The Bridge of Heaven

Actually, there's one more thing...

Hm? What's the matter, Mistrare?

All around this town... There are sword symbols everywhere.

Just look around this inn. There are swords on the carpets, and on the walls.

Even the street lights have similar symbols upon them.

And in front of the castle gates stands statues of men holding swords.

Yeah, you're right.

The royal family of this country has many traditions related to swords. King Miglance's holy sword, Palsifal, for example, is an important part of the kingdom's culture.

I just heard about it from my grandpa, though. I wasn't the best student for these kind of things...

But the sword is a symbol of those traditions, so it's treated with respect and admiration.

I see... That makes sense.

In the western continent where I'm from, the Order reveres swords and wings as objects of faith. As the eras passed, the sword motif came to be passed down to this continent as well it appears. It's quite surprising.

That's right! The sword motif is an object of faith!

Huh?

That's why things like the Sword's Prayer are contained in the holy book! And why we pray for the sword's protection during marriage ceremonies and the like!

If it isn't Mariel! What're you doing here?

Heehee... Hello, Aldo!

A traveler was injured here in town and I'm doing my best to help him heal.

That's why things like the Sword's Prayer are contained in the holy book! And why we pray for the sword's protection during marriage ceremonies and the like!

And you are...?

Ah... I'm sorry for not giving my name first!

I'm Mariel. I'm a priestess in training!

That's why things like the Sword's Prayer are contained in the holy book! And why we pray for the sword's protection during marriage ceremonies and the like!

If it isn't Mariel!

Hi! It's been a while!

The last time I saw you was in Rinde with Yipha!

I guess you're right. What are you doing here?

A traveler was injured here in town and I'm doing my best to help him heal.

I happened to hear your conversation, and just couldn't help but jump in...

Heehee... I'm glad that you did.

This Sword's Prayer... I'd like to hear that too sometime.

You can just call on me whenever you decide to get married!

I'm still in training, but when that time comes, I'll be a full-fledged priestess and can give you my blessings!

Get...married?!

Thank you. When that time comes... I'll be sure to call on you.

Mistrare, you're blushing again.

Ah... Don't look! It's embarrassing...

Ahem... Indeed. I understand that the faith born in the West has taken root here in this era, but...

That being said, I see no traces of the wing motif anywhere...

Wing motif?

Yes...

"When our Sword-wielding Savior, our god, descends upon the land, he will be met by one with twelve wings."

This is a commonly accepted interpretation of the Western church. Are such stories of winged beings forgotten in this era?

That's the first I've heard such a passage! Winged beings... I've never heard of them in any of the teachings.

Is that so...?

A legend of swords and wings... Sounds pretty interesting! Can you tell me more?

Mariel! Get your hiney up here!

Oops! The innkeeper is calling for me upstairs...

Apologies for the intrusion! I'll be off, then!

What a strange talk that was...

Huh? What do you mean?

In the West, the sword and wings motif are inseparable... Therefore, I thought that they would be passed down as a set even to this era...

I guess only the sword was passed down in the stories.

I suppose the records of Winged Beings were lost somewhere in the vast currents of time...

Now that you mention it, winged beings...

They sound a lot like the Winged People you belong to, Mistrare...

That's...

I wonder... I'll leave that to your imagination, Al.

Huh? Did I say something wrong?

...... There will be a time to talk of this one day.

Until that time comes... Please, let me dream.

Mistrare...

Regardless of what the winged beings actually are, the fact that the wing motif hasn't been passed down to this era means that... The record of the Winged People I've compiled must have also been buried in the recesses of history.

But the Winged Being wasn't necessarily someone with real wings.

You are correct. But it doesn't seem like wings were taught as a symbol of anything.

Come to think of it... The record of the Winged People I've compiled must have also been buried in the recesses of history.

Now that you mention it, I thought the winged beings might be referring to your people, Mistrare.

You referred to yourself as "Those Bearing Wings." Why is that?

That's...

...There will be a time to talk of this one day. Until that time comes... Please, let me dream.

Mistrare...

Regardless of what the winged beings actually are, the fact that the wing motif hasn't been passed down to this era means that... The record of the Winged People I've compiled must have also been buried in the recesses of history.

That certainly makes me a little sad...

Hmm... I can understand that.

Aha!

What's wrong, Al?

I just remembered...

I'm sure there was a wing motif in the space between the thrones in the Beast King's Castle.

Really?!

The Beast King's Castle... I wonder if the wing motif was passed down as an object of worship there?

An object of worship? I honestly can't say either way...

If you're that interested, how about we go and ask? I have a friend in Konium who would probably tell you about it.

I'd love to go! Thank you, Al! Let's hurry on to Konium!

Yes... Amongst us beastfolk, there is some worship of wings.

Truly?!

So the wing motif was passed down to the beastfolk...

Does that mean that winged beings are also objects of worship?

Yes, that's right! I'm surprised you know of this.

The winged beings we worship...

Are called angels.

Huh?!

Angels? I don't know if I've heard of them.

M-Me neither...

May I ask... Could you tell us what they're like?

Yes, of course.

We beastfolk believe that when we die, our spirits cross over to the garden of heaven to rest in peace. Angels allow us to bridge heaven and earth, and carry our spirits there after death.

Allow you to bridge heaven and earth...

We are told that these angels have on their backs, rainbow-colored wings that hold the spirits of the deceased.

Other than that... The angels were said to have immortal followers with enormous wings, that would ward off evil...

They possessed not just kindness and beauty, but a great strength as well.

They were also said to have the power to allow the living one chance to meet the deceased.

That all sounds pretty incredible...

So these angels were able to produce a great number of miracles...

Miracles... Yes, I suppose so. That's why there are more than a few beastfolk who pray to angels when they've lost a loved one.

So that they may have just one more chance to meet their beloved... That's why he, too...

He...?

Oh... Sorry. I suddenly remembered a boy who just recently performed an Ascension for his deceased mother.

Ascension... What's that?

When beastfolk lose someone dear to them, they perform a rite to send their spirit to heaven. During an Ascension, a monster's wings are thought to contain angel's feathers that take care of the soul.

I see... I think I understand.

The angels who are said to preside over the end of a beastfolk's life... Are what we call winged beings...

What a fascinating story... Thank you, Altena.

I'm glad I could be of help! Come see me if anything else comes up.

To think the winged beings of your era, and the winged beings of this era are different...

Though the words are the same, they in fact point to different things...

I suppose that when this much time has passed, anything is possible.

Yeah, I guess so...

I thought that the historical record of the Winged People I've compiled would exist in some form in this era too...

I've found her!

Huh?

It's just like everyone said! So these are the beautiful wings everyone was talking about...

Um... Hello there. Do you have some business with me?

You came because you heard about how beautiful Mistrare's wings are, huh?

I have a favor to ask you!

A favor? From me?

Yeah. I want you to use your powers...

To let me see my mom again!

What do you mean? What powers?

Well...

You're an angel, right?!

Huh?! N-No, I mean... I suppose I do have wings, but, I'm no angel...

Please, I'm begging you! You don't need to hide it! I can't go on like this!

I'll go on ahead to Igoma and watch over her! I'm counting on you, Miss Angel!

H-Hey! What's going on here? He mistook Mistrare for an angel...

He said he was going to watch over someone... Do you think something happened in this Igoma place?

Either way, he was acting kind of strange. We should go after him.

Igoma's full of violent monsters. It's a dangerous place for a kid to go alone!

That's no good... We should go after him immediately! Al, please show me the way!

Okay. Come on!

There he is!

Miss Angel! You finally came!

Yes. I heard this place is dangerous for a child to come alone.

And... I need to clear up a misunderstanding with you.

A misunderstanding? About what?

I'm not an angel.

What do you mean?! With beautiful wings like that, you've got to be an angel, right?!

These wings prove that I am of the Winged People. Although they are a common feature of the angels, we are different.

I don't believe it! If you're an angel, why would you tell a lie like that?!

She's not lying. Mistrare really is...

Oh, I see! You're testing me... Aren't you?!

Testing you? Why would I test you?

Angels can't easily call back the deceased, so they test the living to make sure they're worthy! You're testing me to see if I'm worthy of calling back my mom's spirit!

Your mother's spirit...?

Wait! Are you saying that your mother...

Yeah... My mom was... Here in Igoma... She was killed by a berserk monster!

A monster... What a terrible fate...

It must be the fierce monster that resides on this island. I heard even the beastfolk don't know how to deal with it...

I see... He must be the boy that lost his mother... The one Altena was talking about.

A little while ago, Mom and I were picking medicinal herbs around here, when it suddenly showed up. I was so scared I couldn't move. I closed my eyes and was sure I was gonna die.

Before I knew it... I saw mom there... Protecting me!

That's awful...

I see... Your mother sacrificed herself to protect you.

I... I left my mother there to die! What kind of beastfolk am I...

Left her there? There's nothing you could have done... You can't blame yourself.

But I left her there! I...

I couldn't move... All I could do was stay hidden and watch the monster take her to its lair!

How sad...

You saw all that...

If I'd charged in then, maybe Mom and I could have escaped together! If we'd have fought together, maybe she'd still be alive!

At least, if I had the courage... I could have gotten her horns from its lair and kept them as a memento.

And then I could have given her a proper Ascension!

Ascension... The rite to send the spirit of the deceased to heaven.

In this village, we entrust a monster with a memento of the deceased beastfolk to deliver it to heaven. But since I didn't have her horns... I had to make due with something else.

I'm so worried that her spirit didn't make it to heaven because of that poor excuse of an Ascension!

So that's why you came back to the monster's lair... To get her horn back.

No!

Huh?

I do want her horns back, but...

I want to take out that monster, so that mom can rest peacefully in heaven!

Huh?! Surely you don't mean... You intend to fight that monster?!

What?! That's way too dangerous!

But it's something I have to do! If I don't, mom will never be able to rest in peace!

Wait a moment! If you did something as dangerous as that, your mother would be worried sick!

That's right! You'd just risk the life that she sacrificed herself to save!

But it's the only thing that I can do for her! That monster's lair is up ahead! I'm going to lure it out and show you I can take it down...

Miss Angel... That's why, after the battle I want you to let me see my mom again! If I take it down, that should be proof enough, right?! Please! Promise me...!

W-Wait...! I truly am not an angel!

This is bad... He's not listening! We've got to go after him!

Of course!

Is this the place?!

Al! That cry...!

I won't run away this time! I'm going to take you down for Mom!

Ack!

Urgh... Even if I die here... I've got to pay you back for what you did to Mom!

Back away from him!

M-Miss Angel?!

I'm no more than a Winged Person. I'm not the angel you think I am. But... It's just as Altena said. Angels must drive off evil. If that's the case, then I must defeat this great evil... Just for now, I'll become the angel you need me to be! Let's go, Al!

I'm right behind you!

Is it over?!

For some reason, it's even stronger than before!

Letting this thing run loose is far too dangerous!

Ngh... It didn't work!

Miss Angel! D-Don't worry about me any more! If I die here... As long as I can see Mom again, I'll be happy...

I can't allow that to happen! You really don't understand, do you? No mother would want the child they died saving to give up their life chasing them to the grave!

Ah!

She never wanted you to get revenge on this monster. I know because I too am a mother. There's only one thing she wished for... She only ever wanted to see her beloved child be safe from harm...and to live a peaceful and happy life! That's all! That's what she gave her life for, isn't it?!

Wha...?!

Th-That's...

Kreeeeeh!

Th-That bird is...

A Flame Eater?! Where did it come from all the sudden?!

Kreh kreh... Kreh!

Huh...? Could it be...

Flamey?! Is it you, Flamey?!

Huh?! It's the same Flame Eater from before?!

The feathers... The brilliance of its eyes... And more than anything, its cry... It has to be!

Kreeeeh!

I knew it was you, Flamey! You came to save us, didn't you?!

*sniffle* *sob*

Flaameeyyy!

Thank you so much, Flamey! You're such a good little bird! *sob* I missed you so much!

Kreeeeeh!

Flamey...?

Haha. That Flame Eater... It's Mistrare's kid.

Miss Angel's...kid?

Oh... When she yelled at me, she was thinking of this bird, huh...

Ah!

That's...

No mistaking it... Those are Mom's horns!

Really?!

Yeah! I'm so glad... I finally got them back!

I'm truly happy to hear that... They're back where they belong.

Yeah...

Um... Miss Angel? I have a favor to ask.

I'm sorry. I would be glad to help, but since I really am no angel, calling back the spirits of the deceased is...

No, that's not it...

I want to redo Mom's Ascension. I want to do a proper job of sending her off to heaven.

I see... So that's the favor you wanted to ask of me.

If that's the case, there should be some way I can help.

I'll help, too. If there's anything I can do, just ask.

Thanks, mister.

Can I... Entrust my mom's horns to your bird, Miss Angel?

To Flamey? I don't have a problem with it, but...

Kreeeeeh!

I think Flamey means "Leave it to me!"

Thank you! Let's go to Mescita, then. Mom loved the scenery there... It's the best place to see her off.

Mescita, got it. Let's head there!

Please... Take good care of mom. Take her to heaven for me, okay?

I'm counting on you too, Flamey.

Kreeeeh!

Hm? Heehee... What's the matter? Your feathers are tickling me!

Well, it has been a while since you've seen each other. Maybe it's sad to part ways again.

I suppose so... But, I'm sure we will meet again one day. Just like today, we'll run into each other again.

Mom...

Huh?

What's this?

What's wrong?

Flamey seems to have dropped something... A stone...perhaps?

Some small letters seemed to be engraved on it... Hm... It says: "To my dear child"...

Huh?! Could it be...?

S-Show it to me!

To my...dear son. Live a strong and happy life...

This is my mom's handwriting...

She thought of you all the way until her last moments, and left these words on this stone... The strength of your mother's feelings for you made it to you via this stone.

That's incredible!

Mom... I'm sorry I'm so weak. I'm sorry I couldn't save you. *sniff* *sob* Waaaah!

Your words and your feelings... They will surely take flight on these wings and make it to where your mother rests. That's why now is the time to cry. Pour all your heart into it, and cry until you can't cry any more...

Miss Angel... And you, mister. Thank you so much. I won't do anything else reckless, and I won't ignore my mom's wishes any longer. I'll take care of my life. The life she gave to me...twice.

Right. Be sure that you do.

Looking at your face now, I have a feeling that you're going to be all right. And...

For the record, I am not an angel. I hope you've come to understand that now.

Huh?! You're definitely, without a doubt, an angel!

Wh-Why do you still insist on that?!

It's just like the legends say... You called a huge, powerful bird to you, and...

And you let me see my mom again one last time!

Huh...? Did I really do such a thing?

I don't remember calling back the soul of your mother...

No, that's not it...

That stone my mom left behind with her feelings engraved on it... Were it not for you, I'm sure I never would have found it.

That's why you're definitely an angel!

I think it's all a big coincidence...

Let's just leave it at that. You said so yourself, right? That you'd be this kid's angel when he really needed it.

That's... That's totally different!

I've got to tell everyone else about the angel I met!

Huh?! Y-You can't! This misunderstanding will just get blown out of proportion!

Don't worry! I'll be sure and say it was just like the legends said!

So let's hurry back to Konium!

Oh... W-Wait!

Hahaha! I don't think there's any convincing him otherwise.

I suppose we should head back to Konium, too.

You two... Thank you so much. I'll never forget what you did for me today! When I grow up, I'll definitely repay you for your kindness! Wait for me until then, okay?!

When you grow up, huh? I'll be looking forward to it.

Heehee... Me as well. I'll be praying that he's able to grow up big and strong without any misfortune.

But... Even now he still thinks I'm an angel.

Yeah... But I suppose you do have wings. And you defeated that monster with the help of your Flame Eater... You really can't blame him for believing you're an angel.

I feel terrible for fooling the child...

Don't worry about it. Why not record it as a valuable experience in your record of the Winged People?

A valuable experience... I suppose you're right. If that's the case, I need to write down every detail of all that has happened up until now...

Surely you don't mean... You're going to start writing right here and now?!

Of course! I need to record everything while my memory is still fresh!

Luckily, I have all these participation award pens from the sky race we participated in when we visited Elzion. With these I can write whenever I want, wherever I want, and as much as I want!

A-As much as you want...?

Ah... The feeling of writing with this pen is so much different from an ink quill! It really is like my hands have wings!

I don't think I can stop writing until it's completely finished...

"Learned of a sword-based faith in Miglance, we came to hear of a wing-based faith with so-called 'angels' as objects of worship." "According to a beastfolk girl, angels command immortal birds in their quest to smite evil." "They are also merciful, allowing the living to meet again with the deceased." "However, they first test the living to ensure they are worthy of meeting with the deceased..."

Um... Hey, Mistrare.

Yes? I'm writing a very critical part at the moment!

It's just that, uh... That record you're compiling... One day, you're going to bring it back to the Winged People's village, right?

Yes, of course. I'm writing this record for the sake of the future of the Winged People... And to pass on our history to future generations, after all!

Th-That's what I thought.

That's why I'm striving for a perfect balance of detailed accounts and realism in my writing.

"And what appeared there was the very image of an immortal bird. A long-lived, flame-wielding creature called a Flame Eater."

Mistrare... If you leave behind a record of something called an angel...

That would mean that somewhere down the line, someone would read it and learn about angels... Right?

Could this mean this whole "angel" business started...

Ah... This pen is so marvelous, I think I could write with it for all eternity...

The new history of the Winged People begins with this pen, and will return home with it!