The Blessing Sword and the Divine Wings

Hmm... I slept like a log.

Me, too! I'm ready to take on another exciting day!

Hi there. You're Mariel, aren't you? Good thing I found you. I've got a letter for you.

A letter for me? Probably it's from Father again.

Hmm... I see.

What?!

Wh-What's wrong?

It can't be...! There's no time to waste! I've got to get prepared now!

You wait here, Aldo!

Was it something serious?

Thanks for waiting! I'm back and I'm ready to go!

Oh. Mariel, you look so...

I don't know what to say, but you uh...look so mature! The outfit works for you!

Thank you! This is a formal attire for ceremonies, and I got it from the Head Priest the other day.

The Head Priest? You mean your mother! Wait, did you say it's a formal attire for ceremonies? I guess that makes you an official priest now!

Not exactly. I'm only an apprentice priest who, at the same time, is a runaway.

But here's the point! For this request, I've got to be dressed like this. No exception!

A request? Is that what the letter said?

Yes! The letter specifically said that the client wants me to take care of it.

Good thing it doesn't sound too serious. So, who sent you that letter anyway?

Tee-hee! You'll see when we get there!

The client is waiting for me in Rinde. Let's get going!

So, where's the sender of the letter? Since you're wearing formal clothes for the ceremony, it means that the client is someone with authority in the palace, right?

Well, the letter just says that I should meet this person around here.

Meow!

Woah!

Aww! It's you, Milky! It's been a while!

Here, let me stroke your fur... Ohh! I feel like I can do this forever! Your fur is so soft and silky!

And it's gotten even softer and silkier since we first met at the Karek Swampland! I'm sure it's because this place offers you plenty of fish for you to eat!

Wait, I think I've seen this cat before. Did you call her Milky?

Oh! I know!

Mariel!

I knew it! You're Milk's family from Unigan!

It's good to see you. Again, I want to thank you for saving Milk the other day.

No worries! All the cats in the world deserves to live happily!

I love what you're wearing, Mariel. You look so pretty! Don't you think so, Milky?!

Meow!

Tee-hee. Thanks!

Mariel. By any chance, are they the ones seeking your help?

Precisely! What's going on at the moment is...

Hold it right there, Mariel. I'll explain. But before that, there's someone I'd like to introduce you all to...

Hey! Come this way!

Mew!

Aww... Hey there, Milky! You're looking great today, as always!

She must be the one you mentioned in your letter... She's your new wife, isn't she?!

His wife?! But she's so...

Hahah! You thought that she's a bit too young to be my wife, eh? I get it. Everyone in town gave me the same reaction.

Nice to meet you. My husband talks about you two all the time. You're the heroes of Unigan.

Heroes? Don't be silly... Tee-hee.

She used to take care of my daughter and Milk while I was gone for work. That's how we met.

She's such a nice person! And she loves Milky, too!

I'd be so happy if she became my mom!

Meow♪

Hahah. Thank you, dear. Hearing that makes me very happy.

As you can see, she made friends with them even before I had a chance to get to know her well. At first, I thought the huge age difference between us was a problem.

In fact, I was the one who fell for him. Age is just a number you see and I really wanted to be with them for the rest of my life.

Wow! That's such a lovely story!

Well, I'm glad you found someone that you're happy with.

...Wait a minute. Is this what we're here for?

Exactly! I'm here as a priest, because they're getting married!

I see. No wonder you're wearing formal attire for a ceremony.

Normally, an apprentice like me is not allowed to act as a wedding priest...

But I begged her to become our wedding priest. Mariel is the reason my daughter, Milk, and I were able start a new life. I always knew I must ask her to be my wedding priest if I were to get remarried.

Me too! I want Mariel to be the wedding priest too!

As do I. She's an angel that let my path cross with theirs!

...And that's exactly what the letter said.

Hahah! Of course you'd agree to this job.

Now that I understand the situation better, I also want to help. Of course, we'll keep this a secret from the palace.

Oh thank you, Aldo!

So, Mariel. Are you ready? I assumed there's much more to this than just putting on your formal clothes.

I'm fine! I've memorized each and every lines of the "Sword's Prayer" section of the holy book!

Sword what? ...Anyway, I trust you know what you're doing.

...Meow!

Milky! What is it?

No worries, Mariel! Milky likes to go out on her own these days. She's probably heading to the Serena Coast!

The Serena Coast? Why would she go there?

Heheh... It's a secret!

What?! Oh, come on!

All right, I guess it won't hurt to share this secret with you guys. Wanna come with me?

Absolutely! I'm dying to find out what Milky is up to!

Father, is it okay for me to go to the Serena Coast with Mariel and Aldo?

Sure. Run along. I'm sure you'll be safe with them.

Great! Let's get going, then!

Come on, Aldo! Let's follow her to the Serena Coast!

Look! Over there!

Aww, won't you guys look at her?! Milky is so cute, even when she's fidgeting for some reason...!

Ooh... I wanna get closer to her... And rub her furry body!

Ummm... no, Mariel! Don't do that right now!

Urk! There's a cat in front of me, and I'm not allowed to touch them... This is TORTURE!

Sometimes it's hard to tell who's older between you two.

But you should do as she says, Mariel. Let's stay here and see what happens.

Aldo, you traitor... Why'd you say that?

The way Milk is acting reminds me of Varuo when he was waiting for his girlfriend to show.

Wh-What?! Could that mean...

Bingo! Your guess is correct! Milky is waiting for her boyfriend, Theo!

W-W-Wow! Milky, you're amazing! So I'm about to witness two lovely cats cuddle... I'm so excited!

Ooooh! I never knew this was where the paradise is! I thank all that is good and holy for this!

Hahah... You're overreacting a bit.

Meow♪

Look, there he is! Theo is here!

Huh?

Wh-What's a Chimera doing here?!

Wow... Her boyfriend's enormous! I guess Milky has a thing for the wild ones!

I'm Mariel. Nice to meet you! Milky and I are good friends... So, may I rub your back?

Hold it, Mariel! That's obviously a monster!

Oh! You're right! We've got to do something!

Oh no! Milky ran away!

Grawwwww!

This is bad, Mariel! Let's go after them!

Huh? Wait! There's something on the ground where the monster was standing.

Is that... a bell? Does it mean anything to you?

I gave this bell to Milky and Theo as a gift!

But why was that monster carrying it around?

I hope I'm wrong, but... Maybe the monster ate Theo?

What! N-No, don't think like that!

...We don't know for sure yet!

Pull yourself together, Mariel! Right now we should focus on saving Milk!

Ah! You're right! We should still be able to find her somewhere on the Serena Coast. Let's go after her!

There she is!

Milky! Oh, thank goodness you're okay!

Quickly! Come here, Milky!

......

What's going on? Milk is not listening to us!

Grrr!

And the monster seems to have calmed down too.

......

...Meow.

Woah! Watch out, Milky! Go find a safe place and stay there!

Grr... Grrr...

What's going on? Why isn't he attacking Milk?

No way... Milky would only act like that to Theo.

What's the meaning of this?

No idea... Milky...

...So, what now, Mariel?

We can't just stay here and watch. What most matters right now is that Milky is safe!

Whoa, can you not get too close to my test subject?

I came to check up on how the monster is handling the secret essence, but it looks like we have an audience.

A beast?! Test subject and secret essence?! What the heck are you talking about?!

You're starting to annoy me so do me a favor and shut your trap.

Let's see... Okay, so the secret essence seems to be working fine. But there's still a room for improvements. It's unstable, and the effect can fade at any time. I need a sample bigger and stronger than that cat to test my drug next time.

Did you just say "cat"?

What have you done to Theo?!

Theo? By any chance, are you the owner of that cat? ...Hahahah! This is just great! I didn't expect his owner to show up! Well, your precious pet Theo is now a monster, and a strong member of my army. You should be proud!

No way... That Chimera is Theo?

It can't be...

He's lying! I don't believe him!

Believe what you like. It changes nothing.

You... Why are you doing this?!

It's simple. Us beastfolk seek for new ways to strengthen our forces. Once the secret essence is complete, all sorts of things can join my army of monsters.

You've used Theo for your experiment?!

It is my mission to carry on the will of our fallen Beast King and slaughter the human race.

We're not going to let you do that! Let's put a stop to this.

Heh heh... Are you sure you're willing to go against me? You'll have to fight this monster.

You...

Or you may allow yourself to become victims of my monster and I!

Ngh!

You've got to fight, Mariel! Defeat the beast and stop the Chimera... Theo!

But then, Theo will...

Didn't you hear what the beastfolk said? The Essence has yet to be completed. The effect might fade.

Right! There's still hope! We might be able to help Theo turn back into his true form!

Exactly! Let's do this!

Okay! Hang in there, Theo!

Gwahhh... My plans... Hehehe... But it's not over... There's no hope... The secret essence is too strong... And the cat's life ends here... Hah... Muhahahah...

......

Looks like we managed to stop it, but...

Grr... Grawww...

Look at what's happening!

Oh... Theo! He's back!

......

Great!

But wait... Mariel, he's not waking up.

He'll be fine. Leave it to me! Light of Restoration!

......

Again!

Mariel?

Come on, Theo! You mustn't give up!

Why isn't your restoration magic working?

I don't know... But I think the light of Theo's life is fading... That secret essence must have taken hold of Theo's body.

No way!

My restore magic can merely heal the wounded... It can't bring back those who are already gone...

......

But I won't give up on saving him! I've been studying all my life for this!

Light of Restoration!

Ugh...!

*huff* *puff*

Mariel! Are you okay?

Stop, Mariel! I can't lose you too!

I'm fine!

Light... of Restoration!

...Meow.

......Mew.

Yes! You've done it!

Meowww.

...Mew.

Meeeow...

......

...Theo?

Oh... He must have used his last bit of strength for Milk...

Meow...

......

No! You can't!

......

...Not yet! It's not over yet! I'm not going to let you leave like this!

Come on, Mariel.

I'm fine!

Everything is going to be fine! Please... Lend me the power to save him!

Please...

He's gone, Mariel. Theo is gone...

......

But there's going to be a wedding... And everyone's supposed to be happy... This can't happen!

All cats deserve to live a happy life... They can't give up and let go of that chance!

Meow! Meow!

Milky... Please! Lend me your power! I need to save your beloved!

Urk!

Mariel?! What are you trying to do?

My ability is to heal... It is my mission to save the wounded from suffering!

If someone is suffering from a heartache for the loss, I must heal them! Or else... Milky will never be the same again!

Please, don't go... Come back!

Wow, what's this? Are these... Wings?

Curious. It's soft, and comforting. Did Mariel do this?

......

...Mew?

Meow!

Is that...

How did he recover from that...

You've done it, Mariel! You saved Theo!

I did... I did it, Aldo...

Mariel?!

Nhh...

Mariel! Are you okay?

...Oh! Theo! Milky?!

Theo has come back to life, thanks to you.

But you've overworked yourself.

Well... I'm sorry.

But I'm fine now!

Mariel... What exactly happened then?

I'm not sure... I was desperate... Then, I saw a mysterious image pop into my head. There were Winged Beings beckoning me, and...

Winged Beings? I didn't see anything like that.

Oh... okay. I wonder what they were.

What matters most right now is that you managed to save Theo.

That's right, Mariel! I don't know how to thank you!

You saved everyone from tragedy.

...I guess I did!

Well, then. Let's head back to the city! I've got a wedding to pray for!

...We are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.

Could the happy couple please step forward?

Swearing to the Sword of your Heart, do you take this woman to be your wife... To love her, to keep her in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall continue the journey to the future?

I do.

Swearing to the Sword of your Heart, do you take this man to be your husband... To love him, to keep him in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall continue the journey to the future?

I do.

This Sword shall be the token and pledge of your constant faith and abiding love.

The two shall be blessed by this Sword. Love will last eternally, and the journey will be filled with happiness. I now pronounce you husband and wife. I'd like to ask for another round of applause to bless their new chapter.

Congratulations!

Congrats!

Meow!

Mew!

Milk! Theo! Not now!

Oh... Do Milky and Theo want their own ceremony? Is that what this is about?!

Nah, I don't think so...

Meoooooow!

You're amazing, Mariel! You can understand what they're thinking!

What, you can?!

A wedding ceremony for cats! Nothing sounds more joyous than that!

Please allow me to have the honor to be the priest for that!

Wow, you've just taken care of a wedding ceremony. Now you want to get into another one?

Milky's wedding? We should definitely have a big party for that!

Hahah! What a lovely day today is. We have TWO new families!

Well, I guess it's fine as long as everyone's happy. I'll leave it to Mariel to take care of it.

Ahem... Here it goes...

Swearing to the Sword of your Heart, Meow, do you take this girl to be your wife... To love her, meow, to keep her in sickness and in health, meow, for as long as you both shall continue the journey to the future?

Hahah! Mariel, you're turning into a cat!

Thank you so much for taking care of Milky's wedding ceremony too!

Not a problem! All the cats in the world deserve to live happily!

Both wedding ceremonies were a huge success, and everyone is happy!

Yes! And I'm so glad to see all those smiles on everyone's faces!

Speaking of which, I noticed something while I was listening to your prayers.

Okay, what is it?

You were saying something like "swearing to the sword" and "blessed by the sword." Hearing the term sword being mentioned in ceremonies like this is a bit new to me.

Oh, I get it!

Aldo... Have you ever heard of the legend of the ancient holy sword?

Yeah. My grandpa told me all sorts of stuff including the Holy Sword of Palsifal.

Exactly! The Holy Sword of Palsifal, The Holy Sword of Paladin... Swords hold a lot of meaning in the history of Miglance.

The concept applies to the teachings of the palace. Swords represent the country, and at the same time it represents the palace!

No wonder the word was being used for your the prayers.

Yes. But the truth is, no one knows about the origin of the teachings.

Is that so?

To be accurate, the information was lost at some point in the long history, and currently there are different theories. Some says that such beliefs regarding swords came from somewhere far, from a different continent...

I guess you're right when you said no one knows about it.

Yes... But I believe the legend to be true. A true sword is a symbol of bravery that slashes away despair and cuts open a path to hope. No matter how bad the situation is.

The origin of the concept doesn't really matter. It doesn't change what we must believe in.

No matter how bad the situation is, huh? That explains everything. You can make miracles happen, Mariel, because of who you are. It was you who made it possible to bring Theo back to life.

That wasn't just me! I couldn't have done it without Milky and all other people's help!

You were so beautiful when you were saving Theo, with those wings spreading into the air!

Wings? Hmm... Who were those Winged Beings that I saw at that moment?

Oh, the one that we all couldn't see.

Well... It was just a hallucination, then?

Hey! Everyone!

Dad! Over here!

...At the end of the day, you managed to protect something important and became a hero. We should be happy about it.

Aldo...

Guys! We're going to have a little party at our place tonight. You guys will come, right?!

Of course we will! Right, Aldo?!

Absolutely!

Yes! I'll go and tell Dad about it!

You're right, Aldo.

For now let's be grateful that everyone is happy.

All right, then. Let's get ready to go, Aldo!