MT-5 Communion

Slow down! You got a death wish or something? We're carrying a damned Originium plate! We're all dead if you drop it!

Seriously, what the hell is wrong with this family, using this as a pickling stone? Do they like their pickles with a touch of Originium?

Shut your *Sarkaz expletive* mouth and keep moving.

We gotta clear this whole district before the end of the day, unless you want the overseer to chew our heads off after the Lich chews his.

So many houses, and we got to clean every single speck of Originium off 'em... doesn't Babel have a dedicated construction team? Why don't we just tear it all down and rebuild from scratch?

Say, it's gonna take some getting used to, not having any Originium around.

I said, shut your *Sarkaz expletive* mouth.

We didn't have a choice but to rely on the mines. Now that Kazdel doesn't need to worry about energy anymore, of course we gotta clean house...

Unless you LIKE living in a den of Originium—hey, watch where you're going, Lich!

Keep your threads tucked away, Lich. Who knows what might happen if they got tied up in the Originium...

That's not very polite.

You can cut the threads with your horns if they do get tied up. But who knows what dimension my thread will drag you into, if it comes to that?

...

Alright, I don't think I should scare you any further, gentlemen. Go ahead.

Did I imagine it? What's that light?

It came from the house up there, maybe? Let's take a look.

...I'll go.

Wha?

Those houses are right by the agricultural plate that has just been integrated. The light must be from one of the soil beacons, in reaction to the Originium plate that you're carrying.

If Wiš'adel finds out the farmland that she's spent two years cultivating got polluted...

Alright. Let's get outta here.

D-Don't come any closer!

Ugh...

Who are you? Are you here to take us away?

I mean no harm, young lady.

I sent the other Sarkaz away. Did you heard that? Maybe I can help you... help him.

...

Master.

All that red-tape and long-winded tomes in the spires made me sick, but I should thank the twin sheep for their hospitality, compared to what I have to deal with now.

Every policy has to be communicated verbally, and you have to explain things over and over again. When are we going to implement basic education for government employees?

This is urgent.

...Go ahead.

I'm at the furnace node. I found two Sanktas with broken halos... one of them doesn't look right at all.

...

Bring them here. Try not to let anyone see you. We don't need a scene in the streets.

I'll go wake Wiš'adel. Looks like it's time for our Speaker to speak at an emergency meeting.

...The list is a long one.

You're saying that all forty-three Sanktas stationed at spires across Zwillingstürme have abandoned their posts without permission.

Yes, Ewigegnade.

They have already left Leithanian soil, forcing their way through the checkpoint at the Erdenherre border.

Leithanien took in these errari as an act of kindness. Now they have chosen desertion... without any warning.

Not entirely.

The night watch of the Reichsmusikhochschule witnessed a Sankta scholar leaving, and noted that his halo and wings were shattered, as if there was a... serious accident.

A Fallen?

The symptoms do not align exactly.

How do you think this should be dealt with?

A-Are you asking for my opinion?

Of course I am.

You are the mouth of the Austere Authority, Michael Wolfgang.

You are the only one who can speak with her voice in this realm, besides me.

Well...

You've grown in the past few years, both physically and mentally. Hildegard has taught you well.

I must commend you for making the report that you just did.

You have, in effect, admitted that you have access to certain... exceptional channels.

The Sanktas of Leithanien have fallen and deserted en masse. This is a serious matter... you are the only one capable of dealing with it, Ewigegnade.

I know that you, the Urtica boy, and even that Gräfchen are doing a few things under the surface. As a reward, I'm willing to turn a blind eye to that.

...

Now, back to the topic at hand.

The border guard reports that they seem to be headed for Laterano. It's likely that the Lateran Curia is involved.

Shall we send the Empresses' Voice to confront the Curia?

One year ago, after Das Kaiserinnensfest, Yvangelista XI communicated to me that he wishes to work hand-in-hand with Leithanien.

The anomalous circumstances with the Sanktas may indicate that the calamity the Pope had feared, so much that he would seek our help, has come at last.

Issue an edict, in the name of Eternal Grace and Austere Authority, to summon the best casters and scholars among all the spires.

Calamity will spare no corner of this great land. We must hasten our studies into the secret retrieved from the chaos.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I will arrange for it at once.

Perhaps not entirely at once.

Wh-What I mean is, I will instruct the Empresses' Voice to...

The eventide is beautiful tonight, Michael. Stay and enjoy it with me.

The wound in the sky has healed. She would have appreciated this too... would she not?

...

Tsk...

...East of the east of La Unidad, Laterano, holy city of white♪

The guns there shoot fireworks, the targets all apples♪

When we pray sincere, He gives us bread♪

When we seek salvation, He sets us free♪

Sing, sing until you're asleep.

The god in your dreams is kinder than Laterano's.

You didn't need to go this far on the night watch, Aurela.

...Get lost.

This is the Minoan border. Those Singas nobles won't go any further. You're safe.

The abbey is no more. We go our separate ways.

Ten years ago, you came to my abbey and protected my plate from those nobles without a word. Now, you're leaving without a word.

You preach your teachings, I protected the kids in exchange for a new roof over my head, that's all.

Don't think too much of yourself.

You can't leave, Aurela.

I'm not asking.

Our destination is the same. We'll go with you to Laterano.

And when did I say I was bringing you with me?

We've been together for ten years. It's a long time for a K'uk'ulkan.

Maybe I don't trust Laterano that much. But I do trust you.

The Lateran stripped you of citizenship, and you've cursed the city many times while I sang the hymns...

But look at yourself. After all these years in Bolívar, you still won't take off the gun-knight's armor...

Even though you've fallen, lost the ability to wield a patron firearm, you somehow got your hands on this Blacksteel gun, which means you never—

Shut up.

If you trust me, you should remember that I've told you many times the Holy City is not so friendly, kind, or tolerant as you imagine...

Half the people who followed you from the abbey are not Sankta.

There are plenty of places you can go after leaving Bolívar.

Perhaps what we follow is not the true Lateran faith, but it's what kept a modicum of order in our lives amidst the chaos of Bolívar.

There's no way I can convince the others to go somewhere else. They want to make the pilgrimage.

Nor can I convince myself. Laterano is part of us now, after these long years.

You've got to be kidding.

Think of the Sanktas in the abbey. They've never known Laterano, only the trauma of the Fall.

Only by returning to Laterano will they know what happened. Only then will the fear be driven out. Only then can their 'sickness' be cured.

Let us walk together for a little while longer, Aurela.

I'm not going back to Laterano because I miss home.

Ten years ago, an old man said something like this to me, at another abbey. He was the one who exiled me in the name of Laterano, because of some silly mistake.

He wanted to hear me repent, hear me pray. He said there was a chance I could go back, if I truly, sincerely repented for my sins...

You refused?

I sure did.

Something seems to have gone really wrong in the Holy City. I'm going to seize this chance for revenge.

We won't stop you.

We just need a guide. Someone who knows the way.

Someone like you.

...

...

...

Did those things get the blessing of Laterano too? It wasn't just the baby arborbeast?

(Claps excitedly)

(Sways uncertainly)

Urgh. That's one ugly, chaotic voice of the heart.

If everyone in the Holy City has fallen into a sort of mass hallucination of an unknown source...

Does this scene before us mean that the boundary between reality and falsehood is being blurred, and that Laterano is being invaded by a material threat?

This is even more incomprehensible than what we experienced in the Pavillon.

One of them has noticed us, Fede.

(Praying)

The noise we made seems to have disrupted their ritual.

Fall back. The nature of these creatures is yet unknown. We must not be surrounded.

I thought you would shoot without hesitation.

Are these creatures our kin, Fede? Are you in violation of the Law if you shoot?

Is that a joke, or simply an ill-timed curiosity?

Your patron firearm is lost, and I can neutralize these creatures without discharging mine.

We will determine whether they should be considered our kindred, but not now.

...

Perhaps there is someone who can answer our questions.

...Pope Yvangelista XI.

Move!

...

Such a sound... do not fear, child.

Matriarch.

...

You too, Nurturer. Thank you for your work.

I simply did what I could.

The child is still weak. Take him back to his mother, Andoain.

I will come and find you.

You seem unwell, Matriarch. Should I escort you to your apartments?

I am fine. The heartbeat continues to echo within me.

Not just the mother. I can hear countless hearts resonating, so powerful it seems they could bring down this shrine.

The people have begun to link with one another, irrespective of race or background... but some have rejected the future we revealed.

The Nativity has come to an end. Our kindred need not stay here. We should prepare for the next stage.

Understood. You should retire. I will take care of the rest.

Once again, welcome to the Shrine of Nurtury.

Whether you understood the Matriarch's proposal at the summit, and regardless of what you think of it, the birth and enlightenment of this arborbeast is undoubtedly a clear revelation.

On how to remove the barriers between nations and races... on how to resolve hatred and build lasting peace... on facing the calamity that hangs over our heads together.

Beginning with the Nativity, the second Summit of Nations now enters a new stage—

Laterano will share our halo with all races!

'May our Lord share the blessings with all.'

Fiammetta! Mostima! Over here!

...

Lemuel?

When did you come back? Why didn't you tell us?

Nice outfit, huh? Including those handcuffs...

I wanted to surprise you. Well... hee hee.

(Scratches head)

What happened, Lemuen?

...It's a long story.

I could buy you two minutes, if you want to make a break for it.

Sure—

On second thought, maybe next time. I've caused enough trouble for my sister already.

...

Did I interrupt a reunion?

Velliv.

Can you take the suspect to the Seventh Tribunal on your own, Cardinal Lemuen?

Or do you need support? After all, attempted sabotage of the Shrine of Nurtury and Summit of Nations is a serious charge.

If you're concerned, you are free to come with us, or have a gun-knight keep watch.

Don't talk like that. After all, according to your conclavist Cardinal Aide Amos's testimony, you picked up Lemuel's trail at another scene beforehand...

Are you saying I tried to cover for my sister?

Well, not exactly. All the evidence is circumstantial, and there is nothing that proves you did anything wrong.

Do you recall our previous conversation in the Shrine?

I admire your ability and resolve greatly, Lemuen the Silent. But I also know when these virtues of yours are most prominently displayed.

Besides, it's natural for us to be cautious when your sister is involved. I hope you understand.

No need to worry. Letting El run around with all these charges against her won't help her.

Of course. I'm sure the misunderstanding can be resolved, as long as Lemuel cooperates.

One moment, Shimmering Vigil... and Legatus Mostima.

...

What?

Please remain here at the Shrine of Nurtury. The Curia has a mission for you.

They... took El away?

After all the effort it took for Magister to get me off the hook...

Come on, Vani... isn't there anything else you can do?

Don't bother knocking, Andoain. I have nothing to hide from you.

The mother?

Sleeping.

I brought the child. His feathers are not yet grown in, but he is surprisingly lively. I thought perhaps you might want to pet him again.

Thank you. It is comforting to me.

This place...

Do you remember? We built it to house the mother when we came to Laterano. It became the first nursery of the shrine.

I remember. We made this simple yet warm bed together, and hung the comfort bells that gave her restful sleep.

The room is no longer in use, but I come back from time to time, if only for prayer.

This was our starting point, yours and mine.

(Stretches happily)

I sense that he likes this place too.

His halo is so bright. I noticed it the moment you brought him here.

It is the miracle that you have long believed in.

But I don't understand. What brought on the premonitions of the miracle when you first encountered the mother?

I had no premonitions, Andoain, I only saw your struggling heart.

She was on her last legs, and what she needed was not healing, but her last rites. Yet you wanted to save her, and you would not allow the idea to be dispelled by common sense.

I believed that this thought, which you protected so dearly, could create the miracle of life.

Life is a wonderful thing, one that can never be measured by the confines of common sense.

Anyone would want to save her, Matriarch.

Therefore, anyone can create miracles. Miracles are so because people do not believe in the power of faith.

Is it the halo that gives Sankta faith, or faith that gives Sankta the halo? Have you ever pondered it?

Our Law, empathy, and firearms, and the Paradise that we built atop them...

Did they all arise from a blessing without a cause, as common sense would indicate?

...I don't know.

The past has its beginnings, as does the future.

The Shrine of Nurtury... This towering edifice was not built in a day. It began as a simple, ordinary nursery.

Our nursery...

Did we start with the blueprints of such an imposing shrine? No. We merely wished for a safe, comfortable room for that mother...

And yet, its frenzied evolution led to what it is now.

That is how a future where all are saved can sprout from our faith.

Matriarch... I followed you because I had long searched for such a future, and you happened to know the way.

But I never thought, nor could I comprehend, why you believed it could begin with me.

What I'm able to do is, ultimately, insignificant.

Insignificant trifles and grandiose feats are but a hair's breadth from one another. You have labored for many years over this grueling journey of yours. You should not let such a meaningless difference stay your steps.

I will need you to lift your spirits, for aside from caring for this mother and child, there are more deeds that must be done... such as the next Nativity.

You're early.

I'm already packed. You can just stick the seals on top so I can go back to bed.

...

Patrizion?

Hmph. I thought you were him.

I was told the last part of the handover would be handled by the Notarial Hall. Why did they send gun-knights?

That was assuming nothing had been tampered with.

What are you talking about?

Both the storage room and equipment show signs of recent use.

Cardinal Aide Amos must have made it clear when he last came here—

All gunsmithing operations were to cease immediately upon signing the papers. Any unauthorized work on patron firearms or explosives would be a violation of law.

...

I've had this little workshop for decades. I couldn't let it go so easily...

I just wanted to hear these old boys move again one last time and shed some tears over it. Is that so wrong?

You've already said as much.

Your apprentice, Vannini, the one you took with you from the Shrine of Nurtury—where is she?

Must've gone back to watch the Nativity.

She's not a kid anymore. Besides, I don't see so well. Can't keep an eye on her all the time.

In that case, let us continue this conversation somewhere else.

What if I don't want to?

I do not wish to resort to force, unless absolutely necessary.

It was Patrizion who sent you here, wasn't it?

Come with me.

S-Sister Hildegard, Reverend Gun-Knight?

Is she not in the monastery?

Y-Yes, but... she just had an accident. She's resting now.

What?

It's hard to explain...

A mobile confessional suddenly showed up at the monastery yesterday. Sister Hildegard was lying inside, unconscious...

There was no one else; someone had set the confessional's navigation system to bring her here. We're not sure what happened to her.

Perhaps we can have her report to you once she wakes up.

This is urgent. Bring me to her.

But...

*cough* *cough*... It's alright, Sister Gerain.

Hildegard! You're awake? The porridge...

I'm fine, just a little dizzy.

I ate the porridge on the table. I'm coughing because some of it went down the wrong pipe.

Reverend Gun-Knight, you came for Arturia, didn't you?

...

Yes, it's true that Arturia left Landen Monastery without permission...

But I went after her as soon as I found out! And I caught her! But something unexpected happened...

Please, give Landen Monastery a little more time... no, give me a little more time.

We would like you to come with us, Sister Hildegard.

Well... alright.

It would be best if you came too, Sister.

Me?

Sister Gerain doesn't have anything to do with this.

I was the one in charge of supervising Arturia. This is my fault...

No need to worry, Sister Hildegard.

With a major incident like this, the Curia needs as much information as we can get.

Now, follow me, please.