Celestial Sonata 9 Amagi Sayuri Princess Comics / Akita Shoten 1989 Amagi Sayuri Even when I perm my hair so that it'll be straight, in ten days it goes back to normal! My hair is really frustrating! Well, I guess it was a little better the 3rd time I tried it. Maybe I could learn something from its stubbornness! Celestial Sonata 9 Contents Queen of the Monsters' Forest . . . 5 Lethe, the River of Flame (prelude) . . . 149 <> The Full Moon Banquet is a feast held on February 29th every leap year. Beelzebub of Hades, Lucifer of Lethe, Astarot of the Monsters' Forest, and Bael of the Dark Castle—the Four Great Powers of Hell—come from their abodes to Satan's castle. <> Chapter 13: Queen of the Monsters' Forest However, Bael has not shown himself there recently… <> --It's already halfway through February… --The danger the Heavens faced already seems like a dream. --This year's a leap year, isn't it? It'll soon be time for the Full Moon Banquet in Hell. --Oh, thanks! <> Micael : It was nothing. --Is it just me, or has he changed? --It's not just you. Everybody's been saying that there's a different kind of light in his eyes. --They always used to look like he didn't want anything to do with anyone else…now there's a kind of serenity there. --But they're as blue as ever… --Do you think it's true that he put a seal on the Sky Blues? --Well, a rumor's just a rumor…but Micael's definitely changed. --Yeah. <> Cross : I was worried! You went missing without saying a word! Micael : I'm sorry, Cross. Cross : What everyone's talking about is true, right? Micael : What? Cross : It was you who put a seal on the Sky Blues, wasn't it? Micael : It wasn't just me. Wari, Fall, and Beelze all helped me. And what's more… Cross : Yeah? Micael : Filla was there for me… <> Cross : Micael… --There's a visitor for Micael Lennon! Micael : I'm coming! Cross : I'll be going to work soon. Micael : Take care. <> Cross : There's something different about him in that mysterious, heartwarming smile… <> Micael : Mom? Mother : Micael? <> Mother : How you've grown… Micael : Well…we haven't seen each other since I graduated from Ea Ryude. I've changed. Mother : Why didn't you come home even once? Micael : I'm sorry…was dad angry? Mother : No…he always told me not to worry about you. Micael : I haven't really talked to you since the winter when I was ten… Mother : I've been worried to death about you ever since that morning when I found you curled up on the floor… with a high fever and wounds all over your body… even after you got better, you never told me anything. Micael : On that night, I burnt up the carving of Elmelia-san, along with all the rage and sadness inside my heart. And I watched it turn to pure black ash… I still can't talk about it. Mother : That's all right. Something painful must have happened. Micael : But I'm all right now, mom. <> Micael : I can stand on my own now, so don't worry about me. Mother : This isn't the Micael that even I was scared of when he was young. Now I wonder what I was so frightened of… Micael : Mom? Mother : He was my angel, Micael, all along… <> Micael : Ishuma! Ishuma : You must be feeling quite proud of yourself, o great hero Micael. Micael : I'm no hero. Ishuma : Everyone in the castle says that you're the one who put a seal on the Sky Blues! They're the same people who despised you, and called you evil, before! The Sky Blues are only sleeping within your eyes, aren't they? Hi everybody! It's the second part of the story, but the drawings are still as bad as ever! Well, I might have managed to fix a few things… I keep drawing people who look the same! Lucifer and Bael definitely look way too similar. The only difference is that Bael's eyes are narrower and look more evil. When Astarot first appeared her face looked pretty old, but now she looks a lot younger… Even though Micael's mother says that he never came home on page 15, in volume 1 he mentions flying all the way to his parents' house. A lot of people said this was strange! Heh heh heh…just try to think that Micael was lying. <> Ishuma : They'll break out eventually and use you as their vessel! Micael : That definitely won't be allowed to happen. Thank you for worrying about me, Ishuma. Ishuma : I stabbed out your eyes! <> Micael : That isn't your fault. I hurt myself…it was no one's fault. Ishuma : Leave! Micael : Ishuma… Ishuma : Just go away! <> Ishuma : How can you smile at me after the awful things I've done to you? Fillanzea, that golden-haired demon, must have changed you. Do you really love him that much? <> Michael : You and Fillanzea have won, and there is no longer anything to fear. It is over, Micael. The prophecy has been fulfilled. <> Michael : Fillanzea's picture of the Seraphim is of you, Micael. <> Michael : I only thought of the Moon Tear as that stone that disappeared, but in reality, it was Erinoa…the angel who first gave light to Micael, and the one who wounded his youth. Gabriel : It's been a week since then… Michael : Gabriel… Gabriel : It was cruel of you to keep everyone in suspense like that. <> Gabriel : You could have at least told me. Michael : It was known only to Satan, the chief sorceror, and I. It is no longer something you should worry about. When the time comes…I may leave Heaven in his hands. Gabriel : You're going to make that boy your heir? Michael : That time is still very far away… Gabriel : So I'll be left as the Vice-Archangel? Michael : You, too, should abdicate, in time. We have governed Heaven for many thousands of years, and in truth, I am tired. <> Michael : I wish to be free. Gabriel : You've said yourself that you can't return to the past. Michael : I know that. However, I would like to go back to simply being "Michael." Gabriel : Must you really leave? Michael : Of course. <> Satan : I want you to come to the Full Moon Banquet as well. Everyone wants to see the one who put a seal on the Sky Blues, and Astarot expressed a particular interest in you. So, come. Filla : Yes. Satan-sama, is the Dark Castle going to be rebuilt? Satan : Rebuilt? Filla : It was completely wrecked, and I'm worried about the sealed Darkness. <> Satan : What was destroyed was an illusionary castle controlled by the Darkness. The true Dark Castle remains, as does the seal. Filla : It's still there? Satan : It will not require a caretaker fore some time. Filla : Thank you very much, Satan-sama. Satan : For what? Filla : For watching over me and Micael since we were young. Filla : It's because you were there that I was able to run forward in my life. I was so happy when Micael opened his eyes… I'm glad that I can be his Moon Tear. Satan : Filla… Mahito : Filla! <> Filla : Hi, Mahito! How are you? Mahito : Fine, but what about you? I heard that even though you were exhausted from helping out in Hades, you killed Bael and sealed up the Sky Blues! Filla : I don't really remember it, but that's how it looks. Mahito : You're 'light' after all, Filla…for Micael, for us Diables, and for Satan-sama…a large Moon Tear, holding back the darkness. <> Mahito : Are you sure you're not a Diable? You seem to have much stronger magic than me. Filla : Oh, stop it! Mahito : Are you free today? Filla : Actually, I'm meeting with my parents. Satan : This is not all over yet. There is more to the Seraphim's Prophecy. <> Satan : There is another prophecy that I have not let the Archangel know about…another prophecy that says that if the picture has movement, it will be shown with immobility, and if the picture has light, it will be shown with darkness. <> Filla : It's really late…it'll be dawn soon. I guess Beelze has night duty…I'm glad the two of them are doing well, although my father is still lecturing me all the time, and my mother drinks as much as ever… Mother : All right! <> Mother : I approve of your relationship! Father : I don't think you need to be so loud, dear. Mother : It's fine! Filla : Are you serious? You really do? Mother : Go for it! When's the wedding? <> Filla : A wedding? Well, that's a little strange. Right, Micael? Hey, it looks like there are letters floating there! <> Filla : There, on top of the painting… "There's a magic shield on the painting…on the top, there are some kind of letters" Filla : This is what Fall was talking about! Filla : In the far future…a silver-blue angel whose eyes hold the Sky Blues will appear…that's Micael!…he is "Fatalein," a child of fate, who lives according to the will of the gods… "Fatalein"? <> Filla : When the Sky Blues are revived, the Moon Tear of Heaven will lead him to Hell, and with the Moon Tear of Gold, the Sky Blues will be sealed up again in his eyes, and the evil Sky Blues will become the holy Sky Blues. Because of the Moon Tear of Gold, he will find a supreme light within his darkness… <> Filla : Because of the Moon Tear of Gold, he will find a supreme light within his darkness… <> Filla : A supreme light… Micael : Really? Filla : Really! Micael : That was written on the painting? Filla : Yeah, that was the prophecy. Neat, isn't it? Beelze said he couldn't read it, and then I couldn't read it either, but I saw it really clearly last night. Micael : And you remember the whole thing? Are you sure there's not some mistake somewhere? Filla : No, there isn't! I remember it perfectly! <> Micael : There are Moon Tears in Hell and in the Realm of Magic, right, Filla? Filla : That's what Wari said. Micael : So you're the one in Hell, and the one in the Realm of Magic was the Moon Tear of Heaven? Filla : That's odd…the Moon Tear of Heaven should be in Heaven. Micael : But it's also odd that everything's over and we still don't know what the third one was. Filla : Well, it's over now. You don't need to think so hard about it. Filla : Who was the Moon Tear of Heaven, who took you to Hell? Micael : An angel, named Erinoa. Filla : An angel? Micael : Yes…someone I loved. Filla : What kind of woman was she? Micael : A man… <> Micael : He saved me, and then he vanished… If you go away like that, I won't forgive you. Filla : Micael… Micael : Stop that, Filla! Filla : My mother said that it was all right for us to be together! Micael : Why do I have to be with you!? Filla : You didn't get mad that other time I kissed you! Micael : That was then, this is now! Filla : So…it's still not OK? Micael : It'll never be OK! You should take a lesson from Beelze and date girls! Filla : It has to be you! Micael : I'm a man! Filla : Then there's only one solution! I'll have Wari turn you into a woman. <> Micael : Wait, Filla! Filla : I don't think I can be patient any more. Just kidding! I love you, Micael! I'd say that without hesitation to anyone, at any time. <> Micael : This is embarassing! Let's just go to work! "Because of the Moon Tear of Gold, he will find a supreme light within his darkness…" --So the Heavens are at peace once again… Wari : You saw it all, didn't you? --But one thing still troubles me. Positive energy among humans is dwindling; at this rate, the Realm of Magic will wither away. Wari : Is it true that the Heavens will be destroyed if the Realm of Magic is? --It is a very, very, old story. Azyusha : He must be alive. He must. I will do whatever it takes to find him. The secrets of the fate of the world must be hidden inside the Tower of Light. Azyusha : I became Wari's secretary in order to infiltrate this tower. I did not know it at the time, but it might serve a purpose for saving him. Is that an entrance of some kind? <> Azyusha : It won't open… It didn't even budge! Fall : What's wrong? <> Azyusha : Oh…Falleador-sama…it's just that there's this thing here… Fall : Oh, that? It's been there since before I was born. It just won't open. Azyusha : Not even the head sorceror can open it? Fall : I don't know about that. Azyusha-san? <> Beelze : "He will find a supreme light"…hmm…I bet Micael's happy about that. Violet : Beelze… Beelze : Violet… Violet : I'm surprised to see you alone here. Did you say Filla was at the Full Moon Banquet? Beelze : Yeah. Violet : That surprised me, but I suppose it's natural, considering that he's the one who sealed the Sky Blues. He's pretty amazing. Beelze : Stop talking about Filla. Violet : Why? Are you jealous? Beelze : That's right! <> Satan : You have certainly dressed for the occasion, Fillanzea-sama. <> Filla : It is a great honor to be invited to participate in the Full Moon Banquet. Satan : You look even more lovely than usual tonight. Filla : Uh, thank you. Satan : The night will be long. Come relax in my room. <> --Astarot-sama has arrived! Filla : I wonder what kind of person Astarot-sama is? Satan-sama said that she was particularly interested in me… <> Filla : Why was she glaring at me like that? Satan : Welcome, Astarot. I had heard that you were bed-ridden for some time. Are you well now? Astarot : Yes, it was merely an illness of the spirit. Sir…why… <> Astarot : Why did you abandon Bael-dono? I can't believe that Bael-dono would ever betray you. Are you sure that it isn't some kind of mistake? [-dono is a polite name suffix.] Satan : Please have some rest, Astarot. Astarot : But, sir! Lucifer : Will you stop, Astarot? Astarot : Lucifer… <> Lucifer : Forgive her, she is troubled. Satan : Do you know why? Lucifer : It's nothing for you to be disturbed about, sir. Astarot : How can someone like you who has never loved understand my pain? <> Lucifer : That was uncalled for. Filla : Did Astarot-sama love Bael? Lucifer : So that's the golden Fillanzea… <> Beelzebub : Won't you dance, Samiado? Samiado : No, I will stay here. And you, Beelzebub? Beelzebub : I've had too much to drink, so perhaps I shouldn't. Samiado…will you come to my castle some time? I would like to see your dancing. Samiado : You flatter me. I will accept. <> Filla : Is something wrong, Mahito? Mahito : I'm just surprised. I've never seen anything so gorgeous and glittery since the day I was born. Filla : Me too. I feel as if I don't belong here. Mahito : But you do! <> Mahito : He's looking at Filla… Filla : Lucifer-sama? <> Mahito : I feel something from Astarot-sama…very strong negative energy, much sadness and hatred towards Filla. Why is it, Astarot-sama? <> Filla : It's open! Lucifer-sama! Lucifer : Don't be scared, I'm not going to eat you. Lucifer : I've heard much gossip about you. I'm truly moved to see such beauty. It's a pity that you belong to Satan-sama… I wonder how you look when he holds you… Filla : Wait a second! I got a letter saying that since Lucifer and Bael wear different clothes, why does Satan always wear the same thing? That's a good question! Once I tried to draw Satan in something different, but it didn't suit him at all. I think the image that suits Satan best is with that black cloak. There were also several people saying that Filla and the rest were too light. That's true. Celestial people are a lot lighter than humans, so that they can fly in the sky. Sometimes people ask me who's the hero of the story. In "Matendou Sonata," Filla and Micael are both the heroes. Neither one is more important than the other. The story wouldn't work if one of them wasn't there. I'm sorry about Filla's profile in #7, 8, and 9. I really didn't have any time to draw! Filla : It's not like that between me and Satan-sama! Lucifer : You don't have to be embarrassed about it… Are you serious? Filla : Yes. Lucifer : Are you sure? Filla : Yes. Lucifer : I didn't expect that. Well, I suppose that means I have a chance. Lucifer : You don't have to run away. I only came tonight to give you a warning. Filla : A warning? Lucifer : Beware of Astarot. The pain of a woman who has lost her lover does not consider the circumstances. Filla : Her lover? Do you mean Bael? <> Lucifer : Correct. When Bael was a servant of Satan-sama, she held an unrequited love for him. But they were separated for a long time when Bael was left to guard the Dark Castle and Astarot was left to guard the Monsters' Forest. When Astarot visited his castle, Bael would not even meet with her, for Astarot's loyalty to our Emperor was stronger even than that of Beelzebub or I. <> Lucifer : And now she seems to hold great rage towards you, because you destroyed Bael. If anything happens, please inform me at once. Filla : But, Lucifer-sama… <> Lucifer : It won't be any inconvenience to me. What I want to say is that I will make you mine someday. For tonight, I'll find somebody else…maybe that young Diable. What was his name again? Mahito? Filla : Lucifer-sama! Lucifer : Don't worry. Lucifer : If it bothers you so much, I won't lay a finger on him. What can I do to make it up to you? How about a hug? Just kidding! Well, I'll have to leave now, Fillanzea. Filla : I'm tired… Lucifer : The Moon Tear of Gold? Hmm… It seems that the boy, Mahito, also holds great magical power… Satan : I know it must be hard to believe that he who was once my most loyal servant would do such a thing. Astarot : Emperor, perhaps he was possessed by the Darkness. Satan : I do not know. But whether or not the Darkness had any effect on him, he was trying to kill me. Astarot : I'll never believe that! You must know what a loyal knight he was to you! Lucifer : Which was precisely the reason he tried to kill Satan-sama. Astarot : I don't understand you, Lucifer. Lucifer : I get the feeling… <> Lucifer : That Bael hasn't yet been completely destroyed. Astarot : So, did you have fun with that golden-haired demon last night? You were staring at him all through the banquet. Lucifer : I, Lucifer-sama, was rejected. Astarot : I can't say I feel sorry for you! <> Astarot : Would you like me to have some fun with him instead? Lucifer : Astarot, I don't really understand how you feel, but don't get too close to Fillanzea. Astarot : Why not? Lucifer : He's a Moon Tear. The Moon Tear of Gold that sealed in the Sky Blues. No one who wants to wound him will be able to do so. <> Astarot : Would you still say that if I were to wound him? You must not be too presumptuous. It's rude, Lucifer. Lucifer : I see. <> Beelze : Filla, you're back! Filla : Did you have to work at night again, Beelze? Beelze : No, I was at a girl's place. How was the banquet? Filla : It was fun. There were lots of pretty dancing girls. <> Filla : But Micael is the pwettiest… Micael : Lucifer-sama did what!? Filla : Yeah. I was surprised! Micael : He sure doesn't have much taste, going after an airhead like you. Filla : Are you jealous? Micael : That's pretty daring of him. Doesn't he know about you and Satan-sama? Filla : What about me and Satan-sama? Micael : I'm not the one to ask! Filla : Do you think there's something going on? Micael : You're his lover, aren't you? Filla : That's just how it looks. It isn't how it is! Micael : That's the first I've heard of it! [And at this point, and on the beginning of the next page, there's some kind of sexual joke that I just don't understand. More pointless but funny arguing between Filla and Micael, I guess.] Micael : Astarot-sama…is that the beautiful woman with the ruby eyes? Filla : Yeah…she watches over the Monsters' Forest. I've heard stories about that place, but I'd like to go someday… Micael : You mustn't go there! <> Filla : What are you getting so upset about, Micael? Have you ever been there? Micael : Of course not, I'm an angel. I just thought for some reason… Filla : Micael? Is it just my imagination, or does that Seraphim look like he's in pain? --Filla…Filla… <> Filla : What!? Micael!? --Save me, Filla… <> Filla : What was that vision? --Fillanzea… Filla : Oh, my head! --Tonight, when the moon hangs in the sky, come to my Monsters' Forest. <> Filla : The Monsters' Forest…that must have been Astarot… Is something going to happen to Micael? "Beware of Astarot." <> Filla : "You mustn't go there!" But, that vision… <> Beelze : Filla? Filla : Oh, you're awake, Beelze? Beelze : Where are you going? Filla : Just for a little walk. I can't sleep. Beelze : Come back soon. Filla : Yeah. <> Beelze : That's strange…he takes a sword on a walk? Filla : Micael… Filla : My heart's beating so fast…Astarot-sama? <> Filla : Astarot-sama! It's me, Fillanzea. Where are you? Astarot : Welcome, Fillanzea. I will not let you return from this forest alive. <> Astarot : You struck down the person I loved the most… Filla : Astarot-sama…Bael was trying to get the power of the Sky Blues! If he'd continued, the Heavens would have been wrapped in Darkness! <> Astarot : Quiet! His true heart has no room for such evil actions! There surely must have been a way to save him! Filla : Astarot-sama… Astarot : I will not forgive you! Satan : This great negative energy I'm sensing…is it Astarot? Astarot : You must taste the pain of losing the one you love! <> Micael : Filla… Filla : Micael couldn't be in Hell! And yet… <> Filla : My body can't move! Micael : Stop! Filla : Is that really Micael? <> Filla : No, it's not true. <> Beelze : Filla! Filla : Micael! Micael! Micael! Beelze : Get a grip! It's just an illusion! Filla : No…Micael… Micael : Filla! Beelze : It's me! Don't you recognize me? Filla : …Beelze? Beelze : It's all right, that's not Micael. Filla : It's not? Beelze : It's just an illusion, Filla. Filla : The monsters are howling… <> Astarot : What a nice place to witness the death of your beloved angel! Beelze : Why, you…I won't forgive someone who hurts him, even if you are one of the Four Great Powers. Astarot : Your opponent isn't me… Beelze : What? <> Filla : Micael!? Astarot : Micael, you have been reborn as a monster. Slash the one you should love to pieces! Beelze : What is this, Astarot!? <> Filla : What was that déjà vu just now? Beelze : It's a monster, Filla! Kill it! Filla : But… I know this Micael… <> Filla : It's me…don't you recognize me? Beelze : Damn! In that case, I'll kill him! <> Filla : Beelze! Beelze : Filla! Filla : Micael…this kind of thing… Filla : …doesn't suit you…Micael… <> Beelze : Filla!? <> Satan : Filla could not bring himself to fight with even an illusion of Micael…I wonder if those two will be able to transcend their fate. <> Satan : Darkness, do you know the destinations of the fated children? The day when my own magic power will not be sufficient to control the Darkness is not that far away. A new Emperor will be necessary. However… Satan : Not enough time remains. Will the prophecy be fulfilled? Or… <> Beelze : Can you save Filla? Lucifer : I don't know. It's a very deep wound. Beelze : He drew out the sword that stabbed him… Lucifer : What? Lucifer : How foolish…that must be why the blood loss was so bad. Beelze : Save him! Please save Filla! I'll do anything I can! Lucifer : You don't need to yell. I've done all that I can. The rest depends on Fillanzea's spiritual power. <> Lucifer : But what on earth was Fillanzea thinking, standing by and letting himself be impaled even as he knew it was an illusion? Beelze : Filla couldn't possibly hurt anyone who even looked like Micael! Lucifer : They may have appeared the same, but they were not the same person. Beelze : But Filla… Lucifer : …loves Micael? Beelze : Yeah, of course. Anyway, thanks for coming to help him, Lucifer-san of Lethe. Lucifer : I've been concerned about Astarot since the banquet. Beelze : That woman! Where's she hiding? Come out! Lucifer : Stop, Beelze. She's been captured by the Darkness. Beelze : Captured? Lucifer : Her sadness at having lost Bael, and her hatred towards Fillanzea, awakened some of the supposedly sealed negative energy. Beelze : And that's why she did such a thing? <> Lucifer : So the Emperor tells me. He was extremely worried that Astarot's violent moods had broken the seal on the Darkness. Right now I'm sure he's at the Dark Castle, strenghtening the barrier. Beelze : So what you're saying is that people's violent moods can have an effect on the Darkness. Lucifer : Indeed, and those with stronger magical power have a greater effect. If I had arrived just a bit later, the barrier around the Monsters' Forest would have been broken, and the monster would have escaped. This forest is a land where monsters have been sealed for thousands of years, and Astarot has protected it well for a long time… Lucifer : I can't understand how her moods could be violent enough to awaken the Darkness. I'm sure neither you nor Fillanzea could understand it either. Beelze : Is it wrong to feel strongly that you love someone, and that you want to save them? It's not! But behind those strong feelings are hate and sadness! Love and hatred are just two sides of the same coin. Lucifer : Well, you may be right there. Lucifer : Our world is made of darkness and of light. Darkness controls the light, and light controls the darkness. Beelze : But Lucifer, it must be lonely to fear that love will turn into hate so much that you love no one. [You may not want to read these notes until you get to page 140 or so. Because the magazine issues are printed well before the collected volumes are, and the authors' notes only appear in the collected volumes, authors often refer to events that don't happen for several pages in their notes.] Chapter 13… In his dream, Filla said to Micael, "Then…I guess this is goodbye." Sorry! You're right, Filla would never say something like that! It's strange for him to say that he'd ever leave Micael. But I really didn't mean it like that. I just meant that Filla was in pain and wanted to go quickly towards the light, so since Micael wouldn't come he thought he had no choice but to leave Micael…just for now. His feelings toward Micael have definitely not changed! I think that Filla didn't mean it as an eternal separation, but that's what Micael thought he meant. They're both putting their own interpretations on it…but I really can't explain it right… <> Beelze : Isn't it better to love passionately and hate passionately? If you lose those feelings, you're just like a rock or a pillar! Lucifer : That's interesting. Do you love Fillanzea? <> Beelze : Well…I can't really place a distinction there between "love" and "friendship," and I don't feel like I need to. I just feel like he's important to me. Lucifer : Important? Beelze : Yeah… Lucifer : I don't understand… Beelze : Neither do I, really…but I can say this for sure. If Filla dies… <> Beelze : I won't forgive Astarot! Lucifer : You stay with Filla, and I'll go find Astarot. Beelze : Lucifer… <> Beelze : You really are foolish. You said yourself that you'd kill Micael if he ever took up arms against Satan-sama, and yet when the time came this is how you acted… <> Astarot : I hurt the Moon Tear! Lucifer : Don't blame yourself, Astarot. Astarot : I will! I did hate Fillanzea. I thought that I wanted to kill him. But I can't believe I actually did it! How could I? I no longer deserve to be one of the Emperor's servants. If Fillanzea can't be saved, I too will die! Lucifer : It's all right. He isn't going to die. <> Lucifer : Stop crying now, it's not like you. No…when you love someone else, then there is a time to cry. At first I thought it would be better to never let anything move my heart. Astarot : Like Diables? Lucifer : Yes, like Diables. They can't afford to let their hearts be controlled by hate and fear. Well, Astarot…shall you cross the river of Lethe? Astarot : Lucifer… Lucifer : You would lose all your memories and be released from their sadness. The dark souls whose memories are so strong that they can be purified no other way cross this river of flames. All of their sins, all of their hate and sadness, are burned up in the pure flames, until all that remains are innocent souls. And the river glows with a beautiful light… Astarot : Though I appreciate your offer, I'm afraid I will have to decline. <> Astarot : I don't want to forget him; I will love him until I die. Lucifer : I just can't understand all of you. I'll take my leave now. Astarot : Poor Lucifer…Because of keeping watch over Lethe for too long a time, he has forgotten how to feel hate and sadness… <> Astarot : and even love… Filla : It hurts…I feel like my body's going to pieces… <> Filla : I'd be in peace if I could go over there…quickly… Micael : Filla!! You mustn't go there, Filla! <> Filla : Ah…Micael… Micael : Don't go over there! Filla : But it's so bright…come there with me… Micael : No! Filla : Then…I guess this is goodbye. <> Micael : Filla…Don't go! If you go, you can never come back! Filla : All right…I won't go. <> Micael : Filla! Micael : What a horrible dream… <> Micael : Has something happened to Filla? Beelze : Filla! Wake up, Filla! Oh, you're finally awake! <> Filla : Beelze…where am I? What are you doing here, Lucifer? Lucifer : This is Astarot's castle. I came to your rescue in accordance with the Emperor's orders, Fillanzea. Beelze : You really had me worried! You were in so much pain I thought you were going to die! Filla : I'm sorry. Filla : Micael saved me. If I'd just kept walking, I would have died…but he stopped me from going… Beelze : I see…you came back… Lucifer : Get some more sleep, Filla. Filla : All right. <> Lucifer : Filla is out of danger, Astarot. Astarot : How can I make amends for my sin of hurting the Moon Tear? Lucifer : It's all right. You, too, were in a great deal of pain. Lucifer : I'm sorry. But at least you're back to your usual self. Astarot : They look alike… <> Astarot : Is this young man…no, it's just my imagination. Lucifer : Astarot? <> On March 22nd, when there was a full moon, this is what I saw. It was great! These two white clouds formed the shape of birds. When I wrote before about the clouds I had seen, I got lots of letters telling me about the clouds my readers had seen. Some people even sent me pictures of the clouds at sunset! Thank you all! I like clouds, and I also like the sky throughout the seasons: the summer sky that seems like it could fly away, the liquid autumn sky…I like stars, too, although the only constelations I can find are Casseiopeia and Orion…I saw an amazing sunset, just like flames, near the end of June. At the end of April I went to Wakayama castle. It was very interesting because many different kinds of firearms were produced there. The city of Wakayama was celebrating its centennial, so there was a very moving military procession. From the outide the castle looks like Arago castle, and looking at the top-quality swords, I imagine the Fire Sword and the Light Sword…but sorry for suddently starting to talk about an anime. I like temples too, but I really like castles, both Japanese ones and Western ones. <> Chapter 14: Lethe, the River of Flame (Prelude) <> Filla : Ow…it really hurts, I can't move… That… Filla : I can't stand to see it! Even as a dream, even as an illusion, I don't want to see it again. I couldn't bear to just stand by and let him die! But what was the déjà vu that I felt then? <> Lucifer : Don't wake him up, Beelze. Beelze : I won't, Lucifer. I'll just watch him for a while and come back. Oh…so you're already awake. Filla : Are you going home? Beelze : Yeah. You just take your time getting better. Filla : OK…I'm sorry to have caused you so much trouble… <> Beelze : Don't be silly. Filla : Beelze…thank you…about Micael… Beelze : I know. I'll tell Wari to make up some excuse. I'm sure he and Fall will come see you. <> Beelze : I really would like to tell Micael that Filla got hurt for his sake…that he loves Micael more than life itself… I know all this too well… The Sky Blues are surely sealed, so what's this uneasiness I feel? Filla : Thank you very much, Lucifer-sama. <> Filla : If you hadn't come when you did… Lucifer : I suppose you owe me your life…when your wounds are better, come to my castle and I'll take care of you. Filla : Huh? Lucifer : If you really want to thank me, then you can entertain me at night. Filla : Is that all you ever think about? Lucifer : Do you really hate me that much? Filla : That's not the problem… <> Lucifer : It's that your heart and mind belong to that angel, Micael? Filla : Yes. Lucifer : I've never met him…why do you love him so much? Filla : I can't really explain why…I just love him so much I can't do anything about it. <> Lucifer : So much that you couldn't even kill an illusionary image of him? Filla : I couldn't believe he was just an illusion. Lucifer : What do you mean? Filla : When he held up that sword, I had a very clear sense of déjà vu. Lucifer : Déjà vu? Filla : I thought, "I know this Micael," and couldn't hurt him. Lucifer : That might mean that you will fight in the future. Filla : Lucifer-sama! <> Lucifer : Forgive me, it was just an idle thought. However, Fillanzea…I have to think that the bond between you two is something greater than it seems. Filla : Something greater? Lucifer : You sealed the Sky Blues with the power of the Moon Tear. But I have the feeling that all this has only been the prologue to what is to come. <> Lucifer : You're headed towards some greater destiny…something is starting that has been building up ever since Fatale first created the Realm of Magic. Something above the harmony of angel and demon, Sky Blue and Moon Tear, light and dark. Indeed, you were destined to be drawn together from the very moment you were born… <> Filla : No, you're wrong. Lucifer : How am I wrong? I'm merely saying that you were drawn to the Sky Blues because you are the Moon Tear. If you'd been ordinary angels and demons, or humans living on the world below, you might never have met. Filla : No! Even if we were humans, even if we were nothing more than animals, I would have found Micael! Filla : I love him! I love him more than you can imagine! My feelings aren't just because of fate. Even before I was born, I've loved Micael. And because of that… because of that, the Gods… <> Filla : The Gods gave us this fate of being the Moon Tear and the Sky Blues! I'm sure of it… Lucifer : Fillanzea…that's an interesting interpretation. Filla : I believe it. <> Lucifer : No one in the universe knows its truths. Even the Earth will be stardust someday, and it may not be so far in the future. Ever since the universe was born out of the Big Bang, it has been proceeding towards its destruction. What meaning can 'love' have in such a world? Even the most passionate love will die in time. It's better to forget… Filla : What? <> Lucifer : In Lethe… <> Lucifer : The most violently burning flames die down in time—that's even true of Lethe. Filla : I believe in my own heart. Even if, as you say, existence is born from nothingness, and existence in turn returns to nothingness, my feelings for Micael will never vanish. Lucifer : If you believe so strongly… <> Lucifer : Would you cross this river to prove it? Filla : Lucifer-sama… Lucifer : Your spirit would return to nothingness, your 'feelings' would turn into steam and fly away. Lethe is beautiful… its flames, violent and lonely… Filla : You seem to love this river. Lucifer : Well…perhaps I do…in any case, let's return. <> Filla : What was that, just now? Lucifer : I sent an image of Lethe into your subconscious. Please forget what I said about crossing it—it was merely a joke. Filla : All right. Lucifer : Sorry for the intrusion. Get well soon, Fillanzea. Filla : Yes, Lucifer-sama. Filla : The river of flames… Lucifer : He has such sincere eyes…when they stare at me like that, it almost makes me want to shatter that self-confidence he has… <> Lucifer : Bael, how did those eyes look to you? The Moon Tear of Gold…the warm light that embraces the Sky Blues…but perhaps he does not realize himself that Micael's very existence is his weakest point. Astarot : Lucifer… <> Lucifer : Astarot. Astarot : Have you noticed how quiet the Monsters' Forest is? It's as if the Emperor himself had visited it. Lucifer : Is it? I wonder why… Astarot : It may be the power of the Moon Tear. Lucifer : Indeed…he may become the next ruler of Hell. Astarot : Fillanzea!? Lucifer : The time for a change in leadership is approaching… <> Astarot : Then, the day is also coming when we will be released from our heavy burdens? Lucifer : I could watch over Lethe forever without care, but I refuse to be hated by the pettiness of society. At any rate, I mustn't stay in your castle forever. Astarot : Are you going back? Lucifer : Look after Fillanzea, Astarot. Astarot : I will. Fall : Well, I guess the saying that idiots can't catch colds is completely false! Don't just lay around for four or five days, bring that fever down soon! That's what Micael said. I don't think he believes that your fever is because of a cold. And… Fall : Here you go! Filla : Is it…his? Fall : Yeah. He told me to give it to you. Are you happy? Filla : I'm happy! Fall : Don't eat it, Filla! Wari : But it's a good thing that Astarot-sama found you when she did. Fall : You could've been eaten by those monsters! Filla : Yeah, it was really dangerous! <> Filla : "You may fight in the future"… "Your spirit would return to nothingness, your feelings would turn to steam and fly away"… <> Filla : Astarot-sama? Astarot : I made you some medicine. Will you drink it? Don't worry, there's no poison in it. Filla : Thank you, Astarot-sama. Astarot : I did a very cruel thing to you. <> Astarot : I only remember it vaguely, but…it is the very extreme of cruelty to show a person the death of the one they love. I even tried to steal your life…forgive me, Fillanzea. Filla : It's all right. Everyone who loses someone they love feels the same way. If I'd been in your place… It's all right if you hate me, Astarot-sama. <> Astarot : No…it's fine, Fillanzea. There was someone who wanted to visit you, a young man with black hair named Beelze. Is he a friend of yours? Filla : Yes, he's my roommate at the Black Castle. <> Filla : And when we were little, we played together for half a year. Astarot : Did he not live in Heaven? Filla : No, before starting middle school, he travelled around a lot. Why do you ask? Astarot : It's nothing. Rest now. <> Filla : Micael! Micael : Filla! What are you doing? Filla : I was just so excited to see you again after 10 whole days! Micael : It took you ten days to bring your fever down? Filla : I tried and tried, but it wouldn't go down! Micael : I wonder if I should say something about that dream… Filla : Thanks, Micael. Micael : For what? Filla : The feather. Micael : It's nothing. Filla : It's thanks to you that I came back… So, Micael, what have you been up to for the last 10 days? Micael : The Archangel said that it would be a good opportunity… <> Micael : So he taught me about Seraphims, and about the Nine Great Angels. Filla : Even though you're just a Cherubim? Micael : Yeah… Filla : Maybe the Archangel wants to make you a Seraphim! Micael : Impossible! I'm only 19! Filla : I guess you're right. Micael : Let's go, Filla. Filla : Wait! Huh? <> Filla : What? Micael? Micael! Micael : What are you yelling at me for? Filla : That's strange…I thought I saw you walking in flames… Micael : You must still be asleep. If I was walking in flames, then I'd be burned! Now, let's go! <> Filla : What was that? Lethe? <> Matendou Sonata Character Introduction 3 Wari Lemuros Greyfilia Male Grey hair High-level sorcerer Age about 70 years (appears 24 or 25 years old) Born November 20 sign (?) blood type A In his boyhood, he was apprenticed to Fall's mother Elfyure. He has been taking care of Fall since Fall was young. He has some cold spots, but he's generally a warm person. His weak point is that he's too trusting, according to Azyusha. I'd like to write about the first time Wari and Fall met Micael and Filla, but I can't think of anything to write. <> Falliadore Ceran Valhallen Male Black hair, emerald green eyes. High-level sorceror, 18 years old The great-grandson of the chief sorceror, he holds great magical power, but his control is not so good! Born May 5 sign (?) blood type B height 160 cm weight 43 kg It's fun drawing Western clothes, because I haven't done so in a long time…(But don't complain if it doesn't go together, because I have absolutely no fashion sense!) Fall-kun is 18 years old, but he looks more like 13 or 14. He couldn't live with his parents, so Wari took care of him. Fall really likes and respects Wari. He also cares a lot about Filla and Micael, and wants them both to be happy. Claire-chan, whom he met on Earth, was his first love. 1 64