act16side

Er, thanks?

I'll be going, then. Goodbye, Cecelia.

Bye-bye, Mister Richele.

Ah-choo!

Yikes. I'm getting a hunch that something bad's gonna happen...

Richele is an eccentric one too.

Hey, wait, how did he know that we're looking for something?

What's wrong, Mister Ezell?

Nothing.

Is there anything else you want to say before we go?

The girl lets go of the young Sankta's hand and walks to the center of the flower field.

(I'm leaving Laterano, Mamma.)

(But I'm not running away.)

(I'm gonna find Papà on my own, and tell him what you said.)

(I wanna see the outside world for myself... I wanna see Kazdel.)

(I'm happy, Mamma. Now, just like before...)

(Please, watch over me.)

Can I pick a white flower?

Of course.

Thank you!

You want to take this flower?

Uh-huh.

Fresh flowers won't last long. I can press it for you.

Will you teach me? I wanna learn for myself.

Thanks, Mister Ezell.

Huh?

I'm the one who should be thanking you.

Eh? Is that...?

Patia, are you really coming with me?

Of course.

I was thinking you could stay here.

Laterano doesn't have what I'm looking for.

What is it, Patia?

Excuse me, that was out of line.

But... did you just smile?

Not to say that you don't normally—it's just that, well, something seems different.

Hmm...

For many years, I thought we walked alone in the wilderness. I was arrogant and immature.

Did you hear the old man's speech?

I heard the second half when it woke me up. It was being broadcast all over the city. Loudly.

Yvangelista, the Patron Saint of Sacrifice and Unity. Perhaps he will go even further than the ten who took that name before him.

What a grand, yet fragile vision.

But one upon which I offer my blessings.

What did you learn that day?

It's not important, Patia. Not so important, anyway.

Even if there is no reward waiting at the end of the journey, the act of continuing onward is, in itself, carrying the torch. Therefore, I will continue onward.

We do not trade for blessings, nor for pity. We walk the path that we believe in.

Because... it is the only way to live with dignity, is it not?

We should depart, Guide, before the sun sets.

Let us go, my brothers and sisters.

The girl of mixed blood sees the leader take the first step.

The setting sun illuminates the halo on his head like a crown.

She recalls the stories of the Saints that her mother would tell her, and the word that her mother placed so much emphasis on.

She does not fully understand its meaning, or its symbolism. For some reason, though, it comes to mind when she sees that faraway figure.

'Martyr'.

What are you looking at, Cecelia?

No, nothing.

The sunset is beautiful.

The girl looks about her, at the flowers, at the church, at the statue and the bell tower, so far away now.

She takes the young Sankta's hand, and the two of them begin to walk into the distance.

Her steps are slow, but she does not look back.