Heavenly Days

Um, Miss Minalca?

What is it, kiddo?

......

Oh, actually, I never introduced myself. My name is...

Don't care. Just spit it out already. As soon as Aldo hears that message, he'll be after us.

R-Right. Sorry. I-Is it really okay to be doing this?

What, are you getting cold feet? This was your idea.

All this talk of food is making me hungry. I'm heading back.

Wait!

What is it? I'm positively starving over here.

I-I'm sorry, I...

I've got a favor to ask you.

A favor, eh?

Don't tell me you don't actually want to go home, after I went to all this effort to save you?

H-How did you know that?

It's written all over your face, kiddo. You didn't look remotely relieved when I freed you. If anything, you looked disappointed.

I wondered whether you'd staged it, but you wouldn't have asked for help if that were the case. So the kidnapping was real, but now you want to take advantage of the situation and disappear. Am I right?

Yes. You're right.

Take me with you. I'll go anywhere. I want out of this tiny world I've been trapped in.

Oh? Spare me your life story, okay? Now, do you understand what hiring me entails?

Wha? Um... I just pay you in food, right?

Don't be absurd. The reward doesn't nearly match up to the work required.

No, I guess not...

But you're in luck. I will accept your request.

You will? Why?

There's no time to waste chatting. Get moving.

But before that, perhaps I should leave a message. Make him sweat. Make him chase after us.

Why did you agree to doing this for me?

Well, there's something in it for me, too. Aldo felt such anger at the idea of kidnapping. I want to use those feelings to my advantage. Our fake kidnapping may not have worked, but if I actually kidnap you, maybe he'll be more willing to fight.

You want to fight him? That's why you're doing this?

Yup, that's the sum of it. I'm not one for babysitting, but I'll do it if it gives me an excuse to fight Aldo.

But... EGPD might catch you first.

EGPD? What's that, your police?

Yeah. They probably already got tipped off.

There's no way my dad would even think about paying the ransom...

......

Oh? Well, perfect! I think I'm going to enjoy this.

I'm always the chaser. Sometimes a girl wants to be chased, you know? Okay, we need to figure out where we're going. Anywhere you want to go?

Y-You're asking me?

Um, I've always wanted to go to Nilva.

Nilva, eh? Great. Let's get going. This is gonna be a fun game of hide 'n' seek!

Wow! It's amazing here!

Minalca, look! Look at that big tree! Isn't it the most jaw-dropping thing you've ever seen?

Wow, someone's in a good mood now. Did you pick this place just so that you could see that tree?

Yes! I've always wanted to see the outside world.

I've only ever seen the tree in videos. I never thought I'd get to see it in person.

But it's not so far away from Elzion. Couldn't you just ask your parents to come here?

No way. My dad gets mad whenever I so much as step outside the house on my own.

I dread to think how he'd punish me if I came all the way out here.

Heheh. So if he finds out about this, you're in a whole world of trouble.

Why don't you just leave home and live on your own?

Heheh! Good question...

I really might, you know.

......

There's a tree as big as that at my base of operations.

What? Really?

Yes. They're very different, yet the feeling of irritation I get when I look at it is exactly the same.

Heheh.

What's so funny?

I'm sorry! It's just...trust you to say something like that.

Tsk. Now are you done here? I'm famished.

Oops, sorry! I did promise you food. Let's go to the tavern.

I know where the kidnapper went! She boarded a passenger ship to Nilva! The ship's records show the boy's citizen number and one guest on board!

Good job! Round up more investigators and send them to Nilva, ASAP! EGPD's pride depends on catching this woman!

You've got to hand it to the pros. Guess I was right to call EGPD. Now it's only a matter of time until they arrest the criminal. I may as well go back to work.

How could you say that? Don't you even THINK about working right now!

Okay, okay...

This is getting out of hand. Why would Minalca do this?

I'm never going to understand. I just need to do whatever I can to end this madness.

Om nom nom!

Barkeep! Another round!

Coming right up!

Whoa, you've already eaten enough for five! You're like an eating machine!

Whenever I get to eat, I always eat as much as I physically can.

Here you go. I gave you a little extra, on the house.

Oh, thanks. While I've got you...

I'd also like to order some whole roast wing crab and fried blue kite kamasu.

What? You still want more?

Three servings each. If that takes too long, don't bother cooking, just bring 'em straight out.

I hate to be rude, but are you certain you can afford all this?

Yup. My rich little friend here's paying. Ain't that right?

Y-Yes. That's the idea...

The kid's paying? What exactly is your relationship here?

Don't poke your nose where it doesn't belong. This here's fair compensation for my work.

Um. It's all good here! I'm paying to thank her for saving me.

Oh? Well if this is fine with you, it's fine with me...

Just to check, you DO have enough money, right?

I-I think so. I get quite a bit of pocket money. I don't get much of a chance to use it, so don't worry about a thing! Just eat up!

You don't need to tell me twice!

Om nom nom nom nom!

Um, Minalca? Why aren't you asking me anything?

Nom nom nom... What'sh that? *gulp*

It's no concern of mine why you don't want to go home. Besides, I think I can guess. If you want to talk, just talk. But don't expect me to ask.

Okay...

My dad's business started taking off recently. My mom was happy, and so was I. But ever since then, they've both started acting like completely different people.

Money corrupts. A common issue.

My dad wants me to take over the company someday, and he gets mad if I do anything other than study. My mom left the house to an android and goes out partying every day. She says it's important to socialize.

There's so much I wanna do...

......

And so when I saw you, I thought that you must live so free.

Free? Me?

Yes! You're honest with yourself, you're not bound by anything. You're free.

Hm. So you're running away because you want to be free?

Heheh. Trust a sheltered little kid to come up with that kind of warped logic.

Um, can I ask about you? What's your family like? What was your life like?

I don't really remember now. Phew, I'm stuffed! Barkeep, check, please!

Comin' right up.

What the?

What's wrong?

Um... How do I put this...

I don't have enough money.

You little...

I-I'm so sorry! I was sure I had enough!

Well would you look at that. The naive, cocooned little boy doesn't know what food costs.

I think it's more that you ate too much...

Can you put it on a tab? We'll pay the rest later.

Nope, not for a first-time customer. Pay upfront, and pay in full.

I do see your point. But I'm in kinda a rush here.

Guess I'll just have to force you to change your mind...

Um, barkeep?

What? You better not be asking for a discount.

Um... What if I helped out in the tavern?

You two want to help?

No, no, just me. That's what I promised.

Look, I can't leave a child in charge of the kitchen, and I'd need more help than just you can provide.

Looking around, you're not exactly rushed off your feet here. Doubt you need any helpers at all.

How dare you! We're usually packed! It's just a little quieter today 'cause the singer isn't here.

Singer?

Yeah. One of our regulars has a beautiful singing voice. He always starts humming once he's done eating.

It's quite captivating. A lot of customers come to visit just to hear him hum!

It's just humming. That seems a bit excessive.

Then why don't I sing instead?

You?

Don't be stupid. Being a bar singer isn't as easy as you think, boy.

I know. But I'd still like to try. If my singing lures in any customers, will you consider our check paid in full?

Fine. I don't see why not. Go ahead, kiddo.

Thank you! I've got this, Minalca!

The boy's a weird one. There's no way singing will attract any customers.

Agh, I'm so nervous. Normally I'd be too scared to do something like this...

But weirdly, I'm fine today.

You were good, boy. Real good. It's a full house thanks to you. I'll consider your debt now paid, as promised.

Thank you!

What's your name, boy? I reckon you're gonna be a famous singer one day!

Oh... My name's Hartreich.

Hartreich, eh? What a name. Come by and sing again if you fancy. You'll always be welcome here.

Yay! I did it, Minalca!

So you can sing, huh?

Yes! I love singing! I once saw this band's video, and their singer was so good. I wanna be just like him, so I've been practicing at home in secret.

How surprisingly free of you.

Teehee. Dad would be so mad if he found out!

So... Did you like my song?

Hard to say. I can't really tell a good song from a bad one.

Oh...

......

We shouldn't stay here too long. Let's go someplace else, Hart.

Hart?

Hartreich's too long.

Oh! Of course! Oh, but um! You've got sauce around your mouth...

Ah.

Hide, Hart! Our pursuers are close!

Huh?

EGPD is looking for us?

Don't panic. There aren't many of them. We can slip past.

No, I'm done.

What?

I'm gonna go out and tell the truth. If I don't, they'll think you really are a kidnapper.

Don't be a coward!

Huh?

You're just a kid. It's not your responsibility to worry about me. I thought you wanted to be free? So is there anywhere else you want to go?

Minalca...

And I haven't gotten to fight Aldo yet. So speak up. Where do you want to go next?

Okay. Then let's go to Last Island. This way!

It's the sea...

It's floating in the sky. Pretty sure this isn't the real sea.

Have you ever seen the real sea, Minalca?

Yep. I've crossed it many a time.

No way! I'm so jealous! Can we go to your homeland?

Absolutely not. That's a hard pass from me.

Oh. That's a shame.

You asked me about my childhood.

Huh?

A-A monster?!

Even when looking out at sea, always watch your back.

As far back as I can remember, I was alone. I had no home, no food, no good-natured people to help me. All but myself was an enemy. I did terrible things just to survive. Mind you, today's my first kidnapping.

That's awful...

That's how I learned that if you trust others, they will betray you. Relying on others makes you weak.

That's the reality of this "freedom" you spoke of. So, do you still want to live like me?

Um...

If you had the will to do so, you would have left home already, without performing this farce. You said you wanted to be free, but you really want something else. You want...

There they are!

Hartreich!

Mom? And Dad? What are you doing here?

We're here to catch this fiend, of course!

I never expected you to be the one behind all this!

Huh? You know Minalca?

Yes. She reached out to us, pretending to be nice. To find out what we were thinking, no doubt.

You really want my money that badly, you moneygrubber?

Heheh. They say that people are mirrors that reflect our own image.

Mom, Dad, you've got it all wrong! Minalca isn't really a kidnapp...

Do be quiet, Hartreich!

We have the money. But hand over our son first.

You're clearly lying. You have no intention of handing over the money.

What are you talking about? We're here, aren't we? Alone...

I know a lie when I hear one.

EGPD are waiting back there, aren't they? If I had to guess, I'd say there's about 10 of them?

What?!

Wh-What do we do now, honey? She saw right through us!

Pfft! What does that matter? Just give up and turn yourself in.

Looks like we're out of time. Trip's over, Hart. Go back home.

What? But if I go now, they'll mistake you for...

There's nothing to mistake. I kidnapped you. I have no intention of getting caught, though. I'm much better at running than I am chasing.

You fiend! You really think you can escape after what you've done?

Back to what I was saying, before we were so rudely interrupted... What you really want isn't freedom. It's your parents' love, enough for your lack of freedom not to matter. That's why you wanted to test them by getting kidnapped, right?

I...

But they came here for you. They passed the test, just about. You know, you may hate your lack of freedom, but I'm jealous of it.

Minalca... I... I...

I don't wanna go home! I wanna stay with you!

Hartreich? How could you say that?

I don't know what she's been telling you, but it's all a trick!

Right! If you want a friend, I'll find you one...

I'm not something you can just use for your own gain!

All you ever care about is my grades, Dad!

That's just because I want you to be a worthy successor!

And Mom! Did you know I liked singing?

Y-You do? But you don't sing...

I've been suffocating with you! That's why I asked her to take me away. I saw all kinds of sights. I even sang for customers at a tavern. It was real fun!

Hartreich...

......

Okay. It's clear she doesn't intend to harm you.

Dad?

We should have just done this from the beginning.

EGPD! Now!

Dad! Why...

I get that you're not happy with us. But this is a whole other story. What parent turns a blind eye to their own son's kidnapping?

Oh...

Heh. You know, I was just thinking how all this trouble wasn't really worth it for a bite of dinner. But a little rampaging should do the trick. I'm going to enjoy this.

What is that creature?

Resistance is futile! Surrender now, while you still have the chance!

See, Hartreich? This is what she's really like. She's an errant, a misfit. Her world is not your world.

Ngh!

Don't you pull that face at us!

Behind you!

Huh?

Ngh!

Honey!

Dad!

Don't come any closer! Run away!

I-It's a monster! It's enormous!

Urgh! Get out of my way!

Aldo?!

Sorry I'm late!

It's you! The kidnapper's accomplice!

Looks like there's been a misunderstanding. But I'll explain later. For now, just get back!

Great timing, Aldo! Let's take this guy!

Let's do it!

Phew! Looks like we've cleared up that misunderstanding.

I just figured you were late. I didn't realize you were collecting testimony to prove my innocence. How very relaxed of you. What would you have done if I really had kidnapped him for money?

You do tend to take things far too far. But I know you wouldn't hurt someone for no reason.

You're always so kind, Aldo.

That's enough, Tetra. Back.

Honey! Are you okay now?

Y-Yes. It seems impossible, but my wounds have completely closed up.

Tetra's Minalca's friend. She has the power to heal.

So you really weren't a kidnapper?

In fact, you actually saved our son. I don't know what to say...

Forget about me. There's someone else you should be talking to.

Mom, Dad. Thank you for protecting me. And...I'm sorry. If I hadn't been so selfish, this never would have happened.

It's us who should be apologizing. I'm sorry, Hartreich.

We didn't understand you at all. I'm so sorry.

Will you come back with us? We have so much to talk about. And I'd love to hear your singing.

Okay.

Looks like everything's sorted itself out now. Why don't we all go back to Elzion?

Thanks for everything, Minalca. And I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused...

Tell me about it. Never have I let anyone walk all over me like you did.

S-Sorry! I paid up everything I had...

Will I ever see you again?

Pfft. Don't be stupid. I never want to see your face again.

Teeheehee... Wait?

No way? That's so mean!

Um, Minalca?

I told you, I'm no babysitter. I have no use for a penniless kid who's spent all his money.

Minalca, maybe tone it down a little?

You got what you wanted. And it really should've sunk in by now. You and I live in very different worlds.

......

So just go. Bye.

Wait!

You're right! We do live in different worlds. But the time we spent traveling together was really fun! And free.

......

So I'm going to see you again. And I'll be proud to. No matter what anyone else says, you're strong and kind, and you're my hero.

Tsk. Irritating kid.

Minalca... Play nice.

Hmph.

Remember this. Sing better next time or I'll knock your block off.

Eep! I promise!

Smart kid. That's why...

Minalca, are you sad?

You got a death wish?

Whoa, it was just a joke! Put your weapon away!

Well, you're not funny. Jokes that bad shouldn't go unpunished.

Haha... Come on, let's go.

......

Hm? What's wrong?

I didn't say anything? Are you blaming me?

No, not at all. I mean, I don't really approve of the way you went about things... But you were able to help the kid in a way I never could have.

I only took Hart as an excuse to fight you. For me, fighting is all there is. I know no other way.

Do you still want to fight me right now?

No. I know what kind of person you are now.

I'm glad to hear that. Fighting someone isn't the only way to understand them. You can learn just as much fighting shoulder to shoulder, or spending time together. So it's understandable if you felt something during your time with the kid.

What?

If all you wanted to do was fight me, you wouldn't have gone to such lengths to flee.

Hmph. This isn't the place for such talk. Which means, it's time to keep your promise.

My promise?

Let's continue this at the tavern. Your treat.

Haha! Right you are.

Well, everything's been resolved, so let's go celebrate!

We're celebrating, eh? Sounds like fun. You gonna sing for me, Aldo?