Blackbird

Checking in. How is the reception?

Good. I can hear you.

How's the vortex research going?

No change. We walk, we eat, we sleep. All's right with the world.

Why do I feel like I've heard that before?

Well, it's the truth. As I've told you already, it's like searching for a grain of sand in the sea.

'Kay, I better get going. I have a whole lot to do.

Wait. Is that really all you have to report?

Why? Did you wanna chat a little longer?

The time layer monitoring system has recorded a slowing in the vortex's rotation speed. A minute value maybe, but it is noticeably lacking from your report.

Hm. Didn't know about that.

You're the one inside the vortex, taking the measurements. There's no way you didn't realize. Just what is going on over there?

C'mon, d'you think I'm hiding things from you now?

I certainly hope not.

Well, I did hear rumors about some kinda energy reaction in the center of the vortex.

And why didn't you bother to report it?

Ouch. I wouldn't go that far. I was about to go check it out. Figured they'd want me to be certain first.

......

If you want my skills, you're gonna have to trust me a little while longer.

Fine. Be sure to notify me as soon as you have more details.

Darn. The device works better than expected. It's only a matter of time before the high-ups notice. At that point, they'll consider us totally obsolete. Before that happens, I've gotta do what I'm here to do...

Haha. Do I have any regrets? After all this time...

I guess it's not a bad idea to take one last look at this place. It's kinda ironic. I survived this long by never trusting anyone.

Hey, watchman. You're doing a great job.

Thanks, Noahxis. Though with no new attacks, it's been so unbelievably quiet recently.

Yeah well, we've been hit pretty hard up till now. It's been like a storm.

So long as we keep avoiding trouble, we can live here peacefully forever.

Peacefully...forever?

You don't wanna go back to your own world?

You mean if our investigation succeeds and we're acquitted? No, not really.

Mind if I ask why?

I guess...there's no freer place than this.

Back in my own world, I was just some dumb, unremarkable kid.

I had no real purpose. I hated myself, and I always wanted to change.

Then an acquaintance asked me to help them. They were gonna change society. I was so excited.

The cops arrested me the first demonstration I went to. Before I knew it, I was shipped out here.

......

Oh, I don't hold a grudge against the government or anything.

Relax, I'm not gonna tell on you. We're all equals here.

You really don't look like a government researcher.

Haha. What's that s'posed to mean?

Government folks always seemed kinda self-important to me. I don't get that from you. I feel like I can trust you.

Y'know, you shouldn't trust people so readily. That's what got you into this mess.

I'm actually glad that I'm here. I can be useful here. It's the first time in my life I've ever felt that.

That's why I wanna stay here if I can. Forever. I wanna help you.

Thanks, kid.

I already feel somewhat nostalgic.

Klein? Nostalgic about what?

About when all of us in Arat made that recording medium for Nona.

Oh, that. Yeah, we all worked together to gather materials for the repair.

Though ultimately, all it showed her was painful memories.

Yeah. When she saw it, she...

So be sure you won't regret your choice.

I'll be fine. I won't regret it, whatever I see. I have to know what lies ahead.

She must have been afraid to find out who she really was. And yet, she went forth, wanting to save those important to her. In the end, she changed her destiny.

Destiny, huh? Do you think you can change yours?

Or the destiny of those you care about?

What are you talking about?

Just the ramblings of a humble sailor. Don't mind me.

You're taking on too much. It's a bad habit of yours.

Honestly, Klein. You're so...

......

Even if you know nothing but pain and darkness await ahead?

You never know what's ahead. Not until you try and see.

Ever since you appeared in this stagnant world that day, I...

Noahxis! There you are.

Nhh...

Are you about to go exploring?

Aldo.

Oh, right. Yeah, I am. There was just a little something on my mind...

......

What's wrong? Why'd you go quiet?

No, I take that back. I'm not going exploring.

Oh. Well, you do take on so much each day. It would do you good to have some rest today.

No, that's not what I mean. I'm done with going to the labyrinth.

Huh? What are you talking about?

Does this have something to do with what you said back then?

Won't you tell us? Tell us what's troubling you, and the answer you came to.

I'm sorry. I need some time to think.

Is this the answer you came to?

Hard to say.

Is there anything I can do? It's not over yet, is it? This problem of yours?

Honestly. You're always so ready to get yourself...

*sigh* I guess that's just how you are.

You've helped us out so much up till now. With Nona, with Cochlea, with Sesta. Everything. This time...I want to help you.

Thanks.

But you've already helped me out more than enough.

What are you talking about?

I mean exactly that. You've helped me out so much.

Thanks to you turning up here, I was able to find a new way out.

Do you remember what we talked about back then?

You'll be back soon, right?

Of course. It's a simple survey. And the ship's brand new.

Don't worry. It's only three days, and then my work will be finished. Lie down, close your eyes, and sleep. Repeat three times, and I'll be right back with you.

Well if you put it that way... *cough* *cough*

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

......

What? Stop staring at me. It's not like I'm gonna be pining away for you. Three days... I can wait that long. I'll get to enjoy a world without you for a little while.

Hahaha. That's true enough.

It's because I'm not there that your world, and everyone in Arat, could be saved. I will protect you all.

What's up? Why'd you call me?

That's today's quota done, right? The survey's complete?

That's right, we're done. We can leave this place.

What?

Everyone, prepare to withdraw.

Where's this coming from? We haven't found anything in the vortex to...

Yeah! What's gotten into you?

There's no time. Just follow me.

Get the ship going. Engineers, with me!

Wait! Where are we going? We've already run out of fuel!

We'll make do somehow. I'll scrape together the fuel left in the survey equipment.

Wh-What the?

This is bad!

What is it? A monster?

N-No! A ship... Another ship came... It bombarded the village!

What?!

Let me come, too!

Honestly! What the heck is going on here?

Noahxis! Are you okay?

The device?

I don't know what you're talking about.

Uh-oh! Watch out!

No... Why? I told you to stay back!

Ugh... And I told you...I wanted...to help you...

Are you okay?

It's bad. He needs treatment right away!

How could you do such a thing?

What is your aim here?

The gatekeeper? You fool! That project has long since been suspended.

Not happening! Noahxis, can you stand?

Course I can.

I can't let the ship's light die out here!

Gotcha!

Ah?!

......

I-It's you? I-I don't understand...

Affirmative. Withdrawal approved.

Wait! Noahxis, we gotta go after them!

Noahxis?

......

They dropped this. What is it, a ring?

Wait. This ring...

It's identical to yours! To that ring you treasure so greatly.

Hey, yeah! Does that mean they're from your era?

Probably. Maybe they're the ones in control of us. Maybe they're... Well, peace in the village is shattered. And that's not all. That female assailant... You both seem to have a deep connection.

No, there's no way it's her. She's too sick. She can barely even move.

Come in. Do you hear me? HEY!

Urgh. I can't get through. We have to get the ship going, now!

It's no use, Noahxis. That attack knocked out our propeller and our power reactor. It's all gone.

Dammit!

Klein, I'll explain later, I promise. Right now...

I understand. Right now, we need to find a way to repair the ship as soon as possible. Correct?

Yeah. Correct.

I understand that this is no trivial matter for you, Captain. As a sailor, I will do everything I can for you.

You don't need to explain now.

Thanks, Klein.

Though, just one thing.

Yes?

I may work for the government, but I truly do want to protect you. I want you to believe that.

Hmph. When the time comes, you can explain everything.

All right. We'll collect materials for the repair. Until that's done, we'll have to improve defenses here.

The people of Arat have done so much for me, I'd like to return the favor.

Thanks, Aldo. If we need a hand, we'll give you a shout.