healingbonds (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
healingbonds) wrote2021-11-29 12:45 pm
healingbonds) wrote2021-11-29 12:45 pm
Entry tags:
The Bonds We Formed, Like Magic | Chapter 25
Chapter 24 << | index | >> Chapter 26
Arthur’s wounds are completely healed: it looks like Oz managed to treat him before the sun set.
I have no way of knowing the words that passed between the two of them. But the atmosphere around them doesn’t seem strained to me.
Riquet waves to them with a question.
Riquet: Oz! Did you find any clams?
Oz: ......Clams?
Riquet: You said you were going to the beach to catch some.
Oz: .....Oh......
Oz glances at Arthur before replying to Riquet.
Oz: I forgot.
Riquet: Huh?
You forgot to look for clams even though that’s why you went to the beach in the first place?
Nero: Haha...... Sometimes life is just like that.
Arthur gazes up at Oz.
His innocent blue eyes look like he’s hoping — or enduring.
Oz returns Arthur’s gaze. Awkwardness, love, and sorrow are reflected in his eyes: a nameless something that he can’t put into words.
When Arthur laughs, Oz returns a smile of relief.
Lowering his eyes, he gazes at the back of Arthur’s hand.
A little further back, Shino and Heathcliff show Faust the seashells they found.
Shino: I found this one. Isn’t it pretty? It doesn’t have a single chip. I’m gonna give it to Mistress.
Heathcliff: But he says it’s too rustic to offer up as is, so he wants me to turn it into a souvenir.
Shino: How about an earring?
Heathcliff: It’s too big. It’ll tear off her earlobe.
Shino: Then how about an accessory case?
Heathcliff: That’s a good idea. But it might be a little small for that.
Shino: So what do you want to do?
Heathcliff: I’m still thinking.
Shino: You’ve been saying, "That’s a good idea. But..." to all my ideas.
Heathcliff: I told you, I’m still thinking. Mr. Faust, do you have any ideas?
Faust listens in silence as Shino and Heathcliff go back and forth.
He pours himself more wine as he watches the boys’ innocent exchange.
Faust: I hope you two.....
Can go on quarreling like this forever.
Shino and Heathcliff look at each other before speaking up in unison.
Shino: Don’t encourage arguments. You’re a teacher.
Heathcliff: Are you drunk?
Faust finishes his glass of wine without a word.
Snow and White leap lightly through the air and land beside me.
Snow: Sage.
White: Sage.
Snow: Today has been a difficult day.
White: We’re your comrades. Let us sleep by your side tonight.
Snow & White: We’ll turn into a painting very soon.
I laugh and take their hands.
Akira: I would be honored; I will do my best to take good care of you two.
Snow: We’re counting on you.
White: Thank you, dear Sage.
Akira: And please eat lots of delicious food before you enter the painting.
Snow: Oh, you’re absolutely right.
White: Let’s share some sweets.
Snow: We’ll eat from the same plate with two forks!
White: No, we’ll need three! Sage Akira, won’t you partake with us?
Akira: Yes!
Snow, White and I share a carrot cake.
I savor the crunch of the grated carrots, the fragrance of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the sweet cream cheese frosting.
It’s so delicious that my tired body almost melts away.
As the night creeps upon us silently, the twins vanish from my side like illusions.
Their portrait lies in their place. I hold them in my lap, and continue eating cake.
Chloe darts across my line of sight to Rustica’s side.
Anxiety, hope, and a sincere wish all mingle within his gaze as he speaks to Rustica.
Chloe: Hey, can we talk? There’s something I want to ask you alone.
Rustica laughs happily.
Rustica: Of course.
The night chill sets in as the sea breeze grows stronger.
The deep blue skies are so clear that the fierce weather earlier feels like a dream.
Murr: Look up, Sir Sage!
The stars are falling!
Murr shouts jubilantly as he slowly somersaults through the air to my side.
He takes my hand, and spins us around like a dance.
While gazing at the sky.
Murr: The stars are falling....!
At Murr’s voice, everyone turns their eyes to the sky.
Both the young wizards, and the wizards who have lived for many, many years.
Murr narrows his eyes, as if witnessing the last breaths of fellow comrades in war as they fall to an eternal slumber.
Murr: Welcome home.
And good night.
After wandering for aeons, burning out the last remnants of your life — this is your final destination.
You’ve traveled the endless galaxy for thousands of years in order to become meteorites.
Welcome home.
And good night.
As the sky turns dark, the meteors shine more brightly than they did during the evening.
Lennox, too, looks to the sky.
He draws himself a chair with one arm, holding his wineglass in the other, and sits down next to Figaro.
Lennox: Looks like it’s started.
Figaro: Yes.
Lennox: What were you talking about this morning?
Figaro: What do you mean?
Lennox: The meteor shower that you couldn’t forget.....
Figaro: You’re asking me? You guys really are so cold.
Lennox: Huh?
Figaro rests his hand on his cheek and gazes at Lennox, trying to read his face.
After a moment of impassive thought, Lennox exclaims, in a surprisingly loud voice, "Oh!"
He begins to laugh, his shoulders rocking back and forth.
Lennox: I’d never forget that night. I see, you were talking about that meteor rain.
Figaro: That’s right.
Lennox: We really couldn’t be bothered with meteor showers at the time, you see.....
Sir Faust was prepared to die, and I was prepared to be his shield.
Figaro: There must have been some really terrible rumors about me.
Figaro narrows his eyes nostalgically and breaks out into a smile.
His gaze directed at the past is akin to happiness.
Figaro: It was an unforgettable sight for me. Because behind that boy — behind your backs — I saw a shooting star.
Lennox: We were terrified to our wit’s end. Because legend had it that shooting stars brought misfortune....
He was worried that you would see us as envoys of a catastrophic tragedy, and refuse us outright.
Figaro: But I subscribe to a different belief.
Flying stars are travelers. Travelers change the world. They push the hands of a frozen clock forward.
That’s why I had a hunch that the world would change.
✦✧☾✧✦
(Flashback)
Lennox: ....The storm has let up and the sky is clear, but the wind is still blowing the snow left on the trees into our faces.
Are you all right, Sir Faust? Aren’t you cold?
Faust: I’m fine. ....Look, Leno.
....I think we’ve found it.
Lennox: ..............
Faust: Lennox, you stay here. If anything happens to me, head back to the main division.
Lennox: It’s dangerous. I will join you.
Faust: In the event that I anger him and he turns me to stone on the spot, I will need someone to report my death.
"Faust betrayed the wizards." If such a rumor spreads, I will cause my comrades trouble even after I die.
So if the worst happens, please tell Alec how I died.
Lennox: ....Yes, sir.
Faust: I will do everything I can. Please pray for me here.
....Ah. The heavens have sent us an omen. It’s the night of raining stars.
Lennox: Shall we come another day?
Faust: We don’t have time. And I cannot say that I am not a harbinger of evil. I am a traitor of the times, after all.
Lennox: You are the true revolutionary, Sir Faust.
Faust: I hope I am. Leno, I’m off.
Lennox: Please be safe.
Faust: .....ah..... The wind is so strong......
....Wait for me, Alec. I will get stronger and return to your side.
Open these gates! Pray, open these gates! My name is Faust Lavinia!
I am the compatriot of Alec Granvelle — the man who raised the flag of revolution to restore order to this corrupt world where the strong trample on the weak!
I hear that the great wizard of miracles lives here: the man who cured the plague ravaging a neighboring village, and restored a collapsed valley in a single night!
Sir Figaro Garcia! Pray, make me your apprentice, and teach me magi.....
(Gates open)
Figaro: You don’t need to yell so forcefully. I can hear you.
...........
.....An envoy of the meteor rain. You must be cold. Come on in.
The giant man back there is welcome too.
✦✧☾✧✦
Everyone gazes towards the sky.
As they recall scenes of the past.
And reflect keenly on the miracle that has brought them to where they are now.
Nero: ............
✦✧☾✧✦
(Flashback)
Bandit: Boss, wait! Please try to understand how Nero feels!
Bradley: Out of my way.
Bandit: He didn’t run away! He just wanted you to get it, Boss!
If you mess him up, he’s gonna run away for real this time....! Let’s do this peacefully.....
Bradley: Then I’ll turn him to stone for real. Who do you think you’re talking to? What the hell do you know?
Bandit: .....I’m sorry......
Bradley: Get out. Stay out.
Bandit: .....Yes, sir.....
Bradley: Yo, Nero. Have you cooled your head after a night’s rest?
Nero: ............
Bradley: Speak up. Unless you want to spend another night locked up here.
Nero: Do what you want.
Bradley: Oh, come on. What’s with the tantrum?
No way you’re serious about leaving the gang. It’s not like you got anywhere else to go.
Nero: I don’t care where I go. Anywhere is better than being with you.
Bradley: .............
Nero: You never listen to me.... So what’s the point of me being here?
Do what you want, and die a dog’s death. I’ve had enough.
Bradley: Haha..... All right. I see how it is. You gutless, cowardly bastard.
Nero: ..........
Bradley: But listen up. You know too much. You won’t get out of here alive.
Nero: Then kill me.
Bradley: ............
Nero: I’m sick of it..... I’m sick of seeing your face on the brink of death and feeling just as close to death each time.
I know that you push yourself to the edge because I’m here. Because you can leave the gang to me — you can leave everything to me.
That’s not fair! I’d rather disappear. You know how many times I’ve told you I don’t want you to die.....
Bradley: All right, fine! It’s my fault! I’m sorry! I’ll listen to you for real from now on. I won’t be reckless. Come on.
Nero: You’re lying... How many times have we been through this.....
Bradley: Come on, partner..... Stop throwing a fit.
Nero: .............
Bradley: I made it here one way or another. I’ll keep managing somehow.
Don’t sweat the details! We’ve been so good together. Don’t you agree? Come on, Nero.....
Nero: .....I’m sick of it. It’s over. I told you this was the last time!
Bradley: Shut the fuck up! Just listen to me.....!
Nero: ...............
Bradley: ......Stay here one more night. Then I’ll give you a short break.
Nero: I won’t change my mind.
Bradley: And I won’t let you go.
Nero: ..............
Ah......
Bradley: ....... What.
Nero: Nothing..... Just a meteor shower. Look over there.
Bradley: Oh.... I remember seeing one at the lake at the tip of the North. The sky was all lit up, and.....
Nero: Haha.... You and I both got drunk. What a time.
Bradley: Ahaha. Now that you mention it, yeah. .......... Hey, Nero.....
Nero: ...........
Bradley: Please stay. I’ll listen for real this time. ....I’m begging you, partner.
I don’t want this to be our goodbye — it’s just too sad.
Nero: .......How....
How many times..... Have we been through this.....? I’m so tired of it.... I....
Hey.... Hey, Brad.... You know, I also......
✦✧☾✧✦
Mithra: ..............
Rutile: Mister Mithra.
Mithra: .....How did you know I was here?
Rutile: It was just a hunch..... You’re bleeding so much..... Um.... Are you okay?
Mithra: Why would you think I’m okay?
I tried to show off in front of Sir Sage, but I still couldn’t beat Oz.....
Rutile: .....I’m not as good as Dr. Figaro, but let me heal your wounds with magic.
Mithra: Your healing magic is weirdly slipshod, so my body always ends up feeling itchy.....
Rutile: ..........
Are you asking me to spoil you?
Mithra: Is there something wrong with that? There’s not much else that a Southern wizard can do, right?
Rutile: ......... << Ortonik Setomaouge >>
Mithra: .............
Rutile: Did you watch the meteor showers with Mother?
Mithra: Thousands of times.
Rutile: What did Mother say to you when you lost to Sir Oz, Mister Mithra?
Mithra: Who knows.... I don’t really remember.
But she was always laughing.
Rutile: .............
Bwahahaha!
Mithra: What are you laughing for? I’m bleeding all over here.....
Rutile: I-I thought it would make you happy......
Mithra: I don’t have such twisted kinks.......
Rutile: Hey, Mister Mithra. There are still things I don’t understand about you.....
So could you tell me what makes you happy? I want to make you smile, Mister Mithra.
Mithra: ........ There’s not much......
So long as you do not die — that’s enough.
✦✧☾✧✦
Shylock: ............
Murr: Look, Shylock! It’s so pretty!
Shylock: It certainly is.
Murr: Listen, Shylock! Chloe cried!
Shylock: ............
Murr: So I showed him some fireworks! But he said he didn’t wanna see!
Shylock: You must’ve said something terrible again. You awful man.
Murr: Are you going to punish me?
Shylock: I will not punish you.
I wish I could do terrible things to you, but you probably wouldn’t care very much.
Murr: Yeah, I wouldn’t~!
Shylock: You’re such a hopeless man.
You’ve pursued knowledge for over one thousand years — on love, on desire, on solitude — and you’re still not done?
When will your insatiable monster of curiosity be satisfied?
Murr: I’m just so curious!
The heart is more mysterious than magic! Solitude is colder than the universe, and love is chaos itself!
I want to know the moon’s love and solitude.
Shylock: Poor Murr. You pined for the unattainable until it shattered your soul to pieces.
But Murr....
I remember a face of yours that the moon has never witnessed.
A Murr that neither the falling meteors, nor the ice-blue stars, nor even the < Great Catastrophe > itself knows.
Because I tucked it away.
Chapter 24 << | index | >> Chapter 26
Arthur’s wounds are completely healed: it looks like Oz managed to treat him before the sun set.
I have no way of knowing the words that passed between the two of them. But the atmosphere around them doesn’t seem strained to me.
Riquet waves to them with a question.
Riquet: Oz! Did you find any clams?
Oz: ......Clams?
Riquet: You said you were going to the beach to catch some.
Oz: .....Oh......
Oz glances at Arthur before replying to Riquet.
Oz: I forgot.
Riquet: Huh?
You forgot to look for clams even though that’s why you went to the beach in the first place?
Nero: Haha...... Sometimes life is just like that.
Arthur gazes up at Oz.
His innocent blue eyes look like he’s hoping — or enduring.
Oz returns Arthur’s gaze. Awkwardness, love, and sorrow are reflected in his eyes: a nameless something that he can’t put into words.
When Arthur laughs, Oz returns a smile of relief.
Lowering his eyes, he gazes at the back of Arthur’s hand.
A little further back, Shino and Heathcliff show Faust the seashells they found.
Shino: I found this one. Isn’t it pretty? It doesn’t have a single chip. I’m gonna give it to Mistress.
Heathcliff: But he says it’s too rustic to offer up as is, so he wants me to turn it into a souvenir.
Shino: How about an earring?
Heathcliff: It’s too big. It’ll tear off her earlobe.
Shino: Then how about an accessory case?
Heathcliff: That’s a good idea. But it might be a little small for that.
Shino: So what do you want to do?
Heathcliff: I’m still thinking.
Shino: You’ve been saying, "That’s a good idea. But..." to all my ideas.
Heathcliff: I told you, I’m still thinking. Mr. Faust, do you have any ideas?
Faust listens in silence as Shino and Heathcliff go back and forth.
He pours himself more wine as he watches the boys’ innocent exchange.
Faust: I hope you two.....
Can go on quarreling like this forever.
Shino and Heathcliff look at each other before speaking up in unison.
Shino: Don’t encourage arguments. You’re a teacher.
Heathcliff: Are you drunk?
Faust finishes his glass of wine without a word.
Snow and White leap lightly through the air and land beside me.
Snow: Sage.
White: Sage.
Snow: Today has been a difficult day.
White: We’re your comrades. Let us sleep by your side tonight.
Snow & White: We’ll turn into a painting very soon.
I laugh and take their hands.
Akira: I would be honored; I will do my best to take good care of you two.
Snow: We’re counting on you.
White: Thank you, dear Sage.
Akira: And please eat lots of delicious food before you enter the painting.
Snow: Oh, you’re absolutely right.
White: Let’s share some sweets.
Snow: We’ll eat from the same plate with two forks!
White: No, we’ll need three! Sage Akira, won’t you partake with us?
Akira: Yes!
Snow, White and I share a carrot cake.
I savor the crunch of the grated carrots, the fragrance of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the sweet cream cheese frosting.
It’s so delicious that my tired body almost melts away.
As the night creeps upon us silently, the twins vanish from my side like illusions.
Their portrait lies in their place. I hold them in my lap, and continue eating cake.
Chloe darts across my line of sight to Rustica’s side.
Anxiety, hope, and a sincere wish all mingle within his gaze as he speaks to Rustica.
Chloe: Hey, can we talk? There’s something I want to ask you alone.
Rustica laughs happily.
Rustica: Of course.
The night chill sets in as the sea breeze grows stronger.
The deep blue skies are so clear that the fierce weather earlier feels like a dream.
Murr: Look up, Sir Sage!
The stars are falling!
Murr shouts jubilantly as he slowly somersaults through the air to my side.
He takes my hand, and spins us around like a dance.
While gazing at the sky.
Murr: The stars are falling....!
At Murr’s voice, everyone turns their eyes to the sky.
Both the young wizards, and the wizards who have lived for many, many years.
Murr narrows his eyes, as if witnessing the last breaths of fellow comrades in war as they fall to an eternal slumber.
Murr: Welcome home.
And good night.
After wandering for aeons, burning out the last remnants of your life — this is your final destination.
You’ve traveled the endless galaxy for thousands of years in order to become meteorites.
Welcome home.
And good night.
As the sky turns dark, the meteors shine more brightly than they did during the evening.
Lennox, too, looks to the sky.
He draws himself a chair with one arm, holding his wineglass in the other, and sits down next to Figaro.
Lennox: Looks like it’s started.
Figaro: Yes.
Lennox: What were you talking about this morning?
Figaro: What do you mean?
Lennox: The meteor shower that you couldn’t forget.....
Figaro: You’re asking me? You guys really are so cold.
Lennox: Huh?
Figaro rests his hand on his cheek and gazes at Lennox, trying to read his face.
After a moment of impassive thought, Lennox exclaims, in a surprisingly loud voice, "Oh!"
He begins to laugh, his shoulders rocking back and forth.
Lennox: I’d never forget that night. I see, you were talking about that meteor rain.
Figaro: That’s right.
Lennox: We really couldn’t be bothered with meteor showers at the time, you see.....
Sir Faust was prepared to die, and I was prepared to be his shield.
Figaro: There must have been some really terrible rumors about me.
Figaro narrows his eyes nostalgically and breaks out into a smile.
His gaze directed at the past is akin to happiness.
Figaro: It was an unforgettable sight for me. Because behind that boy — behind your backs — I saw a shooting star.
Lennox: We were terrified to our wit’s end. Because legend had it that shooting stars brought misfortune....
He was worried that you would see us as envoys of a catastrophic tragedy, and refuse us outright.
Figaro: But I subscribe to a different belief.
Flying stars are travelers. Travelers change the world. They push the hands of a frozen clock forward.
That’s why I had a hunch that the world would change.
✦✧☾✧✦
(Flashback)
Lennox: ....The storm has let up and the sky is clear, but the wind is still blowing the snow left on the trees into our faces.
Are you all right, Sir Faust? Aren’t you cold?
Faust: I’m fine. ....Look, Leno.
....I think we’ve found it.
Lennox: ..............
Faust: Lennox, you stay here. If anything happens to me, head back to the main division.
Lennox: It’s dangerous. I will join you.
Faust: In the event that I anger him and he turns me to stone on the spot, I will need someone to report my death.
"Faust betrayed the wizards." If such a rumor spreads, I will cause my comrades trouble even after I die.
So if the worst happens, please tell Alec how I died.
Lennox: ....Yes, sir.
Faust: I will do everything I can. Please pray for me here.
....Ah. The heavens have sent us an omen. It’s the night of raining stars.
Lennox: Shall we come another day?
Faust: We don’t have time. And I cannot say that I am not a harbinger of evil. I am a traitor of the times, after all.
Lennox: You are the true revolutionary, Sir Faust.
Faust: I hope I am. Leno, I’m off.
Lennox: Please be safe.
Faust: .....ah..... The wind is so strong......
....Wait for me, Alec. I will get stronger and return to your side.
Open these gates! Pray, open these gates! My name is Faust Lavinia!
I am the compatriot of Alec Granvelle — the man who raised the flag of revolution to restore order to this corrupt world where the strong trample on the weak!
I hear that the great wizard of miracles lives here: the man who cured the plague ravaging a neighboring village, and restored a collapsed valley in a single night!
Sir Figaro Garcia! Pray, make me your apprentice, and teach me magi.....
(Gates open)
Figaro: You don’t need to yell so forcefully. I can hear you.
...........
.....An envoy of the meteor rain. You must be cold. Come on in.
The giant man back there is welcome too.
✦✧☾✧✦
Everyone gazes towards the sky.
As they recall scenes of the past.
And reflect keenly on the miracle that has brought them to where they are now.
Nero: ............
✦✧☾✧✦
(Flashback)
Bandit: Boss, wait! Please try to understand how Nero feels!
Bradley: Out of my way.
Bandit: He didn’t run away! He just wanted you to get it, Boss!
If you mess him up, he’s gonna run away for real this time....! Let’s do this peacefully.....
Bradley: Then I’ll turn him to stone for real. Who do you think you’re talking to? What the hell do you know?
Bandit: .....I’m sorry......
Bradley: Get out. Stay out.
Bandit: .....Yes, sir.....
Bradley: Yo, Nero. Have you cooled your head after a night’s rest?
Nero: ............
Bradley: Speak up. Unless you want to spend another night locked up here.
Nero: Do what you want.
Bradley: Oh, come on. What’s with the tantrum?
No way you’re serious about leaving the gang. It’s not like you got anywhere else to go.
Nero: I don’t care where I go. Anywhere is better than being with you.
Bradley: .............
Nero: You never listen to me.... So what’s the point of me being here?
Do what you want, and die a dog’s death. I’ve had enough.
Bradley: Haha..... All right. I see how it is. You gutless, cowardly bastard.
Nero: ..........
Bradley: But listen up. You know too much. You won’t get out of here alive.
Nero: Then kill me.
Bradley: ............
Nero: I’m sick of it..... I’m sick of seeing your face on the brink of death and feeling just as close to death each time.
I know that you push yourself to the edge because I’m here. Because you can leave the gang to me — you can leave everything to me.
That’s not fair! I’d rather disappear. You know how many times I’ve told you I don’t want you to die.....
Bradley: All right, fine! It’s my fault! I’m sorry! I’ll listen to you for real from now on. I won’t be reckless. Come on.
Nero: You’re lying... How many times have we been through this.....
Bradley: Come on, partner..... Stop throwing a fit.
Nero: .............
Bradley: I made it here one way or another. I’ll keep managing somehow.
Don’t sweat the details! We’ve been so good together. Don’t you agree? Come on, Nero.....
Nero: .....I’m sick of it. It’s over. I told you this was the last time!
Bradley: Shut the fuck up! Just listen to me.....!
Nero: ...............
Bradley: ......Stay here one more night. Then I’ll give you a short break.
Nero: I won’t change my mind.
Bradley: And I won’t let you go.
Nero: ..............
Ah......
Bradley: ....... What.
Nero: Nothing..... Just a meteor shower. Look over there.
Bradley: Oh.... I remember seeing one at the lake at the tip of the North. The sky was all lit up, and.....
Nero: Haha.... You and I both got drunk. What a time.
Bradley: Ahaha. Now that you mention it, yeah. .......... Hey, Nero.....
Nero: ...........
Bradley: Please stay. I’ll listen for real this time. ....I’m begging you, partner.
I don’t want this to be our goodbye — it’s just too sad.
Nero: .......How....
How many times..... Have we been through this.....? I’m so tired of it.... I....
Hey.... Hey, Brad.... You know, I also......
✦✧☾✧✦
Mithra: ..............
Rutile: Mister Mithra.
Mithra: .....How did you know I was here?
Rutile: It was just a hunch..... You’re bleeding so much..... Um.... Are you okay?
Mithra: Why would you think I’m okay?
I tried to show off in front of Sir Sage, but I still couldn’t beat Oz.....
Rutile: .....I’m not as good as Dr. Figaro, but let me heal your wounds with magic.
Mithra: Your healing magic is weirdly slipshod, so my body always ends up feeling itchy.....
Rutile: ..........
Are you asking me to spoil you?
Mithra: Is there something wrong with that? There’s not much else that a Southern wizard can do, right?
Rutile: ......... << Ortonik Setomaouge >>
Mithra: .............
Rutile: Did you watch the meteor showers with Mother?
Mithra: Thousands of times.
Rutile: What did Mother say to you when you lost to Sir Oz, Mister Mithra?
Mithra: Who knows.... I don’t really remember.
But she was always laughing.
Rutile: .............
Bwahahaha!
Mithra: What are you laughing for? I’m bleeding all over here.....
Rutile: I-I thought it would make you happy......
Mithra: I don’t have such twisted kinks.......
Rutile: Hey, Mister Mithra. There are still things I don’t understand about you.....
So could you tell me what makes you happy? I want to make you smile, Mister Mithra.
Mithra: ........ There’s not much......
So long as you do not die — that’s enough.
✦✧☾✧✦
Shylock: ............
Murr: Look, Shylock! It’s so pretty!
Shylock: It certainly is.
Murr: Listen, Shylock! Chloe cried!
Shylock: ............
Murr: So I showed him some fireworks! But he said he didn’t wanna see!
Shylock: You must’ve said something terrible again. You awful man.
Murr: Are you going to punish me?
Shylock: I will not punish you.
I wish I could do terrible things to you, but you probably wouldn’t care very much.
Murr: Yeah, I wouldn’t~!
Shylock: You’re such a hopeless man.
You’ve pursued knowledge for over one thousand years — on love, on desire, on solitude — and you’re still not done?
When will your insatiable monster of curiosity be satisfied?
Murr: I’m just so curious!
The heart is more mysterious than magic! Solitude is colder than the universe, and love is chaos itself!
I want to know the moon’s love and solitude.
Shylock: Poor Murr. You pined for the unattainable until it shattered your soul to pieces.
But Murr....
I remember a face of yours that the moon has never witnessed.
A Murr that neither the falling meteors, nor the ice-blue stars, nor even the < Great Catastrophe > itself knows.
Because I tucked it away.
Chapter 24 << | index | >> Chapter 26