act26side

They say Laterano is Paradise.

A land of freedom, happiness and order, one of the few left in this chaotic world.

Have you ever known doubt, my child?

How was our city built, how did it grow, and how did it prosper?

Why is there only one Laterano? Why is it called the eternal paradise?

If the fires of war burn once more, and peace falls into ruin before our eyes—

Will the world continue to tolerate Paradise?

Danger.

Repeat.

Danger.

...Danger level... Analyzing...

Maximum.

Deploying simulation sequence.

Simulation failed.

Activating emergency response mechanism.

Outputting suitable personnel list...

They are here, Your Holiness.

Very well.

Are you sure about this? There is no precedent for it, aside from the canonization of the popes. It's risky.

You are correct. I could find no such record in our millennium of history.

But that is of no concern.

What <i>is</i> of concern is the warning I received.

What is it about, specifically?

I would answer your question honestly, if I could.

Our glowing faith has warned us that danger is near. But no one knows what it is, or how it will arrive.

I only see a list of names.

First on the list is the main character of today's performance.

That's why you proposed canonizing him?

Still the title of 'Saint' is special, reserved for the holy ones who built Laterano.

I hold the same title.

Th-That's different! You're the Pope, sir.

You're conceding a significant amount of power. He will have the right to participate in a multitude of matters, even policy-making... this is no small thing!

Easy, Giovanni. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

And, as I said, there is more than one name on the list.

What? Are you proposing that all of them be canonized?!

That's absu—I mean, against the rules!

Don't be so quick to judge, Giovanni. We need to find them first.

I saw some familiar names. Do you know who's on it?

No idea.

In that case, I'll let it remain a secret for a little longer.

Giovanni.

I think I'll visit these friends after the ceremony.

Why are there so many balloons?

There's even a pie throwing competition on that street up ahead. I had to take a detour because of all the pies on the ground... is there some sort of festival on?

No idea. Heard it's a ceremony or something, but I don't know the specifics.

Who cares, at the end of the day? Let's just enjoy the occasion, like we always do.

Say, do you think I could fly if I tied myself to these balloons?

You don't have a prayer, even if you lost twenty pounds.

Don't say that! Maybe I could take off my jacket. It's a pretty warm day...

Hey, look, new balloons!

Here, hold my jacket, I've <i>got</i> to try this!

Hey! Be careful!

Whoooooooa! I'm flying!

Hey, how do I stop climbing?

Oh no! I forgot I'm scared of heights!

Pardon.

Hey! Don't go! Help!

Hm?

Help! Let me down!

Alright.

Ouch!

Man, that hurt... but thanks.

My balloons...

You popped them all? Did you really have to be so cruel?

It was the logical solution, given the circumstances.

I guess... but couldn't you have left me a couple?

He got you down, stop whining. Don't mind this idiot, sir.

Where did you get that outfit? It looks cool.

I can't say.

What do you mean? Was it a gift?

Looks like a work uniform. There's something familiar about it...

Where do you get a uniform like that? I'm applying!

...I'm not sure it's a standard uniform.

You can submit your curriculum vitae to the Curia.

'....They led the Sankta. They built a city and named it Laterano.'

'And when disaster looms once more, a new revelation shall dawn upon the Sankta, and a new guide shall lead forth...'

'The Paradise of the Sankta shall remain eternal, as witnessed by the world.'

We bear witness.

We bear witness.

We bear witness.

Ite, missa est.

You can raise your head now, my child.

No... a different name is appropriate here.

Raise your head and stand by my side, Saint Federico Giallo, the first Chosen of Laterano who does not come from the ranks of the popes.

A measured reaction. Not a fan of the balloons?

I don't understand.

Hm?

What is the duty of a Saint? What is the disaster that looms? Does it call for immediate action?

I need to know the details in order to formulate a plan.

An appropriate question, but not one I am able to answer.

The warning I received was as cryptic as it was direct. It does not provide for a specific answer.

Each era has its own trials and tribulations, for which we can only prepare to the best of our ability. It is certain, however, that you have been chosen because It believes that you have the ability to respond to the unknown.

...I don't understand.

There is no hurry. We have time.

Right now, there are other things we can talk about... this garb suits you, Federico.

Makes all the cardinals' bickering over the cut and color worthwhile.

I didn't think that was a cardinal's duty.

Let's not be so strict. People can't help but focus on that which draws their interest.

I've seen your resume, Federico. I can tell that you are an outstanding executor.

The Commandments do not bind your thoughts as they do others, eh?