Those Bearing Wings

Hmm... That face...

It looked so troubled...

Sorry, that took longer than I thought. Were you waiting long?

Is it just you, Aldo? I don't see Clarte...

It looked like Clarte was brooding over something... I thought I'd leave Clarte alone to think for a bit.

Anyway, what've you been talking about?

We thought we'd check the place out. We've had a little peek inside the cave.

It's like a maze in here! It's way more confusing than I'd imagined.

And I think the rocks are magnetic. It must be something to do with the lightning.

Is that right...

Magnetic rocks... Must be magnetite.

Clarte... Are you okay now?

Yeah... Sorry for worrying you. I'm all good now.

I'm not so sure you're back to normal yet! I, the reincarnation of the Sword-wielding Savior, will protect you!

Thanks, Thillelille. I can always count on you.

Hehe! Of course you can!

But, are you sure this cave will really lead us to the western edge of the great fault?

Well, that's what the geology guy said.

He got that from the Nopaew Clan who apparently once crossed through. So if we believe that, then yes.

I'm getting the feeling that our information isn't coming from the most reliable of sources...

I don't think we need to worry.

You don't?

It was a little strange that I recognized the monsters attacking us as we moved through the Untrodden Region. I've seen them inside this cave, too. I've seen them in the Chasselas Crystal Region in the north of the continent.

But they don't look exactly the same. So it was from this point that I was able to deduce the following...

Maybe while traveling through the cave, the Chasselas Crystal Region monsters adapted to the lightning? And maybe they expanded their habitat to the Barbera Untrodden Region?

Or vice versa. Either way, it makes sense.

Acting as insightful as ever. I'd expect nothing less from Melina and Clarte.

I-I was thinking the exact same thing! I just stayed quiet because I didn't think there was any point in saying it! Either way, it's too dangerous outside. We'll have to go through the cave!

Right, Prai?!

Huh? Oh, yes!

Yeah, you're right. Being hit by lightning doesn't mean we'll all die peacefully.

(We'll all...die peacefully?) (What in the world? Such a vile image flashed before my eyes.)

Well then, shall we head into the underground cave? Be careful as you go!

Huh?

Something wrong, Clarte?

No... Did someone say something just now?

No, I didn't say anything...

Everyone seemed to be walking in total silence...

Really? Must've been my imagination. I thought I heard a voice...

You're hearing things? You must be exhausted still.

There, there. Let Thillelille stroke your head, that'll make it better!

Clarte... You're white as a ghost.

Rushing headlong into the cave won't save us any time. Why don't we rest here for today?

Fortunately, there seem to be fewer signs of monsters in this area. If we light a fire, it should be safe to rest here.

Yeah... I think I'll take you up on that. Thanks, Melina.

It wasn't really for your sake...

Huh?

(Am I imagining things? I thought I already said the same thing to Clarte before.)

Urgh! Does no one want Thillelille to stroke them on the head?!

Hmph! Then I'll gather supplies for a fire!

Prai! You're coming with me!

Yes, Sister! It looks like this cave has its own ecosystem! We're sure to find something we can burn!

Tee-hee... I can set most things on fire with my magic. Good luck with your search.

Phew... It's so relaxing looking at a gently flickering fire.

I never imagined we'd be warming ourselves in a place like this...

About the Hydra's crash...

Don't apologize. No one could've predicted this.

She's right! It was an accident, we couldn't have avoided it!

Thanks, everyone.

Come to think of it, everything's been so busy, there's been no real time to talk... But I'd like to take this opportunity to get to know you all better.

Good idea. You seem to have fragments of memories about the church... Talking to us church members might help you remember something.

You've got a point there. But that's not my only aim. Of course, I'd love it if I remembered something...

But I'm just interested in you all, since we're traveling together. There has to be some significance in us all huddling up by the fire here.

That's so like you, Clarte. I think it's a great idea. There's still so much I'd like to know about everyone.

Me too. If you're interested in someone, just go and talk to them.

Huh... You want to talk to me?

Okay. It would be good for you to talk to the others.

Where should I begin? I'm not good at this sort of thing.

Hehe... Don't think so hard about it. Just tell me about how you got to where you are today. That's all.

I feel really weird talking to you.

I... I'm known as the Winged Child.

I've already told you what meaning wings have in our teachings, haven't I?

You have. The twelve winged beings... They're your god's retainers, right?

I don't think of myself as god's retainer. But I've had a powerful magical ability ever since I was young, that much is for certain.

According to our teachings, wings are basically a key that leads to god... You don't necessarily need real wings.

But with my magic wings, someday I'll lead everyone to god... At least, that's what I'm expected to do.

I think it was the bishop who took me in who first referred to me as the Winged Child.

Took you in? What do you mean?

Oh, right. When I was very young, I was found at the church headquarters. Well, the bishop said I flew down from the sky... It's pretty clear I was just another abandoned child.

I... I have no memories from before the bishop found me. Maybe that's why I was made to expect I was some kind of messenger from the heavens.

Really...

Hehe... When I think of it like that, we're quite similar, you and I.

We are. We're both lost in our own memories...

Lost in our own memories? That sounds about right.

I do feel like there's a tiny little room in my mind that I just can't enter. A mysterious room... Packed with important things, packed with nothing at all... Maybe I've forgotten how to get there. Maybe I've forgotten it even exists...

Melina...

The bishop took me in, so I owed it to him to meet his expectations. That's why I devoted myself to my charitable works.

Thinking about it now, maybe I've been trying as hard as I can to forget that room. To get rid of all that loneliness...

You're so young, yet you work so hard, Melina.

I wouldn't say that...

Look at me. I'm much older than you... And yet I'm still so lost.

Hehe... Fair point. You are a strange man... And yet I don't mind talking to you.

That's nice of you to say. Would you mind telling me more about yourself?

Erm sure... Other than that...

As I understand it, you carry out your mission on the central continent, all while searching for your god, right?

That must come with its dangers, I imagine?

It's okay. It is dangerous, but that's why we have a specialist exorcist. As for looking for god, that work is going nowhere.

As I understand it, you carry out your mission on the central continent, all while searching for your god, right?

That must come with its dangers, I imagine?

It's not a big deal. The danger is unavoidable... But I won't ever again let my troops face danger like they did that day.

I see. Sounds like you've had some tough times.

My troops fell, all due to my own incompetence. I don't have the right to say it was tough. For their sake... I can never stop.

As I understand it, you carry out your mission on the central continent, all while searching for your god, right?

That must come with its dangers, I imagine?

What happened with the bishop, it was hard. He didn't see the people living their lives struggling in this land. He only ever cared about the power our god possesses. I could never accept his way of doing things...

Whenever I go back to the church for my periodic report, I see the statue of the gods of the sword and wing. I'd be lying if I said I've never knelt before it and asked...

Oh divine! Where are you? The blessings you left for us have all but gone from this land. We've lost even the slightest trace of them now. The far-west is returning to the wasteland it was before you flew down and graced us with your presence... Please help us once more.

Melina...

The Sea Within is in our hearts... I came to realize that god is no longer in the real world.

The other day, I went back for my latest report, and I...

What is this vision?

Is something wrong?

That's odd... Something isn't right. I prayed to god like how I described just now, and then what did I do? I can't remember...

You can't remember?

I remember the Tower Defender... Johann's face. He asked me a few questions... Then he told me everything would be okay now.

Everything's so hazy for some reason... I asked what he was talking about, but he gave a nondescript answer and that was that... When I came to, I returned to my normal life on the central continent.

......

What on earth could have happened?

When I came to, I returned to my normal life on the central continent. What on earth could have happened?

My oh my! Tee-hee...♪ Do you want to talk to me?

*sniffle* How cold. I didn't realize you were such a tease.

Well, well... Where should I start?

Don't think to hard about it. Just tell me about yourself. That's what I want to know.

Tee-hee... You don't mess about, do you? Asking me the most difficult thing of all.

But I'm kind of stumped. What I told you when we were on the Synth Hydra is pretty much all there is to me.

You said you were an inquisitor. So what exactly is it you're...inquisiting?

What's this? Have you taken an interest in my profession, Clarte?

Okay. I'll tell you. But only because it's you.

Firstly, in our order, we have teachings that take the form of scriptures. But you see, a scripture is just a normal book written using normal words. So if you try, you can interpret them in surprisingly warped ways.

To prevent this, the church released an official interpretation of the scriptures, put together by the cardinals.

I get it. If there's an official interpretation, there'll be an unofficial interpretation. Light and shadow...

And inquisitors such as yourself view the shadow as heresy?

Tee-hee...♪ Not quite, actually.

Really?

The only one who can judge it as heresy is the actual person under suspicion... Put simply, if the suspect doesn't admit to it, it isn't heresy.

But why would anyone ever admit to being a heretic?

Everyone asks that. But we have certain skills that can encourage them to do so.

How strange... What kind of magic allows you to do that?!

No, no, not magic. We wouldn't do anything so monstrous. We have a few tricks, we have a few contraptions, but everything else is a secret. The one thing I can tell you...

Is that people always have two faces. The face they show to the world, and the face they hide away.

Two faces, you say?

That's right. Shall we lay your hidden side bare, Clarte?

Hehe... Sorry, but right now I don't even have a non-hidden side. Sad as it is, I'm a blank slate. What you see before you is all I have.

Really... That's a shame. Something like that would be very much worth my while as a Child of Judgement.

A Child of Judgment?

It's a name given to a select few. I imagine I'm one of them because I'm simply too devout for my own good.

You see, my heart will never waver, no matter who needs exposing. Even if it were my own parents...

I can expose anyone's hidden side. It's like everything was destined to be brought to the light.

I wonder if I had one? A hidden side, I mean. If it helps me regain my lost memories, maybe I should ask you.

Clarte, you're so calm. When I talk about this kind of thing with Melina or Thillelille, all they ever do is grimace.

Tee-hee... Even when I went back to headquarters before, for my inquisitor's report...

Huh?

What's wrong, Rosetta?

That's strange... I'm sure I saw their two pathetic, scowling faces there...

But I can't remember it. These things happen, I guess?

You can't remember?

I feel like I saw Melina and Thillelille... And also Noah. But I can't remember. All I see is the Tower Defender's face.

So other than this Tower Defender, all your memories are hazy?

Yeah... They are. He asked me a few questions. He gave me the seal of approval that everything was okay now, and then I returned to work. But what was okay? What was he talking about?

......

What was the seal of approval for?

But what was okay? What was he talking about? What was the seal of approval for?

Hello, Clarte. Do you want to talk to me?

What the, ! I feel like I'm being put on hold! Just come on over if you'd like to talk!

Oh dear... It sure feels strange it being just the two of us, Clarte.

Strange? What do you mean?

This may sound weird... But I guess I have a sense of impending doom, that I'll be caught off guard and you'll take away my consciousness.

That really is weird. But I don't see any merit in stealing your consciousness.

You don't? But I think that's why it feels strange.

Oh, I am sorry! I interrupted you. I do apologize!

Don't worry about it. Well then, why don't you tell me about yourself?

Let's see... But I don't think I have anything interesting to tell...

I'm a priest, and a member of the order of priests. Sister Thillelille is my direct superior. I'm part of the Service Corps, so I get asked to get rid of monsters, and I go from town to village spreading the good word.

I see. I can already imagine you preaching... Okay. So you must put your life and soul into your public speaking.

Hmm... You have a keen intuition, Clarte.

You're right. I get so fired up when I'm preaching, people tend to end up sweltering and I never even realize.

That's...quite something...

Some call me the Fiery Friar because I'm as hot-blooded as Salamander... I just want god to bless them. Thinking that always gets me a little heated...

You're a very sincere man, Prai.

Sincere? Thank you, that certainly is a comfort to hear.

But... Sincerity alone won't save the people on this continent from the harsh environment they face.

Sincere? It's nice to hear that, but it certainly does give me mixed feelings.

Sincerity alone won't save anyone. I've seen that with my own eyes.

What do you mean?

There was this youth, and my words never reached him... I prayed for him day after day, but his life never improved... I'm fed up with these miserable thoughts.

Lip service alone can't do anything... An elder once told me that.

I don't think that giving a helping hand is ever in vain. But...

Sometimes I end up thinking this when I preach. That in searching for god in the Sea Within, actually helping people out is the most vital thing I could be doing. Everyone's already prayed enough... They've been waiting for so long... For the day god actually responds.

......

I think this every time I return to headquarters with Sister Thillelille for her periodic report.

That I still haven't found god... When we went back for her most recent report.

Huh?

Is something wrong?

I just... Something's making me feel rather uneasy. When I try to remember about her latest report, my head goes foggy...

Foggy?

I don't know what happened. All I remember is meeting the Tower Defender.

Do you know what you talked about?

No... Even that's hazy. He just asked me a few questions then said everything was okay now... That's all I can remember.

......

What was that all about?

What was that all about?

Clarte! Do you want to talk to Thillelille?

What?! That's so cruel... I was looking forward to it!

Come back any time if you want to talk! I'll be waiting!

Tee-hee-hee! Do you want to hear the incredible story of the reincarnation of the Sword-wielding Savior?

Yeah... I'd love to hear what you've got to say. I want to know all about you. Would you mind?

Whaat... Clarte... This may be the first time anybody's ever listened to Thillelille without either grimacing or smirking...

You're surprisingly genuine, you know?

What do you mean by that?

Huh? Oh, nothing! Never mind!

As requested, it's time for the one-and-only Thillelille to give you the most incredible introduction you've ever heard!

Everyone in our order calls me a genius and a prodigy, which is why I'm at such a high rank! I was dispatched to the central continent, where I work every day commanding a Service Corps! Thillelille is so busy!

Yes, and it was while you were doing such work that you came across me.

You're so lucky to have met me, Clarte. Everyone reveres me, no one has any doubt that I'm the one who'll save this continent!

Well that sure is something. Now you've piqued my interest. What I'm most curious about is... What triggered it.

What triggered what?

When did you first start thinking of yourself as the reincarnation of the Sword-wielding Savior?

Huh? Erm... That was...

That was when Melina arrived.

Melina?

Yeah! All the adults in our order heaped praise on her, saying she was the Winged Child! But I was seen as a genius before Melina was. So me being the reincarnation of the Sword-wielding Savior makes perfect sense, since it's much better than the Winged Child! So everyone can depend on Thillelille, not Melina.

I can sort everything out on my own!

Hehe... You're amazing, Thillelille. You're such a hard worker.

Of course!

But you're throwing me off... Praising me like that. It's been quite a while.

Thillelille?

It's nothing!

All right! I'm gonna give it my all so that it won't matter one bit if Melina slacks off!

Though, I'm still one rank down from Melina...

But that's not important! It's what you do that's important... And how earnest you are!

Having someone like you by her side must really help Melina.

What?! What did you say?! I'm not trying this hard so that I can help Melina!

She's always so impertinent! When we went for our periodic report the other day, she looked me in the face and...

Huh?

What's wrong?

That's strange... I can't remember. I saw Melina... And then what happened?

Your memory's gone fuzzy?

Erm... I remember seeing Johann the Tower Defender. He asked me a few questions... He said it was all okay now and then I went home.

......

What was all that about?

That's strange... I can't remember.

Huh... What's up? You want to talk to me?

Okay. Just come on over if you want to talk.

Will you tell me about yourself, Aldo?

About myself? Hmm... Where should I begin?

You were saying before, about how there was someone you needed to save.

Yeah... He's really important to me. During my long travels, I've only been able to see him again once. I tried to save him... But I only managed to free his mind. His body was consumed by Chronos' Umbra.

Chronos' Umbra?

Yep. The pitch black depths of the wasteland of time. Eden...

That's his name, Eden. He's been all on his own ever since he fell into Chronos' Umbra.

He was separated from his family. He was alone for such a long time... In the end, Eden was so consumed by pain that he changed form. And this was bad news for the rest of the world.

You and Eden... Did you fight?

We did. It was the only way I could save him. At the very end, I got through to him... He regained his senses.

But his body was still...

I see...

The thing is, this form of mine is actually borrowed from Eden. The Geo Prisma that lies within my sister changed me into this form.

Now that is a surprise. So your true form is something else entirely?

Weird, isn't it? I'm Eden, yet I'm also not. Every time I look in the mirror... My thoughts always turn to how I need to save Eden.

Aldo... You're so strong.

You think?

After my goal's been taken care of, I'd like to help you out. Would you be okay with that, Aldo?

Thanks, Clarte. That's very heartening to hear.

Is it? As things stand, I'm a little doubtful I'll actually be of any help.

That's not true. I know I can count on you if the time ever comes.

You have my word.

I'll be counting on you.

Thanks, everyone. I feel like we've gotten much closer in barely any time at all.

Though it sure is weird. Except for Aldo, all four of you from the church had a strange experience at your last periodic report.

A strange experience?

They can't remember what they were doing... All they can remember is someone called the Tower Defender asking them some questions. Then he let them go, saying it would all be okay now... Am I correct in my understanding?

Er... Yes.

That certainly happened to me...

Just as you described.

What?! You mean it wasn't just Thillelille?

If none of us remember anything other than that...

Then something certainly smells fishy.

So everyone had something to do with the Tower Defender, even though he never comes out in the open?

Urgh! But how on earth do we find out what happened to us?

Bleep?

Huh... What is it?

Rabbits have good ears. She might've heard something...

Who are you calling a rabbit?

Wait. Did you call Noah a rabbit just now?

Yeah, I did. Why, what's wrong, Melina?

I don't think he looks like a rabbit at all.

Biologically speaking, I've heard some scholars say she's closer to a cat...

What does it matter? It doesn't change the fact that it's a weak and feeble creature, nothing more than dust in the wind.

A rabbit... I've heard that somewhere...

Huh?!

We should tread carefully. We don't want anyone to see us.

Bleep?

Huh... What is it?

Rabbits have good ears. Maybe it heard footsteps.

Who are you calling a rabbit?

...Oh, I meant nothing by it.

I've remembered something!

Melina?! What do you...

I remember what I was doing the day of the report!

What?! Wh-What were you doing, Melina?! Tell us everything!

A few days ago... We met Clarte at church headquarters!

We were trying to enter the Crystalline Tower!

The Crystalline Tower? Why would we do such a thing?

Oh?! The Crystalline Tower... It's all coming back to me!

And Thillelille! It's all rushing back! Clarte! In the end... You went into the tower alone!

No, wait... To be more precise, you went with the Tower Defender!

How strange. It's like the fog is clearing inside my head. The Tower Defender summoned me after I finished work in the old church area. Then he used some questionable device on me.

And I lost all memories of Clarte...

Come to think of it, that device looked a lot like the lightning rod...

We've finally remembered... It wasn't just Clarte who lost memories. I promised you, Clarte... If I got back alive, I'd listen to what you had to say.

Now is that time. Everyone else has spoken, now it's your turn...

......

Sorry... I know you've all got your memories back and I don't want to dampen the mood. But I still don't...

Huh?

Clarte, your memory still isn't coming back?

No. I don't think so.

Oh no...

What's this all about? Was the way Clarte lost memories different from the rest of us?

Since Clarte didn't remember when the rest of us did, that seems pretty likely.

Clarte...

Well, there's nothing we can do about the things you can't remember.

But if our memories have come back, I'm sure we'll find a way for your memories to return too, Clarte.

When you consider the circumstances... It's clear that the four of us had our memories blocked by the Tower Defender. If we take that as fact...

It's only natural to suppose that the Tower Defender was involved in Clarte's memory loss, too.

In which case... We've got one more reason to hurry to the church!

Yes! We have to ask the Tower Defender about this!

Now that's decided, we must...

Wait a minute! Did you hear that voice just now? It was even louder than before...

Nope? I didn't hear anything like that...

This has happened before... That day... You were saying you could hear a voice.

Someone calling for help.

The reason you feel you've got to get to the church must be all because of that voice! You may have lost your memory, but there's still a glimmer of it within your heart!

A voice calling for help... But the voice I hear now is...

Clarte... You've gone deadly pale...

......

Are you okay? Clarte...

I've got to go. I can't ignore this voice.

Is this voice calling for help, too?

No, actually, it's the complete opposite...

Oh, if you make that face, what choice do I have?

I'm ready! Let's try and follow that voice!

Let's do it! It might be some kind of clue to help get your memory back.

Fine by me. Looks like this could be fun.

No objections from me, either.

Everyone...

Thank you. It might be a bit of a detour, but let's change course for the north.

Where are we?

It looks like somebody lives here... Do the Nopaew Clan live down here, too?

Tsk tsk... What's all this? I didn't know the Nopaew Clan had meals like us humans, I thought they just fed off thoughts of weapons...

And I've never seen them use tableware. So what's that doing here?

Perhaps... Humans live here?!

What? There's no way humans could live in a place like this. Don't be ridiculous! Even if they did live here once, you couldn't stay down here that long! What I'm saying is... There's no way this place is still occupied!

Huh?

It doesn't seem to be covered in dust, though.

There's no denying it, it's clearly still in use...

Ugh!

Thillelille knew that! I was just testing Prai!

But what would humans be doing down here?

That, I don't know.

There's no signs of any other dwellings nearby. Which means the voice must've come from whoever lives here.

Bleeeeeeep!

Noah?

Watch out!

Attacking us like that sure was some welcome.

It would only be polite for you to give us your name. What should we call you?

You're...humans? How'd ya sniff me out?

Sniff you out? What do you mean?

Hmph... You can't fool me. You noticed their presence, right? Wanna make a show of it, do ya? Unfortunately, I can't just pull them outta their cage.

Leave, now. Or else...

I'll come at ya for real this time.

Okay, I'm sorry, but I've got absolutely no idea what you're on about! Who are "they"? Who are you talking about?!

Wait, Prai! Such bloodlust... He's no ordinary man. This is...

AAAAAAH! What was that?!

Eeeek! Prai! Defend us!

Leave it to me, Sister Thillelille! I'll protect everyone!

I think it's stopped for now... But what in the world was that wave of energy?

It was spirit power!

Spirit power? Now that is interesting! Hearing that name in a place so unblessed by the spirits...

You fools! Long ago, that spirit caused naught but chaos! He was meant to be sleeping!

Have you awoken him?!

Urgh! The voice is so loud!

Clarte! Pull yourself together!

Ahhh... I think the voice must belong to this spirit he spoke of...

No way! If that was true, that would mean you could communicate with the spirits!

Anyway... If another wave comes, this cave's gonna collapse! Do you know where the voice's coming from, Clarte?!

Yeah... It's clearer than ever before.

Then lead the way! Everyone, follow Clarte!

What the, ?!

It's a whole torrent of power this time! There's something sinister about this!

This one's different from other monsters! Perhaps this really is a type of spirit?!

I know I've felt this power before...

Aha! Salamander!

Hmm? Are you talking to me?

No, I don't mean someone as hot-blooded as Salamander...

I mean, this power...this presence... It feels similar to Salamander's power.

My, my, looks like this whole spirit thing isn't mere nonsense.

The lightning that dominates over the south of the great fault... If it's similar to the magma of Nadara Volcano...

Then what we see before us must be the source!

Clarte! Could it be that this spirit being was asking for your help?

The voice I heard certainly did come from this...

But it wasn't such a simple emotion as wanting help!

It was the embodiment of destructive impulses... Filled with hatred and regret!

It's coming! Looks like we've gotta fight!

W-We did it?!

Not yet! Don't let your guard down!

Aaaargh!

Huh?

Urgh... Gahhhhh...

Prai!

Are you hurt, Sister Thillelille?

What did you do?! I didn't order you to shield me!

You're right to tell me off. I know you were never serious when you told me to be your shield...

But I made a vow on that most hateful day. That I would gladly offer up my body as a shield in order to protect those connected with the future.

And that even if I burn out, I'll never back down!

Prai...

So this is my will. You don't need to worry, Sister Thillelille.

It's okay, Thillelille. Prai isn't the sort to be so easily defeated.

As much as I'd love it if he was...

I guess even you can say nice things on occasion, Sister Rosetta.

But... We've got more important things to think about right now.

It looks like it's only just woken up, so it's not quite at 100 percent yet.

Let's withdraw for now. We can continue this conversation after we've got to safety!

Good point. Let's go back... We've got to get that man out, too!

The spirit is going berserk... You woke it up, didn't you?

We don't have time to argue! You've gotta run away, too! Quick!

Run away? Where?

Where? Well...

The rock face... It's conducting the lightning?!

This cave is already under the control of his spirit... And you can't get out. There's no escape for you here.

Whether we can or we can't, we'll only know if we try!

Yeah! We won't give up!

If you won't come with us, we'll leave you behind.

...... Hmph... You really don't know when to give up, do you?

I can see a light over there!

We can do this! We can get out!

Huh? Oh no!

I can't see the bottom! Then this is...

The Giant's Claw?!

Be careful! If you slip, you'll be dead meat!

The lightning's getting closer. And this is pretty weak... Doesn't look like we can move forward or backwards.

Then let's fly.

Clarte?

You're the Winged Child, right, Melina?

Well yes, but how many times do I have to tell you, they're not literal, physical wings.

I know, I know.

But the Winged Child is a guide to the Sword-wielding Savior, this being you believe to be your god... If that's true, then your fate can't be sealed in this place.

I'm willing to risk it all on your wings.

......

At any rate, if we stay here, we'll be burned to a crisp.

I agree with Clarte. Let's fly.

Rosetta...

We're all in the same boat. I can't just unmake the vow I made before.

I must survive this so I can protect you all.

Prai...

Hmph! And there's no way it'd bother me, as the reincarnation of the Sword-wielding Savior! Swords are stronger than wings, after all! Go ahead! Give it all you've got! Look, Melina! Don't you make that stupid face at me! Start acting like you deserve to be Thillelille's eternal rival!

Thillelille? You too?

Since everyone here's in agreement, I guess I'll have to prepare myself, too.

Let's go, Melina. We're in hot water now, but I've gotten out of worse more times than I care to remember. What's a bottomless pit or two? It's no big deal.

......

Okay. We will survive this! We will get home!

O divine, please protect us!

......

......

What is this place?

*sniffle* *sniffle*

Is someone crying? It sounded like a girl... I've got to find her.

Right... I'll try and head towards her.

You're...

*sniffle* *sob*

Why are you crying?

*sniffle* In the future... You try to kill me...

Which will you save? Me or the future?

And which will you kill?

...... Isn't it obvious? I...

This song...

You're awake?!

Are we...inside a house? I thought we jumped down a cliff...

Yeah, we did. We've only just woken up, too.

Really? I'm glad you're all safe.

I can hear the Stifling Song... Is that Melina again?

No...she...

I'm over here.

Melina?! But if the only one of us who sings the Stifling Song is here... Then who on earth is singing this?

Hmm... Good question... It does sound like the Stifling Song, but is it actually something different?

No, no. This is the Stifling Song, all right. It sounds like it's coming from outside. Let's go and find out.

Let's do it. It's as if something's waiting for us.

On her back... Are those...

Wings? Is that Mistrare?

I know that voice...

You're awake! Al... Everyone! When I found you all collapsed here, I didn't know what to do.

There's so much I want to ask, but... First, allow me to express my gratitude. It was you who saved us, wasn't it? Erm...

No, no, it's a bit of an exaggeration to say I saved you...

Please, feel free to call me Mistrare.

Are those...wings?

I don't recognize that voice.

You're awake! Everyone! When I found you all collapsed here, I didn't know what to do.

There's so much I want to ask, but... First, allow me to express my gratitude. It was you who saved us, wasn't it? Erm...

No, no, it's a bit of an exaggeration to say I saved you...

I'm Mistrare. I'm writing the history of the Winged People in this village.

Are those wings on your back... Real?

They don't look fake.

Please don't stare at me like that! Have you no shame?!

Shame?! I'm not sure about that, but if we were rude...

This is such a surprise! A human with real wings... Winged people actually exist.

Winged people? Could they have something to do with the Winged Being in your religion?

Aldo, do you remember the six-winged dragon we met at the entrance to the underground cave?

Y-Yeah...

Having physical wings doesn't necessarily make you the Winged Being. On the contrary, it creates quite a concern...

A concern?

Mistrare, what have you been told about your own kind?

My guess is that you're not Winged Beings.

No. We're not Winged Beings. Our people bear the mark of criminality on our backs from birth...

We're "Those Bearing Wings."

The singing is getting further away...

It is... It sounds like it's coming from the opposite direction. Let's head there first.

Looks like we could go down here. I'd guess it only collapsed recently.

Judging from its position, I'd say it likely it leads to the underground cave. Perhaps the terrain shifted when that spirit went berserk.

Let's take a look.

I can't leave this village. Those Bearing Wings are imprisoned in this cage.

You're imprisoned?!

But the mysterious power should get through its walls. If you need my wings, just use that power to call me.

Looks like we could go down here. I'd guess it only collapsed recently.

Judging from its position, I'd say it likely it leads to the underground cave. Perhaps the terrain shifted when that spirit went berserk.

You're going then?

Yeah. Why don't you come too, Mistrare?

I can't leave this village. Those Bearing Wings are imprisoned in this cage.

You're imprisoned?!

But the mysterious power should get through its walls. If you need my wings, just use that power to call me.

Looks like we could go down here. I'd guess it only collapsed recently.

Judging from its position, I'd say it likely it leads to the underground cave. Perhaps the terrain shifted when that spirit went berserk.

You're going then?

Yeah. Why don't you come too, Mistrare?

I can't leave this village. Those Bearing Wings are imprisoned in this cage.

You're imprisoned?!

I can't accompany you, but I pray for your safety.

Be careful of the departed spirits.

We've got a problem though. How do we leave the village?

Let's look around the village. We might find some kind of clue.