cello

The clouds are gathering outside the window again.

What?

We cannot hope to hold onto a single cloud. But, is it not the entire sky we seek to depict?

Great men must die, just as ordinary men must die. Those who've walked with us through life will eventually part ways, and none may overwrite death.

Death will cut the threads of our lives and turn our bodies into hollow shells, incapable of harboring thoughts or feelings, incapable of forming new substance.

But, this does not mean that the complex and profound emotions we once held will completely disappear.

Precisely because death is insurmountable, I must play, and continue to play. This way, those dissipated feelings will continue to be felt, understood, and remembered by all.

Is that not its very purpose?

Arturia, have you considered that what you just saw might actually be your future?

I'm glad that I'm finally getting closer to it.

The sound of strings continues to reverberate through the woods. The Sankta slowly places her cello into its case as the Cautus girl watches her movements in silence, waiting for her to make eye contact.

Amiya?

Sorry for getting you wrapped up in my melody...

Arturia, we haven't had a chance for formal introductions since you came to Rhodes Island.

I believe today's occasion makes for a perfect icebreaker, better than any deliberate arrangement.

Your powers are strange. You don't even need an instrument...

It's like...

Two mirrors.

Simple, yes, but through them, you can see countless selves.

You, and Rhodes Island, are a lot more interesting than I thought.

I can say the same thing about your music... Even in such a short period of time, it feels like we've gotten to know each other quite well.

Do you feel those emotions often? Do you understand how I think?

Mhm.

But in the end, we're still rather different.

Such a shame.

But we'll have plenty of time to spend together.

Now then, please hurry back with me.

There's no need to rush. I'm not trying to get away.

The fact is, you've been away from the landship for a long time.

And, it just so happens that there's a distinguished Lateran guest who wants to see you.

We've been looking all over for you...

I see. My apologies, then.

Amiya, after we get back to the ship, do you think I could invite you to my concert?

You could be more than just an audience.

Sure. We welcome all who have good will towards Rhodes Island.

Do you see me as one such person?

No, your thoughts go beyond good and evil. That, I'm well aware of.

But, let me be clear on that one point.

Nobody would mention any of the events that just transpired. After a piece, there is always some tacit understanding among the performers, and among the audience.

I quite like the view here. Too bad I won't be able to stay any longer.

Let's go.

Hmm...

A 'distinguished guest' indeed.

Looks like Amiya is more capable than I gave her credit for.

It is an honor... Holy Father.

To the Infected children who just ran by, I was nothing more than 'The Grandpa with the Lateran Candy.'

No 'Holy Father' here. Just a grandpa.

As you wish.

Arturia Giallo. I believe this is the first time we've met.

But you don't seem surprised.

I get the sense that your trip to Leithanien has brought you a wealth of experience and broadened your horizons.

If it had something to do with me, and had to be personally arranged by the leader of Rhodes Island... I figured it was probably a very important person.

Though, I expected a meeting like this would take place in the Basilica's Hall of Pontifical Audiences, where the Holy Father would hand down his sentence to a dangerous repeat blasphemer.

It's true that the Notarial Hall has logged far too many anomalous incidents that involve you.

When Federico brought you back to Laterano, the Curia immediately organized the First, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Tribunals to conduct a joint trial.

All according to the law, of course.

'The law'.

So before that happens, we should meet at least once. And Rhodes Island is the only place where that could happen.

Arturia, daughter of sin. For the time being, you can think of this dormitory as a makeshift confessional.

What we say here will not be recorded, and will not be acknowledged hereafter.

I've had an awakening.

Without ritual, or witnesses. But that's fine. You were no hero to begin with.

On behalf of Laterano, I pronounce you, Arturia Giallo...

Our next chosen <i>Saint.</i>

I get the feeling you don't do this willingly.

What makes you say that?

Though, it doesn't really matter. There will always be some meaning behind the law's choices.

Federico was the one who brought you to Rhodes Island, right?

Funny. I wonder how you explained to our darling Saint that the fugitive he had just apprehended was also chosen to be a Saint?

Or, maybe...

You're right, Federico doesn't know yet.

But, he will understand. I will ask that of him.

After all, I am neither condoning nor forgiving the things you've done, my child.

I never cared for the law's forgiveness, or this... title. It's all rather annoying, to be entirely honest.

What else will the Curia be using me for?

Child...

There is much you do not understand. Your experiences, behaviors, ideals, and even the paranoia reflected in your Arts...

Have all appeared countless times before – one particular interpretation by Sankta, unto Sankta.

How can you be so sure that your unique talents, your unique Arts... are not a deliberate manifestation of the law?

After all, you carry a halo over your head. You are a Lateran Sankta, Arturia.

The white walls of Laterano have stood for thousands of years, and you are not the only, uh, 'Alienus,' as much I loathe the word.

Nevertheless, our glorious law has given me a decisive answer.

And what does this vague 'answer' mean, Your Holiness?

It means...

That every light we know will one day be extinguished.

And it is no exception.

The old Pope playfully points to the halo hovering above his head.

Arturia is lost in thought.

Even if everything about the Sankta existence is interpreted as 'its' boon?

The Pope does not answer, simply moving abruptly to his next question.

What will you be?

I... What?

Take away your prejudice, your pride, and your sins – and what will be left of you? What would you do? What would you bring?

Answer me this.

I'm still searching, Holy Father.

There's no point in lying to you. But, you say that our halos will fade... and that the Sankta will lose the cozy cabin of their faith?

Wouldn't that just make Laterano the same as any other place?

My ideal 'understanding', my ideal 'emotion', the kind of unreserved, pure, and honest... 'communication' that I seek...

Has nothing to do with what you just said. Not even a little bit.

And yet, why does the law insist on choosing me as a so-called 'Saint'?