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You've been helping me ever since I lost my mama, even quitting your job at the Notarial Hall and coming with me all the way to Kazdel.

You've been by my side for so long.

I know you're in a lot of danger here, where my papa was born. It was you who taught me not to give up hope.

That's why I want you to do this with me, the last thing at my birthday party.

Cecelia...

Okay.

Ezell feels the warmth of Cecelia's hand in his own.

He sees the birthday cake made from sweet potatoes, and the girl with eyes full of excitement, and the big smile on her face. Before the flickering candlelight, both of them bow their heads and begin to pray.

May the order of Laterano shine upon us♪

Show us the path of life♪

That we may ever live in joy♪

East of the east of La Unidad♪

Laterano, holy city of white♪

Is that you, Aurela?

Such noise.

We're due for hymns in ten minutes. The children are practicing.

I'm talking about you, Nueda.

...Is it done?

Buried in the backyard. You can breathe easy now.

Shouldn't you wash the blood first? The children could come at any time.

What, are you afraid they might see me? Afraid they might hear their beloved Sister Nueda talk of killing people with that terrifying piece of metal?

Don't talk like that. We wouldn't be here if not for you... because you took up the gun, I am able to teach them hymns, and tuck them into bed.

Hmph...

Was it Singas soldiers, or True Bolívarians guerrillas this time?

Does it make a difference? A bunch of stinking <i>parásitos</i> who only know how to take from others.

Never imagined there were shitholes like this when I lived in Laterano.

I know... these sorts of things don't happen where you come from... in Laterano.

Your weapon, your dress, your habits... you still carry yourself as a Lateran.

A Lateran? Pah.

Honestly, I still don't know why you follow the Lateran faith.

I grew up in Bolívar, with no one to rely on. All I've ever known are these <i>parásitos.</i>

I wanted to believe there was more to the land than ruined houses and barren fields, more than just war, death, and taxes. I wanted to believe there was a place full of food, flowers, and hope...

And you wanted those chicos to believe it too.

One person's faith is no faith at all. We all need to look out for each other, like you and I do...

I wouldn't say we're looking out for one another.

Shh... Aurela, you have protected this place as the holy light protects Laterano. You've let me imagine a Paradise bathed in holy light... even if I've never been there.

Which is for the better.

If you really do believe in a Paradise bathed in holy light, it's definitely not Laterano you're looking for. Look elsewhere.

We're about to abandon this abbey, after all.

Time to go in, Sister.

The children are waiting for you to lead the last verse.

Aurela...

Yes?

Why did you leave Laterano?

Because I sinned, that's why... idiota.

Nueda pushes the chapel door open.

East of the east of La Unidad♪

Laterano, holy city of white♪

There, the earth hides no bombs♪

There, the fields share wheat most bright♪

Abode of our Lord, font of parental love♪

He hears our prayers, He grants our wishes♪

All shall bask in His love♪

Even the legless, even the armless♪

...This might be our last Vespers.

For years, we've tried to keep a low profile in this lawless land, to avoid the attention of the Singas nobles and the thugs who call themselves guerrillas.

But they followed the trail of some escaped convicts, and found our abbey. They're now looking at our farms and burdenbeasts.

Aurela has scouted the area. Tonight, she will lead us through a nearby canyon, and we will leave this place.

We might go north into the plains, or south into the jungles. It will be a long trip, but we've been blessed with a good harvest. We will have enough food...

Sister—

Don't worry, Hugo.

Trust Aurela. Trust me. Trust yourself and those around you. And trust 'Laterano'...

Keep your voice steady. You remember the last verse, don't you?

East of the east of La Unidad♪

Laterano, holy city of white♪

The guns there shoot fireworks♪

The targets are all apples♪

Through the chapel windows, Nueda watches the sunset. The halos of the Sanktas in the procession continue to illuminate the room, and the choir sings.

She has sung these hymns countless times. It is said that they were first written down by the saints, on their long and difficult journeys, and passed down through the centuries, translated and arranged by Bolívarian scholars.

'Laterano' will protect them through briar and bramble, through the long, cold night.

What the...?!

Perhaps the sun left too soon and forgot to leave some light. The halos and wings of the Sanktas in the choir suddenly shatter, and their light is extinguished.

Nueda is stunned.

Her esoteric knowledge is vast, thanks to the legacy of the K'uk'ulkan, but not a single word or symbol explains the scene before her eyes.

She is so stunned that she forgets to stop singing, murmuring the hymns by sheer instinct. Trembling voices echo through the chapel—

Abode of our Lord, font of parental love♪

He punishes evil and drives out injustice♪

All shall bask in His love♪

Whether they have scars or stones♪

When we pray sincere, He gives us bread♪

When we seek salvation, He sets us free♪

<i>Merda!</i>

Agenir, your halo—

Diamine!

Wh-What's going on?

Calm down. We figured out what's going on. Somebody forgot to set the right parameters when testing a gun at the firing range. Accidentally overloaded the power grid.

Engineering's on it and the power should come back any minute now... although, something doesn't feel quite right.

It's pitch black. Of course something doesn't feel right—

That's it! Where's Mr. Cliff's halo? It should be shining like a lamp—

Mr. Cliff?!

Woody?! I'll get a doctor!

Woody... no...

Mister Ezell... your halo... your wings... what...?

I'm fallen...?

Why...?

W-Was it my fault?

Ugh—Laterano...

Seniora Lemuen!

Saw you from across the street, but you didn't answer when I called your name...

Oh, I'm sorry. I was about to—