Renewed Will

So what's going on, Mariel? Why did you want us to come to Unigan? I thought you'd get in trouble if anyone from the temple saw you? Or is that no longer the case?

Now that you mention it, I guess I never really said at the time... Thanks to my talk with my mother, the Head Priest, I'm no longer really a runaway.

As my mother, she forgave me. As a head priest, not so much.

I see. At least you don't need to worry about being forced back now.

Right. But...

But?

I can't go on like this. That's why I came to Unigan today.

What do you mean?

I was allowed to travel, in order to broaden my horizons. But when I saw the world... I realized there were so many people with so many problems. More than I could imagine.

Like the people of that island.

Yes.

I still don't really feel like I was able to save those children. But we were kicked off the island in the end. I don't think there's anything more I can do for them.

Though, I guess that's why I don't want to lose anymore. I don't want to give up on saving people.

So I've decided, I can't put this off any longer. I don't want to stop traveling. It's more like... I want to travel around saving people as a priestess, not a runaway girl.

When Marie and I talked, I realized that salvation is more than just holding out your hand to someone. But at the same time, neither does it mean doing nothing at all when you see someone in trouble.

So what is salvation? What are priestesses for? I need to know more about salvation. I need to think more about it. I've decided that I can't put this off any longer.

I don't want to stop traveling. It's more like... I want to see the world a priestess, not a runaway girl.

As a priestess? You mean...

Yes. I'm gonna take the temple trials so that I can become an official priestess!

Oh, so that's why you came back to Unigan!

I'm sure you'll make a great priestess, Mariel.

But why did you bring me with you?

Oh, um...

Because I'm scared!

You are? It's gonna be okay. There's no way you'll fail the trials.

If anything, it's what comes before that's the problem. I sent a letter requesting to take the trials. But I don't know if they'll actually let me...

As my mother, she may have let me travel, but as Head Priest, she never gave me official permission.

What if she's angry at me for coming back?!

Whoa, calm down!

Ngh...

Well, now that I've sent the letter, I can't withdraw it.

No. Besides... You're determined to become a priestess, right?

Of course.

Okay. Then I'll come with you. I won't be able to help in the trials, but I can watch out for you at least.

Thank you so much!

We can take the carriage at the east gate to get to the temple. Let's go!

Okay.

Mariel! Do you want a ride?

Yes please.

Is the Head Priest still looking for you? Don't hear so much about it these days. Are you taking an official leave of absence of something? So, where are we off to? The theater?

No, umm...

I'd like to go to...the temple!

The temple? So you're returning at long last.

I am. I decided it's time to go back.

Very well. I won't press you for details. Please, hop on board.

Thank you!

Let's go, Aldo.

Okay.

So this is the temple? I'd always imagined something a bit more...ostentatious, maybe? It's surprisingly normal here.

This is just the entrance garden. The building is further in.

This way. L-Let's...g-go...

Uh, are you all right?

I guess I'm kinda nervous being back here.

I don't even know how long it's been since I've officially seen her as Head Priest, not my mother. Just thinking about it makes me so scared.

What are you scared about?

Moth, No. Head Priest!

So you have returned, Mariel. I must say, I was surprised to read your letter. You have nothing to fear. I will only say what needs to be said. Not as your mother, as your Head Priest.

Eep!

M-Mariel? What's wrong? She doesn't seem angry at you...

She's quiet and calm like the sea on a windless day. This is when she's at her most scary!

Really?!

Oh, I remember you. We met when I fell ill, didn't we? It's good to see you again.

But right now, I wish to speak to Mariel. About your desire to take the temple trials.

Y-Yes.

So after refusing the trials, running away from home in secret, and leaving the priests here in disarray... You now wish to take the trials?

Eep!

You've only ever done as you pleased... But now you've had a sudden change of heart and you wish to become a priestess?

Nhh...

I guess... She can't then?

You certainly have guts to think that such a thing would fly here.

B-But! Everything you've said is true. I know this is wishful thinking on my part... But still, I...

I want to become a priestess. There's so much I want to do, as an official priestess! That feeling, at least, is real! So please, don't turn me away! Don't stop me from taking the trials!

...... Whoever said anything about stopping you from taking the trials?

Huh?

I was simply pointing out your actions thus far. No matter what you think, you have caused us trouble, and you should be made aware of that. I felt it was necessary to inform you of this before I tested you.

Oh... I understand.

Then... The trials...

Yes, you can take them. However. I am not going to give you the standard temple trial. You shall take a special trial.

A special trial?

Ordinarily, the temple trials require recitation from the holy book, and a mastery mid-level healing techniques. Now, I have no doubt that you have long-since reached that level.

However, what would the others think about a runaway like you sailing her way through the trials? They will naturally assume that your mother gave you a special exemption so that you could be a priestess.

That's so unfair! Mariel's power is undeniable.

People will draw conclusions from what they see, and from this, they will create their "truth." That "truth" will turn to rumor, and spread outside the temple confines. And then, try as you might to bring salvation as a priestess, no one would ever trust you.

Oh. You're right.

So the trial that you will undertake... Is to preach the temple's teachings to others, and to ensure that they are understood.

The teachings? But that...

Yes. Unlike prayers and healing, preaching is usually the work of higher-grade priests. The doctrine is the very foundation of our faith. To convey it to others, mistakes are unacceptable.

Succeed, and all will accept you. I have faith in you, Mariel.

I understand. Praying alone won't get me what I'm aiming for. For that, I need more.

Then shall we get started? Do you have the formal robes I gave you before?

Yes! I'll go get changed right now!

Formal...robes?

Sorry to keep you waiting!

Oh! I recognize that outfit!

You do! But unlike last time... I actually chose to wear this today! This is what preachers wear when spreading our doctrine. The robes of those who understand salvation. This time, I will do something worthy of this outfit.

I don't know to what you refer, but I feel your enthusiasm. This will fare you well. Now...

Excuse me! I'm looking for the Head Priest!

Aren't you from Miglance Castle? What brings you here, all flustered?

Oh? What's the emergency?

Ugh... Help me...

It huurts...

Wh-What's going on?

They're all suffering...!

These symptoms...and this ominous presence. I recognize this.

This is...Twilight Sickness!

That illness you yourself caught before?

Very well. Myself and my fellow priestesses will heal the sick.

Really, medicine made of moondrops would be the most effective, but healing magic should ease the pain. We may not be able to cure them completely, but it's a start while we wait for the medicine.

I'll come with you. I'm not a priest, so there's nothing I can really do here.

Okay, see you later, Mariel!

Mariel, we will return to your trials later. Right now, I need your help. The deputy head priests are all away today, giving prayers. I need all the help I can get.

Of course!

Ugh... It hurts... Dad...

You look like you're in a lot of pain. But it's gonna be okay. It is a priestess's firm duty to take away all pain and suffering.

I will help you, using my Pure Cradle!

Huh? That's weird. There's no light coming out.

Ugh... Dad...

I'm sorry, let me just try that again. Hyaaah!

I don't get it? Why isn't my magic...

Hyaah! Hyaaah!

It huuurts...

You've got to be kidding me! Why isn't the Pure Cradle working? The Head Priest said I had this gift...

Pure Cradle?

You don't know about it? The light that embraced my heart.

It's a technique that even high level elders find difficult. It can be performed without needing to chant.

I shouldn't need to chant from the holy book...

No, I can't give up yet! If I can't use it like normal, I'll just have to chant the official way!

Holy book chapter 13, verse 13. The Pure Cradle. The cradle that nurtures all life. The warm embrace of a mother bird protecting its chicks. We will protect, until the swords within our beloved children's hearts grow strong.

Ugh...

How are you doing? Are you feeling any better now?

Y-Yes... A little.

Good. Just try to rest now.

But... The light still seemed kind of weak...

No, I don't have time to worry about that now. There are others who need my help.

Ugh. It hurts... Daaad... Why do you always feel the need comment on everything I do? I'm only drinking, Dad... That's why...it hurts whenever I'm with you, Dad.

Gah... *cough* Darn it. How could this happen...

How strange. The light was so small...

I'm sorry. Did that maybe help ease your symptoms a little?

*cough* Shucks. It's no use. Nothing has ever gone well for me. I guess that's it. It's over.

No, don't say that! I'm sorry I couldn't do more, but please, don't give up!

That's harder than it sounds. I'm so tired... This sickness... Is the perfect opportunity...

The perfect opportunity?

Don't be ridiculous! Don't let this sickness get into your head! As the holy books says, the sword held in your heart will have the power to ward of all evil.

Sword? Heart?

Yes. So...

That doesn't make any sense. A sword to the heart will kill you...

Oh, no. I see the confusion, but it's not talking about being stabbed. It means, your heart is the driving force to fight off all hardships.

Sorry, I don't follow. I'm a simple man...and this is too clever for me... So...in the end...I-I... ......

Huh? A-Are you okay?!

Looks like he's just sleeping. His breathing's calmer than before. But...

N-No. There's still so many more people I've gotta help!

Are you feeling any better?

Um... Nuh-uh...

Why isn't it working properly? What should I do? Maybe I should call over another priestess?

W-Wait...

What's wrong?

I, um... I had a fight with my friend. And I dunno what to do.

Oh?

Um. You must be in a lot of pain. Try to get some rest.

If I can't make up with them... I-I...

Is she delirious from fever? It's okay. I'm sure you'll make up later. If you're worried, I can help you. So just rest.

What's wrong, Mariel? If you spend too much time on just one person, we'll never get through them all.

Oh, um... It's just, my healing magic doesn't seem to be working properly.

That's not like you. Very well. Let me take over here. Try to take care of someone else.

G-Got it!

So, how are you doing?

Hmm. I'm in pain, but that's nothing new. I do appreciate the thought, but you've no need to help little old me...

Don't be silly! Your sickness will be causing you pain. So don't be shy...

No. I've got no right to be saved. I was once a mercenary, you know. I've lost track of how many I've hurt. *sigh* But strangely, today, their dying cries ring so vividly in my ears... So please. Just leave me to die.

No. That's no reason to abandon you. I may not have been able to put your body at ease, and I'm sorry for that... But maybe I can at least do something for your mind?

This is my punishment. I expect no salvation. Go to someone else. The pain has abated a little.

B-But...

I shouldn't have asked you to leave me to die. But there are other sick people here who need your help.

O-Okay...

It really is strange. The light from the Pure Cradle shouldn't be that weak.

Why would this happen now of all times? I'm not in any pain, so I don't think I'm sick... But... I couldn't even encourage any of them.

They are all suffering so badly. They're in so much pain, but I can't even help them!

I guess my words are useless. I guess it's all just arrogance...

So should I not step in? Is it better not to say anything at all than to say something thoughtless?

Ugh. Trust my luck... How could I have caught it?

...A new patient?!

I've still got so much to do. A temple guard like me can't be...

Hey, you! You're that thief!

Oh, it's you! I thought I told you, I'm not a thief no more. When did you come back to the temple, anyway?

That's not important right now! Are you okay? Please don't exert yourself. Let me help you!

The cradle that nurtures all life. The warm embrace of a mother bird protecting its chicks. We will protect, until the swords within our beloved children's hearts grow strong.

H-How are you feeling?

A little better, I think? Thanks.

Thank goodness! If it hadn't worked, I dunno what I'd...

Nghhh! *pant* Ugh, I can't breathe!

Don't get up! Just try to relax.

No, I must get up. A sinner like me mustn't rest here... You and the other priests here accepted me, thief as I am. If I don't repay this kindness, my late wife will never forgive me!

But you're sick!

You're watching me, aren't you, my love? Please forgive me. FORGIVE ME!

Please calm down! There's no need to trap yourself in the past right now! I thought you said your broken heart was mended. You said you'd been saved!

Please...forgive me... I can't get up, I...

Mister thief?

S-Someone! Please help! We need to get this man to a temple bed!

Why? I thought I'd saved him back then...

This looks serious.

You saw?

Everyone has bad days from time to time, even if you're not sick. But it's not knowing the cause that's the problem. You don't have any ideas?

No, not really. A lot of things have happened lately, but I don't know if they're related...

Mariel!

Aldo!

Are you okay? You don't look so good. You haven't fallen ill, have you?

No, I don't think so.

Now, what are you doing back here? I thought you went to Unigan.

I did, but... The sickness is all over the city. Pretty much anyone could fall to it at any point.

There's simply not enough of us to fight off the plague. People are succumbing to it. I'm sorry to ask this when you've already done so much, but I thought if someone came to Unigan...

Mariel, you should go.

Me?

We don't know why this disease has suddenly started to spread. You need to find the cause and deal with it.

But in this state, what can I even do?

Staying here won't solve your problem. You must go.

...... I understand.

Are you okay? You really don't look so well.

Honestly, I'm not ill or anything. Let's go.

Okay. I'll take your word for it.

Aagh! What is that thing?!

Oh no... I think it's the plague! Get away from me!

Stop!

Are you okay?

I think we made it just in time. He doesn't seem to have any symptoms.

Phew! Be careful, yeah? Those things are all over town.

S-Sure. Thanks.

We really don't know when this plague will appear.

I see. So many people are getting attacked and falling sick.

The situation is getting critical. We've got to do as the Head Priest said, and find out the root cause!

He said the medicine wasn't working. Then...

Did you figure something out?

The Head Priest...my mother said... If you are weak of heart, no medicine can cure Twilight Sickness.

Then...

Thinking about it, everyone brought to the temple seemed mentally fatigued.

They never complained about the pain they were in. They just talked about their worries and problems. You wouldn't normally do that when you're sick.

So this is no regular sickness? There's something special about it?

And I...I couldn't help them. And I'm not just talking about their symptoms. I couldn't take away their worries, or make them feel at ease.

So that's why you weren't looking so good before.

Don't be down, Mariel. It's the sickness doing this, not you.

That's not good enough! Everyone gets sick in both mind and body. I believed it was a priestess's job to help with both!

Oh... That's why you never took the temple trials, right?

But I guess, I really can't save any...

Whoa?! Mariel, behind you!

Huh?!

Found you! I'll eat your mind, humans. So tasty...

What is that thing? It's so huge compared to the other plagues!

And I've never heard any of them speak before!

Human worries... A complex, refined taste. So tasty.

It's feeding off people's worries? So this is what's been weakening everyone's hearts? Is that why you're attacking people? For your own amusement?

No. This is no game.

Wait? It answered you?

Humans weeded us out. Nearly gone for good. But... We realized. Mind and body. Consume both and we don't disappear. This is evolution. It is natural.

Evolution?

So you're getting stronger day by day? But we can't just let you do this!

As indicated in the holy book, people should be able to live peacefully within the warm cradle. People should live in peace and tranquility. And yet...

...... Where?

Huh?

I can't make up with my friend... I regret my mercenary past... Nothing ever goes my way. I just want to give up.

That's what they...

I want to forget my past sins. I want my dead wife to forgive me. Where is the peace in that? Where is the tranquility?

Well, um... That's not how they're supposed to...

They were so tasty. Humans have such complex taste. I'm bored of this town. I'll go to the port...

Hey, wait! The port? Do you think it means Rinde? We've got to stop it!

......

Mariel?

I couldn't answer. How could I just let the plague denounce the doctrine?

What am I doing? I'm not helping anybody. And I'm not spreading the word!

Mariel, calm down!

Back at the temple, when I spoke of the doctrine, it didn't resonate with them.

Even on the island, things didn't turn out as they're written in here. What is the doctrine? Is it not here to save people?

......

I'm not a priest, so I couldn't really say. But your pain is my pain. I wish there was something I could do for you.

Unless we do something about that creature, even more people will suffer. Right now, we've really got to stop that thing! Once that's done, we can tackle your problem together.

Aldo...

Okay. you've convinced me. You can be very reassuring, Aldo.

I wouldn't go that far.

Okay, let's go to Rinde. We can't let the plague attack anyone else!

Ugh... Why is my child always rebelling?

I'm not cut out for love. No one will ever love me...

Do young people just think of us as a burden, I wonder?

This is terrible!

Oh no! It's already spread like wildfire!

But... These worries must have always haunted these people. I want to help them.

I know how you feel, but we can't go helping every individual. We've got to tackle the root cause.

Yes... I know.

There it is! You think you can eat us, too?

We'll never let you win!

I knew you could do it, Aldo! I'll...

Ah! Mariel!

Huh?

Ngh!

Aldo!

Let me taste you...

Ugh... It's getting hard to breathe... And I can't get up!

Oh no! This is all my fault!

Why do I feel this way? My chest's getting heavy. I feel so unsettled. I talked so big to you... Yet in the end, I can't do anything...

That's not true! It's all thanks to what you said before that I'm still going!

You must have hopes. So... Um... Er...

Ma...ri...el?

(I can't speak...) (Why not? The holy book is full of words of light...) (Yet I...)

I'm glad you're okay.

Oh?

I've been struggling. I've stopped being able to use the Pure Cradle. But I think I know why now. So that's what it was...

I no longer believe the teachings.

Huh?

This book couldn't save Marie or the children. Although their lives were saved, it was something else that saved them.

I preached about a sword in one's heart, but not everyone can live like that. I may try to heal people in the warm cradle, but there are times when that is not allowed.

Am I simply not up to being a priestess? Is that why nothing happened as it is written?

What? No... There's no way!

It was ridiculous of me to expect to become an official priestess.

...... You're wrong.

Huh?

I don't know much about your scriptures. But what I do know, is...

You have saved so many people! You have helped so many people! There's no question of that. Was it just your doctrine that saved them?

No, of course it wasn't! It was you! Your words! Your feelings! You encouraged them. Maybe it didn't work on everybody. But that doesn't mean you're not qualified to be a priestess!

*gasp*

So tell me. What are you feeling? What do you want to say? Having seen what you did on the island, what do you think we should do now?

Because I will never accept that you can't save anyone!

Aldo! Oh... You're right. I guess I've been feeling penned in by the scriptures.

I've made up my mind.

I'll tell you my answer!

What? The taste's gone bad. This is boring. I'll make you sick...

Holy book chapter 13, verse 13. The Pure Cradle. The cradle that nurtures all life. The warm embrace of a mother bird protecting its chicks. We will protect, until the swords within our beloved children's hearts grow strong.

I am not a god. I am not a saint.

But my mortal hands shall wield the sword!

Mariel! You've done it!

I don't think I can call my thoughts "pure" anymore. Sometimes that purity turns to violence. I've seen that for myself now.

But I still want those suffering to be saved. I want them to be healthy in mind and body.

That feeling hasn't changed. It won't go away.

That's why I wrote down those words. Those impure words stemming from the purest of feelings. I am not a god. I am not a saint. I am not an all-powerful person as written about in the scriptures.

I am just me. And as just me, I will bring salvation to those who want it, and pray for those who don't. That's what I will aim for. That's what a priestess should be!

What is this? Bleh! It's disgusting! So bitter! I don't accept this! I will bring suffering to more!

No, you won't. The only way I can help them is to take away the pain this sickness has caused. So...

I will stop you!

Look! The plagues, they're gone!

That one we fought must have been their ringleader. Now they won't be able to cause any more damage!

Aldo, um... Thank you. For before.

What are you talking about? It's you who healed me.

But I could only do that because of what you said to me.

I didn't believe the teachings, I felt so lost...and then you saved me.

I should probably be embarrassed. A priestess should be the one doing the saving.

I don't think I did anything special, but there's really nothing for you to be embarrassed about. You said yourself, everyone gets ill sometimes. So when you're struggling, it's my job as your friend to help you out.

You're such a nice guy, Aldo.

Either way, looks like things have worked out. Your healing power's even come back. You'll be able to help all the afflicted now.

Yeah, you're right! Let's go back to the temple via Unigan! There could still be some needing healing.

Oh.

What is it?

I just realized, I wrote in the holy book! I added my own text to the scripture! What am I gonna do? I got so caught up in the moment... But this is one HUGE taboo I've broken...

There's no way they'll let me be a priestess now! No, they might even kick me out of the temple!

Hmm... I don't think this is something you can keep secret.

I still want to be a priestess. That hasn't changed. So I can't avoid this. L-Let's go. Who knows what they'll say, but...

W-Well you were able to defeat the plague, so it's not like you did anything wrong. Maybe...

I'm so stressed...

Ah, Mariel!

Oh, it's you! Are you feeling better now?

Yes, thank you. I'm in less pain, and I can move around a little.

I'm so glad to hear that.

I owe you an apology. I am sorry about before. You were only trying to help me, but I said such nonsense to you...

Don't say that! I'm the one who should be apologizing! I'm the one who couldn't heal you.

I must have gotten carried away. Thinking, I was able to help you before, so I must be able to again.

You're still young. What's the harm in getting carried away every once in a while? Besides... No one's perfect right away. I make tons of mistakes, and I'm much older than you. Says the thief. Pretty persuasive, right?

I-I guess so.

Anyway, I'm sorry about earlier. And... I haven't forgotten what you did for me before. And that will never change. You just need a little confidence. That's all.

......

I agree with him. You help so many people. That's just the truth.

I guess. I'll try to think of it that way.

Good. Because you even eradicated the plague, remember? So keep your head high, and go tell the Head Priest what you did.

I-I will!

Oh, sorry. Did I stress you out there?

N-No, it's fine. I'd be stressed either way. Let's go. Let's see the Head Priest.

I see. So that's what happened.

Yes...

Firstly, you did well to dispel the sickness. And you've even regained your powers. You couldn't ask for a better result.

Th-Thank you!

However...

Eep.

You know what I'm about to say. How could you add your own text to the scriptures?

Yes, you did an incredible job. Ordinarily, such an achievement would be praised without hesitation. However. As I'm sure I've told you, the doctrine is the very foundation of our faith. I am the Head Priest. I simply cannot let such an act pass.

Yes.

Wait! Mariel saved everyone from that plague! She genuinely, earnestly wants to help people. How could you...

This is none of your concern. Kindly don't interrupt.

Tch...

Mariel, this is what we're going to do.

Ngh...

As of today... I hereby recognize you as an official priestess, with all the duties and responsibilities this carries.

Huh?

However, as punishment for tarnishing the scriptures with ink, you shall recite the whole book ten times over. And then clean up the entirety of the temple grounds.

Um... Then...

What is it? Does this not meet your satisfaction, Mariel?

N-No, of course not! It's just, um, why...

...... Preach the teachings of our temple and ensure that they are understood. That was the trial I gave you.

However, simply conveying the teachings is not enough for you to pass the trial.

Huh?

Simply reading and reciting the scriptures does not make you a priestess. What you truly need... Is to interpret the teachings yourself. Someone with blind faith in the doctrine should not be a priestess.

You didn't accept the scriptures at face value. You questioned them, you showed your understanding, and then you saved people using that. That is proof that you have the qualities required to become a priestess.

I-I do?

Testing this was the true purpose of the trials. You achieved it without even intending to.

Though, you did take things a little far when you decided to add your own text to the scriptures...

Now, cleaning the temple grounds will provide you the perfect opportunity to say hello to everyone again. Everyone has been waiting for your return.

Head...Priest...

This is great news, Mariel!

I-It is!

I'm so pleased for you, Mariel. Not as Head Priest, but as your mother. Children always grow when you're not looking.

Mother?!

As I'm sure you know, our doctrine is of unknown origin. What is the sword? What is the cradle? Who is the chick? Who is the mother bird? Who are we?

And the winged people you saw before...

What were they? Are they real? You don't know either, do you?

No, I don't.

All we have are the teachings. We don't know what the inspiration was behind them.

That's why we need to review and revisit our interpretations all the time. So that we can be intermediaries to convey these wonderful teachings to the wider world.

Yes. I understand that now.

Our purpose is not to make our teachings the absolute authority. Our purpose is... Well, you know what it is, don't you?

Of course I do. It's to ensure that all those in trouble can be saved!

A perfect answer. You will make a great priestess. Will you continue your travels?

Yes. I want to travel around, saving people, as an official priestess.

Come back regularly and report in. That is non-negotiable. Letting me see your face every once in a while...is how you can save me.

M-Mother!

That's one order you absolutely have to keep! You're the only one who can ever help your mother.

Yeah, I know.

Hm? Did you hear something?

Ooh it's a little kitty!

Pss pss pss! Here kitty, kitty!

How'd that cat get in again? Sorry, but this place ain't for cats.

Come on, get outta here. Shoo!

Heeey! Don't chase the cat away! That's so mean!

But you know full well, cats are forbidden in the temple!

Does it say so in the scriptures? This is unacceptable! I forgot to mention something important when I gave my mom my answer!

I don't just want to save all people! I want to save all cats, too!

Hey! Come back! I wanna rub your belly!

It's not because of the doctrine that cats are prohibited! It's 'cause they dirty the temple...

Mariel will always be Mariel...