'Package with No Recipient'

Mm! Hmm hmm~! Let's see... all the letters, specialty packages, high value insured mail-order goodies. All checked off.

Wonderful! That's all the work there is for today!

What should I do first? Take a hot bath, maybe enjoy a cup of milk tea first? I still have a bit of that orange cream cake left.

Wait, stop it, Angelina! You promised yourself to keep your weight under... Uh, to eat healthier?

Howdy there, Angelina! Ya clockin' out too, huh? Wanna come along and check out the goodies I got comin' in?

Sure... *Yawn*.

Oh, sorry, Croissant. I couldn't fight that yawn. It's getting pretty late already.

Well, ya see, I ordered a custom hairpin from that one accessory shop down in Lungmen ya pointed out last time.

Ya don't know the trouble I had to go through just to get the old man there to keep me ten of those trinkets. I guarantee there's something in there you'll like.

Oh, but...

'You'll get bags under yer eyes if ya turn in late,' right? Ya sound like a broken record, 'fcourse I know.

Alright, I'll keep yer stuff safe. Ya just come to me when you have time. Ya can count on good ol' Croissant to look after her friends!

Yep~ You're the best, Croissant!

Haha, if t'weren't for the fashion magazines ya lent me and all them notes you put in there, no way I could've picked out stuff that good.

My last few hauls of clothes and accessories've been mighty popular with the folks at Rhodes Island!

I'm rakin' in a healthy hunk o' dough this month, much thanks to that. Let's get somethin' to eat come a day off next week.

What'cha like? Barbecue? Pizza? Maybe even them Yan hotpots?

Uh, that's music to my tummy and mouth... but...

But ya gotta 'keep yer weight in check,' right?

...I gotta eat healthy.

Well, true, there's no need to worry about yer weight fer someone like you. Just sayin' so makes me jealous.

How about we put out a little pamphlet next time? Somethin' like, '101 Weight Loss Tips for Cuties...'

Hold on, are you sure that'd sell?

A girl can dream, can't she? Might could be there's some folks out there what don't know you, and are gullible enough.

Like that MountainDash boy who joined us last time. The li'l weightlifting contest you two had? Made me some decent money.

We were picking on the new kid. Are you sure you should be gloating about it?

Eh, I'm just usin' information to my advantage. Whether it's business or Messenger work, information's king.

Hm... yeah, but it still... kinda bothers me a little. Maybe we'll treat Bison to some cake next time.

Alright, time to head home!

Huh, what's that by your door?

Oh... Is that a package? What's a package doing here?

I already delivered everything I got today.

It's wrapped in pink, it smells nice, and it feels kinda... square? Probably a book.

Think it's them novels 'n magazines you like to read?

The magazines show up at a set time every month, and I got everything I ordered this month already. There shouldn't be any more.

Besides, I've been getting quite a bit of delivery and logistics work lately. My schedule's so full, I haven't had time to read any new novels at all.

It's a present, then?

A present? O-Of course not. Why would anyone give me a present?

Now that ain't all that wild, is it? Yer such a hottie, put two 'n two together.

There's just no way, I'm telling you...

It's not addressed to anyone. I'm guessing it came with something else and was meant to be delivered together.

I was kinda in a rush this morning, so it probably fell out of my bag by accident.

*Sigh*, I screwed up again...

Eh, no big deal. You just gotta deliver it again!

Better get to it then.

Huh, now? Tomorrow'd be a-okay, yeah? You just said it's gettin' late.

Someone once told me, 'If you are to correct your mistakes, there is no time better than the present.'

We've been to a few places already, but we still haven't found who the package is for.

There aren't any clues or anything on the thing itself, so I guess we're gonna have to keep trying every place I delivered to today.

Sorry, Croissant. I didn't mean to have you run all over the place with me.

I tagged along 'cause I wanted to.

'sides, get in some exercise at night and you wake up all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed the next day.

You sure you ain't tired? You been runnin' all up and down.

I'm fine... Well, maybe a little, but it's nothing compared to how worried and disappointed the recipient of the package is.

Well, if that ain't proof that you're one of the finest Messengers there is, I don't know what is.

R-Really? I always thought I still have a long way to go.

Eh, reminds me of when I first came to Rhodes Island. This real pretty high school girl came up to me, asking me to teach her how to be a better Messenger. I was real surprised!

That just tells you how amazing Penguin Logistics is! I mean, it was founded by that Emperor! I'd already heard of you guys when I was still back home!

I knew right away you must be a great Messenger when I saw you carrying all those packages like it was nothing, so that's why I mustered up the courage to talk to you.

Great Messenger! Haha, I wish you'd told Texas or the Baws that! Could've gotten me a raise or somethin'.

Thinking back, I just felt like I could never do anything right when I first got here... I'm glad you're here, Croissant.

Huh? I ain't done nothin'! Does that time you lost a package 'n started crying, and I handed you some tissues count?

I wasn't just crying because I lost a package...

Dr. Kal'tsit said I could choose a combat assignment or go to Logistics, where I would get some long-term field ops like the other Messengers getting treatment on the ship.

And I chose combat.

Dr. Kal'tsit agreed with my decision since she thought my abilities could be put to good use on the battlefield after some training.

But, deep down in my heart, I was still uncertain about a lot of things.

So why'd you decide to start fightin' anyway, Angelina? You don't look like the clobberin' type.

I... Well, I guess it's probably because I want to be just a little more awesome.

I don't want to give anyone trouble, and I don't want to always have to hide behind everyone else.

I wanted to become an adult who could stand on her own right away. Just like Dr. Kal'tsit and... and... like Doctor.

I guess that probably makes me kinda greedy? I wanted to go to the front lines, but I didn't want to give up my work as a Messenger either.

I couldn't do anything well back then, and all that training would always leave me exhausted each and every day.

Then, the next day, I'd find Rhodes Island in a completely different place than the day before. I didn't even know how to get anywhere when I had to make deliveries...

Is that why you were cryin' your eyes out all a sudden?

Well yank my tail and call me Sora! I sure am a dummy for missin' that!

No, you're not. You were so patient and helped me find my way. You were my hero.

Haha, that's just how you take care of a rookie! We all gotta start somewhere!

And how can you call yourself greedy? Workin' yer fluff off all 'cause you wanna get better? That's darned normal, if you ask me.

Take yours truly, I'm giving hustlin' every day just to make myself more money!

Yeah, and I'm always trying to learn from you.

Huh? What do ya mean?

Well, you don't ever get hung up on the things that don't matter...

Even when you're working on your Rhodes Island missions, you always have a couple dozen packages with completely different delivery routes, and you always have the day's purchases figured out on top of that! You're like a superstar mentor!

Whoowee, I sure didn't know I was that amazin.' All I ever do is try my darndest to git 'er done, 'n beat up all the bad guys what come my way like, bam bam bam!

Just like that! Bam bam!

When you get to whacking, it's like it blows away all the worries on my mind.

Eh, when you put it like that, it makes a girl blush.

And ya know, I always thought you were one amazin' girl yerself. That's as a Rhodes Island operator and as a Messenger.

And I know I ain't nothin' like you.

The reason I became a Messenger is cause the Baws is sincere and honest and got plenty of money. It so happens I'm good at it, and the gals make it a mighty fun place to be.

You ain't like me. Yer passionate about this line o' work, and ya actually care about how the senders 'n recipients feel.

Actually, that's exactly the reason I became a Messenger.

No kiddin'?!

Back when I'd just left home, for the first few days, all I could do was hide in an old neighborhood close by. I didn't go out until nighttime because I was too afraid.

It was almost winter. The wind was humid and chilly, and I was still wearing the skirt I wore on my last day to school. My whole body had gone all numb.

I was like an aimless ghost just wandering around.

Then, a Messenger found me, or should I say I found him?

He was delivering letters right next door. When they got the letters, the recipients smiled at him, and it felt like that smile was for me too. It kind of... warmed me up a little.

And that's how you became a Messenger?

The opportunity was right there, so I took it. I had lots to learn, and it was all very difficult, but it was also very fulfilling.

After that, I started to believe that your interpersonal relationships are what really make you feel real, alive, existent.

Ever since I left all the people that knew me, this Angelina has started to fade away bit by bit.

Eh, sounds horrible.

Yeah, looking back, I guess it kind of does.

After that, I started giving delivery a shot.

To my surprise, each and every time I hand over a package or a letter to somebody, the smiles on their faces did truly give me something.

It's only during these times that... I feel like I've come a little closer to all those emotions I once knew.

So I kept delivering. I kept experiencing those emotions between people, and I began to slowly find who I once was, who Angelina used to be.

You ain't the only one who gets those feelings, y'know? Them recipients get all glopped up by yer earnestness just the same. Like that pawpaw just now. You saw how happy he was to see you again?

Too bad. He said the package wasn't his.

'I got a grandson working out in the cities. He sent me that package of souvenirs—'

'They're some really sweet tangerines.'

'That book you got is probably meant for somebody else. I'm old. My eyes aren't what they used to be. Neo wouldn't send me a book.'

Well, he's right. A good grandson wouldn't send his pawpaw things he couldn't use.

Gotta say, though... These are some darn sweet tangerines.

Not only did we not do anything, he even shared his souvenirs with us.

Life's little corners're full o' surprises. Just on this trip, we got us some tangerines, 'n we also almost got beat up. Who'd'a thunk it?

Well, I didn't expect the same guy who ordered the new 'Moon & Lavender' velvet scarf and pajamas set would turn into some dangerous gangster at night!

If I'd known, I wouldn't have asked him if he ordered a new 'Moon & Lavender' catalogue outright like an idiot!

That was so funny, though! Cracked me right up!

That's right. Everyone could hear you laugh.

Just thinkin' about that scar-faced guy, how he'n and them two other fellers looked! If you said just one more word, they just might'a put us six feet under! Hahahaha...

I feel kinda bad, though. Maybe he really didn't want anyone else to know he bought that? That was my mistake. Thank goodness you were there to smooth things over.

'Much appreciated, Baws. We hope you and the lady will be satisfied with yer purchase today. Next time, how 'bout a catalogue too~?'

Sounds just like a salesperson, no?

Yeah, very professional.

Great! Gotta get it memorized, then! The next time I go on deliveries, maybe I should take this on as a side job! Can't get enough side jobs!

He's probably really fond of that item, though... I can't imagine him spending this much on insurance otherwise. I sure hope he'll be able to share his hobbies with everyone someday, openly.

This might just be the significance we Messengers have. It keeps him that much more at ease when it's a stranger that delivers his items.

But I betrayed his trust this time.

Looks like I gotta work even harder.

This was my last delivery stop today.

Oh, a fast food shop! My favorite!

Deep fried meat! Fries! Salt 'n pepper shrooms! Yeah, I want 'em all!

Huh? The girl isn't here.

Wait, how many orders of fried meat, you said? Two? Twenty? Are you sure you can eat all that?

Alright, who am I to complain? Ten with ketchup, ten with salt. Here you go—What about you, girl? What can I get you for?

Hm... mmm... Smells so good.

No, I can't have stop for a midnight snack yet. I still have work to do.

Sorry, sir, but what happened to the girl who was reading in your restaurant this evening?

Oh, her? She left. Probably trying to make her way back to the next town over.

She's going overnight?

Yeah, overnight. If she didn't leave right away, she probably wouldn't make it to see her old man for the last time.

Eh, I think I remember now. You stopped by once in the evening, didn't you? Are you the Messenger who delivered the news to Emily?

I... Yeah, I did... I didn't know that's what it was about, though.

Eh, Emily is studying here by herself. Whenever she has some free time, she helps me out with the shop to make some extra money.

Her old man back home never failed to send her a monthly letter, but there's been nothing from him these past two months.

She was really worried about it, you know. She even came to you Messengers and asked if any of you missed his letters.

Baws, we know how to do our jobs. We don't just lose our mail.

Right, right, right. I believe you. Emily trusts you, too, but, with no news from her family, she was really anxious.

No wonder she seemed so happy when she saw me this evening.

But then...

Eh, what's that saying again? Life is unpredictable and you never know what's coming next. All of us are bound to die one day.

Besides, if it wasn't for you delivering her old man's last letter to her, she wouldn't have known to rush home right away.

I'm sure she's really grateful.

Right, did you need her for something?

Well... Never mind.

I guess this isn't hers.

Alright, if there's nothing else, you should get something to eat. I'll give you girls a discount!

*Burp*—

Man, did I really eat all that? Darn it, spent all my money for the month again!

The sun is coming up soon.

We sure ran all over town in just one night! Really had me starving. Huh, you ain't ate nothing!

Still thinking about Emily?

Yeah...

Well, maybe that's only part of it.

Since I heard her story, I just can't help but keep thinking that maybe there's someone out there waiting for news about me.

Oh, right, you haven't been back home in a long time, right?

If just passing through counts, then it hasn't really been that long.

Eh, you ever thought about when to go back? Y'should contact your folks once, at least.

I don't know...

I'm not sure I'm ready yet.

Ready fer what? Yer sickness is nice and stable fer now, ain't it? Ya were sayin' you'd rather yer folks think yer gone than watch ya writhe in pain, but what about now?

If they think I've gone missing, then they'd probably still hold out hope that I'm doing okay somewhere in the world even after five or ten years.

But they're worried sick!

Besides, we've got all them doctors in Medical! What's five or ten years? You've got a long, bright future ahead of you!

I...

Huh? Who's that?

I think I saw a... No, one, two, three... That's lots of fluffy tails.

Oh, it's Angelina and Croissant. G-Good morning.

Oh, hey there, Lisa. Good morning. Why are you up so early? Your wakeup time isn't for a while yet.

Um... Um... I wanted to take a look at that...

'That?' What do you mean, 'That?'

Well, it's the notes...

I finished it yesterday, and I wanted to show it to you right away, but it was getting late. I-I didn't want Dr. Kal'tsit to yell at me for not going to bed on time...

But I really, really wanted to let you see it right away!

Is that why you left it in front of the dorm?

Yep... Yep!

I thought Angelina would be really happy to see it after she came home from work.

My my, lookie here, Angelina. That package is yours, just like I said.

Let's open it up and take a look!

It's... for me?

It's wrapped so neatly... and it's my favorite color, pink. This scent... I thought it seemed familiar. It's that fragrance from the Medical Department the other day!

I-Is there a smell? I made it after I was done with homework.

Maybe the smell got on there while I was there?

Oh, it's not bad at all. I really like this aroma too. It makes me feel relaxed. Alright, I'm opening it up! 1, 2, 3!

There's a booklet inside...

I remember this river... and these buildings... Oh, that's my favorite cafe!

If you walk east for about ten minutes, you'll reach a street that I've probably walked hundreds, no, thousands of times.

Also... this petal... I think I know this smell...

My dad sent me the petals!

Most of the stuff in the beginning is photos that my mom's friend sent, but I also drew lots of things from memory too. It still looks kinda ugly, though... Even though I've been practicing...

No, they look so pretty!

All of it looks so, so nice.

Um, Angelina... D-Did I do something wrong? You don't seem happy... Are you sad?

No, I'm not sad.

I'm just... overwhelmed.

Ever since I... I haven't seen any of this while it's still bright out.

I thought I'd left all this somewhere far, far away long ago... It's so distant, I thought I'd never get there again no matter how fast I ran.

Yep, Rhodes Island is a big, biiiig ship, and it's always going somewhere.

When I first got here, I'd always ask Folinic where we were at the time, and I would try to figure out how far we were from Siracusa and Higashi.

Sometimes we were close, and sometimes we were far away. Then I lost track.

But every time I get a letter from my mom or dad, or their friends, I hug the letter before bed. It makes me feel like I'm right there snuggling up to my parents.

After a while, I got so many letters that they would overflow the bed if I took them all... Mm, so I put some of them in a booklet.

That way, I can go to bed hugging the booklet!

Yep... You're so cute, Lisa.

Huh? Is that weird?

Nope, what you said actually makes a lot of sense.

Doctor told me that not only are our Messengers always on the road making deliveries, they need to take care of their Rhodes Island work too. It's a lot of hard work, and I thought it might have been a while since you've been home.

The Doctor even complimented me on my notebook! Said I was amazing!

Doctor says you might need to try something this...

The Doctor said that...?

Yep, and everyone else too, not just the people working at Rhodes Island! There was the Siracusan Messenger who gave me stuff before.

I don't remember when everybody started doing it, but whenever they go to Siracusa or Higashi, they would bring back photos or the local specialties there for me.

Hoowee, sounds like everybody's a Messenger now!

Right, they're just like all of our amazing Messengers! So I put all those things in my booklet. It's one of my most precious treasures!

I think to myself every day that, by the time the book is full, I'll be all grown up! I'll be so much more amazing than I am now.

It'll be my turn to protect everyone and my mom and dad.

Dad won't stay up all night worrying about me, and Mom won't need to keep working herself to death for me anymore.

When that day comes, I'll finally get to go home!

So, after Doctor talked to me about it, I thought I'd make one for you too...

Hm?

You can't go home for some reason, right?

Yeah...

It's a promise! I'll give you another one once I get new photos, Angelina!

That way, your book will fill up even faster, and you'll get to go home sooner!

Yeah...

Thanks. Thanks so much... This is a wonderful present.

Oh, it's my wake-up time now! I can't let Dr. Kal'tsit and Folinic find out I've been running around... I need to get back home! See you, Angelina, Croissant!

Darn, I wish I'd put money on that.

What'd I tell ya. Yer such a cutie, yer bound to get a buncha cute presents!

Uh... yeah.

I never even noticed. I guess I've long become a part of Rhodes Island, and there are people here who care about me.

I'm no longer... the girl went gone missing.

*Yawn*—I'm getting tired. Did you say somethin' just now, Angelina? I didn't hear.

N-Nothing.

I was just saying that I really like Lisa's present.

Just like I said, ain't it? This night's full o' surprises!

Wonder if I should go back fer a nap now. Maybe some chow instead...? Yeah, guess I'll grab a bite to eat.

What about you? You didn't sleep the whole night. This is gonna ruin that beauty plan of yours.

I'll take a break and then head to training after a while.

I got classes in the afternoon too...

I may have work to keep up with, but I can't fall behind with my studies either!

Huh? No kiddin'? You turnin' workaholic or something?

I'm not.

Will I get to go home... when the book is all filled up?

Am I ready for that?

How long has this letter been on my desk...? A few months? Half a year?

'Dear Mom and Dad—'

'Everything is going well over here...'

'I have a really good job, and I'm keeping up with my studies...'

'Yes, I got Oripathy, but you don't need that worry. It happened that day on my way to school...'

'I was in a rush to make it to club... I told Dad I didn't need a ride. If I were just a little more careful, maybe I wouldn't have bumped into that car fresh back from the wilds.'

'None of this is Dad's fault.'

......

I'll keep the letter in this page.

I'll be ready one day, and I know Mom and Dad will be ready too.

When I'm finally done with this letter, I'll take it to the place in the photo myself. Yeah, the third house on this street from the east. I'll draw a heart here.

That day is going to be here soon. I know it.