Merc: "Person of the waters" doesn't feel like me, so it's kinda sad... P: ... Mer: Pistia-san...? P: Oh, so that's why Her Holiness…

P: Thank you very much, Merc-sama. Mer: You don't need to stick a -sama on, either?! Mic: Now then, let us be going. Pistia. P: ...Yes, Michelia-sama. Mic: …

Mic: ...Thank you.

Orthos: Man, this room almost feels nostalgic. I was always looking down on the city from here. O: Now I can't imagine living in such a tight space. Laviolle: You didn't like it? O: ...Nah. It was a tight fit, but it was nice and cozy, too. Since it was safer than anywhere else. O: ...I can't come back here, though. Since now I know what it's like to fly off and be free. O: Sorry, Brother. I'm leaving. I'm going to go see the world with my friend. O: I can't just admire the world from beneath your wings anymore. I can't be one of the sparkles in this city, either. O: I want to know where those white birds went off to. L: ...I see. L: Then go fly off wherever you like. O: …

L: And then come back to roost whenever your wings are tired. I'll be waiting for you, as always. O: Brother... O: ...Thanks for everything. Thank you so much. O: And, I'm sorry. I made you throw away a lot of things for my sake. Just to protect me. L: Don't mind it. It's just a matter of priorities. O: ...I know you didn't really want to become commander of the temple guardians... do you regret it? L: ...There is one thing I regret. O: ... L: Thanks to me becoming commander, I couldn't celebrate your birthday until now. O: …

L: But that ends now. I told them I’m done being commander. O: ...Hehe, what's with that? I've never seen you make a face like this.

L: Really...? O: ...Come home for your next birthday. I'll be able to celebrate it with you on the right day.

O: ...Okay.

O: Alright, Brother. I'm going. L: Now then. L: How long are you intending to hide?

Feyel: Ugh, I, I knew you knew I was there... L: What do you want, Feyel? I've already left my position. F: I came to bring you back! L: But... F: I, I mean, you DID go and abuse your authority to use this tower and keep your brother a secret and stuff, but... F: But, even then, I want you to be our commander. L: Her Holiness... F: No! I, I mean, she did say a little, but... F: But more importantly, I personally want you to stay our commander. L: Why? F: ...You were faithful.

L: Pft... F: D-don't snicker at me! F: I understand now. You were always thinking of us. F: You weren't just thinking of your brother, but also everyone living in the city, and even that boy from the earth. F: You were planning on making it all your own responsibility. F: ...I think that's what god means by faithfulness and honesty. F: That's why I want YOU to keep being our commander. L: ...I don't want to. F: Wha?! L: I promised I'd celebrate my brother's birthday next year. F: E, even if you're commander, you can still celebrate it! Look, you've got me, don't you?! Your lieutenant! L: ...You're so unreliable I couldn't leave it up to you. F: Wha... F: ...A-all the more reason for you to come back! F: Are you really okay with this?! If you quit, then either me or that creepy second in command will end up as commander! L: Him, huh... F: See, you can't trust me with it, and if you let him do it who knows what he'd do!

L: ... F: Don't worry, I'll get good enough that you can let me handle things while you go to celebrate your brother's birthday by next year! L: ...I see. If I just whip you into shape by next year... F: ...Um, Commander...? L: Alright. Leave it to me. F: I-I'll do my best…

Yuu: Okay, it's about time to get goi... O: Hold it, you're not going to wait for me?

Mer: Orthos-san! Y: So you were serious about coming with us? O: Did you think I was just being nice? No way. Y: W-well... O: I told you, didn't I? I want to know what's beautiful aside from the holy city. Y: ...You might need to walk with your own two feet instead of just seeing it from above. O: That's okay. Look, I'm wearing those heavy duty shoes I got from the shoe store. Y: Are you really gonna walk even though you finally got your wings? Y: You're the one who said it first, right? And anyway, I've realized I don't actually hate walking. Y: And yet you were so gloomy in the city. O: That's because it hadn't occurred to me that I could just climb the walls. O: ...So, teach me more. About how fun it is to walk, and how beautiful the earth you people live on is. Y: ... O: In return, I'll teach you how fun it is to fly!

Y: Wha, wait a sec! Mer: Myu, myuwaa~! Please wait for me to close my lid before you go strolling off into the sky! Y: I, I'll get queasy! O: Ahahaha! O: Maybe god had you be born on the ground because you get airsick so easy, or something dumb like that! Y: If that’s case, I have nothing but gratitude for them...!

O: Ahaha! I hope our god really is like that, too!