Those Between Heaven and Earth

So what exactly does "Those Bearing Wings" refer to?

I think I heard the phrase when we crash landed on this continent. The Twelve Fiends who deceived Winged Beings... I believe that's how it went.

Yes... I'm surprised you remember. It is written as so in our holy texts, at least.

Fiends, huh? That's terrible... So that's what happened to your people, Mistrare?

I've heard the tale, too! They were supposed to be some super bad fiends... But now, they don't really look so bad.

I'm sorry. I have heard a lot about it...

But I'd like you to let me confirm some things first.

That song you sung... It was the Stifling Song, wasn't it?

Huh?!

Yes, that's correct. However... I'm quite shocked that humans would know of the Stifling Song...

Oh... It's just that I heard Melina singing it before, that's all.

Sh-She sang the Stifling Song? Humans not only know of it, but they can sing it as well?!

Yes... But I don't really know why I can sing it myself. Where could have I heard it? Who taught it to me? Ever since I can remember, I've been able to sing it naturally...

Is that so? But...

It seems Mistrare is shocked that Melina can sing the song... But, I'm more surprised that she herself can sing it...

Would you mind telling us about it? I want to understand the full extent of the Stifling Song you're familiar with.

Of course. That is, if you think my knowledge will help...

But...

Do you think we could return to my house first? I think it will be a long story... And we're not exactly alone here. Though I'm ashamed to admit it, there are those among us who are prejudiced against those without wings.

I guess you're right. We don't have any further plans, so... Lead the way.

Well then, let's finish self introductions on the way there!

Nice to meet you. Thillelille is Thillelille!

I'm Melina...

Please call me Rosetta.

You all have such lovely names. Well then... Thilly, Mel and Rose should do.

Sounds great! And Thillelille will call you Misty! This fiery friar here with a scary face is Prai!

A scary face?!

Did you see that just now?!

Yeah!

They didn't have wings!

You're right! Do you think they might be... Humans?!

But how would people without wings come to this village?

Hmm... What about that loud sound that shook the whole village? Maybe something broke off and connected it to the outside world?

Yeah, you're probably right! That would mean we might be able to leave the village if we try!

Then we should look for the place they got in through!

Huh?! W-Wait a minute!

Apologies for it being such a small place...

No need to apologize. Seems like the perfect place to have a calm discussion.

Thank you for your kind words.

Um... You wanted to ask me what I know about the Stifling Song, yes?

The Stifling Song... It's a song passed down for many generations amongst Those Bearing Wings. That being said, I'm the only one in this village who can still sing it...

It's a song of your people, but you're the only one who can sing it...?

Yes... That's because the Stifling Song is no ordinary song. It's easy enough to simply speak the words of the song. However, it requires quite a high level of magical ability to be able to sing it properly. It's said Those Bearing Wings were nearly all able to sing it in the past, but...

Now you're the only one who remains who can still sing its tune.

Up until a few years ago, there was another who could sing the song... But in her old age, she says that it is now beyond her ability.

A song among your people that only you can sing...

Even the church says that it's a song only known by the Winged Child.

If that's the case, I can't help but feel it's no accident that Mistrare and Melina came to meet like this.

Heehee... I suppose you could be right.

Yet... There's something that's been bothering me. It's said that the Winged People's magic powers lies here, in their wings.

Magic power...in your wings?

Eeek! Please don't all stare at my wings like that! It's quite embarrassing!

Woooooow!

C'mon everybody, don't look!

According to the view of your faith, wings serve as a bridge to a higher existence, thus providing magical power. The relationship between wings and magic... Could it really be a coincidence?

Mistrare. Have you by chance ever heard of the Sword-wielding Savior?

Huh? You called for Thillelille?

Now you're beginning to sound like Prai... You're just making things more complicated, so could you hush up for a bit?

Hmph! Thillelille won't shut up just because you ordered her to!

There's no way Misty would know about the gods in Thillelille's holy texts!

Right, Misty?

Well, Thilly... Actually, I have heard of it. It's the name of a god in and old legend passed down among Those Bearing Wings.

Wowowow! Why's it gotta be just like Melina says?!

Fascinating! The same anecdote from our teachings has been passed down to the Winged People as well?!

I see. From the moment I first heard of Those Bearing Wings, I thought that may be the case.

Your legends and our teachings seem to have quite a lot in common with ours. Would you mind telling us more?

The Sword-wielding Savior and The Winged Beings... It seems the details of each have been passed down essentially as-is.

Actually, I had a quick glance at the historical records kept in this village. What Mistrare says is correct.

Hmm... I see. And what's more, Mistrare's people call themselves Those Bearing Wings...

Yes. That's how it has always been passed down.

Our holy texts are written as such... Those Bearing Wings were a people who planned to usurp god's blessings from the true Winged Beings. Once their plan was exposed, they were entombed in the Giant's Claw.

Usurp... You mean they were trying to take god's blessing for themselves?

That's right. Much of the accounts in the holy texts are passed down from legend, so I did not think it to be historical fact.

That's quite the shocking story... Yet, according to the church's official view, it reflects historical fact.

If Mistrare's people are truly the descendants of Those Bearing Wings, this is the discovery of the century. I'm certain the writers of the holy texts couldn't have imagined that some of those entombed in the Giant's Claw survived.

Sister Rosetta... I don't believe this is the time or place for that.

No... It's fine. I'm sure it is quite miraculous that our ancestors managed to survive. From the viewpoint of the one who punished them for their sins, it wouldn't be something to be happy about.

Mistrare...

Yet... If that's how humans have come to know the tale, I suppose it can't be helped... In that case, I don't expect you to believe what I had intended to tell you...

Why do you say that?

Huh? Would you believe the descendants of fiends?

Just because your ancestors were sinners, what does that have to do with you? Isn't that right, Aldo? Those very words saved us when we were in a dark place.

Ah, right... I guess I did say something like that. But do you really have to repeat it word for word like that? You're making me blush.

(And, I don't remember Rosetta being there in the first place... Where could've she heard it from?)

Thillelille wants to hear your story, Misty.

Thank you, everyone... There is a story of the Winged Beings passed down amongst my people as well. In our legends, the opposite is true of what Mel said a moment ago. About the usurpation of the blessing of the gods...

The opposite?

One of the Winged Beings lied to humans, telling them of "a plan of usurpation hatched by the other twelve." Humans, believing this falsehood, sealed away the true Winged Beings, thinking them to be fiends...

Hm... I know of no such passage in our teachings...

Well, we know some pages are missing from our holy texts. If what you say is true... That would mean we humans never realized the Winged Being lied to us. This would be the natural conclusion...

I suppose that would be correct. But, before that...

Mistrare... You spoke of twelve other Winged Beings, yes?

Th-That's right. One of the thirteen Winged Beings is said to have deceived the others.

Th-Thirteen...

Winged Beings?!

No way! There's only supposed to be twelve Winged Beings!

Is that so? According to our legends, there are most definitely thirteen of them.

And now we've come to quite the strange contradiction...

There must be a reason for the difference in numbers...

With only the information we have now, it would be difficult to discern the truth...

Um... If Those Bearing Wings were falsely accused... And that means they're the real Winged Beings...

Then maybe the reason the blessings are fading away is because the true Winged Beings have been sealed away.

Indeed... The Winged Beings are the bridge between humans and the Sword-wielding Savior, after all. Without their existence, humans should theoretically be unable to receive the blessings of god. Which would mean... The reason behind the conflicting theories would become quite obvious.

Right. Without the Winged Beings, the role of receiving the blessings has been passed to humankind... There's a good chance the Tower Defenders know something.

Boo. Not the Tower Defenders again... They're just too darn suspicious!

I can't help but wonder what the Winged Being who sold out his brethren was thinking...

It was such a long time ago... I don't think there's any way we could find out.

No matter how much we talk about it here, I don't think we'll come to any conclusions.

Let's try changing the subject...

Yes... I think that's a good idea.

There is so much to be curious about, we have gotten ahead of ourselves with too many of our own questions. Mistrare, is there anything you would like to ask us?

Well...

Oh yes, I completely forgot to ask. How is it that you all were able to come to this village? When I found you, you were all unconscious and covered in dirt...

Oh yeah... I guess we didn't tell you about that.

We were heading to the church up north on urgent business, and crossing through an underground cavern. But we ran across a dreadful thing, and had no choice but to run. So we jumped through a wind tunnel. And when we awoke, we found ourselves here.

So that was the way of it. That terrible shaking must have came from that dreadful thing you spoke of. It's good that you're all safe...

But if you were heading for the north of the continent, why were you going through an underground cavern? I realize that our village lies at the southern portion of this gigantic fissure, yet...

Well, we had thought to ride Synth Hydra there, but before we knew it, it fell out of the sky for some reason.

Well, we had thought to ride our airborne transportation there, but before we knew it, it fell out of the sky for some reason.

Synth Hydra...fell?

It...fell?

Speaking of which... Rose mentioned something like that.

Is that right? We still don't know the reason, though...

If we had wings like you, we could've just flown there... Wait... If we just had wings...?

H-How shameless of you! There you go staring at my wings again...

Hey, Mistrare... Think you could carry us over that cliff with those wings of yours?!

Huh?

A-Apologies... I can't do that...

If the boys are too heavy, Thillelille's been on a diet!

Th-That's not quite what I meant...

Is it perhaps forbidden to fly carrying humans?

No, that's not it either...

We can't fly.

Can't fly? Was Thillelille seeing things? Thillelille saw you flapping away before...

Indeed... As you can see, we can float a little ways off the ground. But, on the contrary...

Phew... This is as high as we can get...

Mistrare...?!

I'm fine... Do you understand now why I said we couldn't fly?

Yeah... Without a doubt.

But during the race you were able to fly so well...

But you have such beautiful wings...

In truth, this village is in the midst of a certain curse.

A curse...? You couldn't mean...

She does indeed. "The Curse of Those Between Heaven and Earth"... Isn't that right, Mistrare?

Yes, it's just as Rose says. Those who are born with wings, those of us Winged People who live in this village are unable to fly the skies freely. This village is bound to the very depths of this precipice so that we are forever unable to escape...

That's terrible...

Please forgive the disappointment... You without wings can never be bound by such a cage... That's why...

There's nothing to be disappointed about. It's just heartbreaking that you have wings, but aren't able to fly. Isn't there anything we can do to help break the curse?

Huh? Aren't you all in a hurry to get where you're going?

Hehe... We've taken into account that Aldo would say something like that.

And... Do you suppose this curse is responsible for the Hydra falling?

If that's the case, then we certainly can't say this has nothing to do with us.

Hmph, don't underestimate Thillelille and crew! No need for quibbles! Thillelille has a long record of selfless service! Ever since Thillelille can remember!

Haha... I suppose you're right. Apologies, Thillelille.

Indeed. It is true we must hurry to meet the church's emergency summons, but...

I suppose it will be okay. If we're able to lift the curse, perhaps she could carry us over to the other side.

Melina, Melina! Don't be shy, you can be honest, you know!

All righty! Time for Thillelille to get serious and avenge poor old Hydra!

Hydra's not dead, you know...

Th-Thank you so much! Great Grandmother, the elder-most member of this village should know much about the curse...

Ahhhhhh!

What was that?

The scream of a child?! It seemed to come from outside...

Something bad could have happened. Let's hurry to see what's wrong!

Take a look! Just like I thought, there's a new hole that's opened up! That huge sound from before must have been from it breaking open!

Y-You're right! This hole... You think it's connected to the outside?

Who knows...

Oh, right! Let's check it out for ourselves!

Huh?! N-No way! We should call over some grown-ups...

Wh-What?! That would be a way worse idea! They'd steal our big chance for glory!

But, if we leave the village without getting permission, we'll be in big trouble... And...

And...? Aha, you believe that old fairy tale, don't you?

N-No way, of course I don't... But what if it isn't just a fairy tale?

Ghosts aren't real! Grown-ups will tell us kids any old lie to get us to listen to them. There's no way some ghost will come out just to attack anyone who tries to leave the village!

I'm sure of it... A big, free world is just waiting for us beyond this village. And the grown-ups don't want us kids to go there and have all the fun. That's why they made up the story about a ghost...

Hmph... Speaking of ghosts.

Huh?

How vulgar, or should I say, perfectly befitting of such rabble?

Ahhhhhh!

Wh-Who are you?!

If I'm to borrow your own words... I'm the ghost. I stand guard to ensure Those Bearing Wings cannot flee from their cage.

H-Ha haha! You can't be serious...

You're just one of the grown-ups from the village, aren't you? Can't be helped now I guess. Come with us and see if this hole leads to the outside...

Eek!

Those who break the law will be attacked. There will be no mercy, even for children...

Stop! Somebody... Help!

Stop right there!

Hm?!

Tch... Come to meddle, have you?

Looks like we made it in time!

It's those humans! And Mistrare!

You're the one I met in the cavern... So you made it out safely...

It can't be... The Cage Ghost?!

You know it, Sister Mistrare?!

I've heard a fairy tale from Great Grandmother... But I didn't expect it to actually be real!

Children, get back. We'll handle the rest.

This has nothing to do with those without wings... I implore you to avoid any unnecessary meddling.

Stopping some big baddie picking on little kids has everything to do with Thillelille!

Little kids, is it? Criminals are criminals no matter if they're young or old. Any born with wings in this cage are all equally prisoners for the same crime. If you side with them, you too will be treated as criminals.

What a barbarous definition of crime. As I know a thing or two about punishment, I cannot let this carelessness stand.

However, we wouldn't have it any other way. If it is a crime to protect the young with such bright futures ahead of them, then we will gladly accept your judgment.

Such ignorance and stupidity...

Well then, allow me to send you to paradise. You can regret your decisions there.

Here it comes! Leave it to me!

They're so fast! I can't follow their movements!

What's the matter? Is this all you've got?

...... We're not going to get anywhere like this. I'd rather not resort to this, but perhaps it's time for my official combat garments...

That won't be necessary!

Huh?

Whew... Stand down, ghost. I won't allow you to touch our children while I yet have wings on my back.

You... You've done too much! That's no ghost. I saw flesh under its hood. And I could tell from its combat response!

No, it is indeed a ghost. It lost its form long ago, and is now but a proxy of its former memories.

What do you mean?

Ack! Sister Melina!

Huh?! It's...floating?!

Wh-What the...?!

Wings from its back?!

It can't be... The ghost's true form is the same as us Winged People?!

What could this mean? Even with wings, it shouldn't be able to fly in this village!

It.... Her wings are outside the reach of this cage. Isn't that right, Seze?

That is correct... Only Those Bearing Wings, who are under the curse of this cage, are unable to fly here. I have inherited the task of guarding the curse. If you try to break this cage again... Consider your life forfeit.

Why would you say that?!

You without wings... Someday you will come to realize... One day soon, these shameless criminals will try and use you...

She's gone...

There, there... Everything's fine now, little ones.

I-I'm sorry... This is all our fault.

I'm sorry, too...

As long as you're safe, there's nothing to apologize for. I'm glad to see none of you are injured.

Considering your good luck, I'll only give you 100 spankings each. Of course I mean...100 per cheek.

Whaaat?!

Hahaha! If you're feeling that sprightly, perhaps I can double the spankings!

Settings that aside... Thank these kind young people for saving you.

R-Right...

Thanks, Mister! Thank you, Miss!

Thank you so much!

No worries! Thillelille and crew didn't do a thing!

You're right that you did nothing, at least.

Sh-Shut it, Rosetta!

What's more important is that you were able to see your mother again!

Hm...? What did you say, miss?

Their mother isn't here...

Huh? But, didn't you just say "our children"?

I consider all Winged People of this village to be my children.

Well then... Let's see you all back to the village, children. I'm sure your mothers and fathers must be worried about you.

Huh...? What's going on here?

What's more important is... We seem to have drawn the attention of something strange as thanks for helping those children.

Yeah... That ghost. I didn't expect a winged person to be the one restricting the Winged People from flying...

Indeed... I'm curious about her use of the word "cage." Even if they try to fly away, this so-called "curse" won't let them... And if they try to walk away, or climb over the cliff, this ghost will stop them.

That must be what she meant by "cage"...

She may be called a ghost, but she was once one of the Winged People... Where could have she come from? I've never seen anyone like her in the village...

Could she be from another tribe of Winged People?

That would be difficult to consider... I've never heard of any other Winged People surviving except for us...

That ghost really flew away like it was no big deal. How weird. Think the curse doesn't affect her?

She said she had inherited the task of guarding the curse, didn't she? She must have some extraordinary cause for wanting to guard this so-called cage...

Oh, that's right. The Great Grandmother figure you mentioned is supposed to know a lot about the curse, correct?

Indeed, we were planning to go see her for information about the curse.

There's no use contemplating it here. If we go to see her...

No... That shouldn't be necessary.

Hm? However...

Great Grandmother is already...

Right in front of our eyes...

Yes. I am called Great Grandmother. Pleased to meet you.

Huh...?

Whaaaat?!

Y-You're... Th-Th-The Great Grandmother?!

Aren't you a little...young for such a title?

Hmph. As always, you're such a tactless, overly-zealous priest... All you had to say was "But you look so young!"

A-Ack.... My apologies...

Hahaha! There's nothing to apologize for.

Let's not waste time speaking here. Come to my house, where we can sit and chat for a while. I'll leave the guided tour to you, my beloved daughter.

Y-Yes ma'am!

Um... The Great Grandmother isn't your real mom, is she Mistrare?

No. She loves everyone in this village as if they were her own children. Sorry for surprising you... Once Winged People become adults, their appearances stop changing. I read in an old history book that humans are not like that... For us, it's common knowledge, so I completely forgot to mention it.

That's interesting... Do you have long lives like the elves?

No, our appearances don't grow old, but our lifespans are not so different from humans.

The same lifespan as humans, but with forever young appearances, huh? I feel like I've heard that somewhere... W-Wait a sec... That's not a face I wanted to imagine. This is no time to be thinking about Victor...

The same lifespan as humans, but with forever young appearances, huh...?

That's right! Which is why I can understand it being a surprise to a fiery friar like you. But, you can be sure that she has seen a great many years!

Wait a moment... Despite appearances, I'm still in my twenties...

And what's more... I'm the only one you haven't given a nickname...

Don't look so glum, Prai... I haven't received a nickname yet, either.

Brother Clarte...

I couldn't quite hear your conversation, but... Clary is such a nice gentleman.

T-Traitor!

Well then... We shouldn't keep Great Grandmother waiting.

You're right. Let's head over to her house.

Seems you are all here...

Yes, Great Grandmother.

Where to begin... First, allow me to thank you for helping those children.

No need for thanks. Mistrare helped us out too, after all.

Yes... You did fall from quite the height, didn't you? You seem to have a lot of luck on your side.

Hehe... I guess you could say we bet on our own wings.

Hm...? What do you mean?

It's nothing... Just an inside joke. Would you mind if we got straight to the point? We want to know about the curse... And...about the Cage Ghost. Seze of the Winged People. Today wasn't the first time you met, correct? You seemed to be quite familiar with the situation.

I believe you're mistaken... Today was the first time we've met.

Excuse me?

N-Now it's all a big confusing mess again...

Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that we know very much of each other without having ever met. Many years ago, her parents were openly hostile...

She truly inherited everything from her parents. From their techniques, knowledge, and spirit, to their duty... The same could be said of her parents, and their parents before them. Having looked at the old records, it seems it has been that way for quite a long time.

Yes... If that's not the work of a ghost, what else could you call it? Who would place such a burden on a child?

......

Apologies... I get so sentimental sometimes. Allow me to blame it on my age.

I can say that I've seen her parent's parents... They all flew... Everyone who tried to escape from this village were done in by that mobility.

"If you try to break this cage again... Consider your life forfeit." Then she wasn't joking when she said that...

But why was she able to fly freely, even with this place's curse? That's so unfair!

Like I said, she inherited everything from her parents. From their techniques, knowledge, and spirit, to their duty... The same could be said of her parents, and their parents. Her blood has always been the guards of the curse.

That's unbelievable...!

I see one of you is quick on your wits. I had thought as much myself, but...

What's she mean, Clarte?

She's talking about an assumption, Aldo. If you trace the lineage of this child named Seze, you might find...

The one who originally set the curse...

The one who set the curse?!

What you mean to say is... She also inherited the ability to prevent flying?

Indeed. You are all quite intelligent, it seems.

I see. By calling the curse a curse, we had been led to believe it was some kind of supernatural phenomenon.

Huh? You mean it's not a curse?

It's a problem of how you think about it. What do you think is the most certain way to have something be inherited, Aldo?

Um... Teach it constantly until the person remembers it?

Not a terrible idea, and very much like you to pose it, Aldo. But there is a more effective way to pass something down to someone, no matter who they are. In short...

As a physical object, yes?

An object... You mean there's something out there that can negate the curse?!

I suppose it would be more reasonable to assume there is such a thing. At the end of a long, long history we find ourselves here, now. If there is a method the bearer of such an ability has relied on, it is highly likely to have become obsolete.

There is another key part to this hypothesis...

If there is some method to prevent flying in such a small area, there must still exist a way to disable it entirely... Is that right?

A way to disable it entirely...!

It seems as though Great Grandmother had come to the same conclusion quite some time ago. Do you know anything that could help us?

Hm... A question from a guest, and one to whom I owe a debt. I suppose I can't feign ignorance.

A way to completely lift this curse...

It could certainly be said that such a way exists.

Really?! Then there's some hope! Could you tell us the details of what we need to do?!

Seeing your spirits lift like that is giving me mixed feelings... Though I said there is a way, it is more akin to legend. And... It...shouldn't be done. Even if the tales were true.

Huh?

What? If the curse were lifted, the Winged People could fly freely out of here, right?

Th-That's right, Great Grandmother... What do you mean?

Well...

Because it would require the assistance of those without wings... To put it simply, the help of humans. There are none in this valley, yes?

Now you're just teasing us, Great Grandmother. Thillelille and crew are humans. Don't tell Thillelille you can't see her right in front of you?!

What?!

O-Oh... Apologies. I fear I've grown senile in my old age.

Are you ill? You seem a little pale...

Hehe... Even if there were humans here... It makes little difference.

Little difference?

You would rather not... Become sacrifices, would you?

S-Sacrifices? That's a bad joke! C'mon, get serious, Great Grandmother!

......

Y-You were serious...weren't you?

Lifting the curse...requires a human sacrifice.

It is but a fragment of an old legend. I cannot confirm how much of it is true. Take a look at this, Mistrare. It's an old record passed down from my ancestors.

Are you sure?

I had planned to give it to you anyhow. Now is the perfect opportunity.

I see. Well then...

"You who would dispel the curse. Offer one without wings unto the darkness of the cliff. And turn your heart to iron..."

That sounds terrible...

Now do you understand? You would have to steel your heart as hard as iron, and throw a human off the cliff.

Why would there be that kind of requirement?

Despite the details... It's not quite as mechanical of a dispelling process as I had hoped...

This is but a simple thought experiment, if you will so allow... If we had lost our lives when we fell from the underground cavern... Would the curse have been lifted?

Hmm, who knows? But...

I know that I'm glad you helped us. I don't wish to lift this curse so much as to offer a human life in sacrifice. Taking the key to freedom in front of you at the expense of another's freedom... I'd rather be a frog at the bottom of a well. I am content to stare at this long, narrow stretch of sky until the end.

......

......

......

Mistrare... Can I ask you something?

Y-Yes, sure...

Other than you, is the other who can sing the Stifling Song?

Or I should say, was once able to sing the song... Is it Great Grandmother?

Y-Yes... How did you know?

I suspected as much. It was strange that the wavelengths of her magical energies matched my own.

The same goes for you, Mistrare...

You're quite unique yourself, Mel. I was feeling down, but now I'm starting to feel a little better.

Great Grandmother... She taught me how to sing the Stifling Song to bring out its magical powers. That's why her breathing techniques, her sense...and her way of thinking lives on inside me.

I know that in her heart... Great Grandmother wishes to fly freely through the wide open skies. I know it so much it hurts. I want to do whatever I can to grant her that wish...

But the only way to lift the curse is with a human sacrifice...

That simply will not do...

But does that mean you're going to give up on freedom?

No... There is another way. If I have to give up the option of lifting the curse, then there's no choice but to leave this place...

Leave this place, huh?

If I call on that mysterious power, I alone could go to the outside without that ghost noticing... But I want to win back our freedom with Great Grandmother, and everyone else in this village... I couldn't stand it if I were the only one to know the joy of soaring freely through the open skies...

Yes... I want to win back our freedom with Great Grandmother, and everyone else in this village. I want everyone to know the joy of soaring freely through the open skies...

And that's why I've got to be the one to find Seze, the Cage Ghost...

...... (She's right...Sometimes you've got to do whatever it takes. Mistrare...)

And I've got to persuade her!

Huh...?

Haha, Melina, you should see the look on your face!

Well, how else am I meant to react? She's too soft, this one.

I think it's a great idea. If that's the path our guardian angel here has chosen, I'd be more than happy to help. It's just the Winged People who are stuck in this place, right? Which means our companion can't search for the guard of this cage, that ghost... We could find Seze for Mistrare, and try and persuade her...

No, I'll go.

But, Mistrare, if Seze knows you've left...

I've said I'm going, so I'm going! Only I can take the burden of Great Grandmother's wish!

The children born in this village... They only know this long, narrow stretch of sky.

Until I left using that mysterious power, I'd never seen the real sky, either.

I've only ever seen the wide open skies in my imagination, reading books everyone else in the village ignores...

They believe it's inevitable that they'll spend their whole lives in this village. Every child hears the story of the Cage Ghost growing up, it's a popular fairy tale here... But then before they're aware of their doubts or dissatisfaction, they're mowed down by the blade hiding in the mundane.

I see... And those who hold the blade were once mowed down themselves. Essentially, those ghosts...

With no way to resist the curse, unconsciously, we just accept our fate... We look up at that long, narrow stretch of sky, stroke our flightless wings, then look away.

I'm sure Great Grandmother mourns the fate of those she loves like her own children. And now I hold the key that can open up this cage.

So it doesn't matter how dangerous it gets. You have to let me go. This is our problem, ours alone... The time has come for all in the village to stop looking away, and finally face this.

Mistrare...

Okay. Now I realize the horror of what you've been living with for so long. I can't sit idly by and let this continue.

Everyone...!

The dwelling we saw in the underground cave... That was Seze's.

No doubt about it! That was so a ghost's den!

Then we should head back to the underground cave.

You should come too, Mistrare. Don't worry. I'll protect you if anything happens.

Okay! Time to hit Seze's home!

Phew... We made it back in one piece!

Mistrare, this is where we first met Seze.

It looks like the tremor didn't change the terrain much around here.

It's a good thing we were guiding you!

Thank you, everyone.

Seze...! ...... Are you here? Show yourself!

......

Heyyyyyy!

SISTER SEZEEEE!

Shut it!

Urgh now my ears are ringing...

What's all this? You shouldn't make such a racket in someone else's home.

You finally came... Daughter of Those Bearing Wings. And those without wings.

It was wise of you not to run away on your journey here. If I'd spotted such behavior, I'd have brought you down in a flash.

You knew we were coming?!

This cave is practically my garden. I know your movements like the back of my hand. That said, what you're thinking remains a mystery to me. If you're not planning to run off with your tails between your legs, why exactly have you come to my cave?

Well... There's a favor I must ask you.

Release us from this cage. We could fix everything if you would just look the other way.

......

Bwahaha! That's what you came here to say? You must be aware that what you're asking for is impossible?

Why?! You're one of us, why do you have to fight with the Winged People?

One of you? Ha! With or without wings, how do you think sparrows and hawks get along? My wings serve as the wedge keeping Those Bearing Wings like yourself trapped within the Giant's Claw. I've been taught as such ever since I was born...I've sacrificed literally everything for that very purpose. I have nothing but that. If I were to set you free, I'd lose all I have.

Seze? Are you imprisoned here, just like us?

There's no more need to talk. Thunder Strikers! Come here!

Oh no...! The six winged monsters from the cave entrance?!

That's twelve wings altogether. What strange fate is this?

You may have come here to negotiate, but you're too much of a risk. I'm not wasting this chance to wipe you all out! If only you'd never dreamed of leaving this place... If you didn't yearn for unreachable skies... You could have been happy.

You're just like her!

Stop talking like you understand how Great Grandmother felt! But I know what's going on. You're imprisoned in this place, same as us.

What...?

I will fight to release us all... And that includes you. So prepare yourself. Because I won't back down, not until we've all been freed!

Tch, how annoying. You want freedom that badly? Then stop fighting me and go for the ones without wings instead. Then you'll get your precious freedom!

So you knew... You knew how to break the curse, too?

The curse will be lifted if we sacrifice a wingless being. But...

Taking the key to freedom in front of you at the expense of another's freedom... I would rather be a frog at the bottom of a well. I am content to stare at this long, narrow stretch of sky until the end.

I don't want freedom if it's paid for by somebody else's sacrifice!

Then I accept your decision. It looks like you really won't back down until you've freed all the villagers...even me.

So you understand?

Indeed...I understand all too well. I've seen the light of freedom...

But I do not wish for my release.

Huh?

I shan't focus any more energy on you. There's no point in pushing someone who won't give in. Surely the less you care for yourself, the more vulnerable you'll be to the pain of others?

Wait, you're...

It's too late now! I'll pluck my way through all those you hold dear!

Oh no! Can she get out from above?!

*sniff* It must lead outside!

Then...Great Grandmother!

Hurry! Let's go back to the village before it's too late!

Mistrare...

...... I've got to cross this line. For the freedom of the Winged People!

Ngh!

Misty?!

W-Was that the ghost...

No, no, I'm okay... Heheh... I'm so nervous I got cramp in my wing joint...

False alarm, then...

I can't see any signs of an attack coming.

Then what's going on? Maybe... Maybe she's exhausted and she's zonked out at home like Moke here.

Blup? Blipple-blep!

She's not like you and Moke. I don't think she's having a nap.

Hey, I never take naps!

(Huh? Sister Thillelille takes a post-snack nap every single day...)

Well, judging from last time, she must be able to detect our movements.

Do you think... She wants us to come to her?

Bring it on. I won't run and I won't hide. So let's go!

So this place collapsed in that huge tremor before...? Then there might be debris from the cliff. I'll just have a little look...

What have we here? I'm so lucky! It's a relic! I heard they can sometimes turn up...

But I don't know how to use it. Maybe you've gotta touch it a certain way to activate it? Maybe you click something?

Whoa! What was that?

Aaaaargh!

*scoff* Go ahead and try. That's if you can catch my wings when your own are so weighed down by your sins.

Is that all you've got? You're all bark and no bite.

Stay out of my way, unless you want to be sent to paradise.

Are you all right?!

No! We were too late?!

It can never be wrong to ask for someone's protection. Leave it to us. You should tend to your wounds.

Great Grandmother... Please be safe!

So you're the cause of all that commotion outside? How kind of you to come all the way here. Why the sudden change of course?

I have nothing to say to you. I hate you.

Dear me! My end is almost nigh, why not leave me be? Can't you just look the other way? Such a disappointing way to go...

Sorry, but your end is with me. In order to set an example for your foolish daughter and her wild stories... I'm going to take your life.

Wild stories? Oh, you mean Mistrare? Sounds like you've not managed to get to her yet, then...

Hmph don't worry about that. Once I've sent you to the other side, it'll be easy to break that steel-like spirit of hers. Never again will she think about leaving this place.

Is that so? Well that's too bad. Now you've told me, you think I'll keep quiet and let you do this?

Ack! You're pretty good. Young people these days aren't so useless after all.

And you fight well for someone living on borrowed time. But... I can tell your eyes no longer see.

How observant of you. My children are yet to notice. Perhaps you're the first... What a bad day today is...

That's enough. Stop resisting...

Ugh...Great Grandmother!

Huh? Is this an ambush?!

You're from the village? No, wait...Your back... What happened to your wings?! There's no way they're folded... You...You...

A relic went off by mistake and it made his wings disappear.

A...relic...?

All kinds of things fell from the cliff during that tremor the other day. That's where he found the relic. Well, by the looks of things... It appears to take away our wings. To be more precise, it temporarily compresses them until they're too small to be seen... But why was a relic with such a limited purpose even created?

Don't you find it fascinating? And this kind of relic isn't particularly rare, either. So let's negotiate... What if I were holding one of these perfectly common relics in my hand?

Ack! My wings... You wouldn't...!

It's no use trying to escape. You won't be able to spread out those fine wings of yours in such a narrow space. I may be blind, but I'm on home ground, and I can't miss. You thought you were attacking me, but you flew straight into my trap. And now I will capture you! To set my beloved children free!

Great Grandmother, stop!

Huh? Mistrare, is that you?

Seze!

Arghhh... My wing! Mistrare, you too?! Why did you do that?!

I thought I told you, Seze... I don't want freedom if it's paid for by somebody else's sacrifice. So I won't let you be sacrificed, either!

Grh!

Mistrare, are you okay?! What was that bright light?!

Eeeek!

What the?! Misty's wing...

And when Seze ran past, I'm sure she had only one wing, too. Why do the two of you only have one wing each?

I think Great Grandmother knows something...

I was going to steal away the ghost's wings with this relic. Everything was just right, I could've caught her...

And yet...

Do you know what you've done, Mistrare? That was my only chance to capture Seze!

You're right to scold me. But please don't capture her, not yet.

What?

Seze is the same as us. The curse has imprisoned her here, too. She may be able to fly through the sky, but her soul is trapped on this earth.

And so... I won't abandon her. She's a winged person like us, and I want us all to be free.

......

Remember what you said before? That you'd rather be a frog at the bottom of a well than take the key to freedom at the expense of another's. So surely all of you, including her, have got to claim your freedom?

I don't have wings, sadly.

But a sword is stronger than wings! And nothing is impossible for the reincarnation of the Sword-wielding Savior! So you should relax and leave this to us!

Sister Thillelille is right. We're neighbors now. We have to find a way to break the curse together.

And we can't leave Mistrare's wings like this. As far as I'm aware, you can't just grow back one or two new ones.

Hehe... I'll just watch everything as it unfolds.

As a servant of god, I'll be checking that everybody does this the right way!

Everyone...

Fine. If you want to go down that path, I won't stop you.

However...

I won't join you, either. This is your decision, so you'll have to achieve it using your own strength. And I'll take care of my own responsibilities. If you really want to stop this...

Then follow her.

Responsibilities? What did she mean?

Looks like she plans to capture Seze. But the way she's acting, she might not stop at that.

Right. As a guardian of the village, she's responsible for freeing her children.

We have to stop Great Grandmother! And then we'll persuade Seze!

All right, let's go guys!

Aye!

Everybody... Thank you so much... She can't fly with only one wing, so Seze must be planning to leave the village from that hole that appeared!

You're right... We should hurry to the wind tunnel, then!

*huff* *huff*

Blast, a dead end!

Urgh... Grrr! How dare you?!

Fine, come at me! I may have lost a wing, but that doesn't change my duty!

How pathetic! I'm wounded and you have both your wings, yet you still lose to me?

Step back, my children!

I'm sorry for worrying you. I'm fine, as you can see. My children... I don't want anyone interfering. Do you understand?

Ha! Don't make me laugh! Hasn't that old body of yours reached its limit yet?

A one-winged little girl is hardly in a position to judge. Prepare yourself! For I'm sending you to hell!

Go on then. Don't let me down!

Oh no! That old lady and the girl are facing off!

She only has one wing... But look how she moves!

She's being hammered by Great Grandmother's attacks though!

We have to stop them!

Huh? Why won't you let us past?

How can you say that at a time like this?!

Ugh! Get out of the way!

What are you saying? It's more than likely she'll be defeated! Don't you think you'll regret it, if you just follow her orders blindly?

Please! I want to protect them both, Great Grandmother, and her! Please let us past!

Mistrare... Go on ahead!

Huh?!

Leave the villagers to us!

You've come this far. If you don't save Seze, things will only get worse!

Go, Misty! Run as fast as you can!

Everyone...

Thank you!

Urgh...ngh...

You fought well. But it's time to put you to sleep. I'm sure hell won't give you the most peaceful of rests... But soon you'll be with all those ghosts who came before you.

Great Grandmother!

So you came, Mistrare. But you're too late.

Aaaaaaaargh!

Seze!

It's over. Now we are free.

Let's go home, Mistrare. I'll take responsibility for this sin...

No... Not yet. It's not over yet!

I've got to turn my heart to iron and jump if I want to save her!

What are you doing?!

Mistrare!

I'm falling...

If my life ends here, there will be no Cage Ghost.

I've failed... I couldn't fulfil my sacred, ancestral duty...

Well... She was right.

I too am imprisoned by this curse of someone else's making...

What was that? Am I imagining things? Shouldn't it all end in silence?

Seze!

You?! What are you doing?!

Erm... I-I came to save you?!

Don't be ridiculous!

I'm not! I told you right from the start, didn't I? That I'd free everyone, including you!

That's absurd! You're gonna save me from this?!

Yes. I'm still trying to work out how...

You complete fool...

I know the odds are against me in saving you. But that's why... I couldn't leave you on your own.

So give me your hands. I've always wanted to hold them.

My hands? Why would you...

Hehe... Why? What a funny thing to ask. Do girls our age need a reason to hold hands?

......

(How odd... Nothing has changed, yet my body is shaking...)

Who said that?

Huh... What did you do?!

I... I haven't done anything... Wh-What is this power?!

Hey... You were in the fight by the cliff yesterday, weren't you? How are your injuries?

That's good to hear.

Go on! Fly even faster!!

Huh?

Whoa! That's unbelievable!

Amazing! I wanna grow up so I can fly free like that!

Can Winged People only fly like that when they're adults?

Oh hey, mister! Yeah, that's right. Our wings aren't strong enough yet. Great Grandmother told us that yesterday!

That's why she's doing all the flying for us! Isn't it amazing?

It really is!

Even I, the reincarnation of the Sword-wielding Savior, feel a teeny weeny bit jealous seeing her fly!

Hmm... Sister Thillelille swooshing through the sky? I can imagine you, flying with two swords you rotate like feather pinwheels...

Such an active imagination... How utterly pointless...

Grrrr! Why can't you imagine me flying with beautiful wings instead?!

Anyway...

This certainly is a surprise. It must mean the curse has been lifted.

Yeah... You're right. No one was sacrificed, and the source of the curse wasn't destroyed, either...

Mistrare flew to the valley floor to save Seze... And when she reappeared, the two of them were flying together with one wing each... That must have been them lifting the curse.

Which means there was another way to break the curse all along. Maybe the legend was corrupted with each generation that told it... I wonder what happened. I still can't work it out...

And just when Mistrare and Seze were about to return, they fell down. They must've come to by now.

Yeah. They'll probably be in Great Grandmother's house.

Let's go. I hope they're awake.

See you later!

Bye, mister!

Take care!

......

She's been brooding this whole time. Maybe it was selfish of me to release her from the curse. I'm so worried. What if I didn't make the right decision?

You foolish child. Right or wrong, what does it really matter? You chose a different path than me, and that was your choice to make. You've got to trust in your own decisions.

Great Grandmother...

The girl's lost her life's purpose now. Of course she's going to feel empty inside. Everything fell from her fingertips... All she ever held dear is gone.

But you know... If you have nothing, you just need to keep going until you find something. Give her plenty to hold onto... Treasured things, memories. I'll spend the rest of my life trying to give her that.

Huh? You'll take her... You'll take Seze into the village?

I will...I lost to you. I'm an old woman and my days are numbered. All I can do is give her what remains of my life.

Th-Thank you so much, Great Grandmother!

Mistrare, there you are!

Everyone! You came!

I'm glad you're awake. And Seze...?

She must still be in shock. There's so much left to discover about her and her people...

You're right. I think it's best to leave her be for now.

Listen, we should be on our way before long...

Ah, yes. Good timing. My children are waiting for you at the village plateau.

For us...?

But, why...?

Hmm... I couldn't possibly guess...

They're looking forward to you dropping by.

Hmm... What a pain. But I guess it wouldn't hurt to see them. Let's go and check it out.

Right. To the plateau we go!

Umm... Why are you all gathered here?

Nngh?!

Wh-What is it?! You don't want to raid my sweets supply, do you?!

Because you're not getting any!

I very much doubt that's what they want...

Really?!

Hehe, thank you. Nothing would make us happier.

Wait, so... I'll be able to fly, too?!

Yayyyyy!

Tee-hee! Don't get too worked up, Thillelille, or you'll end up in the depths of hell...

Eep... I-I'll be good...

Hahaha! What a cute kid, getting so excited.

Shall we set off, then?

Thank you! We'd love to.

Whoa! We got to the other side! The village looks so tiny from here!

That was AMAZING! I was like a beautiful bird!

It certainly was enjoyable. Not like flying on Synth Hydra at all.

Are you okay there, Melina? You're shaking. Were you scared?

What? I'm fine. I'm not a child, it's not like I'm scared of heights...

Oh is that so? I thought maybe I should've been holding your hand, but I guess I was worrying about nothing...

Are you okay, winged brother?! You were so unsteady, I thought we were going to fall...

Could it be because of all my muscles?

Prai, you're being annoying! Stop causing trouble!

Haha! Well, I'm glad we managed to cross over safely.

Yeah, me too.

We were able to get back up the cliff thanks to them. There must be some significance in that.

Yeah... You're right.

We've taken up so much of your time. I apologize.

Thank you all so much for everything you've done.

The pleasure is all ours!

Have a safe journey! I'll be praying for you all from here...

Mistrare. It's not us you should be with.

Huh?

Why don't you go with these people, and experience the outside world for us?

Our wish had always been to live in a free place, with no curse to hold us back. But we'd been struggling for so, so long...

We started caring more about getting rid of the ghosts than anything else.

You were the only one in the village who stayed true, Mistrare.

Great Grandmother...

Well... But then I...

The Mistrare I know must be desperate to travel. I'm surprised you've not run off already. We'd like you to write about the outside world through the eyes of a Winged Person.

You without wings... Or rather, you travelers. Please take care of our Mistrare.

We know it's rude to ask such a thing when we've caused you so much trouble already...

Don't worry about it. This ended up being a shortcut.

Besides, the more companions the merrier!

Great Grandmother... Everyone...

Thank you so much! I can't wait to travel with you!

You know, taking a Winged Person on our journey is going to shock a lot of folks...

Y-You're right. I'd rather not cause you any trouble...

It'll be fine. I'll work something out. Just relax and trust me, Mistrare.

And I'll do whatever I can, too!

Mel...Thilly...!

Okay then...Though we're near the village, mother nature still poses a reasonable threat for us. Mistrare, we're going to need your power. We'll be counting on you.

Yes! I'll do my best! After all, I'll be representing all those between heaven and earth!

Haha! That certainly is reassuring.

Let's move on out to the Chasselas Crystal Region! Be careful as you go!

That's...!

Indeed, that's where we're heading... Church headquarters.

We can finally see it! Well. Seeing it all hazy in the distance, it makes you realize how far away it really is.

Sister Thillelille... Would you like to ride on my shoulders?

I'm no monster, I couldn't ask that of you...

Prai! Aldo! The two of you could carry me together! Link arms and carry me like I'm on a throne!

You plan on treating me how you treat Prai?!

Tee-hee... They're all so lively!

They really are. Being with them, I haven't had a free moment to dwell on the fact that I've lost my memory...

Quit acting stupid. Use your own legs.

We won't be able to get there without stopping. We should head for a staging post along the way.

Here we are. We've finally made it.

So this is the staging post Rosetta mentioned? We're still not at the church?

It depends on how you define it, but the church headquarters where we're headed is a little further on. These are the slums, for the poorest in the land. Those who live hand to mouth.

That's awful... Why doesn't headquarters do anything for them?

Erm, well...

The church supports them where possible...

Then why are they living like this?

These people... They don't accept anything but the bare minimum support.

The bare minimum? But why?

They're keeping themselves in a life of poverty. This way, they can pass whatever resources possible onto missionaries like us, to help us find god.

That's terrible...

This is where the most devout and the most patient come to live.

The church used to be wealthy, but this is what's left. This is the Old Church Domain: Merlot Ward.

Huh? That's strange. This kind of looks like where we were before...

It sounds like what that girl was talking about. Maybe this is where the ghost'll appear?

Huh? What is it, Clarte?

You're right! What do you think it is?

Whoa?! What's this area?

Look...This didn't have a crack before, did it?

Then that statue must have caused it...

A monster...That could be the ghost she mentioned. Why don't we check the area out some more? We might find a clue to lead us to the monster.