Princess Comics Celestial Sonata #4 by Amagi Sayuri Amagi Sayuri No matter what shampoo I use, my hair looks so terrible it's frightening. I envy the characters of "Celestial" with nice straight hair. To all those with rotten hair like me, let's live bravely and boldly! About the work Although a demon, Filla shines as brightly as an angel. On the other hand, here's the shadowy angel Micael. The two are coworkers who guide dead souls to heaven. Even though the two are opposites, there's a wonderful harmony between them. Here's the fourth volume of this well received neo-fantasy. Princess Comics Celestial Sonata #4 by Amagi Sayuri Contents Chapter 7 "A Love of Sea and Sky" (Finale) p.5 Chapter 8 "The Golden Moon Tear" p.29 Chapter 9 "The Seraphim's Prophecy" p.119 Extra "Tokyo Serenade" (Prelude) p.165 The heavens are divided into three worlds: Heaven, Hell, and the Realm of Magic. Filla and Micael met at the Ea Ryude school in the Realm of Magic and became, respectively, a demon and an angel. Filla has always been enamored with the cold and shadowy Micael. The two look like an unbalanced couple at first glance, but they are bound by invisible ties. The angel and the demon cooperate to guide the souls of dead humans to heaven. ...I won't go into what happens in the Chapter 7 prelude because you've read it... Chapter 7 "A Love of Sea and Sky" (Finale) Asako : Save my sister, Micael! You saved Mii! Save her, too! Micael : I can't do that, Asako. Look there, at the angel and the demon. They're guiding her soul. --You can have two wishes. Tsuyuko : That my sister and my father live happily...and that Asako's wishes come true. Asako : Asako's wishes...Tsuyuko... Micael : Asako... Asako : Please don't take her! Tsuyuko...my sister... While Mii is still living...Tsuyu is dead... Micael : Tsuyuko gave this to me to give to you. To Asako By the time you read this letter, I will have left this world. The doctors told me that I might not live past middle school, but I made it to eleventh grade. I think it's surely thanks to the care of you and our father. After our mother died the winter I was thirteen, we did everything for ourselves. I did the cooking and the laundry, you did the cleaning. The two of us poured our hearts into learning what we didn't know. I thought I knew you well, Asako. But I didn't. Not in my wildest dreams did I suspect that you liked Shuu. My father told him that I was going to die...I think that's why he was always so nice to me. I'm sorry for acting so possessive of him in front of you, Asako. If I had only known how you felt...no, even if I had known, I would have acted exactly the same way. Maybe even worse. I wanted for Shuu to be only mine, during the short time that I would live. But that's over now. My selfish love is over. You don't need to worry about being respectful to me now that I'm dead. If I said I won't be jealous, I'd be lying. But I love you, Asako. You're my only sister. I want you to be happy. The spring school art exhibition will be in May. Go see it with Shuu, Asako. Micael : Asako...goodbye, Asako. Filla? Filla : I was so worried, you no-good angel! I had no idea where you were for more than a month! You could've at least called me! I was so worried! Micael : I'm sorry. Filla : What, you're going to apologize just like that? If you get right down to it, you could even say it was my fault! I'm so glad you're safe! Asako : Micael, that man...is he a cherubim like you? Or perhaps a seraphim? Hira can't hug Mii...but that guy's hugging Micael, wrapping him up in his gentle arms... Asako : I wonder if Hiraoki-san will even take me...Tsuyuko... Filla : Why didn't you come back on the 28th, when there was a full moon? Micael : A lot of things came up and I lost track of the time. Filla : You should have come back by the mirror-road! You knew the spell, didn't you? Micael : Well, actually, I forgot it. Filla : What!? Even you sometimes forget spells? Micael : Well, you probably had to ask Wari for the spell. Anyway, angels usually don't have to know that spell. Filla : Why? Micael : It's usually only gremlins that end up falling through mirrors. Which one of us is the stupid one now? Filla : Come on, I didn't mean it! I saw you talking to Cross. He came to guide someone's soul, didn't he? Micael : Was it Cross who showed Asako that vision? Filla : I guess he does have some good points, if he showed that vision to that girl for her. Micael : That's not a good thing! It's against the law! Filla : But they probably won't charge him with anything, will they? Micael : I guess not. Filla : Satan might already have fixed up her memory. Micael : Does that mean Asako has forgotten about me? Filla : You don't mean...you fell in love with a human girl!? Micael : It's not like that! She just kind of reminded me of me. Filla : Then I suppose she was mean-spirited and stubborn? Micael : Why do you have to insult my personality? Filla : I didn't mean anything by it! Asako : I won't be wearing this sailor suit anymore. The last time I wore it was my sister's funeral. Huh? It's a white feather! I wonder why it was in my pocket? It's almost like an angel feather... Micael : It's Asako and Tsuyuko...Shuu really cared a lot about those sisters. Hey! Don't mess up my hair! Filla : I found your picture. Over here, over here! Micael : This is so embarrassing. Filla : It's you. Micael : Of course it's me, I posed for the picture. Filla : That's not what I meant. The person who painted this picture really captured the true essence of you. Humans are amazing sometimes, to make that reflect off of the canvas. Micael : Tsuyuko is no longer in this world, Filla. She's sleeping in Heaven, like in Shuu's painting, until her next reincarnation. Filla : I want to take it home with me! Micael : You've already got that seraphim picture in your room. Filla : Two heads are better than one! Micael : That's so cliché! Filla : To tell the truth, I'd rather have the model than the painting. Micael : Don't touch me there! /Tsuyuko/ : The spring school art exhibition will be in May. Go see it with Shuu, Asako. Asako : I told him how I felt, just like you told me to. Belze : Tonight...you're going to spend the night with Satan? Filla : So what? That doesn't mean anything's going to happen! Belze : You're going to leave his desires unfulfilled, then? Filla : Satan and I don't have that kind of relationship! Belze : Doesn't the fact that you're spending the night together mean that you're lovers? Filla : Get your mind out of the gutter! Belze : Then what will you two be doing all night? Filla : Studying! Belze : Be serious! Filla : I am serious! I'm going to learn about Hell and Satan and old stories and stuff like that. Belze : Oookay... Filla : What's that supposed to mean? Belze : Do you like Satan? Filla : Yeah. Belze : What about Micael? Filla : I like him too. What? Did I say something weird? Satan is so far above us regular celestial people. He's like, the Absolute Existence. How do you expect me to compare him to anyone, even my true love? Belze : But...what would you do if you had to choose between them? Filla : Well, I...but I don't have to choose. I don't know what I'd do if I had to. Belze : I see... Belze : You're lucky. When you like someone, you can at least admit it. Filla : Can't you? Belze : Oh, I tell all the girls I like them...but if I really did fall in love with someone, I probably couldn't tell them. Filla : You're being awfully cute today! --This way, Fillanzea Lanshua, sir. Filla : Thank you. Coming here always makes me kind of nervous... Satan : You haven't changed a bit. Filla : I hate the thunder. Satan : I remember when you were little and scared of the thunder, and I held you in my arms. Filla : Don't bring up that embarrassing old story... Satan : I would like you to read this book tonight. Filla : Yes, sir. Satan : I shall go and rest in my bedroom. Come when you finish the book. Filla...the golden Moon Tear. You stay wrapped in light, unchanged from before. Good for you. Filla : See you at school! Teacher : Eek! Oh dear, I've dropped all my books. Filla : I'm really sorry! Teacher : Please run around more carefully, um... Filla : Filla. Teacher : Yes, yes. Fillanzea. Will you lend me a hand in picking up these books? Filla : Yes, ma'am. Where are you taking so many of them? Teacher : To Sea Ryude Elementary School's new library. Why don't you come and borrow them sometime? Filla : All right. Teacher : Thank you. Run along home, now. Filla : I will! Huh? She left a book behind. I'll give it back to her at school tomorrow. Filla : What's a demon like? I've never seen one before. A demon is one of the choices that celestials have for a job. When they grow up, they work together with angels guiding souls. It's their role to test humans' lives and make them make amends for their deeds. They are the wrong that acts against justice, the dark that acts against light, the death that acts against life, the bad luck that acts against good fortune. While usually seen as bad things, these are all necessary parts of existence. Filla : I don't understand any of this. There are too many hard words. Filla : Lord...Satan? Lord Satan, with jet-black hair, eyes as dark as night, and silver horns. He is the king of Hell, wrapped in a black cloak and black wings. In ancient times, various kinds of ogres, monsters, spirits, and evil beasts made their homes in Hell. The demon nobility attacked heaven and tried to conquer it. The battle raged for centuries along Heaven's defensive wall. Finally, a magician of Earth named Fatale erected the Realm of Magic in the void between Heaven and Hell. This world actually existed in a different dimension than either Heaven or Hell. Angels were unable to enter Hell, and demons were unable to enter Hell, and the battle which some had thought would go on forever finally reached its end. In reaction to this, a civil war began in heaven, ushering in an era of bloodshed. Then- A man holding seemingly endless magical power, who carried the name Satan, appeared. After sealing away the monsters that remained, he launched seiges on the castles of seventy demon nobles. He killed the battle's instigators, showing no mercy. The first to become his subject was the young head of the house of Misealuuda. Then three noble demons came to his side to support him. Before a year had passed, he took the name of the Emperor of Hell. Many thousands of years have passed since then, so many that very few have any memories of it. Filla : That's scary... And then the dark king resolved the matter of the dead souls on earth, who until then had just been floating there. He invented a system of purifying them in Hades, and then sending the newly pure souls to Heaven. This was the beginning of reincarnation. The dark lord also knows, twenty-four hours before the fact, when a human is going to die. According to the legend: There are gods superior to the ones in this realm, just outside of these borders. These are the ones who determine the destiny of a human life and death. Satan stole the power to predict a human's death from one of these gods. After that Satan needed to find a way to stop all the malice, hatred, anger, and sorrow of the humans' world from entering Hell. He was unable to break the seal on the "dark" that had been sealed in Hell since ancient times, ("dark" being not a quality, but the name of the king of all malice and evil). This is Satan. He is called the Emperor of Darkness and the Prince of Death. Filla : The Prince of Death...well, it's got nothing to do with me. I'm gonna be an angel when I get big. Michael : I'm glad that the meeting has again come and gone without incident, Satan. Satan : I will be looking forward to our next meeting, on the winter solstice. Michael : Yesterday I went to see the first day of classes this year at the Sea Ryuude Elementary School. Satan : Was the boy there? Michael : Yes, of course. I believe that he is the one about whom the prophecies speak. Satan : Have you any proof? Michael : None but my intuition. Surely he will come to Heaven. When he does, I shall observe him to find out the limits of his potential. When I have proof, I shall send you that picture. Satan : Agreed. I will be waiting, sir. What is it? Michael : I just find it funny...the boy's name is "Micael." Satan : It's a good name. I have wanted to take a walk in these woods for some time. Michael : Shall we go our separate ways here? Satan : Goodbye, sir. Michael : Stay well, Satan. In my eyes, you are the same as you have always been. Lizardmen : It's a child, a child. A delicious-looking child. Will we eat him head first? Will we eat him feet first? Filla : Stay away from me! Lizardmen : You can't run. You can't hide. We'll get you. Filla : A swamp! I can't go on. No! Mommy! Help me! Somebody, come quick! Satan : A child? Lizardmen : What is this? What is this? Filla : Who is that? It's really strange...I feel like the sky just opened up inside my heart. Lizardmen : It's Satan, it's the dark king. Run, run, run! Filla : Is that...the Emperor? Satan : This is not where you ought to be. Return quickly to your home in Hell. Golden-haired boy, why were you out alone in the forest? Filla : I...um...it's a real demon! What should I do? There are lots of really evil beasts in Hell! Filla : I came to Sea Ryuude Elementary School last spring. This year is the first time I've ever been to the Realm of Magic. My mom was talking to some old friends, so I thought I'd go exploring...so... Satan : Although I admire your curiosity, it was thoughtless of you to go into the forest alone. If I had not found you, you would have been killed by those beasts. Filla : I'm really sorry! Satan : It's all right. Boys shouldn't cry like that. He must have been very scared. Are you scared of the thunder? Filla : Yeah. Satan : You're very honest. Filla : He's smiling? Um, I... Satan : There's no need for you to be scared of thunder. Filla : This guy's Satan, the Emperor of Darkness, and yet...it's strange. I felt so scared before, but now I feel nice and warm. What happened to my cuts? Satan : I healed them while I was holding you. Satan : But I didn't completely heal the cut on your left leg. Filla : He's right. Satan : It would normally be hidden by your clothing, and it won't affect your life at all. But it should remind you of the time you were almost eaten in this forest, so that you will not repeat your mistake. Filla : Yeah. I'll never go into the forest alone again. Thank you very much, Satan, sir! Goodbye! Satan : That golden light...I didn't ask his name. Filla : Black wings, dark eyes, silver horns...wrapped in black wings and a black cloak...a demon with a kind face. I had that dream again...I miss him. Why was I born here in Heaven? I miss him... --You can't do that, Filla; you're the child of angels! Your father and mother were both angels, and you can't go to Hell. --You have to stay here. Filla : Then, I can't see Satan again? --When you grow up, you'll be able to become a demon if you so choose... He seemed like such a perfect angel... Filla : Um, mom... Sara : What is it? Filla : I...I want to become a demon. Sara : Fillanzea! If you become a demon, you'll have to live in Hell! We can't go into Hell, and you'd never be able to come back to Heaven! Please become an angel, Filla... --Calm down, Sara. The most important thing is for him to decide his own future. Filla, you're still only eleven years old. You have five years to graduate from Ea Ryuude Middle School and decide what you want to be. It's something you should think long and hard about. You're still young, and you don't know a tenth of the horrors in Hell. All right, Filla? Filla : Okay. I'll be lonely if I move away from mom and dad...but I really want to see Satan. I want to work by his side... Filla : We're here at last. I'm sorry for being disloyal to you, mother...but I want to work with Micael. --You won't be able to come back to Heaven, so be sure you're ready, Filla. Filla : I am. Sara : Remember Heaven...your old house...and your mother and father. --Don't cry, Sara. We can always go to the Realm of Magic if we want to see him. Sara : Yes, dear...you're right. Filla : I'll be off, then. I'm going to really grow up! Mom, dad...let's have a party when I come of age! Aren't there any other people going from Heaven to Hell? --You're the only one this year. It's been fifty years, actually. Filla : I can only see what's in front of me...the beach where I used to play, the river where I used to swim...Goodbye, everyone. Filla : In April of next year, the blue-eyed boy is coming here...be good to him, my old village...and good-bye. --These are the gates of Hell. We're going to skip over the Realm of Magic and go straight to Hell. Filla : Can we do that? --Of course. The three worlds are joined together in many different ways, instead of just being connected in a line. Didn't you learn that in elementary school? Filla : I forgot. --Hold on tight, it's sometimes quite jarring coming here for the first time. Filla : OK. It feels like my body's going to shatter! Did we make it? So this is Hell...what colors! Red, blue, green, black, brown...so many colors. It's so different from Heaven, where everything is white...and it's awfully hot... --How is it? Filla : It's amazing! --It must look very strange to you...but there should be one familiar place. Look over there; it's Satan's castle. Filla : I'm finally here, Satan. In Hell. In your world. --I'd heard the rumors, but is it really true that that's the only reason you came to Hell!? --I can't believe it! Filla : Shut up! I know how stupid I might seem to other people, but I really am going to become a demon! --OK. I won't laugh at you any more. --Let's all work hard together. Belze : That guy's got some charisma. Filla : Tomorrow's our induction ceremony to our new school. Satan will be there. --Get back to the main hall immediately! Filla : No! Let me see Satan! --Be quiet! Satan : Let go of him. --Lord! He said that he wanted to speak with you, sire. Satan : I have a little time until the ceremony starts. What's so ridiculous about a resident of Hell asking to speak with me? --Yes, sire. Satan : You've certainly grown. Filla : You remember me!? Satan : I thought that you were going to become an angel...but you've come to Hell, I see. Filla : I really wanted to see you again. Satan : Golden hair...Golden hair is a symbol for an angel. It looks out of place down here. Filla : I haven't seen anybody with this hair color here...I must look so strange. I wish I had black hair like you. Satan : My hair is the color of sin. The gods have dyed my hair with the night... Filla : I don't really understand you. Satan : That's all right. Filla : But...but I like you, Satan. I want to be beside you in Hell. Satan : He shines with the blinding light of Heaven...he might be the Golden Moon Tear. What is your name? Filla : Filla. Satan : May your golden hair never be stained with black. Filla : Belze, Belze, Belze, Belze, BELZE! Belze : What is it, this early in the morning? Filla : My ears grew! Belze : Your ears have been growing all along! Filla : But I can finally be a Class-C demon! Belze : It's already been half a month since school started. Filla : Yeah, I was getting worried! Belze : 'Cause usually they grow in about a week...maybe you're just not suited to being a demon. --Aren't there any girls you like? Filla : No... --You're already 16! There must be one or two!...Unless you just can't get that guy who starred with you in the play out of your mind... Filla : Yeah, right! --Am I wrong? Filla : Of course you're wrong! Don't say weird stuff. --If so, why don't you like any of those other girls? Elina is really hot, and Meg has sexy lips, and Remie is the most glamorous girl at school. --Look, Filla! Filla : Micael!? Girls : I think he's looking at us! Hee hee! Filla : It's been a month since the last time I saw him...and I'm already seeing things...it was only an illusion. --What's up, Filla? --Let's go have some fun! --Hurry up, Filla! Filla : What am I doing!? Belze : Hmm...it must be love. Filla : L-l-love!? Belze : Yes. Love. Filla : But...that kind of love...it's when a guy and a girl like each other... Belze : The gods must be testing you. Filla : Love...I'm in love with Micael. What happened then...and then...and then...that was it, all along. I was so stupid...I didn't realize it until he was gone. Now I can't see him until next spring... Why? Why does he fascinate me like this? It's so strange...he's a boy, after all. --Is it just me, or does Filla seem strangely chipper lately? --And very silly, too... Filla [singing] : On the back of a great big pig Mr. Bean and Mr. Caviar are dancing happily --Filla! It's time to clean up! Filla : I thought I should fill it all up with pictures before erasing it. --Silence! Our master wants a word with you. Filla : Satan!? --You will be picked up at nine o'clock. I would advise you not to be careless. You have chalk all over you! Come and have a bath! --Wow, he's going to the castle. --Satan must...uh...use a sword with either hand, if you catch my drift. Satan : About the induction ceremony... Filla : I'm sorry for speaking so quickly and being so rude. Satan : You have nothing to apologize for. Remember the wound on your leg? Satan : I called you here so that I could heal it. Filla : It's gone...Thank you very much. I wonder if I should talk to Satan...about Micael. Um, there's something I wanted to ask you. Satan : I see. Filla : I think it's kind of queer myself, to be so infatuated with him... Satan : What are you going to do about it, when you grow up? Filla : I don't know. I just don't know. I guess I'll just have to lock up my heart. Satan : No, you shouldn't. You have to make your own choices-you have to be true to yourself. Filla : Satan, sir... Satan : If you really care about this boy, if you really love him, you should tell him everything that's in your heart, without caring about what his answer will be, or whether he'll get angry. Filla : Yeah...that's what I was scared of...how he'd see me if I told him. Micael... Satan : "The boy's name is Micael..." Is that the boy's name? Micael? Filla : Yes. I love Micael. Satan : The Moon Tear... Filla : Huh? Satan : It's nothing. Filla : I want to be like you. Satan : Like me? Filla : I want to be big and strong, so that I can get Micael. I want to be strong so he'll love me. No matter what happens. Satan : No matter what happens...Filla is Micael's Moon Tear. The Golden Moon Tear, like the prophecy said. I'm sure you'll become that kind of man. Your destiny is intertwined with Micael's. Filla : Right! Satan : Love Micael with all your heart and soul...and tell him what you feel. Filla : This guy's hopeless. Filla : Mi..ca..el... Satan! I'm so sorry! Um...last night... Satan : You fell asleep while reading. All I did to punish you was take your clothes off. Filla : Sorry. Satan : Filla...if some bad circumstances made you choose between Micael and me, what would you do? Filla : Micael or Satan...Yesterday a friend asked me a similar question. Is something going to happen to Micael? Satan : To Micael...No, it's just a hypothetical question. Cheer up, that face doesn't suit you. Filla : OK. Filla : I'm home! Belze : You sure sound happy. Filla : Well, I've gotta get changed and get ready for work! What is it, Belze!? Belze : Isn't that...a kiss mark? Filla : What? Oh man...not while I was sleeping... Belze : Probably because you only look innocent when you're asleep. Filla : Hey! Micael had better not find out about this... Micael : Filla? Did something happen to your shoulder? Filla : Oh, that's nothing. Just a scratch. Micael : He's hiding something...let me see. Filla : No! You don't have to look at it. It's not as if it's a kiss mark or anything. Micael : Hmm...you and Satan must have had a very, err, interesting night together. Filla : No! We didn't! It's not like that at all! Hey, is he jealous? You want a kiss mark too? Micael : I need one like I need a hole in the head, you pervert! Filla : Aw, you're so mean! You looked so cute just then! "Seraphim Brandishing a Sword." It is said that this picture was painted in Heaven a long, long time ago, even before the Realm of Magic was created. The great angel Michael presented the picture to the dark lord Satan, who then gave it to Filla because the seraphim reminded him of Micael. The picture is now in Filla's possession, but few are aware of the prophecy sealed inside it. Filla : It's so hot! Belze : Stop complaining about how hot it is! You'll only make it worse! Fall : Hi there! Filla : Oh...Fall. Fall : I brought you some onions from my garden. Would you like some? Belze : You sure are perky. But I don't have an appetite. Filla : Me neither. Belze : Man, I wish we had some work to do. It's much cooler on Earth. Fall : Gee, I wish there was something I could do. Filla : Fall! Use your magic to cool off this room! Fall : But...Oh, fine, I'll do it. Filla : FALL! Fall : Sorry. I guess I really am bad at this. Filla, this picture has a magic shield on it. Filla : A magic shield? Fall : Yeah...I can see some kind of writing under it... Filla : Where? I can't see anything. Fall : It's a really old picture, so it could be anything. Belze : It's probably a love letter from Satan. Filla : Is that the only kind of stupid comment you can make? [This unknown speaker may be Ishuma from before but I'm not sure] --I had intended to bury the picture in the humans' world, until that demon got in the way. It's in his room now. Azyusha : Is it bad that Filla has it? --Azyusha, go to the Black Castle and dispose of the picture. Azyusha : While we're on the subject, does that picture have any connection to the angel Micael? --There's no need for you to know that. Simply follow my orders. Wari : We were travelling to the Realm of Magic, and I'm afraid my companion fell sick. I wonder if it would be possible for us to spend the night here? Shia : Certainly. Azyusha : I am a sorceress, called Azyusha. Shia : Well, I'll show you to your rooms, then. What's with that woman? She makes my skin crawl. Azyusha : I'm terribly sorry about the inconvenience. I'm sure I'll be feeling better by tomorrow. You can go on ahead without me. Wari : Sleep well, Azyusha. I appreciate your kindness, Shia. Shia : It was nothing. Belze : Is that you, Wari? Wari : Hi, Belze. Belze : We were just going to get something to drink. Wanna come? Wari : Sure, why not? --I wonder if Shia's coming too. Belze : I'm sorry, Shia, but would you mind cleaning up our room? Fall made a mess of everything, and Filla has to go out tonight... Wari : If Fall's the one who made a mess of everything, I'd better clean it up. Belze : No, don't bother, Wari! Wari : Wow, I had no idea there was a tavern like this in the basement. Belze : Yeah, and lots of adult entertainment too. Shia : I wonder where I should start...This is Filla's room... That picture...it looks a little older than he is, but it's him. It's Micael. Wari : Why'd you make Shia clean up your room? Belze : I don't like to clean. Wari : But it's Filla's room too. Belze : Don't worry about Shia. I think she and Filla will be good friends in a little more time. Wari : So you're trying to set them up, are you? Belze : I am a genius, aren't I? Wari : Actually I was going to say it was a bad idea, but... Shia : Angels can't come into Hell...I wanted to believe that just by being here I could be closer to Filla than you are. But you were always right by Filla's side, weren't you? In the morning, in the afternoon, at night...you can watch over him all the time. I bet Filla whispers to you, this picture, "I love you, I love you." Right now the two of you are flying around together in the night sky... Filla : Aren't you going to become a seraphim soon? Micael : If I became a seraphim at this age, what else would be left for me to do? Filla : It's just that you look so much like that picture! Micael : I know, I know. Filla : You should grow your hair out like that seraphim. Micael : No...I don't like long hair. It's too girly. Filla : He...he doesn't like my hair! Micael : No, stay like you are. Filla : Huh? Micael : You have to have long hair, otherwise you wouldn't look demonic enough. Filla : Oh. Okay! Shia : Oh no, I fell asleep! I have to go back to my room soon... Shia : I'm home! Hmm, Serie must be out on a date or something. I guess I should check up on Azyusha... Azyusha : It really does look like Micael. Filla will be just turned inside out with grief when I burn it. That's odd...there's some kind of shield on it. Well, I might as well go ahead anyway. Burn...burn...burn up everything!!! Shia : What was that shadow? Belze : Shia!? Shia : Oh, Belze...are you still up? I just saw a strange shadow by your room. Belze : A shadow? It doesn't look like there's anyone here... Shia! Run! Shia : But the picture... Belze : There's no time for that! Shia : But...it's Micael...I have to save it! Belze : Shia! Shia : It's his favorite picture, Belze! He loves it! Belze : Hurry! --Fire! Run! --Fire! Wari : Damn. The strong wind's making the fire spread quickly. Filla : Belze! Shia! Thank goodness you're all right! Shia : Filla! Filla : I've gotta go and get the seraphim! Belze : Don't be stupid! The fire started in our room, you'll never make it in time! Filla : I saved it the other time, when there was a fire on Earth, and I'll do it again. Belze : This isn't just some Earth fire. This is Hellfire! Filla : Let me go! Micael! Micael! Shia : Filla... Belze : That idiot! Shia : Filla! Belze! Micael : My throat's burning...it feels like my whole body's on fire. No...I can't... Filla : Wait for me, Micael! I'm coming! No...No! Maybe I can withstand the flames! Belze : Filla! Filla... Filla : Micael? Where are you? Micael : Why did you try to save me? Filla! You liar! Filla : Wait, Micael! Wait! Belze : You were really out of it. It's already morning. Filla : Where am I? Belze : Shia's room. Filla : Where's the seraphim? Where's the picture? Shia : We went to the head sorceror, but even he could do nothing about it. It burned down into nothing. Belze : Your hair caught on fire too, and we had to cut some of it off. Filla : Hmm...Micael said just last night that my hair had to be long or I wouldn't look demonic enough. Belze : Don't look so sad. Shia : Yeah, it really suits you! Filla : Couldn't you have cut it a little better? Shia : Don't complain! Belze : Well, I have to go to work. I'll see you later. Shia : OK. Filla : Belze! I'm sorry for being such a pain. Belze : It's OK. Filla : How long do I have to stay in bed? I feel fine now. Shia : You'd better rest a little longer just to be safe. I'm sorry, Filla...I was sure that I closed the window and turned off the light, but...not ten minutes later... Filla : If you say so, I'm sure you really did close the window and turn off the light. Shia : Filla...you don't have to smile like that. I know how you really feel. Hmm...the shadow disappeared right in front of Azyusha's room. That woman seemed suspicious to me right from the start. Filla : Is something wrong, Shia? Shia : No, it's nothing. Maybe I'm just being paranoid. After all, Wari trusted her. Micael : Filla! What happened to your face? Filla : I burned it in a fire. Micael : A fire? You didn't pull some stupid stunt like you did back on Earth when you tried to save that seraphim picture, did you? Filla : I'm sorry...your picture burned up. I couldn't save it, Micael, I'm sorry. Micael : Silly...you're crying like a baby, over nothing but a piece of paper. Filla : I can't help it. Micael : Satan will probably be sad. He really liked your hair. Filla : Well, it'll grow back soon. Because I'm a pervert! Micael : How can you say that with a straight face? Filla : It's my own business how I say it! Micael : What's wrong, Fall? Fall : You two...come to Wari's house, quick! Micael : This is... Filla : The seraphim picture! I can't believe it's gone! Can't you do anything about it? Wari : No, I can't. Fall : The frame's intact, even though the picture's like this. I can't believe that it would completely burn even with a magic shield on it. There must be some way to get it back to what it used to be. Filla : So there was a shield on it... Micael : What I felt last night was because the picture burned? Wari : Was it Satan who put the shield on it? Do you know, Filla? Filla : I haven't heard anything about it. Micael : This seraphim is me? What's going on? Filla : What did you do? Micael : I didn't do anything! Wari : Does Micael have some connection to the painting? I don't think Satan gave Filla the picture simply because it looked like Micael. What happened in the fire on Earth...and what happened last night... they couldn't be just coincidences. Fall : Wari! Earth to Wari! Wari : What? Fall : They have to go to work soon. Wari : OK. I'll keep the picture here until they finish restoring the castle. Filla : OK. Micael : That wasn't my power. It must have been because of Satan's shield. Filla : But take good care of the picture, Wari, make sure it doesn't get any scratches on it, and... Micael : Let's just get going! Fall : Micael really has to be strong, to be Filla's partner! -quotation from "The Seraphim's Prophecy" Masato : That's odd...that guy hasn't moved a muscle since I saw him last. I wonder if he's dead. Hey, you! How long you gonna stay like that? Mahito : Till dawn. Masato : You idiot! You'll freeze to death! I picked up the runaway that night... in Tokyo, January of 1997, as flurries of snowflakes danced to the ground. Masato : My place is close by. Come on. Mahito : Mind your own business. Masato : You shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. Mahito : Lemme go! Masato : Hey, what's wrong? Masato : 38.5 degrees. Geez, how long had you been out there? Mahito : I don't know... Masato : "Shintani Masato, Class 1A." You in middle school? Mahito : High school. 10th grade. Did you look in my bag? Masato : Sorry. Mahito : It's okay. I don't need my notebooks or textbooks anymore anyway. Masato : Did you drop out? Mahito : Not exactly. Masato : A runaway, then? Where from? Mahito : Shizuoka. [in central Japan] Masato : That's pretty far. Mahito : I wanted to go someplace far away where nobody knew me. Masato : This guy's kind of strange. Sounds like you did something wrong. Mahito : Yeah, I'm a delinquent. I don't even care anymore. Not even if I die. Masato : So you were just gonna let yourself freeze to death? Mahito : Nobody would cry for me if I died. Masato : You're sure depressing. Well, just go to sleep tonight without thinking about that. Mahito : What about you? Masato : I'll sleep in the other room. Hey, we've got the same name, so don't be a stranger! Mahito : The same name? Masato : I'm Aihara Masato. The kanji are different, but you're a "Masato" too, aren't you? Mahito : No, my name's read "Mahito." [In Japan, names that have the same characters can often be read several different ways, and names that have different characters can often be read the same way.] Masato : That means "true person," doesn't it? That's cool. Mahito : My mom gave it to me. Masato : Huh? He just fell asleep. I bet he really does want to go to school; why would he have packed his textbooks otherwise? Mahito : Masato! Masato! G'morning! Masato : Hey...he's actually pretty cute. Mahito : What's wrong? Masato : Nothing. It's cold, you'd better put this on. You have a bit of a fever. Wait a minute, I'm making toast. What's so funny? Mahito : Nobody's ever taken care of me like this. Masato : It's strange...you don't seem like a dropout to me. Mahito : You don't know me. If you'll listen to me without getting scared... Masato : Yeah right! As if a brat like you could scare a sophisticated guy like myself! Is he mad? Mahito : When I get mad, my eyes turn violet. Masato : Violet!? Mahito : There was lots of talk about it behind my back at school, and people were scared of me. Girls I passed in the hall would turn away... Some older guys, juniors and seniors, called me a monster and bullied me if I told them to stop. I was nearly lynched by three of them. So I started acting like a delinquent, getting into trouble and making my mother worry...ever since I started high school, I'd talked back to her. I don't know whether or not she knew about my eyes, but-she said I wasn't her child. I...I wanted to say I was sorry... Masato : Mahito... Mahito : She was driving a truck, and...she fell through a guard rail, off a cliff. She was so mean to die before me, leaving me all alone. Masato : He must really miss her... Masato : Your book, "The Magical Country," has become very popular, Ms. Amano. Amano : Oh, really? I'm glad that I can give children dreams to believe in. Masato : I look forward to publishing your poems on the same subject. Amano : Ah, you're going to continue the series? Masato : Yes, we are. Amano : It could just be my imagination, but it's as if there's some kind of dark aura around Mr. Aihara that wasn't there yesterday. Mahito : Welcome back. Masato : Are you feeling better? Mahito : Absolutely. Masato : You really are little. My clothes are way too big for you. Mahito : I just haven't had my growth spurt yet! When I do, I'm really going to grow! Anyway, I'll make you some supper. Masato : Wow! Mahito : I bet it beats cup ramen. Masato : You can really cook! Mahito : A lot of the time, my mom didn't get home from work until late, so I had to make my own supper. Masato : And you always ate alone? Mahito : Pretty much. Masato : Well, come on, sit down! It's been a long time since I've had supper with anyone else too. Mahito : Would it bother you if I stayed? Masato : I haven't told you to leave yet, have I? I've been looking for a housekeeper. Would you stay here and do the cooking? Masato : Then I introduced Mahito to some of my friends who had shops...and Mahito started working as a waiter. He hasn't gone back to school...but I've decided not to ask him about it. Anyway, I can take care of him for a while. The seasons crept on... Masato : The twelfth, then. All right. Can you take the bullet train alone, Sachiko? Sachiko : What kind of a country girl do you think I am? Masato : Heh heh. Okay then, I'll be waiting for you. Mahito : Is somebody coming next Sunday? Masato : Oh...yeah, she's my sister from the country. How'd your job go, Mahito? Mahito : I wasn't working. Masato : Oh, right...it's Tuesday. Mahito : I was thinking I'd clean up the apartment. Masato : I'll help. Why did I lie to Mahito? It would have been a good chance to talk to him. Mahito : So his sister's coming...I'd thought, before, that this apartment was too big for one person. The apartment my mom and I lived in was a lot smaller. Hmm...why's that date circled in red? --Can you work late tonight, Mahito? Mahito : Yeah. I told Masato to eat at a restaurant. --Poor guy. He ought to get married soon, they he can have some nice home cooking every night! Mahito : I'm not enough, am I? --I hear Sachiko's a really cute girl. Mahito must really be grateful to his mother for setting them up. Mahito : Sachiko... --And she's moving in after the wedding, so you'd better start looking for a new apartment. Mahito : Right... Masato's getting married! That's why September 15th was circled! Masato : How about we get some dinner, Ms. Amano? Amano : Let's go to the restaurant where Mahito works! I've been dying to meet him! Masato : It's a bit far from here. Amano : Oh, that's all right. The scent of Hell seems to be getting stronger. It's unmistakable...there's someone in his surroundings that's causing this. Mahito : Why did he lie, and say she was his sister? Why has he been hiding this from me? Masato : Hi there! --Hello, Masato! Masato : Mahito? Mahito, this is the children's author Amano Eri. I'm her editor. Amano : Hello! Mahito : Hello, I'm Mahito. Amano : It's him! The feeling I'm getting is coming straight from him. Mahito : Please call me when you decide what to order. Amano : It's strange, though...it's almost as if there's some kind of seal on him. But what a strong aura...almost like a demon. --Hey, what the hell do you think you're doing!? Mahito : Hold on, you're the one who ran into me. --Shut the hell up! How do you expect to get into a decent university, playing around all night? You little girl-faced brat! Masato : Mahito... --How dare you treat my waiter like that! --You shut up too, old guy! Amano : Mr. Aihara! --And what's wrong with your eyes? It's like they're turning purple or something. Mahito : It's just the same as before...why won't they leave me alone? --Is he really human? --We'll find out if we strip him! --Are you even human? Masato : Mahito's eyes... --Ah! A monster! Amano : Those purple eyes...what a strange feeling. Mahito : Masato... Masato : Mahito! Mahito, wait! Mahito : Masato saw them! Don't come near me! Mahito :It's all over now. Masato : What? What's over? Mahito : Didn't you see that? My eyes...even now, they're purple! Masato : Why should that matter? Mahito : What, are you going to keep a monster for a pet? Masato : Come on, lay off it. You're human, aren't you? Mahito : Masato... Masato : The purple in Mahito's eyes is such a sad color... Didn't your mother call you "true person"? You are human. A short, skinny, kid. Mahito : Masato... Amano : If Mahito is a demon, it's dangerous for me to stay here... Filla : Tokyo? Wari : Yes. A special mission for the two of you. Both : Why? Wari : Well, it's kind of a long story, but... Micael : No, I meant, why do we both have to go? Let him go by himself! Fall : Take me too! I want to see my mom again! Wari : You'll just get in trouble. Filla : This is work! You stay here like a good boy. Micael, we're coworkers! We've gotta go together! Micael : Fine, fine, I'll go. Filla : Yeah! La la la la la... Micael : But this is work! We're not going there to have fun! Masato : I'm sorry I didn't tell you this before. My mother set me up with Sachiko last year. I was 24, and she had only just turned 20. She's bright and gentle...really a nice girl. I didn't fall in love with her... but then again, I've never fallen in love with anyone. I wanted to make my parents happy... Mahito : But do you love her? Masato : No...but I think that I could grow to love her... Mahito : I guess I should leave. Masato : Don't worry about it. I've written to her about you, and she doesn't mind if you stay for now. Masato : You can stay here until September, and after that I'll take care of finding you a new place. Mahito : Why is Masato always so nice to me? Um, would you mind terribly if I slept in your bed tonight? Masato : Who do you think you are, a girl? Mahito : If it bothers you so much, you can sleep on the floor. But aren't double beds made for two to sleep in? Masato : Fine, then. Mahito : I'll go apologize to the Maitre d' tomorrow. Masato : He's a nice guy, and it was the customer's fault. I'm sure it's just water under the bridge by now. Mahito : What about my eyes? Masato : Don't worry about that. He's a bit disconnected from reality anyway. He reads a few too many manga, you know. That was pretty neat, what you did with the light. Mahito : I couldn't do that before. 3 years ago, when people tried to attack me, I couldn't defend myself at all. But I don't need any weird powers! All I wanted was to be a normal teenager! Masato : Mahito... Mahito : All I wanted was a friend... Masato : For some reason...I felt so uneasy that night that I couldn't get to sleep. The end!