act42side

Loosen up that trigger finger, Fiammetta.

I get the impression that scowl's stuck on your face until you get to fire off a few grenades.

Thinking about that disgusting dream just makes me even angrier.

Too bad it wasn't entirely a dream.

Look over there, waaaaay in the distance.

The Shrine of Nurtury's still there...

Let's go, Mostima, to the hospital.

Doesn't matter if what just happened was a dream or not, we need to make sure that—

The fact that I'm the first person you thought of really means something to me, Fiammetta.

Lemuen?

I'm so glad you're alright.

How're your legs?

A little sore.

What happened?

I was running all over that dream until I was dead tired. Getting to sit down is a treat... Alright, alright, the two of you can relax now.

What the hell's going on here?

(Shakes head) It was only my second day after being created cardinal, and I was headed to the office like usual. It might have been the moment I stepped out the front door, or maybe when I saw the Shrine...

I can't really say when I left reality. It all happened so naturally.

What is it, Fiammetta?

Salvete, everyone.

Cap—

Y-You're still keeping—

What are you up to, wearing that?!

A friend kept it for me. You have a very kind junior, Fiammetta.

She told me this wasn't something to just throw away. Perhaps today, I will finally reach my destination. To be clothed in these vestments as I do so may be fate at work.

Why you...

Andoain has an important role to play. Resolving your existing disputes is not a priority—

It's been a while, Federico.

I know who you are and how you like to get things done, and I know that according to the Curia's rules, saints have the highest authority in emergency situations... But please give us a little time.

Please keep it brief.

The last time the four of us got together like this was that fateful mission, wasn't it?

It's been ten years.

We reached the underground palace, Fiammetta got a distress signal from another team and went to go help them, while Andoain was revising our tactics at the entrance.

We laughed as we shared the last of the chestnut scones... An old habit of our team. I remember the day well.

We were so happy back then... I thought those days would never end. Nobody could've imagined what would come next.

You caused all this, Andoain, but you still refuse to tell the truth, or at least repent.

Our brief time together may have been one of life's accidents.

But it was a... precious one.

I ruined it... in a way I did not foresee.

I understand how deeply you treasure that time, Fiammetta. Your love burned so hot, it singed the hearts of those around you. I...

I always wanted to thank you for one thing. You were the one who taught me how to love Laterano.

But at the same time, I knew I would hurt you, and destroy what you so cherish.

I am a villain. It would be just for you to hate me.

Are you trying to piss me off, Andoain?

Whether or not I hate you is for me to decide, not you.

I understand that, and I am grateful for it. I am fortunate to have made a friend like you.

Go do what you need to do.

But remember, I won't forgive you. I never will.

These two are taking you to the Basilica, right, Andoain?

It is I who is taking them, Lemuen.

Which means you're still determined to walk this path?

Of course I am.

Will it be dangerous?

Unknown might be the better word.

Have you ever thought of stopping?

Whether I am the captain who attacked you, or an arrogant, naive nurturer in a dream... My doubts, my fixations, my mistakes... They have all led me here.

I cannot stop.

Alright then.

It's hard to call Laterano 'Paradise' the way it is now.

That monster running rampant across the city, those strange things she reared wandering all over the place. Nobody really knows what's going on, or what will come next...

The three of us need to work out a way to solve these issues and find El, who's gone missing. As for you, your wounds look rather serious...

You might die, Andoain. We might die.

I know.

We've talked about Rocamarea, about its belltower and its rainy nights, about the mute child you buried in Sargon, about the miner's frozen legs you had to amputate in Ursus...

You told me about all sorts of places, and I remember them all.

I always pitied you. I understood many of your opinions, and I never disagreed with you, but I could never truly understand you. I was much the same for you.

We are both clear on that matter, just as you know how grateful I am for your pity.

Well, I <i>am</i> a Lateran, aren't I?

That is where you shine the brightest. I will always remember how you taught me to shoot a gun.

Speaking of, where is that gun now?

I left it in Laterano.

Ten years ago, it was your final mission with our team of commandos. Even if nothing had happened, you would still have left.

Which means these words came a little late, is all.

Right...

It's been far too long since that day... And I'm glad of it. Gratitude and blame no longer hang so heavy.

Well then...

Farewell, Andoain.

Lemuen speaks no further. Mostima goes up to her wheelchair, looking Andoain square in the eyes.

I know what you're about to say, no need to thank me. Farewell, 'Captain'.

Fiammetta looks at Andoain, then at her two friends. She stays silent.

Farewell.

Cardinal Lemuen, there are some tasks I must assign to the three of you.

You doing alright, Fiammetta?

...I'm fine.

Fiammetta, I...

This thing... might involve me, but I know it's not only my problem, or Andoain's. These past two years have taught me that.

Yeah, I should really learn that too.

Alright, enough about that. Right now... If what Federico says is true, the most important thing is to act quickly.

Good thing there's no arms control in real life. I can blast those monsters as soon as I see them.

I'll cover you, just like the old days.

Wait a sec, Lemuen.

Federico <i>just</i> said that Sanktas who attack them will Fall.

Falling's no walk in the park, trust me on that.

About half of the people awake in the city are Sanktas. Without their numbers, we won't be able to stop such a large procession.

Unless...

We add in those fallen Angels and errari Federico mentioned.

Wait, he said they were pretty emotionally charged and didn't know what they were up to, not to mention that he's only got temporary command over them.

Not like they need steady nerves or pure intentions to help out. Relax, I'll handle them.

I'm a Fallen Angel too, and I've spent lots of time outside of Laterano.

We got any better choices for angel wrangler?