Immortal Warrior

I've been looking for you, Garam. What are you doing out here?

Ah, Aldo. Nothing much. I was just thinking of my homeland.

Your homeland... I see. It's been a long time since you've been able to stop by, hasn't it?

Yes. I imagine Pador will be holding the memorial service soon.

That's a titan tradition, right? What kind of things does it involve?

After everyone offers their prayers, a chosen warrior performs a display of martial strength and prowess. It's a ceremony to appease our ancient ancestors...the heroes who battled against the dark god.

A display of strength... I'd love to see that.

I know. Since we're here, why don't we visit Pador together?

No, I shouldn't. The village is in Geldbariss's hands now. And I have yet to grasp that future... The new possibility for the titans.

The future of the titans...

Hey, Garam. About that...

Excuse me, you two. Do you have a moment?

Have you seen a truly exquisite young lass with flame-red hair around here, by any chance?

Red hair? Not me. Is she in some kind of trouble?

Trouble? Some kind of trouble, he says...

The one in trouble is ME, good sir!!

Uh...?

It took but a moment... She came into my life for only a moment, and then she made off with my very heart entire!

Do you suppose this is what the poets call "love at first sight"?

Uh, I'm probably not the one to ask...

Ever since, the mere thought of her makes my heart race like it's never raced before. I must find her and share the truth of my ardor, or I fear my heart will give out in a matter of days.

And so, I'm afraid I simply have no time to waste talking to you two. Pardon me, but I must take my leave.

You're the one who called to us...

Wait for me, o my fated one! I, Amour, am on my way to you!

What was that all about? He shows up, insults us a little, then leaves without even an apology.

I see. I get the sense that that fellow holds some affection for that young woman over there.

You sure don't seem rattled.

...Wait, what? "That young woman over there"?

S-she really does have red hair!

Are you the one that man just now was looking for?

Yes, it would seem so...

But then, why were you hiding?

I only spoke to that man to ask him the way to reach Gadaro from here. Ever since then, he's been following me around incessantly, making romantic advances upon me. No matter how many times I give him the slip, he simply won't give up.

Wow. That's terrible...

...I know! Would one of you two be willing to play at being my lover?

Being your lover? You mean, lie to him?

If he believes I already have a romantic partner, I think even he would stop harassing me. He's waiting at a place just beyond this pass. I hate to trouble you, but...

W-well, uh... I do want to help, but I'm not really confident in my acting ability for that kind of thing...

.........

Garam? What is it?

Oh, nothing. Forgive me.

I understand. Allow me to assist you.

Huh? You're going to pretend to be her boyfriend?

Really?! Thank you so much!

Just beyond the pass, you said? Let's head to Gadaro now.

Ah, there he is!

Fated one! My fated one! Where are you? To whence have you absconded with my very heart?

Ah! This presence!

I've finally found you, my sweet! Finally, you fly to my breast!

Eep!

Urk!

Oh, I'm sorry! I just instinctively kicked him away.

You got that kind of power on an instinctive kick?!

Ahem...forgive my haste. I was just so excited to finally meet you again.

May I ask who you two are? Are you her friends, or perhaps bodyguards or the like?

You've already forgotten us?! We just spoke a little while ago!

I hear you've been following this woman around and making passes at her. Is that right? This woman is my betrothed. I recommend you leave her alone.

B-betrothed?

That's absurd! Just a moment ago, you said you had no knowledge of any red-haired woman!

NOW you remember?!

...Then let me ask, instead. Did you never consider that the one you fell in "love at first sight" with might already have a partner?

You're right... It didn't occur to me. So you already have someone you've sworn to share your future with...

I had no idea. Please, forgive me for my singular disrespect to you.

Huh? Well... As long as you understand...

I do. I understand...

...That I must redouble my efforts to express the depth and purity of my love for you!!

W-what?! Wait just a minute! I thought you would give up!

I would have, if it seemed as though you two truly shared the bonds of mutual love between you. But to my eye, you still seem very distant with one another. Almost as though you only met and exchanged vows today, even!

Wh...?!

(This guy's sharp!)

Which means, there's still a chance for TRUE love to prevail! Am I right?!

No, you're not right! We're just not a very publicly affectionate couple, that's all!

But I promise you, we truly do lo... We lo... Ahem, we loooo...

.........

I see. I understand. If you truly do insist, then you must be telling the truth.

I shall leave you in peace. May your future together be a happy one...

There's no need for that.

Huh?

Your intuition is correct. We only became betrothed several minutes ago.

And now, I hereby dissolve our troth.

What?!

Hey, uh, Garam? That's not really...

If he had continued to press his suit against all objection, then I would happily assist you. But he voluntarily stepped away. I believe that means he is capable of respecting your wishes.

Well...

In which case, this playacting is unnecessary, I think. Merely tell him how you feel, and we will see if he accepts it.

......No.

No! I don't want to talk!

Ah, wait! Please, at least tell me your name!

She's gone.

Haha... Well, then. I didn't think she disliked me quite that much, at least.

I have to apologize to you, too. I've caused you, and her, no end of trouble with my antics, I feel.

No, we're the ones who went too far. Though, I must ask you. What drives you to pine so much for someone whose name you don't know?

Haha. Love needs no reason, right?

But I know what the first spark was. That woman saved my life.

She saved your life?

A few days ago, walking in the foothills, I was attacked by monsters. Just when I thought my life was over, she came flying in in the very next moment. I was flabbergasted. With a single kick, she defeated that vicious pack of man-eating beasts.

A single kick?! Wow.

...Well, no, after seeing how hard she kicked you, I believe it.

Her power, her grace... She fought like she was dancing. That sight has been seared into my mind ever since.

But just as I made to proclaim to her my undying gratitude and devotion... She asked me the way to Gadaro, then turned and left, without even leaving me her name.

I see. So that's why you've been running around looking for her...

She certainly made her feelings clear just now, I would say, haha.

So...what now, Amour?

I have half a mind to return to Zami with what remains of my dignity... But did the two of you happen to notice anything strange about yon flame-haired savior just then?

Yeah, she seemed a little off.

Now that I think back, I must say that she's seemed rather preoccupied every time I've seen her.

If she truly is in trouble, then I would like to help her.

Regardless of what happened between the two of us, I want to see her happy and safe. ...That could very well just be selfishness on my part, though.

Amour...

Do you truly mean those words?

Huh?

I'm asking you: do you swear to support her, no matter who she may truly be?

Hey, uh, Garam?

But of course! I owe her my life. If I can help her in any way, through any means, I would balk at nothing to do so!

In that case, I'll be blunt. That woman is not human.

Hm? You mean to say, she's supernaturally lovely?

I meant exactly what I said. She is, physically, not human.

What are you talking about, Garam? Wait, you don't mean...

I see you understand, Aldo. She's a member of a species that appears human, but is not. The only species like that, in fact.

You mean, she's a titan? And small-statured, like you?

Yes. I'm as shocked as you are, but I can't imagine anything else.

Pray give me a minute here, friends. What exactly are you talking about?

Oh, uh, you see...

A titan...surely you must be joking? You look the same as any human man on the street to me.

The majority of titans are much larger. I, alone, was born with this small stature.

I, alone...or so I thought. Until today.

And...she's a titan, too? Just the same as you are?

There can be no doubt. She's not from Zami or Gadaro, which means she came to this place from someplace beyond human habitation. And the power of that kick... Nothing else explains her circum- stances so neatly.

But just because it seems likely, that doesn't mean it's certain.

There is more concrete proof. She told us where to find Amour. "Just beyond this pass," she said. It's true that he was in Gadaro... But how is it that she was able to speak with such certainty?

You mean... Her energy net?!

Yes. Even then, I sensed traces of an energy net in the area. We titans are the only ones who can use that power. A human could, with intense training, but it's very rare.

Then...then it's true? She really isn't human?

Amour?

A titan... She's a titan...

This must be quite a shock.

It only makes sense. The barrier between species is no simple obstacle to overcome. ...I do admit, I had hopes, though.

Garam...

In any case, now that I know her as one of my people, I can't leave her to fend for herself. If she came from Zami toward Gadaro... There is only one place she could be making her way toward. We will surely find her in Pador.

Yeah. Let's hurry there.

Then, could it be that...

Yes. Everyone, except me...

Good day, Siodglase.

Huh?! You two?!

Oh, Garam! When did you get back?

Just now. It's been too long, Geldbariss.

Wait, wait! What is a human doing in this village?

I am a titan. I was born and raised here in Pador.

Huh?!

I actually am a human. But I've been traveling with Garam for a while now.

It's really a shock, though. I thought Garam was the only titan like him out there.

I see. It can only have been fate that you all chanced to meet. Will you explain to Garam what you have just told me?

......Alright.

I come from a titan village far, far away from here. It...was a small place, and we didn't have much, but we had each other, and that was enough.

So Pador wasn't the only titan settlement, after all...

I can surmise from your bearing, but... Please, tell me plainly. What happened to your village?

...It's gone. The curse of mutation struck... And everyone turned into monsters.

Everyone?! But why...

The village was attacked while I was away, I think. By monsters with very strong miasma. Everyone tried to fight. But the beasts were too strong...

And the miasma activated their curses...is that what happened?

They must have been descendants of the monsters cursed by the dark god when he first descended to earth. Many such monsters have attacked us here in Pador, as well. We have driven them away every time, but... The monsters that attacked your home may have been especially strong. Enough to activate your curses...

What happened to the monsters?

They were all defeated. But by the time I got home, everyone had breathed in far too much of the miasma... I was too late. And so, in accordance with our custom, I returned them to the mother... With my own two hands.

I'm so sorry...

And then, I left, and I came here. We had always heard there was a titan village at the entrance to the Underworld, after all...

Though I can see you are strong, such mercies can weigh cruelly upon the heart. I cannot imagine how you have suffered.

Please consider this place your home. We may all only be awaiting our own oblivion, but it will surely be easier than living alone.

All I will say is to avoid the Demon's Den within the Valley of the Ancients.

Demon's Den?

The cave that serves as the entrance to the Underworld. The miasma is thick there, so it'll accelerate your curse.

I see... I understand.

I'm glad I came here. I never expected to speak to another titan in my lifetime. And you're all so kind... It reminds me of my home.

I'm relieved to hear that. It does me good to see you feeling better.

Yeah. You should take it...

Huh?

Mm?

Hm?

Amour?! What are you doing here?!

Why, I followed you here, of course.

You haven't given up on her? Even after everything you heard?

Was I surprised? I certainly was! To think that the woman I love leapt from the pages of legend!

Could such a miracle truly have happened?!

And that's your reaction...?

Believe me, friend, I was well and truly shaken! I was so shaken that I lost sight of you two. I wandered around in search of you, only to be attacked by monsters and chased by truly ill-mannered bees! But finally, I happened to spy this village, and by luck, I saw both you and her here.

And you decided to just sneak in? You're either shameless, fearless, or just brainless.

...Did you hear my story?

...Yes, I did. Though, I can't claim to understand the circumstances and trials faced by the titans...

No. You can't.

Go home. This is no place for humans.

I understand. But before that, there's something I must tell...

I don't want to hear it!

You said you fell in love with me "at first sight," was that it?

But I...I hate this body. I hate the way I look. I hate the way I am, so much I can barely breathe.

Huh?

I've always wondered. Why am I different? Why is it just me? And now I'll never know. Because I'm the only one left. Just me, looking like the ones who have never had to worry about the curse...like you.

.........

I hate the way I am. And I'll never be able to love a human.

So...I can't answer your feelings.

......I am truly sorry. It was never my intention to hurt you.

But please, if you would only...

That is enough.

I will suffer this human to interfere in our affairs no longer. Geldbariss, take him away.

...Understood.

Huh?! Wait!

Please! Let me go!

If you would just, My WORD, you're strong...!

Unbelievable... This is the first time a human has come so far into the village.

You must be exhausted, young lady. Please, rest for today.

...Yes. I think I'd like that.

...Garam. Would you be willing to perform the martial rites at the memorial service tomorrow?

Me? But that honor belongs to Geldbariss...

Geldbariss himself suggested it. That if you returned in time, the rite should be yours. I am inclined to agree. You have yet to participate in the memorial, do you not?

......Yes.

But if I may be selfish, I would prefer not to participate, either. Please allow Geldbariss the honor of performing the martial rite. If you will excuse me...

Hey, Garam?!

...As I expected. The idea upset him.

There you are.

This is where the memorial service is to be held. It brings back memories. I would always sneak peeks at the martial rites from atop the Tree of Eternity.

I've got to say, it's...a little unexpected that you've never participated in the memorial.

For as long as I can remember, I was called a "demon child." I am like the great warriors of our past, and yet not. I suppose I always felt unworthy of them. ...I'm sure that woman feels the same. Deep down, we feel uncertain that we're worthy to be called titans.

But you are worthy. Wouldn't it be alright to accept the honor?

No. Even so, I feel as though it's not a duty for me to perform. With our role as the protectors of this world finished, we now merely wait for our people's end.

But I left my home behind. In a real sense, I rejected the destiny of my home and my people. For someone like me to don the holy garb of the warriors of the past... It would shame everything my ancestors fought for.

I wouldn't say that. You left Pador, sure, but you left to find a new future for titankind. No one thinks you ran away. I'm sure your ancestors don't either.

I know. Intellectually, I know that. But, in my heart... That woman's story brought up some thoughts, some feelings, that I had avoided thinking about before now. ...It could be that short-statured titans are more resistant to the curse than normal titans are.

......!

If Pador were to fall, leaving only me alive...If I were to return to find nothing but blood and dust. Could I truly be proud of this journey of mine, surrounded by the death of my people? Could I stand tall and declare myself a titan still, to the spirits and the silence?

Garam... Listen, Garam. There's something I really feel like I should tell you...

Thank you, Aldo. But please, don't.

Huh?

I've noticed you struggling with wanting to say something for some time now. If I had to guess...it's information that pertains to the future of the titans, yes? And you've been debating whether you should tell me, or not.

...Yeah. That's right. I'm sorry for keeping quiet.

There's no need to apologize. Your struggle goes to show your sense of duty and kind heart. But...though it may pain you, please keep the truth locked away inside your heart.

Are you sure you don't want to know?

Yes. I may have faltered today... But I will find our future, with my own hands and my own will. Whatever the future you've borne witness to, it won't change my duty or my determination.

...Okay. If you say so, then I won't say any more.

Thank you, my friend. It's gotten rather late, hasn't it? I think we had both better find ourselves someplace to rest.

Yeah. Let's head back to the inn.

Yawn... I slept really well.

Are you sure you want to leave so early, Garam?

Yes. Once the memorial service starts, everyone will be much more firm about keeping me here, after all.

Oh, right. What do you suppose happened to Amour?

Geldbariss should be bringing him to Gadaro, I would think. He will use a titan technique to erase the man's memories of us and of this place.

I guess that means he'll forget about her, too.

I feel for him, but it must be done. We cannot risk humans learning of Pador's existence or location.

Garam! Thank goodness!

Terrible news! That red-haired young woman has gone missing!

What?

Start from the beginning, please. What exactly is going on?

R-right. I had the poor dear stay over at my house last night. We slept in the same room... But when I woke this morning, she was nowhere to be seen. I've searched the whole village, but it's like she was never here...

Did she leave in the nighttime?

......! It couldn't be!

Garam?! Where are you going?!

Garam! What's going on? Why did you suddenly run off?

I was mistaken. Her true objective in coming here wasn't Pador at all.

It's the Demon's Den... and the Gate in its heart.

The Demon's Den Gate?! But the miasma down there...

She wishes to bathe in the miasma, accelerate her curse, and become an ogre. Just like her fellows... That was her true aim all along.

That's awful! We have to stop her!

Yes. We'll need to hurry.

Geldbariss? Where is Amour?

He shook me off and ran off toward the Demon's Den, after the girl.

He did what?!

Just as we were about to leave, we heard that she had gone missing. I made the same connection as Garam, and said as much. And he turned to me with a fierce look in his eyes. "Tell me where this Demon's Den can be found. I will bring her back, if it costs me my life," he said.

And you told him? Why do such a thing?

I saw in those eyes the determination to save the one he loves, heedless of his own safety. Would you have stopped him?

.........

You're right. That was a foolish question to ask. I will bring the two of them back. You stay here on watch... Just in case the worst should happen.

Garam, wait!

...Bring this with you.

Those are...!

Hear me well, Garambarrel, my friend. You said that our role in this world has finished, but you're wrong. Our fight is not over yet.

Geldbariss... You heard us last night?

The brave titans of the past once fought to protect this world. And now, they fight to protect the future of our people.

......!

Do you understand me, Garam? The ancient warriors of our people never died out. They live on today, now, in you. Walk forward, warrior of the titans. Don't look back. We're all behind you: your village, and your ancestors both.

...Thank you, my friend.

The miasma is getting thicker... I must be getting close.

So this is it. The Demon's Den Gate. The miasma really is unbelievable...

...I'm scared. I'm so afraid of becoming a monster. But I just don't know what else to do. What else is there for me...?

Wait! Please!

Huh...?

What are you doing here? Didn't they send you home?

The titan they assigned to lead me turned out to be a rather accommodating fellow, all told. ...He told me much of your people. About the curse that hangs over you. About what you were trying to do.

...And you followed me? You, a mere human, alone and weak.

Haha, it certainly is strange, isn't it! I was attacked several times, and only barely escaped with my life through sheer accident each time!

...You're battered to shreds. Why would you go so far? Why do all this, for someone you don't even know?

We're different. In all the ways that two people can be different. Our lifespans, the histories of our peoples...the fates awaiting us. And I'm not even a proper titan. I'm a half-formed freak of nature. So, I just can't...

Does any of that truly matter?

Huh?

Your appearance doesn't matter to me. Whether you're titan or human... Likewise, that's immaterial. I care for you. That's why I'm here to stop you. That, as they say, is the whole of it.

......!

You've looked so terribly sad since the first moment I saw you. So, I simply had to tell you. You're not alone. You have all the kind people of Pador with you... As well as that dour gentleman born with the same build as you. And...if you would allow it, you have me, as well. If it would make you happy. If it would help ease your pain.

Ngh!

Are you alright?!

...Stay back!

It looks like they've come to welcome me.

What?! More miasma?!

Ahh!

Stop that! Stop it right now! Can't you see she's suffering?!

No... Run...!

Get away from her, you fiends! HaaaaaAAAAAAA!!

No...! Why?!

I didn't want to hurt anyone. I didn't want to get anyone involved... Am I being punished? What did I do wrong? What should I have done...?

There's only one thing to do.

Stand up, again and again. Stand firm against the cruelty of an uncaring fate. That's what it means... to be a titan!

...Garam? That outfit...

The traditional war regalia of the warriors of our people.

...My friend entrusted it to me. Along with my long-dormant pride, which I had shamefully forgotten.

Garam! The monsters over here are all taken care of!

Amour! Stay with us, Amour!

...He's still breathing, for a miracle, but he's only barely hanging on. I hate to say it, but we have to do something about the miasma encircling her first...

...Leave me. This is what I wanted. You two get out of here, and bring him someplace safe. Before I become a monster...

Don't give up! Hold firm! That will slow the curse!

I don't think it will. Like I said...this is what I wanted. It's like your chief said... I'm closer to a human, so maybe my resistance to the curse is stronger. It seems that's actually true. I'm the only one who didn't turn. I ran away from our people's fate... In the end, maybe this form of mine was the real curse I had to bear.

.........

But when the miasma takes me, and I turn into a monster... That'll prove that I really was a titan just like everyone else. That's the only thing I want anymore.

Whoa!

Damn it! More monsters!

...So be it. If you desire proof that you and I are truly titans at heart...

Then let this battle stand as proof! As a warrior of titankind, I will banish the darkness in your heart!

That should stem the flow of miasma. Now all that remains is to dispel the doubts that cling to you.

You really are strong, Garam.

No. I'm not strong at all. I'm just like you. I always had doubts... At times I even cursed the form I was born with.

But a dear friend taught me. We fight, even against the gods, to protect our home. We live on, even ravaged by the curse. To protect those we love, we stand firm even against cruelest fate. To fight to the end, to protect another as they protect us... That is what it means to be a titan.

To fight to the end... ...I understand. Then I'll fight too. Against my own weakness.

Amour! Don't you dare die!

Energy is pouring into him!

It seems her desire to save him is giving her the strength to stand up once more.

He's not moving. Were we too late?

.........

Please wake up, Amour. If you don't, then... How can I tell you my name? How can I give you a proper answer?

...If you don't wake up soon, I'll have to turn you down again.

By all means, please reconsider!!

...Huh? Where...what happened? I recall charging a monster... Ah. Then I must be dead.

...I'm sure you won't be able to hear my words, reduced as I am to a spirit form bereft of lungs. But...I'm proud to have given my life to save yours. Seeing you safe, I can pass on with no regrets...

Ha...hahaha! Honestly, Amour! You're such a strange one.

Huh? You...you can see me?

Um...am I still alive, perchance?

I certainly hope you are. We titans life awfully long lives, so you'd better be prepared to go the distance.

Huh?

Primalapis. That's my name. And... Amour, listen. What you said, about me not being alone... About wanting to make me happy.

I think...um... I think you would. That is...I think you do. I think...I care for you, too.

.........Eh?

W-w-w-w-whaaaaaat?!

Haha! Good for you, Amour!

I... I don't believe it! I may not be dead, but surely this suggests I'm dreaming instead!

To see you smile so warmly and openly... Truly, I could ask for nothing more.

S-stop that, you! You're going to make me blush!

Haha. Shall we return to Pador? The memorial service will be starting soon.

Garam, are you...

Yes. I won't keep everyone waiting any longer than I already have. The martial rite is the centerpiece of the memorial service's ceremonies, after all.

A fine rite indeed, Garam. The ancestors will be pleased. But tell me, what brought about your sudden change of heart?

I was given a push from behind. By a dear friend, and by those two.

Are you feeling okay, Amour?

Okay? My friend, I've never felt better! I feel like a new man! Is this the power of love?

I-it's the power of titan energy healing, you ridiculous man!

So, what will you two do now?

I think we'll leave Pador, and go traveling. Someplace far from here. Maybe even to another land... We'll make a life together, and once we find the right place, a home together, too.

That seems wise. I am sure this land must hold many painful memories for you.

Ah! Speaking of, what about Amour's memories?

We will allow him to keep them. Given these special circumstances.

I see. That's good.

May your lives be long, and your days full of health.

Garam. Your martial rite was very impressive to see.

It was nothing special. I only improvised based on what I recalled seeing as a boy...

No, it really was amazing! I wish every titan in the world could have seen it.

And so... I'd like to carry your martial rite with us, across the world. To pass it on to other titans, and even to future generations.

Hey, that's a great idea.

The only problem is, I'm a dancer, not a warrior. Martial arts are a little beyond my usual training...

Fret not, my love! In that case, why not combine the two arts? With Garam's fierce martiality and your lovely, and frankly even fiercer kicks... Your ancestors would surely be overjoyed to see such art!

That's easy enough to say!

I believe he is right. What matters isn't the form itself, but the spirit expressed by it. The determination, and the will.

...Right!

Fare you well, Aldo, Garam! May we meet again someday!

Every titan in the world...

...Tell me, Aldo. In the future you come from... Could it be that titankind and humankind have become one and the same?

Huh?! How do you, Uh, I mean, that's...

Heh. I see.

I suppose I felt it, watching those two together. If we short-statured titans are, in some way, the future that the titans wish for... Then it may be destiny that we find common ground, brotherhood, and love between our peoples.

...I see. Maybe so.

In which case, my path is clear. Across this vast world... There must be more like myself and her among our people.

And I imagine some must harbor doubts about themselves and their nature, much as Primalapis did. They need someone to support them. If I can offer them comfort, then I consider it my duty to do so.

I see. I'll do everything I can to help.

Thank you, my friend.

Watch over us, heroic spirits of old. Your children have not given up. And someday, someday...