Another Eden story ยท Another Episodes

God in a Godless Land

The group arrives in the Merlot Ward in the Old Church Domain. They're shocked to see the deplorable state of the residential district, but the church has not abandoned the inhabitants.

9 scenes, 473 lines

1. Scene 1

23 lines
Aldo

People actually chose to live in this wasteland? Why would anybody do that?

Clarte

You said this was the Old Church Domain? Judging from the name... Those who live here never left when the ward stopped being under the church's protection.

Prai

That's right. Or to be precise, they're the descendants of those people. But they share the same sentiments.

Melina

It's said that from the moment of the Sword-wielding Savior's arrival, and until he was gone... This land flourished under his blessing.

Clarte

Until we was gone?

Rosetta

Ever since he disappeared, our god's blessings started decreasing by the day... The territory was simply too big. The whole area couldn't be maintained any longer.

Prai

However, when the priests decided to scale down the church grounds. Most people refused to move within the zone where their protection could be guaranteed. But when so many believers crammed into such a small space, it was bound to cause chaos.

Thillelille

Now the only place guaranteed church protection is the HQ itself. And it's not just Merlot Ward. All believers who live outside HQ are packed in like sardines.

Melina

The believers who live in the HQ help us priests out wherever possible, so that we can find god. But those who live in the Old Church Domain... Theirs is a staunch faith of an entirely different nature.

Mistrare

So they really chose to live on this poor land. They don't believe they're cursed, they don't want to break free. I feel so ashamed of myself.

Clarte

You do? It seems to me you did everything you possibly could while you were bound by that curse, Mistrare.

Mistrare

Really?

It's quite a relief to hear you say that.

But still... You can't help but respect the people who actually choose to live here.

Clarte

Indeed. It's not an easy choice to make. To entrust a priest with your prayers to god... They must spend their whole lives waiting.

Prai

They can barely scrape by, yet they're willing to keep believing in us. I wish I could reward them for such ardent faith.

Prai

I'm sorry. That was out of character.

Anyway... There's still a fair distance between here and the HQ.

Aldo

Then why don't we rest here for today? Rushing headlong won't save us any time.

Melina

I feel a little embarrassed being quoted like that.

Prai

Haha... But it's the truth, either way.

Fortunately, I have an acquaintance in this ward. Let's ask if we can stay the night.

2. Scene 2

118 lines
Aldo

Everyone looks so cheerful. I didn't see that coming.

Prai

But of course. They chose this path. You won't find people complaining in these parts.

Now, it should be somewhere around here.

???

I don't believe it! You're so stupid!

Aldo

Huh?

Elder

Hey! Stupid?! You can call me that, but you can't go saying that to the priests!

Boy

Shut up, shut up, shut up! You're always sticking up for those priests!

Clarte

Looks like they're arguing about something.

Prai

That's the ward elder! And...

Is that you, Kook?!

Kook

Huh? I know that voice...

Yay! Mister Prai! I knew you'd come back! I've been waiting for you!

Prai

Mister?

Never mind, it's always like this.

It's been quite a while since I was last here. I'm sorry, you must have been lonely.

Kook

It's no big deal! I know you're busy with work, Mister Prai!

Elder

Long time no see, Father Prai. I'm glad to have you back.

And Sisters Melina, Thillelille, and Rosetta, too...Aren't you all a sight for sore eyes? Are you here on an inspection? Everyone will be so pleased.

Melina

No inspections today. We've been summoned to the HQ, but thought we'd drop in on the way.

Elder

On the way? Didn't the ship go straight there?

Melina

Well, it's a long story.

Thillelille

You're not gonna believe this! We walked from the Untrodden Region!

Elder

Th-The Untrodden Region?!

My, my... What a journey. You must be exhausted.

And who might these people be?

Thillelille

Ahem! They're my traveling companions!

Clarte

Hehe... She's not wrong.

Aldo

Y-Yeah...

I'm Aldo. I'm a traveling swordsman. And this is Clarte and Mistrare.

Mistrare

Umm...it's nice to meet you. Sorry to put you out like this.

Elder

So polite! It's a pleasure to meet you, too.

Wait?! Your feet aren't connected to your shadow. And what's doing all that flapping, that sure is unusual...

What the?! You have wings? You can fly?!

Kook

Whoa!

Thillelille

You two! Are you okay?!

Mistrare

I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!

Elder

No, no... I was a little surprised, but not scared. I'd heard there were all kinds of species in this world. But someone less versed in the scriptures would surely mistake you for a Winged Being.

Mistrare

I-I know. But I'm one of Those Bear...

Ugh?!

Thillelille

Shhhh! You can't use that term! You'll only complicate things!

Clarte

Um, anyway... It looked like you were arguing about something just now?

Elder

We were... About that, um...

Kook

...... I don't wanna say in front of Mister Prai!

Prai

And why is that?

Kook

I don't want you to hear! Go somewhere else!

Melina

He could, but...

Rosetta

Tee-hee! Just be a man and grant him his wish...

Prai

Wha?! No, but...

I'm worried about you, Kook. You really won't talk to me?

Kook

......

We got less rations from HQ again.

Prai

Oh dear!

Aldo

So you get rations from HQ?

Melina

They may not guarantee protection, but that doesn't mean HQ's completely abandoned those in the Old Church Domain. HQ still regularly provides material support like food and supplies.

Elder

We were originally self-sufficient. But the land is barren, so we simply can't grow most crops.

We're the ones who left their protection. It's so embarrassing that we still need their help.

Kook

Ain't nothin' to be embarrassed about! Everyone's doin' their best, but there's nothin' we can do!

It's just, there ain't much food or medicine in our rations this time.

And what good is that?! I really wanted to make Mom somethin' nutritious, but I can't...

Prai

Kook... I'm so sorry. I'm so ashamed, allowing you and your mother to struggle like this.

Kook

Don't apologize, Mister Prai!

That's why I didn't wanna tell ya! You're always sendin' us food and clothes you've paid for out of pocket.

Prai

That's chicken feed, nothing more. It's far from enough.

Kook

That ain't true! These days it's more than our rations from HQ!

Melina

......

Prai

I appreciate the sentiment, but I think you're exaggerating.

Kook

I ain't exaggeratin'!

I-I'm not blamin' you, Mister Prai.

But... Sister Melina?

Melina

Yes?

Kook

You're lookin' for the same god as Mister Prai, ain't ya?

Melina

That's right.

Kook

So now you're back, does that mean you've found god? 'Cause you shouldn't show your face here till you have.

Melina

I'm sorry. I've not found god yet.

Kook

Then... What about you, Sister Thillelille?

Kook

If you're really the reincarnation of the savior, have you come into your power yet? Have you come back 'cause you can save us all now?

Thillelille

I'm sorry... Not yet.

Kook

Then when is god gonna save us?!

Elder

Kook! You're going too far!

Kook

If you keep on stickin' up for everyone and suckin' up to 'em, nothink's ever gonna change!

And you, miss, with the wings, you're a real Winged Being, right?! Please find god... If you don't, my mom'll...

Mistrare

I'm sorry. I don't know what I can do...

Kook

Oh dear...

Aldo

Listen, Kook. I know I've got nothing to do with the church, but... They're trying their best and their hearts are in the right place. So maybe don't be so harsh on them.

Kook

They're tryin' their best? That don't put food on the table!

But... Ain't the truth something else entirely?

Aldo

......

Kook

Look, I get it... It ain't easy findin' god... But I don't see why I should believe in someone who don't do a thing when everyone here's sufferin' so badly!

No matter how much greater than Mister Prai they are...

I hate 'em! And you, Winged Child! And you, reincarnation of the savior!

Melina

Oof!

Prai

Wait a minute, Kook!

Elder

How can I ever apologize enough? Sister Melina, Sister Thillelille...

I'll give the boy a good talking to! And Sister Rosetta...

Rosetta

Don't worry about it. It's not an inquisitor's job to take words at face value. Of course, it's a whole other story if these are his true feelingsโ™ช

Prai

Kook's always been a sweet kid, and a loving son. He's never been the type to say that kind of thing.

Melina

It seemed like he felt his back was against the wall.

Thillelille

He was so worried about his mom. Is something up with her?

Prai

......

Clarte

Anyway... Are you okay, Melina?

Melina

I'm fine. It takes more than that to get me down.

Clarte

Oh, erm, what I meant was... Didn't Kook bump into you when he ran off?

Melina

Yeah, but I'm fine. It's nothing when you're used to fighting monsters.

......

Prai

Is something the matter?

Melina

It's gone! I had a pouch in my pocket and now it's gone! I know I had it when we arrived.

Elder

Oh dear! You think Kook stole it?

Melina

Well, it's no big deal. It wasn't that important.

Prai

No, this won't do! I'll chase after him. Stealing another's belongings goes against the teachings, whatever your reason may be!

Melina

Prai, wait!

Honestly! I said I didn't mind.

Rosetta

There he goes, charging off like a wild boar! He reminds me of a certain someone.

Thillelille

You're so right! Total disregard for the consequences.

Clarte

We should go after him as well. We can't let him get away with this!

Elder

They've gone, haven't they?

Such kind people... I'm sure Kook knows it, too.

3. Scene 3

69 lines
Kook

*huff* *huff*

Phew... Think I lost 'em.

I did it! I swiped Sister Melina's pouch. There's so many seeds in here. I've never seen anything like 'em... Must be from the other continent. I bet they taste so good!

This must be food for that blue creature of hers.

It's so unfair... Her pet gets to eat this well. When me and Mom... And everyone else who lives here never get to eat anything half as good.

Aldo

We've lost him! Where'd he go?!

Prai

If he's going to see his mom, he'll still be nearby. Let's head to his mom's place!

Kook

Mom, I'm home!

Kook's Mom

Kook... You're back. You been off playing with the other kids?

Kook

Nuh-uh! How could I go off and play while you're stuck in bed?

Kook's Mom

Kook...

Kook

Anyway, look at this, Mom. I brought you something!

Look...The elder shared these seeds with me. Don't they look nutritious? I bet you'll feel so much better if you eat 'em, Mom!

I've already eaten mine, so these are all yours. Go ahead and eat!

Kook's Mom

Thank you, Kook...

But... I can't eat these seeds.

Kook

What? Why not?! Are they too big? Can't you chew 'em? I could grind 'em up for you.

Kook's Mom

No... That's not it.

Kook my dear... Where did you really get this pouch?

Kook

I-I already told you. The elder gave me it.

Kook's Mom

See this fancy embroidery? If I had to guess, I'd say it belonged to someone in the clergy.

Kook

Huh?!

Kook's Mom

So tell me the truth. Did you really get this from the elder?

Kook

I'm sorry. Truth is, I got it from someone else... Well...That's a lie too. I didn't "get" it.

Kook's Mom

...... It's sweet of you to worry about me, Kook. But that doesn't mean you can go about deceiving people. Whoever you stole this from must be so distressed.

Kook

But...But... You're not well, Mom! If you don't eat something nutritious...

And... Those church folks get it so much better than us! Why are they the only ones to get nice things?

Kook's Mom

Is that what you think?

Kook

Not you too, Mom! How can you side with 'em?! They're feedin' this stuff to their pets! They pretend like we don't exist!

Kook's Mom

......

Kook

Forget it! I don't know you anymore, Mom!

Kook's Mom

......

Melina

Sorry to disturb you.

Kook's Mom

You... You're Melina, aren't you? I saw you when I was in the HQ.

Melina

Yes... That's correct.

Kook's Mom

Wait a minute... I'll get up.

Melina

Please, don't push yourself. Stay lying down, it's fine.

Kook's Mom

Oh, thank you... But...

I think this pouch belongs to you. I'm sorry about my son... Here, take it. He said it was pet food.

Melina

Yeah... That's right. It's not much, you should just keep it. You're not well... I won't keep you any longer.

Take care.

Kook's Mom

You're a bad liar, Melina.

Melina

Huh?

Kook's Mom

These seeds...They're all strong varieties that could be cultivated in sterile soil. I once spent quite some time trying to figure out how to keep us all fed. So I can work out what most of these seeds are just by looking at them. You've been in the other continent, looking for seeds that can grow in our barren land, haven't you?

Melina

There's no hiding anything from you, I see. I'd always intended to give you these seeds anyway.

Kook's Mom

You had?

Melina

I'd heard about a female priest who'd been researching crops, who ended up getting married in Merlot Ward.

Kook's Mom

Really? Thank you so much. But my son, he said some horrible things to you, didn't he?

Melina

That doesn't matter. The truth is, we've still not been able to find god.

You're all forced to take on such a great burden...

Kook's Mom

Don't talk like that. You priests are doing the best you can for us. Everyone who lives on this land is well aware of that. Even my boy... I'm sure even he gets it. He just doesn't have an outlet for his other feelings right now.

Melina

Ah... I understand.

Kook's Mom

I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble. Um... I hate to ask, but could you possibly do me a favor?

Melina

Sure, what is it?

Kook's Mom

I'd like you to deliver a message to Prai. Tell him... Tell him thank you for always looking out for my boy. It's because of his talks with my Kook that the boy has so much resolve. I am so grateful to god for having him in our lives.

Prai

*sob* I've not done anything to deserve such thanks.

Melina

It looks like you heard the whole thing.

Clarte

Sorry. Sound sure carries through the houses in this community.

Rosetta

I already knew that those seeds weren't for Noah. Melina always shares her own food with him.

Melina

How did you know that? That's so creepy.

Rosetta

Tee-heeโ™ช I've been monitoring you, Melina.

Thillelille

Hmph! Melina's not the only one! I don't give Moke any special feed, either!

Melina

Well you also forget to give him any un-special feed.

Thillelille

Grrr! How could you say such a thing?!

Mistrare

Is Kook okay? I sensed a pain and anguish in his eyes. He's not in control of his own feelings.

Deep down... He's too kind for his own good.

Clarte

Indeed... If only he could learn to accept his feelings.

Prai

But that's something Kook's going to have to work out on his own...

Anyway...Thanks to that distraction, we nearly forgot about why we came here in the first place. Let's go and ask the elder if we can stay with him.

4. Scene 4

63 lines
Elder

Ah, you're back, are you? Have you managed to recover the pouch Kook stole?

Melina

Technically no, but the issue's been resolved.

Elder

I see... Well, I won't press for details.

Though... How was Kook doing?

Prai

He's at a sensitive age. I think it's best to leave him be.

Elder

Still... I can't help but worry. There aren't many children in this ward.

Mistrare

Kook is really loved. Someday he'll come to realize that.

Prai

By the way... We originally came here to ask a favor of you.

Elder

Of course. Ask away.

Clarte

Could we possibly stay the night? It's been a long journey and everyone's exhausted.

Aldo

Obviously, we don't expect something for nothing. We'd be happy to help you out with any chores that need doing.

Elder

Don't even think about it. Not when Kook's caused you so much trouble already.

Melina

Kook is our responsibility too. You can't be expected to take the burden alone.

Elder

Hmm... In that case...

Thillelille

Is there something we can help you with?

Elder

I'm embarrassed to say, there's something that completely slipped my mind.

Clarte

Please, don't hold back. You must have so much to worry about.

Elder

Well, some of the supplies we received... I'd like to set them up in public.

It'll be faster if I just show you.

Please, come this way. I'll explain when you see them.

Here we are. This is what I was talking about.

Aldo

Huh?! Are these... Prisma?!

Elder

What did you say? Pris...

Aldo

Oh, it's nothing...

(There's no way. Prisma comes from shattered spirit power that's been solidified over thousands of years.) (But if they're not Prisma... What on earth are they?)

Thillelille

Don't you know, Aldo? They're god's blessings!

Aldo

God's...blessings?

Melina

We've already told you this. God gave us power equal to the blessings of the Four Great Elementals.

Aldo

Oh yeah... I remember that from the palace. Actually seeing this with my own eyes... Your god sure is amazing.

Melina

But... They look like they're decreasing even more than before.

Elder

They are... They're too valuable to be used like this.

Clarte

If not like this... Then how do you use them?

Elder

This is an old crystal I picked up in the Chasselas Crystal Region.

Aldo

Another god's blessing just appeared?!

Clarte

That's astonishing. Did that blessing really just double?

Elder

Hee-hee... Wouldn't it be nice if that were true?

You can't simply double them. Whether we're talking quality or quantity... All aspects of the blessing copy suffer from significant deterioration, so HQ doesn't recommend them.

We call this the power of the "crystal."

Melina

I heard the deterioration rate doesn't even change for copies made from relatively new crystals grown in HQ. Which is why no one thinks to copy them.

Elder

We can't even talk about such things in the Old Church Domain.

Thillelille

But crystal power is soooo dangerous!

Just imagine what a mess we'd be in if you made a mistake and ended up with two beauties like me!

Elder

Tee-hee...Yes, that's the basis for many a fairy tale.

But there's no need to worry. The only thing this has is the power to copy is god's blessings.

Clarte

So this crystal power only duplicates god's blessings?

Aldo

Anyway...You really want to copy them and put them up in public?

Elder

Of course. Come with me. I'll show you where.

Mistrare

This should be easy. Let's split up and get this done!

Aldo

Done! Now it's time for a well-deserved rest!

Elder

Thank you so much, everyone. I haven't much to offer, but please make yourselves at home when...

???

Elder!

Elder

Why if it isn't Kook's mother! You should be resting!

Kook's Mom

Don't you worry about me! More importantly, has Kook come by?

Prai

I've not seen him.

Kook's Mom

Oh no! Then the rumors are true!

Prai

Calm yourself! What rumors?

Kook's Mom

Someone saw Kook leaving the village... Th-There are monsters out there!

Prai

Heavens no!

This is a race against time! Do you know where he was seen leaving from?

Kook's Mom

Just that it was to the south.

Prai

That should be enough.

Clarte

We'll head off right away.

Aldo

Right! We'll get Kook back!

5. Scene 5

55 lines
Kook

*sob* Stupid Mom... You've gotta eat properly... I don't want you to die.

......

What would Mister Prai do at a time like this?

Prai

Hey, kiddo!

Kook

Huh?

You a new priest?

Prai

Indeed I am. My name is Prai. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Kook

Does the church not like you then, mister?

Prai

Hm?! What makes you say that?

Kook

I mean... They sent you to a dead-end place like this. Someone high up must not like you.

Prai

You couldn't be more wrong! You see, I...

I chose to come to Merlot Ward.

Kook

Huh?!

Prai

You may not be under the protection of the church, but we worship the same god. And our prayers are still the same.

I want to help you...

Kook

Mister...

Prai

Goodness! Your mom's sick?

Kook

Yeah... She can't get out of bed anymore. So I've been waitin' to get a chance to talk to a priest.

Just until Mom gets better... Please increase our rations. Please... Don't abandon us.

Prai

Kook...

I understand. I give you my word, I'll tell HQ about conditions here in Merlot Ward.

Kook

Really?!

Prai

Of course! And...

You've done so well to get by on your own for so long. But now I'm here, I'll do whatever I can to help look after your mother.

Kook

Really?!

Prai

But that doesn't change the fact that you're the one who must stay by her side and protect her.

Let's work together so you can stand tall!

Kook

Yeah! I wanna be like you when I grow up, Mister Prai!

Prai

Hahaha! That makes me so happy to hear.

But I'm still young! I'm only in my twenties... You can call me big bro if you like.

Kook

Thanks, Mister Prai!

Prai

......

Kook

......

I've gotta stop mopin' about and blamin' Mom for things.

Wait! I gotta do this for Mom.

Prai

I still can't find him!

Mistrare

Where could he have gone?!

Thillelille

There are so many monsters out here! We've gotta find him quick, before he gets hurt!

Prai

Was that a roar?!

Clarte

There he is! Over there!

Kook

I-I've never seen anyone hunt...

But I'm gonna destroy you so my mom can eat some meat! Brace yourself! Salamander attack!

Oooof... It's so strong.

I-I'm scared! Help me, mister!

Prai

Kook!

Kook

Mister Prai?!

Prai

Are you hurt?

Kook

I'm okay...

Melina

What in the world possessed you to pick a fight with a monster that size?

Thillelille

You've got real guts there!

Rosetta

That was brave of you. Or perhaps "stupid" would be more apt!

Mistrare

Whatever, I'm just glad we made it in time!

Clarte

Stay on your guard, people. This monster looks like one nasty customer.

Aldo

Right! Let's do this!

Skip scene?

6. Scene 6

47 lines
Prai

It's over...

Kook

You actually defeated it! You're incredible!

Prai

......

Kook

I just really wanted to feed Mom some meat... I thought if I defeated that monster...

Whoa!

Aldo

It disappeared?!

Rosetta

Some monsters in the Chasselas Crystal Region don't have a physical form... Some say this is how they adapted to their unique environment.

Melina

That's why the adults don't hunt here, no matter how poor they are. It's just not worth the effort.

Aldo

I see...

Kook

...... I knew that.

But... I couldn't think of a better idea... I promised Mister Prai that I'd protect my mom... But... But...

Prai

Kook...

Kook

Mister Prai... What am I meant to do?! I said such horrible things to you all... And I stole that bag of seeds...

I know I shouldn't. I know I'm a bad person... But... It's gettin' so hard to plain survive on our rations... And if I can't hunt and get even one ounce of meat.

What am I meant to do? Help me, Mister Prai! *sob*

Prai

In times like this, Kook... We apologize.

It's not okay to steal from the rich. It's not okay to hurt someone mean. And most of all... If something happened to you... Think how your mom's heart would ache.

But people make mistakes. And no one blames you for it.

So apologize. Seek forgiveness and never do it again. That's all we can ever do.

Kook

I'm...sorry... Sister Melina... Sister Thillelille... Everyone who helped me... And I'm sorry to the elder... And my mom...

Waaaaaahh!

Aldo

Looks like he fell asleep from exhaustion. Mistrare's taking him back.

Clarte

He must've been worrying himself sick. Once he started crying, he finally snapped and collapsed from fatigue.

Aldo

He's so young...Yet he's had to worry about his mom all this time.

Prai

Sister Melina, Sister Thillelille. There's something I'd like to talk to you about.

Melina

You look strangely calm. Not like your usual hot-blooded self.

Prai

I'll cut to the chase. It's about the supplies for Merlot Ward.

Thillelille

What about them?

Prai

Whenever I've visited Merlot Ward... I've noticed something. More supplies arrive in my name than I've actually sent.

Melina

......

Prai

Up until now, I've always assumed it was some kind of mistake and not thought much more about it.

But this time... Obtuse as I am, even I realized what was going on when I heard there were more supplies from me than from HQ.

It's you two, isn't it? You're sending all these supplies and giving me the credit, aren't you?

You see, I examined them, and I recognized the supplies that were being sent under my name. Seeds from vegetables Sister Melina ate nonchalantly as we walked... Long-lasting food Sister Thillelille was given by the locals.

Melina

*sigh* Why couldn't you pretend not to notice? You just don't know when to keep quiet.

Thillelille

You're too earnest, Prai. Some things are better left unsaid.

Melina

We're fine with things as they are. We're commanding officers, and we're the ones responsible for finding god.

Prai

But!

Melina

We shouldn't be distracted by sending supplies when we're meant to be looking for god. Until we find god, it's unacceptable for us to do so.

Thillelille

But as the reincarnation of the Savior, it's my duty to support our people. I'll just never reveal that it's really me!

Until I'm awakened, there's not much I can do to help.

That's why it's got to be you who looks after the people of Merlot Ward, Prai. Honestly, take some responsibility!

Prai

Sister Melina... Sister Thillelille...

Clarte

Hehe... That's so like them.

Rosetta

Yeah, it really is.

Melina

Anyway, there's no point talking about this right now. Let's bring the boy back to his mother's.

7. Scene 7

40 lines
Kook's Mom

Kook!

Kook

Mom!

Kook's Mom

Everyone... You brought my son back to me. I don't know how to thank you.

Aldo

Don't worry about it. I'm just glad he's safe.

Mistrare

He wanted you to be able to eat some meat, so he went off to fight a monster.

Kook

Yep...

Kook's Mom

How could you be so reckless?

Kook

But I didn't get any meat.

Kook's Mom

That doesn't matter. You're back safe, that's all I care about.

Kook

Mom...

Elder

Kook! Kook's back?!

Clarte

Indeed... He's right here.

Elder

I knew you'd get him back for us!

Melina

Anyway... Why are you in such a hurry?

Elder

Ah, yes! Listen carefully now, Kook.

I've just received word. A ship's come in with all the clergy and commanding officers from the central continent. Apparently, it's also carrying a decent amount of supplies.

Aldo

Supplies?!

Elder

That's right. And the supplies that arrived at HQ... They'll be given to us! We'll be getting extra rations!

Kook

Extra rations?!

Elder

I thought I'd better tell you... There'll be more food and medicine.

Kook

Yayy! I'll go instead of you, Mom!

Aldo

Ahaha! That sure cheered him up.

Clarte

We should go too. You can never have too much help with something like this.

Mistrare

Right! I'll fly the heavy things over!

Kook's Mom

Prai...

Prai

Wh-What is it?

Kook's Mom

I have a favor to ask. These extra supplies... Can you tell my boy that it was you who sent them from the continent?

Prai

Huh? But they've got nothing to do with me.

Elder

Father Prai... I'm sorry, I also must ask this of you.

Kook still doesn't trust other priests. He's too distracted by the good news to be thinking about it yet.

But if he realizes these supplies are from anyone but you, he's going to refuse them... If he thinks they're from you though, I'm sure he'll be more than happy to accept them.

Kook's Mom

Exactly. So, please...

Prai

But...

Melina

I didn't hear any of this. This is your decision alone, Prai.

Thillelille

And there was a mosquito buzzing around my ear, I heard nothing.

Prai

You two...

......

Okay. I'll do what I can.

Kook's Mom

Thank you.

Rosetta

Then let's go watch the heroic Prai in all his majesty!

8. Scene 8

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Prai

Kook...

Kook

Oh!

Look, Mister Prai! There's food and medicine! This'll make Mom all better!

Prai

Yes... I'm sure it will.

Kook

Listen... Sorry about crying and kicking up a fuss before.

I guess I'm still not as cool as you.

But... Someday I'm gonna catch up to you. You're always helpin' us out, even when you're searchin' for god. You're my hero.

Prai

Kook...

Kook

Heh-heh! Anyway, you sent these supplies, right? Like you always do?

Prai

Well...

Kook's Mom

I have a favor to ask. These extra supplies... Can you tell my boy that it was you who sent them from the continent?

Elder

If he thinks they're from you though, I'm sure he'll be more than happy to accept them.

Prai

......

Kook... I need to tell you something... These supplies...

Weren't sent by me.

Kook

Huh?

Kook

I-I must've misheard. Everyone's shoutin' so loud...

Prai

Then I'll say it again. I didn't send these supplies.

Kook

Then... Who did? Don't go tellin' me other priests did this. If they think they can ignore us all this time and then act generous out of the blue.

Then I won't take anything!

Hey... Answer me, Mister Prai... If they're not from you, then who?!

Prai

Well...

They're from god, Kook.

Kook

God?

Prai

We still can't go to the land in which god lives... Nor can we even identify where that is. And yet... God still sees the way of life of our people, and he sees our perseverance. These are god's gifts from the Sea Within. There still aren't many supplies... But someday bountiful blessings will fill this land... At least, that's what I believe.

Kook

Mister Prai...

Okay, I get it. I'm gonna try real hard to wait for god. Me and Mom, we'll be waiting... Because someday he's gonna save us. Someday we can all be happy...

Prai

Yes, that's right, Kook. God will come to us, someday. So long as we all try our hardest.

Rosetta

Phew! That was so close! If you'd said you'd sent all this, I'd have had to drag you out of here under suspicion of heresy.

Prai

You sound so serious... Sister Rosetta, you terrify me.

But I live my life knowing my hands are clean should I ever be interrogated.

Thillelille

That was so cool of you, Prai. Let me pat you on the back as a special treat!

Prai

Hold on, Sister Thillelille! You don't need to...

Not again!

Mistrare

The doubt and sorrow that clouded little Kook's spirits seem to have lifted.

Aldo

You're right. Though I'm sure he'll be getting himself into trouble again before long.

Clarte

He'll be fine.

So long as his scary-faced hero is there to look out for him.

And god is there to look out for the hero.

Young Priest

That's strange. They're the only ones to be late...

Older Priest

Why the frown? What's the matter?

Young Priest

It's just... The summons to HQ... Sister Melina, Sister Thillelille... And even Sister Rosetta haven't arrived yet.

Older Priest

What? That is strange.

Maybe Sister Thillelille has, but Sister Melina and Sister Rosetta have never been late for a summons before.

Young Priest

And though Sister Thillelille can be a little much, she's always punctual and meticulous with her work.

Middle Priest

I have bad news!

Older Priest

Is something the matter?

Middle Priest

The guy delivering the extra rations to Merlot Ward has reported in... He saw Sister Thillelille and Sister Melina in the Old Church Domain! Sister Rosetta, too. And some over-zealous priest!

Older Priest

Merlot Ward? In the Old Church Domain? Why are they inland?

Middle Priest

And that's not all. It's hard to believe, but... There are eyewitnesses claiming they saw them traveling with a woman with wings on her back... A Winged Being!

Young Priest

A-A Winged Being?!

Johann

A Winged Being? If that's true...

Does this mean Those Bearing Wings actually survived?

Melina

Come to think of it...You know that boat carrying the additional supplies? If it came from the central continent and was transporting the clergy... Then it must be the boat we were meant to take.

Thillelille

Grrrr! Being late for that stupid boat was the greatest mistake of my life!

We can't just sit around! We've got to hurry to the church!

9. Scene 9

1 lines

To Be Released: Ch. 6 "The Holy Deception"