IDOLiSH7 HOSHIMEGURI NO KANSOKUSHA

[shionstear]

星巡りの観測者

THRONE OF THE STELLAR

Chapter 1 - Day of Origin

Vega:

Oh Star Gem that fulfils every wish. I entrust You with this, which shall become the final wish. Many a time have I come to entrust You with the people's wishes. You have given all to us.

Vega:

Water to dry land, wheat to famished people, weapons to those who seek victory... ... I wonder, was my doing so a mistake?

*gogogogo...*

Vega:

The world, is changing. The shape of this star as well... And my duty, it will be over with this.

[TL note: I know, hoshi means star and planet, but I'll go with star instead of planet, because I think it fits more.]

Vega:

Please forgive me that I will not be able to witness the fate of where this world is going.

White Dragon:

Kyuooo...!

Vega:

Oh Alabaster Dragon. I entrust You with this world's path. Alabaster Dragon..., no.

Vega:

---Hoshimeguri no Kansokusha.

 

Chapter 2 - Eterno, Star of Hot Sand

Hope:

Door locked, check! Some of the herbs for when my stomach was hurting, check. (Charm Necklace... check!) I haven't forgotten anything. Well then, I'm off! Master!

Blacksmith Master:

Oi oi... You really going, Hope?

Blacksmith Master:

With that much luggage.

Hope:

...I'm sorry that I can't continue doing the blacksmith work.

Blacksmith Master:

I'm asking if a brat like you is serious about travelling space.

Hope:

But, Curse disappeared! Even looking all over Eterno, he was nowhere!

Hope:

If he's not on Eterno then he must be on another star. I have to hurry and find him! What if he's in trouble...!

Blacksmith Master:

I understand that you're worried about your foster parent disappearing so suddenly, but Curse leaving the house for work is nothing new, right?

Hope:

But he hasn't contacted me for a month. This has never happened before...

Blacksmith Master:

Maybe he got tired of looking after ya?

Hope:

...!

Blacksmith Master:

He didn't look like an ill-bred Eterno, but he was something like a scholar, right? Maybe he was no longer fond of you and left.

Hope:

Curse isn't such a heartless person! He picked me up when I had no parents, we were always together! Curse wouldn't...

Blacksmith Master:

Okay okay. Calm down. Geez, whenever it's about Curse you become like this.

Hope:

I'll definitely find him and bring him back. Until then I won't return. Well then, I'm off!!!

Blacksmith Master:

Ah, oi, Hope!

Blacksmith Master:

You say you're off, but you don't even have money for a ship! As if you're gonna find a ship that lets a penniless brat like you on board! If anything happens, come back right away! Geez...

---

*byuooo*

Hope:

Phew...

Hope:

Today's sand storm is much more terrible. And the heat is unbearable too... But, there's SO many space ships! And so many people too! (I'm finally here. I'm glad I picked Eterno's largest port. With so many ships, I'm bound to find one that lets me on board.)

Hope:

(They should if I tell them I'd do subordinate work or anything... maybe... No! Not maybe! I have to find one for sure! Wait for me, Curse...!) Alright! Let's work hard!

---

Crew:

You're in the way, get lost!

Hope:

Uwah!

*don*

Hope:

Ouchie...

Crew:

Seriously, wanting to board a ship for free, what an impudent brat.

Hope:

Ah, wait! ...he's gone. Not good, I can't find a ship at all. I've called out to almost all ships around here. Maybe I should look for another, smaller port...

*zawazawa*

Hope:

Hmm?

Youth:

Thief! Someone stop him!

Hope:

Thief!?

Youth:

Oi, wait! ...you, lemme pass!

Thief:

Ha, as if someone will catch me, dimwit!

*byuuu*

Youth:

Uwah, I cloud of sand... Shit, where did he go!? If this continues, then the money for the trade will... Ah!!!

Passerby A:

Eh, dog ears!? Or a cat?

Passerby B:

They suddenly grew!

Thief:

What, it's an Eared from Bestia? Beasts should behave and enter a circus' cage or something!

Youth:

...

Thief:

What do beasts want with money? We humans shall take good care of you, hahaha...

Hope:

Toryaaaaaa!!!

Thief:

Uwaaaaahh!

*doshin!*

Thief:

Let go!

Hope:

As if I'll let go! You gotta give back what you stole!

Thief:

Shit!

Hope:

Heey, you! Here, caught the criminal!

Youth:

...!

---

Youth:

Thanks for catching him, you really helped.

Hope:

No worries!

Hope:

This was just a coincidence. The timing was good. Also, I've decided to do a good deed to townspeople at least once a day!

Youth:

I'm not from this town though...

Hope:

You're on Eterno so that's the same!

Youth:

...I see. Let me at least thank you, I mean it.

Hope:

Hehehe!

Youth:

I've heard that the public safety on Eterno was bad, but... I didn't expect to experience it so quickly. I was surprised to not see any guards in the port.

Hope:

Everyone coming from other stars says that. But since I grew up here, it's just how it is.

Youth:

I see...

Hope:

In the war long ago, the king passed away too. It seems before that it was easier to live here too. Violence didn't happen as often as now.

Youth:

In such an environment, there's still good guys like you though.

Hope:

Of course! There's lots of nice people too!

Youth:

Yeah. It doesn't matter where one was born.

Hope:

Yes, yes!

Youth:

By the way, I've been wondering for a bit now...

Hope:

Hmm?

Youth:

Could you stop staring at my ears?

Hope:

Eh?

Youth:

Is an Eared from Bestia that rare to see?

Hope:

Sorry! I just... You're someone from Bestia, right?

Youth:

...obviously.

Hope:

I've never left Eterno so it's the first time I see someone from Bestia. And the first time I see those ears...

Youth:

I'm grateful for helping me, but could you not stare at them so much? If someone else watches I can't concentrate to hide them.

Hope:

Eh? Hide them? What a waste!

Youth:

What?

Hope:

But, they're so cool.

Youth:

...cool? These ears?

Hope:

It looks fluffy and pretty.

Hope:

They're cool! They look good on you. So I kinda got fascinated by them!

Youth:

... I kinda don't see the others on here behaving like you.

Hope:

Really? Everyone is just weird.

Youth:

Aren't you the weird one!

Hope:

Eh!?

Youth:

...

Both:

Pff... Ahahahaha!

Coda:

My name is Coda. Is it okay if I ask your name?

Hope:

I'm Hope! Nice to meet you!

Coda:

Thanks for earlier, really. If my leader would've get to know about this, he'd make a self-satisfied face.

Hope:

...leader?

Coda:

Ah, yes. We're a group of peddlers called Burst Roar. We travel around space.

Hope:

...!

Coda:

Fang!

Fang:

Yo, Coda. That was tough, huh?

Coda:

You always appear out of nowhere, don't you. And where did you watch from? And why didn't you help if you were watching?

Fang:

That's what I was about to do, but then a brave boy appeared before me.

Hope:

...!

Fang:

Thanks, Hope. For looking after one of my members. I'm the leader and captain of Burst Roar, Fang.

Hope:

Burst Roar... Captain...!

Coda:

We trade while travelling space.

Coda:

Though we don't come to Eterno often. There's not many products or resources to trade here... I mean, sorry.

Hope:

...

Coda:

Hope? You're... angry, right?

Hope:

Uhm!

Coda:

Uwah!?

Fang:

What's wrong, Hope?

Hope:

I have a favour to ask of you two!

Hope:

Please let me board your ship!!

 

Chapter 3 - Space Peddler

Fang:

You want to board Burst Roar?

Hope:

Yes! I have to board a space ship, no matter what. Please! I'll clean, peel potatoes, anything!

Coda & Fang:

...

Fang:

Please, lift your head, Hope. We can't talk like this.

Hope:

Ah...

Fang:

May I ask you why you want to board a space ship so bad?

Hope:

...yes. I want to look for an important person that suddenly disappeared...

{One month earlier}

Curse:

Well then, I'm off, Hope.

Hope:

Yes, do your best, Curse!

Curse:

Tonight I won't be back, but I'll return tomorrow. Make sure to have the door locked during the night.

Hope:

I know!

Curse:

And don't forget to put on the overcoat during the day, Eterno's sunlight is poison to the skin. You always dash out without your coat.

Curse:

It'd be bad if you get burned. Oh and also...

Hope:

You don't have to tell me everything. I'm not a kid anymore!

Curse:

Is that so? Then if you're an adult does that make me an elder?

Hope:

.....mu! You always treat me like a child!

Curse:

Fufu.

Curse:

...are you properly wearing your charm necklace?

Hope:

Yup! I'm hiding it under my clothes. It's a charm you gave me, so I always wear it!

Curse:

Good. While I'm gone that necklace is sure to protect you.

Hope:

Yes! ...but, if you can, hurry and come back quickly,

Hope:

Lately you're just working and we can't spend much time together...

Curse:

Hope...

Hope:

Ah! But I know that your work is important!

Curse:

Understood. After I come back from work tomorrow, let's spend an entire day together.

Hope:

Really...!?

Curse:

I shall make something to eat again, it's been a while. Recently, it's been just you cooking all the time. Though it seems like you've gotten better at it, so I enjoy it as well.

Hope:

I want to eat your Maqluba!!! And that meat with lots of cumin and nutmeg!!!

Curse:

What a feast, alright, leave it to me. We can talk about everything I've seen too. So for tonight, please look after the house.

Hope:

Yes! Got it! Take care, Curse.

Curse:

I'm off, Hope. I'll come back, for sure.

---

Hope:

But Curse didn't come back...

Fang:

I see. So you want to look for him. Is he your family?

Hope:

He's something like family. He's not my real parent, but he picked up a war orphan like me and raised me.

Fang:

So that's how it was.

Coda:

That's disheartening, isn't it. I've lost my parents early too so I know how it feels to be alone. Though I'm okay since I have everyone from Burst Roar...

Hope:

Coda...

Coda:

Fang. ...no, captain. Please. Let him aboard our ship.

Fang:

...!

Hope:

Coda!

Coda:

He has his reasons, and he said he'd clean and stuff, didn't he?

Coda:

And that's one more helping hand for us. It's a good deal. That's why, please.

Hope:

...! P-please!!

Fang:

...fu. You're a good merchant, Coda.

Hope:

!

Coda:

Then...

Fang:

Welcome aboard, Hope. I don't know whether it's gonna be a pleasant journey, but all of my crew are good guys. We're planning on visiting all stars. I'm sure we'll find the one you're looking for.

Hope:

Th... thank you very much...!

Coda:

That's great, isn't it, Hope?

Hope:

Yes...! Thanks to you too, Coda!

Coda:

I didn't do much.

Coda:

You helped me before, right? This is my thanks. ...so stop looking at me with those teary eyes!

Hope:

Coda~~!!!

Coda:

I said stop!

Fang:

Ahahaha! You're already getting along it seems. Well, seems this too was some kind of fate. I'll show you around the ship.

Hope:

Yes!!

Coda:

Eh, we're already leaving!?

Fang:

Our work on this star is done. Strike while the iron is hot.

Coda:

You really do things without a warning!

Fang:

Well then, onto the next star!

Coda:

...not gonna listen huh.

Hope:

Yeah!!

Coda:

Geez...

 

Chapter 4 - Alba, Star of Perpetual Night

Hope:

Uwahh... Here and there, everywhere in town it's full of gems! For Alba to be such a pretty country... I was unsure if I should've looked after the ship with Coda or not.

Fang:

Good thing you came along, huh?

Hope:

Yes!

Hope:

I'll do whatever I can, just tell me! Carrying stuff or being a bodyguard! I may look like this, but I'm quite strong.

Fang:

Hahaha, how reliable. Is it your first time coming here?

Hope:

Yes! Well, it's my first time leaving Eterno.

Fang:

I see.

Fang:

There's six stars in total in this world. And each of them is different and interesting on its own.

Hope:

Hee...! I'm looking forward to seeing them!

Fang:

Please do. Also, Hope. You don't need to talk so formal with me. I can't have it if everyone's stiff like that.

Hope:

Eh? But, you're the leader...

Fang:

And calling me leader is prohibited too.

Hope:

Ehh!? Then what should I call you!

Fang:

I have a name, it's Fang.

Hope:

Now that you say it, Coda and everyone on the ship called you Fang.

Fang:

Exactly. So you do too.

Hope:

I see. It kind of feels weird but... Alright, Fang!

Fang:

Good.

Hope:

By the way, Fang. Can you do business this late at night? It's already dark. Though there are lots of people on the plaza, and stores seem to be open too...

Fang:

Look at the clock. It's only noon.

Hope:

Eh!? Ah, you're right...!

Fang:

Star of Perpetual Night, Alba. As the name suggests, it's a star that almost never sees the light of sun. Depending on the season, there's days with no sunlight at all too.

Hope:

Hee!

Fang:

Quite different to the sunlight strong Eterno, right?

Hope:

Yes. At night, Eterno is cold and calm too, but, on Alba, how do I put it...

Fang:

It's magical?

Hope:

Yes, that! The town sparkles like the starry sky. Are those all gems?

Fang:

I don't think they're all gems, but, mostly I guess. The skyline with splendorous decorations is Alba's characteristic. Alba's a wealthy country. They have famous gem mines and we trade with them too.

Hope:

I see... If it's this wealthy, then why...

Fang:

Hope?

Hope:

Ah... nothing...

Fang:

... Why did such a wealthy Alba invade the resources meagre and poor Eterno, is what you wanna know?

Hope:

...!

Fang:

It's been already 14 years since the war between Alba and Eterno huh. You too must've had it tough.

Hope:

I was small so I don't really remember... And Curse was with me too. But all the adults kept on saying, how it wasn't like this before, how if there just hadn't been any war... Then work wouldn't have declined and everyone would've had enough to eat.

Hope:

And the town too wouldn't look like it does now. Me and everyone, we do our very best to live through the day. That's why, Alba is really pretty, but, also a bit... scary...

Fang:

I see... I heard that the former king of Alba was a ferocious person. He apparently had a severe admiration with Eterno, which was blessed with sunlight.

Hope:

Sunlight?

Fang:

Yes. That's why he apparently wanted to rob all of Eterno. Because it is Eterno who blocks all of Alba's sunlight.

Hope:

But, just because of that, it's...!

Fang:

Yes, I know. And that's why Alba withdrew from Eterno, because the other stars criticized its actions as well. Though the scars left over seem to be big.

Hope:

...

Fang:

Don't make such a face, Hope! King Carnelian, who's on the throne now, is an amicable and a war disliking person.

Hope:

...is that so?

Fang:

He is a dignified and respectable person, but in reality, he has a matchless love for crystal rabbits. He has a cute side to him too. He secretly has a collection of minisized ones.

Hope:

...crystal rabbits. The ones that are bathed in the stars' light, the bunny's made out of quartz? Fufu, slightly unexpected of a king.

Fang:

I know right? He's a person one can talk easily to.

Hope:

I see! Wait, you've been talking about him as if you know him.

Fang:

Well, yes. I do know him.

Hope:

.....eh?

Fang:

Didn't I tell you? Today's business will be held in Alba's royal palace.

Hope:

Royal palace!?

Fang:

Yes. Our business partner is King Carnelian.

Hope:

.........eh? Ehhhhhhh---!?!?

 

Chapter 5 - King Carnelian of Alba

Hope:

Uu... we got to the royal palace...

Fang:

The decorations are even more gorgeous here than in the city, right?

Hope:

Y-yeah...

Fang:

What's wrong? Are you that fascinated you lost your voice?

Hope:

No one told me I'd be meeting Alba's king!

Fang:

Because I didn't tell you.

Hope:

Tell me! I could've at least prepared myself mentally! I should've looked after the ship together with Coda...

Fang:

Don't be so nervous. Everything's an experience... yes?

Fang:

Seems King Carnelian has arrived.

Hope:

Hiiiiiiii

*gii*

Carnelian:

Oh, Fang-dono. Thank you for your work as always.

Fang:

No no. Thank you for always relying on Burst Roar.

Carnelian:

I shall let the palace's people look through your luggage. You always bring me nice goods. Is that wheat from Sirena?

Fang:

Indeed. This year's new wheat is first grade in taste and form.

Carnelian:

You are well connected as expected. Though that star is supposed to refuse contact with outsiders?

Fang:

There's some tricks for that. Over there they were about to celebrate the harvest and hold a festival.

Carnelian:

I hear Sirena is always in mood for festivals.

Fang:

It's a star blessed by water and fruits after all.

Carnelian:

It makes me envious to a degree.

Fang:

My crew wants to take a look at Your star's crystals afterwards as well. Alba's Lumines is very popular. Oh, and... The crystal rabbit You desired too...

Carnelian:

Hm, hmm! Leave that talk for later.

Fang:

Haha, understood.

Hope:

... (Fang is amazing. Talking like this to a king...)

Carnelian:

By the way, Fang-dono.

Fang:

Yes?

Carnelian:

Uhm, the boy standing behind you?

Hope:

...!

Fang:

Ah, excuse the late introduction. This is our new crew member.

Hope:

Ah, i-it's nice to meet you...!

Hope:

M-my name is Hope!!

Fang:

He saved one of our crew members when he was in trouble.

Carnelian:

...I see. That is very admirable.

Hope:

Fang! You don't have to talk about that.

Fang:

I picked him up on Eterno.

Carnelian:

! So he's a boy from Eterno. You...

Carnelian:

You said your name was Hope.

Hope:

...y-yes!

Carnelian:

As the king of Alba I mustn't lower my head to a person from Eterno.

Hope:

Ah...

Carnelian:

But, I have never forgotten what Alba once did to Eterno, not even once.

Carnelian:

Let us promise to not forget about the war of the past. And I shall do my utmost to fulfil my duty. Though that is all I can say to you right now.

Hope:

Th-that's more than enough...! That the king would say something like that to someone like me who's just a blacksmith apprentice.

Carnelian:

It does not matter if I'm a king and you're a blacksmith. I just decided that this is something I needed to say to you, that is all.

Carnelian:

I will not let a second war happen. I swear to definitely make it reality, a world in which everyone can live in peace.

Hope:

King Carnelian...!

Fang:

See? I told you he's a respectable person, right?

Hope:

Yes! Yes...!

Carnelian:

Well then, Fang-dono. Shall we proceed to the main topic?

Hope:

Main topic?

Carnelian:

There is something I want to ask of you.

Fang:

It... doesn't look like it's about an additional wheat request, right? Let me hear your request.

Carnelian:

Let me get straight to the point then. ----Alba's Star Gem Shard has been stolen.

Fang:

...! The Star Gem Shard...!?

 

Chapter 6 - The Star Gem Shard

Hope:

The Star Gem Shard has been stolen...!? ...hey Fang what's that?

Fang:

You don't know it? The thing from the legend of the "Day of Origin".

Hope:

I feel like I've heard of it when I was small...

Hope:

If I remember correctly... it's the telling of the day of when our world's six stars were born, right? That at first it was just one star and then it split into six or something. A fairy tale, isn't it?

Carnelian:

The legend of the "Day of Origin" is no fantastical fairy tale. It's an incident that occurred 1000 years ago.

Hope:

Ehhhh!?

Fang:

...

Carnelian:

"---the beginning of the world, the crystals of the stars gathered, the <Star Gem> was born".

Hope:

That...

Fang:

It's the legend of the "Day of Origin".

Carnelian:

"The stone bears the power to fulfil any kind of wish. The people offered their wishes to the Star Gem and received a life of fortune. The people offered sinister wishes to the Star Gem and brought about calamity."

Carnelian:

"The people fought for the Star Gem, and hated each other. For the myriads of wishes offered to the Star Gem, it became a stone that brought myriads of curses."

Carnelian:

"The sole existence of the <Protector of the Star Gem> offered a wish to entomb the Star Gem. The wish was fulfilled, and the Protector slept for all eternity. The Star Gem became six shards that held no power, and the single big star was split into six---"

Fang:

The six shards that hold no power. That is what King Carnelian meant with the "Star Gem Shard".

Hope:

S-seriously...? ...you mean that really happened? 1000 years ago? The stars of this world, were once a single one...?

Carnelian:

Indeed. As the Protector destroyed the Star Gem, the star split up together with it.

Hope:

Could it really have done something like that!?

Carnelian:

The Star Gem is an omnipotent stone that fulfils any kind of wish. It is also the base of this world.

Carnelian:

It appeared together with the beginning of the universe and created all and every living beings. This star, the people, everything.

Hope:

That is... to there be such an incredible stone is...

Carnelian:

Though the now broken Star Gem has lost its power to fulfil wishes.

Fang:

But the shards of it still exist now.

Hope:

And those are the Star Gem Shards...

Fang:

Exactly.

Carnelian:

The six shards have been entrusted to every star's royal family and have been protected from one generation to the other. The fact that each star has its Shard is what's keeping this world in balance.

Carnelian:

Though it may have lost the power to fulfil wishes, it doesn't change the fact that it is still the base of everything in this world.

Hope:

Eh, wait a sec... You mean this important stone has been stolen!? What if that stone should crumble or be destroyed...

Carnelian:

If there's any chance of it happening to the Shard, then I cannot begin to imagine what could happen to this star of Alba.

Hope:

...!

Fang:

Not only Alba... If the balance is destroyed, then a terrible calamity may fall on the entire world.

Hope:

That's...

Carnelian:

---Fang-dono. Wouldn't you be able to look around for information on Alba's Star Gem Shard?

Fang:

...

Hope:

Eh! Why give such an important task to Fang...?

Fang:

While travelling around different stars, there's always information you come across that normally isn't supposed to be heard by just anyone. And there's a lot of people that need that kind of information. It means, there's a lot of other work too besides just carrying goods around...

Carnelian:

Fang-dono's network even surprised myself. More than anything, it's agile. And very dependable when push comes to shove. Moving freely around the stars may very well bring him to some kind of information.

Fang:

...King Carnelian.

Fang:

In fact, we've recently heard information that someone stole a Star Gem Shard.

Hope:

...!

Carnelian:

As expected, you already knew of it.

Fang:

Indeed. Right now I am in search of information on orders of the king of Bestia.

Carnelian:

Bestia's...? ...I see.

Hope:

Alba's king, Bestia's king... this is turning into something big more and more...

Carnelian:

Is Bestia's Star Gem Shard being protected in the royal palace?

Fang:

It is, at least so far.

Carnelian:

That's good.

Fang:

But to think that Alba's Shard was already stolen...

Carnelian:

There have been no changes in the world yet. If we get it back before anything happens it'll be the end of the story. Of course, I will search for the Shard as well. Though there are places my hands won't reach.

[TL note: insert short Mitsuki joke. Sorry.]

Fang:

I wonder if that someone is thinking that all their wishes will be fulfilled if they get all of the shards...

Hope:

...fulfil every wish, huh...

Fang:

What's wrong, Hope?

Hope:

Ah, uhm...

Carnelian:

What is it, say it.

Hope:

Uhm... Can't the shards return to how they were before? I was just wondering, if it goes back to being the Star Gem it might fulfil wishes again.

Carnelian:

Unfortunately, the only person able to entrust the Star Gem with wishes is the forever sleeping Protector. Furthermore, it was that Protector who wished for its destruction. Returning it to its former state should prove difficult, shouldn’t it?

Hope:

I see...

Fang:

Hope...

Carnelian:

Is there a wish you want to be fulfilled?

Hope:

I'm looking for Curs... for a very important person.

Carnelian:

And important person huh...

Hope:

He suddenly didn't come back home... So I boarded Burst Roar and set out on a travel to look for Curse.

Carnelian:

I understand.

Carnelian:

Though it is possible that your important person went travelling alone because he didn't need you? Have you ever thought about that?

Hope:

...!

Fang:

King Carnelian!

Carnelian:

You still intend to look for that person, even if that would be the case?

Hope:

Of course. I won't know his true feelings until I ask him directly. Also, I want to see him again!

Carnelian:

...

Hope:

...King Carnelian, I beg of you. Won't you lend me a hand in looking for Curse on Alba?

Fang:

Hope, what are you...!

Carnelian:

How unexpected. Does that mean you want to use me, the king?

Hope:

I know I'm being disrespectful! But, still... I need to see him no matter what! I beg of you...!

Carnelian:

...

Fang:

Geez... What a restive horse.

Hope:

S-sorry...

Fang:

---King Carnelian. Please forgive my crew member for having acted in such a disrespectful manner. I shall accept Your request to look for information on the Star Gem Shard.

Hope:

...

Carnelian:

I see. You have my thanks.

Fang:

As for the method of payment... would it be difficult if you could look for a person on Alba in exchange?

Carnelian:

!

Hope:

Fang!

Fang:

I humbly ask of You to lend us a hand, King Carnelian.

Carnelian:

...fu. There is no reason for me to decline a request from you.

Hope:

Th-then...

Carnelian:

Don't worry about that man named Curse. I shall tell my guards and let them look all around Alba.

Hope:

Thank you very much...! Fang too, seriously, thanks!

Fang:

You better work hard for it, yes?

Hope:

Yes!

Fang:

Well then, King Carnelian. We're going to travel to the other stars and gather information. If I learn of anything, I shall report to You immediately.

Carnelian:

Thank you. Oh and, let my aide accompany you. ---Lazu.

Lazu:

You have called me?

Carnelian:

Yes. You are to accompany Fang-dono and look for the Star Gem Shard together.

Lazu:

As His Majesty wishes.

Fang:

...and that is?

Carnelian:

Lazu. He's specialty is the sword. He will surely be of help to you.

Fang:

Looking forward to working with you, Lazu.

Hope:

I'm Hope, nice to meet you!

Lazu:

Yes.

Hope:

Not a big talker huh...

Carnelian:

He's not sociable, but that much more loyal. Lazu, I'm counting on you.

Lazu:

As His Majesty wishes.

Carnelian:

---Hope.

Hope:

Y-yes!

Carnelian:

As promised, I will help with your wish as well. But, you have to fulfil your wishes with your own hands. If they're worthy to be fulfilled, they surely will. Believe that you will definitely fulfil it.

Hope:

Yes...!

Carnelian:

Well then, Fang-dono, Hope... I entrust you with Alba's... no, with this world's crisis.

Fang:

Yes, please leave it to us.

Hope:

Yes!

 

Chapter 7 - Taciturn Traveller

Coda:

Hey! Fang! Hope!

Hope:

Coda! Thanks for looking after the ship!

Fang:

Well done. Was everything okay at the port?

Coda:

Yes. This is the last box. Once it's on the ship we're ready to depart anytime.

Fang:

Excellent, as always.

Coda:

Well, thanks. ...by the way.

Lazu:

...

Coda:

Who's that?

Lazu:

......

Coda:

He's kinda looking over here... [TL note: How tf can you know that.]

Lazu:

............

Coda:

Uhm stop!?

Hope:

That's Lazu! The aide of Alba's king and he'll accompany us now.

Coda:

Huh...?

Hope:

Don't worry. He may look taciturn at first, but he's really kind. When we left the palace before, he said he'd show me around back alleys if I wanna look for Curse. Though he doesn't speak, he’s super fast and I lost sight of him a few times.

Coda:

Can you really call that showing you around?

Hope:

...hah. Curse doesn't seem to be on Alba...

Coda:

Hope...

Fang:

It's just the first star. You'll definitely find him.

Hope:

...you're right! Anyways, I'm glad Lazu is with us!

Coda:

I understand. But can I ask why the aide of Alba's king is to board our ship?

Hope:

oh, right!

Fang:

I'll tell you and the others on board. Gather in the cabin once you're done loading the ship.

Coda:

Aye aye sir.

---

Fang:

---and that's that.

Fang:

We'll be looking for the Star Gem Shard.

*noisy noisy*

Crew:

What do you mean...? The Shard of the Star Gem...

Fang:

I've told you about it before, right Coda?

Coda:

Yes. That we're chasing the guys that want to steal the shards.

Hope:

You knew it too!?

Coda:

Well. It's not easy following such a random leader you know. Though I just wanted to board a normal trading ship.

Hope:

Yeah. Same.

Fang:

That hasn't changed now either. Our minor businesses have just increased a bit. That's all.

Coda:

Minor business!? This is more than just following a simple request!

Fang:

Ahaha. Your tsukkomi is as skilful as always today.

Coda:

...geez. Well, it's not like your whims only just started today.

Fang:

Sorry for the trouble.

Coda:

Then go easy on us.

Fang:

Excuse me too, Hope. You were on a journey to find someone yet work just keeps piling up.

Hope:

No! ...I'm thankful that you asked King Carnelian about Curse! The Star Gem Shard seems to be really important, so we better find it quickly!

Fang:

I'm glad to hear that. Lazu, I'm counting on you too.

Lazu:

Yes.

Fang:

Now that that's done, let's prepare for departure!

Coda:

Eh. Already...?

Fang:

Is there something you want to do on Alba?

Coda:

Ah, no...

Lazu:

...

Coda:

It's nothing! Let's get going.

Coda:

Oh and leader. You won't say to leave it to the wind where we're going next, will you?

Fang:

No worries. I already decided where we're going. Our next destination is... Lama, the Star of Steel.

 

Chapter 8 - Lama, Star of Steel

Hope:

Hah, finally arrived! So this is Lama huh...

Fang:

Hope, are you tired from the journey?

Hope:

Only a bit... But I'm basically used to the space ship by now!

Fang:

That's nice.

Coda:

A bit more and you can calm down completely.

Hope:

I don't know about that yet! But I'm definitely more calm on board than being on Lama for the first time now!

Coda:

Right?

Hope:

...but I gotta say, Lama's building are all big. Kinda black, and, hard, or like...

Fang:

Lama is rich in iron resources after all. There are many solid buildings that were made out of black iron.

Coda:

It really feels like they're standing towering over the surroundings, right?

Hope:

Yes. Like, every building looks super strong... ...wah!

*don*

Hope:

S-sorry! I wasn't looking and...

Lama resident:

...

Hope:

And gone. Maybe they were in a hurry?

Coda:

People from Lama are all like that. They're all brisk and don't seem very sociable.

Hope:

Now that you say it, they all walk quickly.

Coda:

Straightforward and not looking around, right?

Hope:

They kinda look a bit angry to me...

Fang:

They're not angry. It's just their national character. Until a few years ago there was a civil war in Lama. Maybe the anxiety from then is still not gone entirely.

Hope:

I see...

Fang:

Though the current King Orion ended the civil war, and since then the mood of the city brightened up apparently.

Coda:

I like them. The people of Lama. There are many punctual people. Trading with them is always nice.

Hope:

Heh!

Coda:

They don't deceive you with the goods and they're not even one second late for appointments.

Hope:

Not even one second!?

Coda:

Yup, that punctual that they get to the appointed location before it's time so we're the ones that need to hurry.

Hope:

Amazing...! On Eterno there's lots of people that only start preparing after the appointed time has been passed already.

Fang:

Bestia is kinda like that too. A plan for lunch can turn into a plan for dinner quickly.

Coda:

No that's just you.

Fang:

Hahaha! You're a stable person after all. How is it on Alba by the way? They seem like humble people, or more like, there's a lot of honest people.

Lazu:

It is as Lord Fang is aware of.

Fang:

Really? There isn't more? Like, they look calm but are passionate!

Lazu:

There is nothing else that I would be able to offer to you.

Fang:

I-I see...

Hope:

They do look like they are on top of things more than people on Eterno though!

Fang:

And more than people on Bestia too! Hahaha!

Hope:

Ahahaha!

Lazu:

...

Hope & Fang:

...haha... ha...

Coda:

Rather cool, are we. Feels like I'll forget about him because he barely talks.

Fang:

Ah, I can see Lama's royal palace!

Hope:

Eh, which one!?

Fang:

All of the black building you can see from here.

Hope:

....eehhh!? That? All of it!? It looks like a huge ass city!

Hope:

What an amazing force. Even the gates are huge...!

Coda:

It's my first time in the royal palace too, I'm kinda nervous... So far it was always Fang on his own with such important business talks.

Hope:

I see. ...wait a sec, today's partner is another king!?

Fang:

Aren't you used to it already?

Hope:

I'm not!

Fang:

Not only about business, but I gotta tell him about the Star Gem Shard. No need to be nervous. Lama's king has a bit of a... or rather, quite a presence.

Hope & Coda:

Presence...

Fang:

He's a person that values manners and appearance. If you act rudely, your head may very well fly off.

Hope & Coda:

Our heads will what!?!?

Coda:

...maybe I'll go look after the ship after all.

Hope:

Ah, u-unfair!

Fang:

Hahaha!

Fang:

You're in front of the royal palace. Prepare yourselves. Ready? It's an audience with King Orion.

 

Chapter 9 - Lama's King Orion

Orion:

Well done in coming, Fang. And to everyone from Burst Roar too, I welcome you to my star Lama.

Fang:

You too, King Orion, seem to be in good health as always.

Orion:

As do you.

Hope:

(Lama's king has an impressive presence...!)

Hope:

(King Carnelian was a respectable king too, but there's a different atmosphere around here, or more like... King Orion really is the king of the Star of Steel. He has a serious face, it kinda makes me nervous...)

Hope:

(It feels like my head really will fly off if I say something weird. How can Fang talk in such a composed manner?)

Coda:

...Hope, Lazu.

Hope:

Hm?

Lazu:

Yes.

Coda:

...isn't that red haired man over there staring at us? The one standing behind King Orion.

Orion's Servant:

...

Hope:

Now that you said it, he is.

Coda:

If he's standing behind King Orion, does that mean it's his servant or something? You're not acquaintances, are you?

Hope:

As if. Lazu do you know him?

Lazu:

...no.

Orion's Servant:

:)

Coda:

Ah, our eyes met!

Hope:

...did he smile?

Coda:

He's waving his arm too.

Orion's Servant:

!

Hope:

Ehh! His eyes just widened!?

Coda:

And his cheeks are inflating too! Wha, that face!

Hope:

Y-you're kidding, if he makes such a face then...

Coda & Hope:

....! .....fu!!

Fang:

...! Guys!?

Coda & Hope:

Ah...

Lazu:

...

Orion:

...is there something funny with my face?

Hope:

N-No!

Orion:

You were looking into my direction since before and you were whispering with each other, were you not?

Orion:

Do you harbour any ill feeling about Lama?

Hope:

Th-that's wrong! I would never!

Orion:

You getting agitated only makes you more suspicious.

Hope:

Th-that's really not it! We just... Wh-what should we do!?

Coda:

You're asking me?

Orion:

---Erin. Did they do anything weird while... ...!?

Erin:

Ah.

Orion:

You... what's with that ridiculous face!!!

Erin:

Whoopsie you found out!

Orion:

You've been doing something stupid again!

Erin:

Sorry King. But with all that boring faces and boring talks, I was about to fall asleep from boredom, you see.

Orion:

I don't care if it's boring or not! How often do I need to tell you to act dignified in diplomatic matters...

Erin:

Hah... You always say the same. I'm tired of listening. You could just talk in the courtyard while looking at flowers and have a good time. It's hard to breathe if you're this stiff.

Orion:

...it seems it was fruitless to make you try understand.

Orion:

Why are you here anyways? I don't remember ordering you to stand by here.

Erin:

Protecting King is my job. If I'm not close I can't do it.

Orion:

Hmph. I'll praise your spirit if anything.

Erin:

Fufun.

Orion:

Then shut your mouth, don't do anything and stay still.

Erin:

>:(

Orion:

Got it?

Erin:

...

Orion:

Erin!

Erin:

The order was to shut up.

Orion:

...you bastard always need to have the last word.

Erin:

Ahaha! Are you angry? You are, right?

Hope, Coda, Lazu:

.............

Hope:

There... are a lot of different kings and servants, huh...

Coda:

Is he unexpectedly a friendly king...? I thought he'd be a scary king after Fang told us about our heads flying off.

Fang:

Ah, that? That was just a little joke.

Coda:

Not funny. I thought I'd die.

Erin:

There's no need to be scared. King may have a scary face, but what he loves most is everyone's smiles.

Orion:

Erin, don't say unnecessary things.

Erin:

Oh and. He also loves flowers and cake with looots of whipped cream.

Orion:

Wh-who would like sweet cakes!!!

Erin:

Fufun. Your lies are too easy to tell.

Orion:

Ku... Ahem! Forgive me. I showed you a miserable state.

Fang:

Hahaha. By no means. To be able to act so intimate together. He must be a good servant.

Orion:

Though in terms of serving I envy King Carnelian's servant.

Lazu:

I am unworthy of such words.

Orion:

...in any case, there were other things we needed to discuss, right?

Fang:

...indeed. I assume You've read the letter I sent?

Orion:

I did. I also received a notice from King Carnelian. So Alba's Star Gem Shard has been stolen.

Fang:

Yes.

Orion:

Which means Lama wasn't the only one.

Hope:

Eh!?

Fang:

What do You mean?

Orion:

Lama's Star Gem Shard has been stolen by someone.

Coda:

Lama's too!?

Lazu:

...

Hope:

That another Star Gem Shard was stolen...

Coda:

Was it the same person?

Fang:

That can't be said clearly, but the possibility is high. ...if they are, then it's natural to think that they're after all of the shards.

Orion:

I agree on that. Though I don't know what they're planning after collecting them all.

Hope:

But doesn't this mean that the world is in danger?

Orion:

It's as if the fate of this world lies in the hands of that thief.

Hope:

That’s...!

Fang:

King Orion. When was Lama's Star Gem Shard stolen?

Orion:

A few days ago.

Fang:

Did You notice anything strange around that time? Like a suspicious person appearing...

Orion:

I shall let Erin explain it.

Erin:

Yes. I saw a man clad in black.

Fang:

A black clad man?

Erin:

I saw him while patrolling the city. He was clad in all black.

Erin:

Though I didn't see his face, he probably wasn't from Lama. He was no ordinary person. He didn't make any careless moves. His presence was almost non-existent too. You could tell at once that he was up to no good.

Hope:

How could you tell?

Orion:

Erin's instinct is never wrong. Unlike myself and you lot, he had a different life.

Erin:

The only thing that saved me on paths that decided on life or death was my intuition alone.

Hope:

Life, or death...?

Coda:

Seriously...

Orion:

It was on the night of when Erin saw that man that the Star Gem Shard was stolen. It's frustrating how good his technique must've been. There were no traces left of someone having intruded into the palace. Only the Shard had vanished.

Fang:

A man clad in black huh.

Fang:

We can't say if it's the same criminal as on Alba, but it does serve as a hint.

Orion:

It may not be the identity of the black clad man, but I may have an idea as to who could be pulling the strings in the back.

Hope & Coda:

Eh!?

Fang:

Who...!?

Orion:

---Sirena's king. Sardinia.

Fang:

King Sardinia...!?

Hope:

Sirena... that was the star that doesn't do trading with any others, right?

Coda:

Y-yes... We may be able to trade with them, but it's definitely nothing official. But, Sirena...?

Coda:

How do I put it, they have that image of always doing festivals and being carefree though.

Fang:

... Why do You think so?

Orion:

King Sardinia of Sirena is from a royal family, but he has forgotten about our duty.

Hope:

The duty of the royal family?

Orion:

On the Day of Origin a very important duty has been entrusted to Us, the royal families. Our ancestors where the five servants that followed the Protector of the Star Gem.

Hope:

The Day of Origin... so you mean 1000 years ago!?

Orion:

Yes. On the Day of Origin, the stars and shards where entrusted to Us. In other words, we are to protect the shards and the balance of the world.

Coda:

And that for 1000 years... one could feel overwhelmed by that.

Orion:

But, Sardinia forgot about his mission as a royal and uttered unbelievable words! ---Hand over Lama's Star Gem Shard to Sirena, he said.

Fang:

Did King Sardinia really say that?

Orion:

Yes. I heard it with my own ears. There is no mistake.

Fang:

...

Hope:

To think something like that happened...

Coda:

But Lama and Sirena don't have contact, do they? When should he have said that?

Orion:

The royals are obliged to gather once every few years in Mistero's Grand Sanctuary.

Hope:

Grand Sanctuary?

Orion:

Star of Origin, Mistero. At the star's deepest part lies the Grand Sanctuary in which the Protector of the Star Gem sleeps.

Hope:

The Protector of the Star Gem... really exists!?

Coda:

I didn't know either. I thought he was made up.

Orion:

He exists, in the Grand Sanctuary of Mistero. Though he's being protected by divine powers, so normal people cannot approach him.

Hope:

I see...

Fang:

...I see. I understand Your reasoning. To see what is true and false, we better hurry to Sirena.

Fang:

I also want to hear King Sardinia's part of the story.

Hope:

Yes!

Coda:

I agree.

Fang:

Are you okay with it too, Lazu?

Lazu:

Obeying Lord Fang's words are the orders of His Majesty.

Fang:

Haha, stiff as always.

Orion:

Then I shall accompany you too.

Hope, Fang, Coda:

Eh!?

Orion:

Why are you surprised? My star's Shard has been stolen by Sirena. As the king of Lama I can't just stay still!

Fang:

No no... What are You thinking? Lama's king on board of a trading ship!

Orion:

Ho. What interesting things you say.

Orion:

This is an important matter for Lama. I shall bring the base of this star back with my own hands.

Fang:

...you're being unreasonable.

Orion:

I was thinking of going to Sirena anyways. But I can't just fly in head-on with a war ship, now can I?

Orion:

But with a trading ship I can sneak in and play a requiem for Sardinia.

Erin:

I'll go too.

Orion:

Very well.

Coda:

Eh... like it's his own ship...

Fang:

Haha... Oh well. And this guy won't listen once he decided something.

Orion:

Just you wait, King Sardinia.

Erin:

Just you wait!

 

Chapter 10 - Days spent with Curse

Orion:

Fang, are we still not in Sirena?

Fang:

You just asked that a few minutes ago. I said there's about half a day left.

Orion:

What's with this ship anyways? My star's war ship only needs a few hours.

Orion:

Doesn't it have a space-time transfer function?

Fang:

It does. But the conditions to use it are regulated by space law, you know.

Orion:

I know that much! What I want to say is that we're in such an emergency situation right now and should use it!

Coda:

Comparing our ship to a war ship... this is just a trading ship you know...

Lazu:

...

Erin:

Stare.

Lazu:

.....

Erin:

Staaaare.

Lazu:

...is something the matter, Lord Erin? It seems you have been rather interested in me for a time now.

Erin:

You don't talk at all, do you. Aren't you bored just standing there?

Lazu:

I simply follow His Majesty's orders to board the ship, there is nothing else I shall do.

Erin:

Ehh. When King gives me an order that I don't like I pretend I didn't hear it though.

Orion:

...Erin, I can hear you.

Erin:

King's orders are absoluuute!

Orion:

You bastard...

Lazu:

...

Coda:

Hahaha... ha...

Hope:

...

Fang:

What's wrong, Hope? You're looking outside on your own.

Hope:

Ah, yes.

Fang:

Are you thinking about Curse?

Hope:

Even when looking around Lama I couldn't find him at all...

Coda:

Don't get gloomy. He might be on Sirena, you know?

Hope:

...yes.

Erin:

Curse? Who?

Orion:

Probably the person he was looking for before joining the crew.

Hope:

Yes.

Hope:

...I wonder where he is. Is he doing okay...

Orion:

Maybe he's been dragged into trouble and just can't contact you, that's a possibility too.

Erin:

King. That was not the time to say it.

Hope:

Uu...

Erin:

See! Now he's sad!

Orion:

What are you going to do if you lose spirit now? If that person really is in a predicament, are you going to save him like this? One has to think of all possibilities when trying to achieve something.

Fang:

King Orion is right. First you gotta be happy!

Hope:

...you're right. Thank you very much, King Orion, Fang. I will definitely find Curse!

Orion:

Good.

Coda:

...hey, what is Curse to you? You said he was something like family, but you never properly told us about it.

Fang:

He's not your real parent, right?

Hope:

No. But when I was a child, I thought he was my real dad. Because we were always together.

Coda:

I see.

Hope:

So when he told me he wasn't my real family, I was really shocked...

---

Curse:

---it's true, I am not your real father.

Curse:

But I'm something like a distant relative.

Hope:

...! I... see...

Curse:

Is that the only question you've been wanting to ask me all this time?

Hope:

The only...? Ah... Uhm... Yes, that's it! I kinda felt like it might be the case, I'm glad you told me!

Curse:

You were thinking about that?

Hope:

Of course! All of the other kids' dads were a lot older than you! I thought it was a bit weird... So now it makes sense! Ahaha...

Curse:

Hope...?

Hope:

...

---

Hope:

...

Curse:

Tonight it's especially cold, isn't it?

Curse:

You'll catch a cold like this. How about going back in quickly?

Hope:

Curse...

Curse:

I've heard from your blacksmith master, you haven't been doing too well lately? And today you almost burned your hand with the furnace, he said.

Hope:

Ah...

Curse:

And your daily goal of "being useful to a townsperson" doesn't seem to be going well lately either, right?

Hope:

I'm sorry...

Curse:

I am not blaming you. I just haven't seen you smile in a while.

Hope:

Really?

Curse:

Really. Your thoughts always show on your face.

Curse:

What can I do to see your smile again...?

Hope:

Curse...

Curse:

If you're not smiling then I cannot smile either.

Hope:

...pu. Ahahaha!

Curse:

...why are you laughing now?

Hope:

Because even though you know everything, you don't understand the most simple things!

Hope:

You're weird!

Curse:

...I am... weird?

Hope:

Yes! You know about herbs that heal injuries and the history of the world, yet you don't know about simple things.

Curse:

...indeed. I might be weird, as you say.

Curse:

That may be because other people's hearts are the biggest mysteries to me. And so far there has never been an existence as important to me as you.

Hope:

...you don't have many friends, right? You know lots of people and are kind to everyone, but you suck at socializing. Though you're popular with women.

Curse:

Is that so?

Hope:

The girls from the stands always give you fruits. That's because they like you!

Curse:

My, that I did not notice.

Hope:

You're so dull!

Curse:

It's the first time I feel like there were little waves inside my chest because of someone else, because of living with you.

Hope:

Is that so?

Curse:

Yes. When you smile my heart bounces. When you feel down I cannot stay still. And sometimes when you're sulking and not listening to me I feel like I'd want to destroy the entire world.

Hope:

Scary!

Curse:

Fufu.

Curse:

You were the one to teach me that living for someone else's sake isn't bad, Hope.

Hope:

Eh?

Curse:

Days filled with mundane things can be enjoyable too, right? I guess this too is fate.

Hope:

There it is! Curse's "fate" thing!

Curse:

My. This is something important. Both good and bad things lie in fate. It depends on yourself what you haul in of both.

Hope:

Hmm... Then, seems like I was lucky.

Curse:

Why is that?

Hope:

Because I became family with you!

Curse:

...fufu. Yes, you're right. Thinking like that means that I was lucky too, right?

Hope:

Ahaha! Yup!

Curse:

Then I shall be grateful for this good fate. For being able to be with you, for being granted such bliss.

Hope:

Hah... I wanna become an adult quickly too.

Curse:

...why?

Hope:

Because I'm super happy thanks to you, but I can't do anything for you.

Hope:

When I become an adult, I can make my own blacksmith shop, earn lots of money and make you super happy too!

Curse:

There is no need to hurry, Hope. The moments we are living through now are all close to a miracle after all... And I am super happy already.

Curse:

Thank you, Hope.

---

Hope:

Curse may not be my real dad, but that doesn't change the fact that we're family! He's my family, and I am his. That's why I have to find him no matter what.

Orion:

With that unshakable resolve you're definitely going to find him.

Hope:

Yes!

Erin:

Uu... What a nice story.

Coda:

Eh, you're crying!?

Erin:

I was very touched. I'll help you look for Curse too! And Lazu seems to be helping too!

Lazu:

I have not said anything.

Erin:

Cause you're mute. I'm translating for you.

Lazu:

..there is no need to.

Orion:

The victims have increased by one.

Erin:

It's tough when there's so many dishonest people.

Lazu & Orion:

.......

Fang:

Hahaha! So this means everyone feels the same about finding Curse. We'll definitely find them. Both the Star Gem Shard and Curse!

Hope:

Thank you, everyone! Though, it would be nice if the Star Gem became one again and could fulfil wishes again...

 

Chapter 11 - Sirena, Star of Holy Water

Hope:

Uwaahh! This city is amazing! It's full of canals. Ah! Under that stone bridge there's a ship passing through! And here, and there...! There's so many ships!?

Fang:

So many gondolas, right?

Fang:

Sirena's royal city is full of waterways. It's a city blessed by water after all. Taking a gondola is faster than going by foot.

Hope:

Heee...

Coda:

A pretty city, right? I was surprised too when I came the first time. The waterways are cool too, but that feeling of there always being a festival, makes you excited, doesn't it?

Erin:

Yes. Just now I saw people in costume over there too. And you can hear instruments playing from all around too.

Orion:

It's the sound of a lute. Seriously, they're always noisy here.

Fang:

There's many people on Sirena that love music and art.

Orion:

They're too used to peace. Because of the king being wishy washy something like this happened. A festival in such an emergency.

Fang:

Well well, King Sardinia has things to think about as well.

Orion:

Hmph.

Hope:

...is that the royal palace on the other side of this big stone bridge?

Fang:

Though we have to walk some more.

Hope:

I see... ......!!!

*Curse sprite appears*

Hope:

Curse...! Just now, on the other side of the bridge...

Coda:

Hope?

Hope:

Did I mistake him? No but, that was...

Coda:

Hey, what's wrong... Hope!? Where are you going running off like that!?

Hope:

I saw Curse!!

Coda:

Ehh!?

---

Hope:

Hah, hah... Curse...! Curse... Where are you!? (He's not here? Maybe that wasn't Curse.)

Hope:

(It was pretty far away... No. I only saw it one second but it was definitely him!) Curse!

Curse:

...

Hope:

I knew it! It's Curse!! Curse, wait!! Around that corner... It's me, Curse! I said wait...! Hah, hah... Just turn here and...

Hope:

Curse, where are you? Haven't you noticed me? Can't you hear my voice? Curse, why? No, don't go...! I finally found you...! Curse...!!!

*bump*

Hope:

Ah!

Man [TL note: It's Sardinia.]:

...my.

Hope:

I-I'm sorry! Could you let me through...

Man:

Boy. Why are you in such a hurry? Even if you continue, ahead lies only the royal palace. It seems like a place in which a child from another star has no business.

Hope:

I'm chasing someone! He went in that direction...

Man:

To the palace? ...fumu.

Man:

A visitor from another place unbeknownst to my star. And heading to the royal palace no less... Oh Shinkai, what do you think?

Shinkai:

Who knows, I don't. [TL note: sasuga oniisan] It seems I've met this person for the first time.

Man:

Though that may be. Are you not feeling anything in your chest?

Shinkai:

Hmm..... I see.....

Hope:

Wh-what, why are you staring at me...

Shinkai:

...red colour. And also white.

Hope:

Eh?

Shinkai:

The big red is important, huh? But the white is even more important.

Man:

Well...

Hope:

Uhm, I, really am in a hurry, so...

Coda:

Hope!!

Hope:

Coda! And the others too...!

Orion:

You bastard...!

Man:

My, how surprising. If it isn't King Orion from the Star of Steel. My fortune telling was right after all. I drew an unpleasant card today.

Man:

So it meant an unwelcome guest would appear.

Orion:

...hmph. You never change huh. Oh King Sardinia.

Hope:

King Sardinia!?

Coda:

Wait so, this person is Sirena's king...?

Sardinia:

Indeed. I am Sirena's king, Sardinia. But in any case, why is Lama's king on my star?

Orion:

Hmph.

Sardinia:

It wasn't you that took him along without saying anything, was it, Fang?

Fang:

Hahaha... ha... There's a plausible reason for this.

Sardinia:

Plausible, hm?

Coda:

Fang knows Sirena's king too...? Nothing surprises me anymore...

Orion:

I have no desire to deepen the relationship with the likes of a bastard like you that rules the country like this.

Sardinia:

My, thank you. Understanding my arts would seem to be rather difficult for the tin soldier's brain that you own.

Orion:

Tin soldier...? You bastard...! Do you intend to mock Lama!

Sardinia:

May I ask who was the first one to start this?

Sardinia & Orion:

...

Fang:

Well well. Calm down you two.

Sardinia & Orion:

As if I could be calm right now!

[TL note: Cinematic parallels TRIGGER]

Sardinia:

I surely owe you something, Fang, but this isn't something I should be dealing with, is it?

Orion:

If the incident with the Star Gem Shard didn't happen I wouldn't set a foot on this star even if it'd kill me!

Sardinia:

...Star Gem Shard?

Orion:

You bastard stole it from my star, did you not!!!

Sardinia:

...

Orion:

Hmph. You not answering means I've hit the nail on the head, huh!

Coda:

Geez, what a situation...

Erin:

King and Sardinia-san seem to be getting along well huh.

Lazu:

I think it's the opposite.

Coda:

Lazu suddenly the tsukkomi...

Erin:

Hmm, but... That person talks really bad about King. What a funny person.

Coda:

Erin, your eyes aren't smiling at all...

Erin:

Not true? :)

Sardinia:

...I have no choice. Only this once I shall allow you to stay on Sirena.

Sardinia:

Because you wouldn't go home even if I told you to, right?

Orion:

Obviously.

Hope:

Uhm...

Sardinia:

Hm?

Hope:

If you're the king, then you can go to the palace right? I'm looking for someone and...

Sardinia:

Ah right, you said that before too.

Sardinia:

Very well, I shall let my guards know to look for that person.

Hope:

Are you sure?

Sardinia:

I can't just let someone I don't know wander around the palace freely, now can I?

Hope:

Curse isn't a suspicious person...

Fang: Isn't that great?

Fang:

We may find Curse and get to hear about some information. We should borrow King Sardinia's power.

Hope:

...yes...

Sardinia:

Well then, let us leave. This is no place to further discuss matters. I'll show you to my palace.

Hope:

Yes!

Coda:

Hope, I'll stay in town and look for Curse.

Hope:

Are you sure?

Coda:

The Star Gem Shard may be important, but for you Curse is just as important, right? He may be in the city still.

Hope:

Thanks, Coda!

Erin:

I'll help Coda!

Lazu:

Then I shall go to the palace...

Erin:

Lazu wants to help us too!

Lazu:

...

Hope:

Coda, Erin, Lazu! Thanks!

Orion:

Well then, oh King Sardinia. Let us have a talk without you running or hiding anything shall we.

Sardinia:

My my...

Shinkai:

Tonight's ball is turning into a martial arts meeting huh.

[TL note: He made a pun here. Ball is "butoukai" and martial arts meeting is "budoukai".]

 

Chapter 12 - Sirena's Royal Palace

Sardinia:

Thanks for coming, Fang... And you were Hope, right? I welcome you all from Burst Roar.

Orion:

You bastard are doing this on purpose huh?

Sardinia:

What do you mean? Ah and, it's a late introduction but. ---Shinkai.

Shinkai:

Yes.

Sardinia:

This one is called Shinkai. He carries an interesting skill and I'm keeping him by my side. More than anything, the sound of his flute is beautiful. It has a somewhat sad sound to it and moves people's hearts.

Fang:

Sound of the flute?

Shinkai:

I'm a minstrel. It's nice to meet you. ...shall I sing?

Hope:

S-suddenly?

Fang:

He's rather carefree huh...

Orion:

Songs don't matter right now!

Sardinia:

How impatient.

Orion:

I don't have time to waste. My body and time are all for the sake of Lama's people.

Orion:

Oh King Sardinia. Hand back Lama's Star Gem Shard at once.

Sardinia:

...fumu. Why do you say I have stolen it?

Orion:

Oh King Sardinia. You bastard have told me that yourself, haven't you? "Give Lama's Star Gem Shard to Sirena."

Sardinia:

Oh, you mean back then at the Grand Sanctuary?

Orion:

It seems you remember. But I didn't think you would steal Alba's Shard as well!

Sardinia:

Lama's and Alba's... I see. Indeed, Lama's Shard is so pretty that everyone would want to steal it.

Sardinia:

Lama may be a savage country, but that jet black shining shard is the only thing truly magnificent.

Orion:

Then you really did...!

Sardinia:

You should listen to the end of the story. I did indeed say that I wanted Lama's Shard.

Sardinia:

If I'd shower it with love, it would surely be happy too, don't you think?

Hope:

King Sardinia, then did you really...?

Sardinia:

Ridiculous. Of course I wouldn't steal it? I just said that I wanted it.

Orion:

Are you still feigning ignorance!?

Sardinia:

I don't lie. And anyways, the same thing happened with Sirena's Shard.

Orion:

The same? What do you mean...

Sardinia:

Right now there is no Star Gem Shard in this palace. Someone has already stolen it.

Hope:

Eh! Sirena too!?

Fang:

...

Orion:

...you aren't lying?

Sardinia:

Seriously, you really have deep doubts don't you... Want me to show you the empty Shard Room?

Orion:

Then, it's true...?

Sardinia:

It happened recently. On the day of the Pioggiarito festival. It was stolen during the festival's musings.

Sardinia:

You remember that day well, right Shinkai?

Shinkai:

I had a bad feeling during the entire day... And then something bad really did happen.

Fang:

What do you mean?

Sardinia:

I told you before, didn't I? This one holds an interesting skill.

Sardinia:

Shinkai can foretell the future.

Fang:

He can what...!? Is that even possible?

Shinkai:

I don't know. But when I have such a feeling, it's never off.

Hope:

How mysterious...

Sardinia:

His foretelling always hits the mark.

Sardinia:

My fortune telling does hit too, but his is a very special power. It seems he felt that the Shard was going to be stolen.

Shinkai:

I felt like "something" important was going to be stolen. By something black, it was a very nasty feeling.

Hope:

Something black!?

Sardinia:

There's a servant that has seen a masked and black clad man on the day it was stolen. During Pioggiarito everyone wears masks and costumes, so he probably snuck in then.

[TL note: All of you people, from every star, need a better security system. Jesus.]

Orion:

A black clad man... It might be the same one Erin saw.

Fang:

It seems we can be sure of that. Was there anything else that could help us identify the man?

Sardinia:

Unfortunately not. It was too late when I noticed that the magically sealed door had been opened.

Sardinia:

Though only members of the royal families are supposedly able to open it...

Orion:

...I see. So it's the same as in Lama. How did that black clad man steal the shards?

Sardinia:

Who knows. But it seems he isn't your common thief.

Fang:

This means half of the shards have been stolen now.

Hope:

Fang, that means...

Fang:

The black clad man really is trying to unite the shards again.

Hope:

B-but! But the only one who can entrust wishes to the Star Gem is the sleeping Protector, right?

Hope:

Even if he put it together, there'd be no point?

Sardinia:

I don't know. He may have found a way to awaken the Protector.

Fang:

Or he doesn't care about the wish at all...

Orion:

Maybe his goal is just to steal the shards and turn the world upside down.

Orion:

Maybe the six stars will merge once again if the Star Gem is back together.

Hope:

Then that...

Orion:

Then all living things of the stars, without difference, could all just perish.

Hope:

P-perish, that's...!

Sardinia:

Unlike the Day of Origin, there is no Protector to adjust things...

Fang:

Whatever the case may be, there's three shards left.

Sardinia:

Well, Mistero's shard, should be safe. The Grand Sanctuary is being protected by divine powers so it should be okay.

Fang:

I heard that there's no problem with Bestia as of now.

Hope:

Then Eterno's Shard is left...? ...I wonder where Eterno's Shard is right now.

Orion:

Eterno's Shard vanished alongside its royal family.

Hope:

Ehh!? They're dead!?

Orion:

No.

Orion:

We don't know where they are but they must be safe. If not then disaster would've probably already fallen over Eterno.

Hope:

I-I see... I'm glad... I think.

Orion:

By the way, the king himself is probably safe too.

Hope:

Eh, uhm, what, do you mean?

Fang:

It means that the king must be living somewhere.

Hope:

...!

Orion:

I told you before how it's the royal families' duty to protect the stars and Star Gem Shards, right? If Eterno's king was really gone, Mistero's Grand Sanctuary would've done something about it.

Sardinia:

The Star of Origin exists for the Star Gem's sake after all.

Fang:

But so far they didn't say anything. Which means Eterno's king is alive somewhere.

Hope:

I see...! I'm glad!

Sardinia:

I wonder, is that really something good?

Hope:

Eh?

Fang:

King Sardinia?

Sardinia:

Nothing... Just, the shards have been stolen from the Shard Rooms, right? And aren't the royal families the only ones who can open the doors to them?

Hope, Fang, Orion:

...!

Fang:

...you're right. But, it can't...

Orion:

Do you mean to say it's Eterno's king?

Sardinia:

I'm just saying it's a possibility of many. Eterno was left in a rather poor state after the war with Alba, was it not? It doesn't seem weird for them to having planned something after that.

Hope:

...Eterno's king...

Fang:

Hope, it's just one possibility.

Hope:

You're right...

Fang:

I think it's best if we head to Bestia.

Orion:

That sounds good. The black clad man is probably aiming for Bestia next.

Sardinia:

My, we share an opinion for once.

Orion:

Hmph. It's an honour.

Shinkai:

...if you're heading for Bestia it's probably best to hurry.

Sardinia:

Are you feeling something?

Shinkai:

Something black... the nasty feeling isn't going away. It's getting worse if anything...

Orion:

It is?

Shinkai:

Something not good. Way worse than now.

Sardinia:

Fumu...

Fang:

Something worse than now...

Sardinia:

---Shinkai, can you accompany Fang? Your power should come in handy.

Shinkai:

Is that Your wish, my king?

Sardinia:

It is.

Shinkai:

Understood. If that is King Sardinia's wish.

Sardinia:

Thank you, Shinkai. Once everything is over, please come back to my side. And then, please let me listen to the beautiful sound of your flute again.

Shinkai:

Yes, my king.

 

Chapter 13 - Shadow of the Searched One

Hope:

Curse! Where are you!? Curse...!

Fang:

...Hope. It's time to depart.

Hope:

...eh? You're right... It's night already. ...

Coda:

Sorry. We've been looking around town since then but...

Erin:

My specialty is looking for people, yet I couldn't find him anywhere.

Lazu:

...will you stay and continue looking?

Hope:

...no. Looking for the Star Gem Shards is more important right now. And maybe I just didn't look well and it wasn't him after all.

Hope:

And if it really was Curse, he would've noticed me!

Coda:

Hope...

Hope:

Sorry everyone! Thank you all for helping!

Sardinia:

Worry not, Hope. I shall keep on looking for that man. Leave Sirena to me and continue on other stars.

Hope:

...yes. Thank you very much!

Orion:

Very well, then I shall return to Lama on a different ship. I shouldn't wander around any more than this. ---Erin, I'm counting on you.

Erin:

Will you be okay without me? I'm worried.

Orion:

Hmph, you should be very familiar with my skills, right?

Erin:

We'll just quickly grab the shards and I'll come flying back to Lama!

Orion:

How reliable. ...also. King Sardinia.

Sardinia:

What is it? Do you regret having to part ways with me now?

Orion:

...I have acted disrespectful towards you. Forgive me.

[TL note: He says この通りだ (kono toori da). As far as I know, you say that when you bow down to ask for forgiveness, so Orion is probably bowing his head to Sardinia.]

Sardinia:

...!

Sardinia:

Fu... You're as upright as always. Even though no one was bothered by it.

Orion:

Though that may be true, it's a fact that I doubted your innocence. But I ask you to not further say things that will make others doubt you!

Sardinia:

Fufu, that's what makes you King Orion. Your admirable self gives me the shivers.

Fang:

I'm glad your misunderstandings are cleared now! Well then, let's go. Everyone on board.

Coda:

Yeah!

Erin:

Understood!

Shinkai:

My king, I'll be off.

Hope:

...Curse. We'll definitely meet, right?

Lazu:

Lord Hope, the doors are closing.

Hope:

Ah, sorry! I'm coming!

---

Curse:

Hope... Is this fate too I wonder. Forgive me, Hope. I cannot return to the house we lived in together. Nor exchange words with you.

Curse:

Even if I have to sacrifice everything, there is something I have to do. The gears that have started turning cannot stop. There are... three remaining Star Gem Shards.

 

Chapter 14 - Everyone's feelings

Hope:

...Curse...

♫♪

Hope:

...a song?

Fang:

What a nice singing voice. I wonder if Shinkai's singing.

Hope:

Fang. And Coda...

Coda:

Looking out of the window on your own, you're thinking about Curse again?

Hope:

...yes.

Coda:

I see. Well, understandable...

Fang:

...oh? Now I hear a flute playing.

Coda:

Where does it come from?

Fang:

From the lounge? Let's check.

---

Shinkai:

♪ The Star Gem holds no power, and becomes six shards. The single big star, divides into six.

Hope:

It's the legend of the "Day of Origin" King Carnelian told us about on Alba.

Fang:

Looks that way. As expected of King Sardinia's singer. He moves your heart.

Hope:

It feels so nostalgic or like, as if it would tighten my chest...

Coda:

Yes. Incredibly beautiful...

Shinkai:

Just when the Protector was about to fall asleep.

Hope:

Huh? There's a continuation...?

Shinkai:

With His last remaining power, He created a being that would observe the world in His stead. Wandering the stars; observing.

Shinkai:

The "Observer of Stars" wanders for thousands of years; around the stars; around the people...

Hope:

...The Observer of Stars?

Shinkai:

...my. Seems you've heard me.

Hope:

Sorry!! It was very pretty!!

Shinkai:

Is that so?

Fang:

I'm sorry too for eavesdropping.

Shinkai:

Having people listen to our songs is a minstrel's duty.

Fang:

I see.

Hope:

...hey, Shinkai.

Shinkai:

Yes.

Hope:

You were singing the legend of the "Day of Origin", right?

Shinkai:

I was.

Hope:

I only knew about the parts of the Star Gem splitting and losing its power and stuff... But there was a continuation to the song?

Shinkai:

Who knows, I don't.

Coda:

What, but!

Hope:

You were singing it, but you don't know...?

Shinkai:

I merely sing songs that have been passed on to me. There are many songs I don't understand. I hear a song, I sing a song. I can but pass them on.

Coda:

...really now?

Fang:

I don't know about the minstrel's song, but I've heard once that the legend does have a continuation.

Hope:

Really?

Fang:

Yes. About the Protector having created the "Observer of Stars".

Hope:

The Observer of Stars. That appeared in Shinkai's song too.

Fang:

It is said to be a beautiful white dragon. Though I've never seen it myself.

Coda:

Star Gem Shards, a white dragon... this is turning into a fairy tale huh.

Hope:

Do dragons really exist?

Fang:

I believe they do. That way it's more romantic, right?

Shinkai:

I do too. Perhaps it exists in songs because there's people who saw it?

Hope:

...yes, that could be it! A white dragon huh... If it really exists, then I wanna see it!

Coda:

Rather than a white dragon I'd prefer seeing Dadan's port covered in greens.

Coda:

It's been a while since we returned to Bestia.

Hope:

Dadan's port?

Coda:

Bestia's biggest port. It's amazing! People from all over the world gather there!

Hope:

Hee!

Fang:

During this time of the year there's little rain on Bestia and it's easy to pass time there.

Fang:

There's flowers and greens, it's so vividly coloured like on no other star.

Coda:

I'm sure you two will like it as well.

Hope:

Fufu.

Coda:

...what?

Hope:

Well you two are really excited to return home!

Coda:

R-really? It's no time to feel excited now though.

Fang:

Even though I know this is an important mission, not being able to be happy about stepping on my hometown after this long doesn't feel very good. Though I really want to breathe in Bestia's air again!

Coda:

Yes, a deep breath!

Hope:

Bestia huh. Your home. I'm looking forward to it too!

Coda:

Lazu and Erin are here for the first time too huh. I gotta show them around Bestia too. ...wait, where are the two anyways?

Shinkai:

Haven't seen them in a while.

Coda:

Hmm. Maybe resting in their rooms?

Hope:

Maybe they're together? They seem to be getting along.

Coda:

Huh? Erin just likes to trouble Lazu though?

Hope:

You think? I think they're happy to be together though...

Coda:

I doubt it.

Fang:

...

---

Carnelian's voice through a transmitter (CVT):

"...I see."

CVT:

"Well done on reporting, Lazu."

Lazu:

Yes. There are three remaining Star Gem Shards. As of now we are heading to Bestia.

CVT:

"According to Fang-dono, Bestia's Shard is being protected in the royal palace as well..."

Lazu:

Please leave it to me, King.

Lazu:

I will protect the shards with my life.

CVT:

"I'm counting on you, Lazu. It's to save the world."

Lazu:

Yes.

*beep*

Lazu:

...Making my king's wish come true is my wish... Ever... since that day. Oh King, I swear to definitely fulfil my role.

Erin:

Bestia's Shard...

 

Chapter 15 - Bestia, Star of Deep Forest

Coda:

Long time no see, Bestia! This smell really calms me down.

Hope:

So this is the port of Dadan... It's so hot! And there really are a lot of people from all around! ...and what's this? It smells nicely, like earth and greens.

Coda:

Because Bestia is full of nature.

Erin:

You're right, everything's green. Trees, flowers and everything is huge. Ahaha! Everything is so bright!

Lazu:

...despite everything, it is very humid.

Hope:

Yes. Even though I'm used to Eterno's heat, I'm all sweaty.

Hope:

Bestia is hot and humid.

Fang:

You might be surprised the first time. But for us who grew up here this feels best.

Erin:

Hey, are all those buildings lined up there shops?

Coda:

Hm? Ah, yes. In this part of town they sell quite interesting goods.

Hope:

Hee...!

Hope:

Ah! The fruits in that shop look like they're glowing in a rainbow colour!? And the shop over there is selling cloth. There's everything here, right?

[TL note: fruits + cloth = everything]

Coda:

Pretty much. But don't look around too much, if you do...

Merchant:

Ohh, Oniisan, you have good eyes! You won't find these fine items in a normal shop. This has golden thread woven into it; pretty, isn't it? They use it in Mistero's Grand Sanctuary... or maybe they don't.

Shinkai:

Does it fit me?

Merchant:

...no this isn't something you wear on your head. It's a cage.

Coda:

Waiwaiwait! Mister, sorry but we're in a hurry.

Merchant:

Tch, window-shoppers!

---

Coda:

Hah...

Shinkai:

And here I thought I had found a new nice hat...

Coda:

Take care, there are a lot of knockoff products. Just walking around the shops makes them call out to you.

Lazu:

A very lively port it seems.

Hope:

The shops are great, but there sure are a lot of ships too. Everyone is carrying goods around.

Hope:

...eh!? That person over there is carrying that big barrel with just one arm!

Shinkai:

The people from Bestia are very strong after all.

Hope:

Really!? Then Coda and Fang could too?

Coda:

As if. Our beast blood percentage* differs from person to person.

[TL note: He doesn't say blood percentage here in any way, but I think this way it's easier to understand with what follows.]

Hope:

Beast blood percentage?

Fang:

The people from Bestia have not only human but also beast blood flowing through their bodies. And everyone has a different percentage of each and give them different powers. That one before had very strong arms for example.

Hope:

Hee, I see!

Coda:

Well, if you have your ears and tail out then you've got more power, really. But at the port you normally hide them.

Hope:

Why? Even though this is Bestia.

Coda:

Even if this is Bestia, that's a huge port with people from all around. It's to avoid trouble.

Coda:

Even though they're all here for trading, it doesn't mean that they've accepted us.

Hope:

I think that's weird...

Coda:

Well... But our beast features end up surprising people that don't have them.

Erin:

Hm... They have something intimidating yes.

Hope:

...maybe they give off some kind of aura.

Coda:

If you put it simply.

Hope:

...hmmm. Though when you had your ears out I wasn't scared at all...

Coda:

Well excuse me for being dull!

Hope:

N-no! I meant it in a good way!

Erin:

Ahaha! You're right, you don't look like they'd have much of an impact. You're like a cute puppy.

Shinkai:

Every person is different after all.

Coda:

I'm gonna bite you.

Hope:

Ahaha!

Fang:

Personally I don't see a need to hide them either. And the royal city doesn't force you to do it either. We inherited this body from our ancestors, it's the pride of us people from Bestia.

Coda:

Well I think so too...

Fang:

Sorry Coda. Don't make such a face. This is my problem.

Coda:

.......huh?

Fang:

Anyways, we should hurry to the palace. We don't have time to lose.

Hope:

You're right!

Fang:

Sorry, Hope. Wait a bit until we can look for Curse.

Hope:

I know! The shards have priority. We gotta protect the remaining shards,,,!

 

Chapter 16 - The King of Bestia

Hope:

Bestia royal palace is so calm, yet wide and splendorous

Lazu:

It differs a lot from the port earlier.

Shinkai:

Probably because it's the body of a god...

Hope:

Really? Well, the entrance looks like a face...

Erin:

Hmm, so that's the face of a god?

Shinkai:

I don't know.

Hope:

...wha.

Erin:

Talking with the flute Oniisan drives you slightly crazy, huh.

Fang:

Sorry I've made you wait. I talked to the people of the palace, we've been granted an audience right away.

Hope:

Y-yes!

Coda:

...the throne room huh.

Hope:

Coda, are you more nervous than normally?

Coda:

O-of course. I'm gonna meet Bestia's king. To be honest, I wanna go back to the ship...

Hope:

Is the king a really scary person?

[TL note: The scariest.]

Coda:

By no means! He's a wonderful person!

Hope:

I-I see. So you've met him?

Coda:

Even without having met him, everyone on Bestia knows. This is a nice star after all.

Hope:

Hee.

Coda:

On Bestia no one has to hunger, we can live peacefully how we like.

Coda:

Yes. But you always disappear during trades so you wouldn't know huh.

Fang:

Hahaha. I was scolded again.

Hope:

I see. If you say that many good things about him, then he must be a nice person!

Coda:

Of course!

Fang:

Alright, let's get going.

Hope & Coda:

...!

Coda:

Behind this door waits the king...

Hope:

N-Now I'm kinda nervous too...

*door opens*

Coda:

Ah, the door opene---what? No one's here?

Hope:

There's the throne, but no one on it.

Lazu & Shinkai:

.....

Erin:

Have you guys really not noticed?

Hope:

Eh?

Coda:

Noticed what...? Wha! Waiwaiwait a second! Fang!? Why are you sitting down on the throne!?

Fang:

Why, this is my throne. :D

Coda:

..........huh?

Fang:

The king of Bestia is me.

Hope & Coda:

.............?

Hope & Coda:

Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!?!?

Hope:

Th-this is a joke, right!? I mean, Fang, is the leader of Burst Roar...

Coda:

Your joke isn't funny AT all!

Fang:

You don't need to laugh. It's not a joke after all.

Erin:

Ahaha! Your surprised faces are funny!

Hope:

Ehhh...

Hope:

Wait Erin, do you mean you knew already!?

Erin:

Of course. I'm the aide of Lama's king remember? I've met Fang-san before already.

Hope:

Then why didn't you tell us!?

Erin:

Why? Why, Lazu?

Lazu:

Lord Fang seemed to have been hiding it.

Fang:

I wasn't trying to hide it. There was just no opportunity to tell you.

Hope:

That's the same!!! Wait, Lazu knew it too? ...Shinkai as well!?

Shinkai:

Kinda... I thought he might be King Sardinia's friend or something.

Hope:

So did you or not...?

Hope:

Hah... Well he did seem acquainted with the other stars' kings.

Coda:

...ble.

Hope:

Eh?

Fang:

What's wrong, Coda? Did you say something?

Coda:

I did... Unbelievable! That's what I said!!!

Fang:

...!

Coda:

How many years have we been travelling together and you didn't tell me!? This is ridiculous!

Fang:

Well you didn't ask me.

Coda:

Huh!!? Who in their right mind would ask the leader of their ship "Hey you a king?"!?

Fang:

Hahaha! But, even without telling you there were no problems during our travels, right?

Coda:

There, right now, a very big problem appeared!!

Hope:

C-Coda, you're talking to a king, you should watch how you talk...

Coda:

...! Why don't you... sir, try to put yourself in my place..... please!

Fang:

Ahaha! Just talk to me like before. It doesn't matter if I'm a king or leader or whatever.

Coda:

It does!

Fang:

It's the same.

Coda:

...

Fang:

I decided to borrow your strength and go on a journey so that I, as Bestia's king, could learn from other stars' culture and about other people's ways of thinking. Everything I've experienced on my journey with you guys have been engraved into my mind and heart.

Fang:

If king or merchant, they're both who I am. There is no difference.

Coda:

.......Geez. What's with that crazy story. Hah, okay, whatever. I'm used to this by now.

Fang:

Thank you, Coda.

Coda:

...hmph.

Fang's servant:

My king, everything has been set in place in the Shard Room.

Fang:

I see. I'm sure there's more you want to talk about, but let's leave that for later.

Hope:

...yes!

Fang:

Everyone, please follow me to the Shard Room.

---

Hope:

That's the Star Gem Shard?

Hope:

Amazing... It's shining in a really pretty green. I want to look at it forever.

Fang:

It's the first time you see the real thing, right?

Hope:

Yes.

Coda:

I'm glad Bestia's Shard is safe.

Fang:

Yes, as of now.

Hope:

...hm? (...what is this, the area around my chest feels warm... Just my imagination?)

Lazu:

It seems it is safe so far, but how will you proceed on protecting it?

Erin:

Yes. We don't know when the man clad in black would appear.

Fang:

As for that, I have a plan already.

Lazu:

What kind of plan?

Fang:

We will perform a ritual tomorrow to strengthen the barrier around it. No matter how skilled the thief is, if we complete the barrier he won't be able to lay a hand on it anymore.

Hope:

I see! That's good!

Coda:

So if we protect the shard tonight, everything will be okay.

Erin:

Good good. A peace of mind for now.

Fang:

...though I'm still worried. From now on I probably should protect the Shard in the palace.

Coda:

Fang, you...

Fang:

As of now, the journey with Burst Roar ends.

Hope & Coda:

...!!

Hope:

You're kidding... That's too sudden!

Fang:

From the start, it was only a journey to widen my horizons. There's no way I could be away from the palace all the time.

Fang:

Though looking out for information on the shards became my main objective in the end. Right now I have to fulfil the duty of a king. To protect this star, its people, and the Star Gem Shard.

Hope:

Well, yes, but...

Coda:

Seriously... you always are like this, doing like you please...

Fang:

Coda...

Coda:

Weren't you the one who invited me to travel together with you!? And yet...

Fang:

...sorry.

Coda:

...!

Hope:

Ah, Coda! Wait, Coda!!

Fang:

...

Erin:

Aaand they're gone. Fang-san, was that really a good decision?

Fang:

There's no good or bad. In the current situation, this is what I must do.

Erin:

....hmmm?

Shinkai:

Seems like it's going to be a difficult night...

Lazu:

...

 

Chapter 17 - End of a Journey

Coda:

...

Hope:

Hah, hah... Coda! I finally found you.

Coda:

Hope... So you were on the balcony. I've been looking around the palace for you.

Coda:

...

Hope:

Uhm... I think Fang actually wants to continue travelling with everyone...

Hope:

But right now it's difficult and...

Coda:

...the view from here is amazing, right?

Hope:

Eh?

Coda:

The royal palace looks like it's part of the forest, right? It smells just like Bestia's forest.

Hope:

Uhm...

Coda:

To tell you the truth, I've been travelling around ever since I was a child. So there's not really a scenery I can call nostalgic. But, when I see Bestia's green, it really calms me down.

Hope:

...I see.

Coda:

It's full of nature, and everyone is bright.

Coda:

That Bestia can be such a star is all thanks to the king that fulfils his role so wonderfully.

Hope:

Coda...

Coda:

What Fang said is right. ...I know that.

Hope:

...

Coda:

Sorry, I've made you worry.

Hope:

...yes. Okay, I decided!

Coda:

What did you decide?

Hope:

Coda, come travel together with me!

Coda:

Huh!?

Hope:

Let's buy a tiny ship together, travel around space and do trading. Also, I still gotta look for Curse!

Coda:

A ship... For real?

Hope:

Well boarding Burst Roar would be the best, but it seems difficult to just take a king's vessel.

Coda:

That's not what I meant!

Hope:

Once we find Curse, we can travel all three together. I'm sure you're gonna like him too!

Coda:

...together on a journey, huh...

Coda:

Pff... ahaha.

Hope:

You think I'm joking?

Coda:

Sorry, I didn't laugh because I thought it weird. I just remembered there was something similar I said once.

Hope:

Really?

Coda:

Yeah, when I was a kid. When my dad took me along on business travels around the stars.

Coda:

...that's when I made a friend.

Hope:

A friend?

Coda:

A boy my age. We weren't even ten years old back then.

Hope:

Hee!

Coda:

Because I was travelling all the time, I never had any friends. But playing around with him was a lot of fun.

Coda:

Playing tag, board games, no matter what; it was fun. It was a bit sad whenever we had to part and promised to meet the next day, but it was exciting too!

Hope:

Your friend huh... What was he like?

Coda:

A kid that almost... no, basically never smiled.

Hope:

A serious child?

Coda:

He was, but... more than that, he always looked like he was suffering. It seems like his family was very strict. Even the time when we met was short. It seems like he secretly escaped just to meet with me.

Hope:

I see...

Coda:

I didn't ask him directly, but he seemed to be from a wealthy family. I noticed in the way he talked and because of what he wore.

Hope:

You specialize in cloths after all!

Coda:

Ahaha, it was beat into me ever since I was a kid.

Coda:

From my point of view he was wealthy and blessed with everything, but he always said how he didn't want to go back home. That he envied me for being able to freely travel through space.

Hope:

I see...

Coda:

That's when I just said it too. "Let's go on a journey together!"

Hope:

Eh!?

Coda:

Thinking about it now is embarrassing, but back then I really thought I had to save him. Because he was my one and only friend.

Hope:

Did you go on a journey with him?

Coda:

No. We said we would and made a promise, but in the end he didn't come to our promised place.

Hope:

I see... Well, going on a journey as kids seems difficult.

Coda:

And yet... he was smiling so happily then?

Coda:

When I told him to come with me. He said to me with sparkling eyes "I want to go on a journey with you too!". He was so happy that he couldn't wait for the promised day, that he was looking forward to it from the bottom of his heart.

Hope:

I'm sure that he really wanted to go with you.

Coda:

...yes, I think so too. Hah, I wonder what he's doing right now. Though I hope he doesn't look like he's suffering like he was back then...

Hope:

...yes.

Coda:

I really wanted to go travel with him, but oh well. ...and I've made new team mates now too after all.

Hope:

New mates?

Coda:

What even! You were the one who said we'd go travel together.

Hope:

...!! Yes! Let's go!!

Coda:

Though you're a complete travel newbie.

Hope:

Agh... No worries! I'll do my best to learn how to manoeuvre a ship!

Coda:

Ahaha! Looking forward to it.

Hope:

Fufu! Should we go back? ...I'm sure Fang is worried too.

Coda: Yes. You're right.

 

Chapter 18 - Night of the Decisive Battle

Soldier A:

Ugh...!

Soldier B:

What! ...!? No way, the black clad man!? I-intruder! Someone call---

*don*

Soldier B:

Ugh...

*dosaa*

Black clad man [TL note: It's Lazu.]:

Bestia's Shard... Finally, the fourth one...

Black clad man:

With this, that person's wish can...

Fang:

Stop right there!

Black clad man:

...!!

Fang:

What business do you have in the Shard Room in the middle of the night?

Fang:

Whoa there, I wouldn't move too much if I were you. No matter how skilled you are, you can't possibly take on this many soldiers.

Black clad man:

...

Fang:

...the black clad man. It was you after all. ---Lazu.

Lazu:

...so the talk in the throne room was a trap.

Fang:

...yes. I didn't want to suspect you but...

Lazu:

Why did I seem suspicious to you?

Fang:

While on board the Burst Roar, I understood that you had another goal in mind. And you disappeared a lot as well, didn't you?

Fang:

Besides, only people from the royal families or someone who has borrowed their powers can open the doors. That narrowed down the criminal.

Lazu:

As expected from the king of Bestia. You have a nose for it.

Fang:

Don't move impulsively. There is a mountain of things I want to ask you. ...the one pulling the strings behind the scene is King Carnelian, right?

Lazu:

Even if you know about it, what can you possible do? The Star Gem has chosen my king.

Fang:

What do you mean!?

*SFX*

Fang:

...ugh!

Soldier C:

His sword...! Catch him!

Soldier D:

Protect the king and the Shard!!!

*more SFX*

Soldiers C & D:

Ugh...

Fang:

As expected from someone King Carnelian sent in. [TL note: Fang's ears come out.] But I won't hand you the Shard!

Lazu:

...!

Lazu:

This is the king's animal blood... Truly like a wild beast.

Fang:

I guess I should take that as a compliment.

*SFX*

Lazu:

Ugh! Heavy...!

Fang:

Sorry, but I'm no king that just idly sits on the throne.

*imagine a fight scene's SFX*

Lazu:

Hmph.

Fang:

...you're swift.

Lazu:

It doesn't matter how strong your hits are, if they don't hit they mean nothing.

Erin:

You're right, they mean nothing if they don't hit.

*SFX SFX*

Lazu:

...you!!!

Fang:

Erin, why!?

Erin:

Boo, unfair Fang-san! Protecting it on your own and stuff.

Erin:

You lied earlier today, didn't you? You see, I'm good at looking through kings' lies. And also... I've met Lazu before. ---on the day Lama's Shard was stolen, to be precise.

Lazu:

...so you noticed.

Erin:

Mhm. But I had no proof. So I aaalways stayed with you.

Erin:

...too bad. I kinda liked you.

Lazu:

Ridiculous!!!

*SFX*

---

Hope:

...hm... What is this, my chest, feels hot...

Coda:

*yawn* What's wrong, it's still night.

Hope:

Sorry, did I wake you up?

Coda:

It's fine, can't you sleep?

Coda:

Well can't blame, I had problems falling asleep on a bed in the royal palace too.

Hope:

...well that too, but, my chest is hot and...

Coda:

Eh!? Are you okay, do you hurt somewhere?

Hope:

I don't know, but... Ah. ...I know! It's the necklace that's hot!

Hope:

What's wrong, it's like light is seeping out...

Coda:

...what's that?

Hope:

A charm. A necklace from Curse. Though it's the first time it's getting this hot and is glowing...

Coda:

Hee...

Hope:

It was a souvenir. It protects me and I should always wear it.

Hope:

But he told me to never show anyone, if I did something bad would happen. That's why I always hid it under my clothes.

Coda:

...yet you're showing it to me?

Hope:

...ah!? ...no... yes! You're okay.

Coda:

...geez. But what Curse said is right.

Hope:

Eh?

Coda:

That red stone on the necklace, you can see that it's no normal stone.

Hope:

R-really?

Coda:

Remember? I have keen eyes. Though it's not my specialty so I don't know more. But even I can tell it's very precious. If people saw that it could get dangerous.

Hope:

I see... Well good thing I did like Curse told me then!

Coda:

Seriously though, that's not something you just get as a souvenir in a shop. ...hey, Hope. Who even is Curse, giving you something like that as if it was nothing.

Hope:

...eh?

Shinkai:

I'm coming in.

Hope:

Shinkai!? (Ah! Gotta hide the necklace!)

Coda:

What is it? You can't sleep either?

Shinkai:

I can't... Who could sleep in such a night?

Hope:

...such a night?

Shinkai:

The nasty feeling won't go away. ...it's growing bigger, like it'll swallow up everything.

Shinkai:

It's very scary... It is vanishing...

Hope:

What is?

Shinkai:

I don't know. But, probably, everything...

Hope:

Everything...?

Coda:

Is that part of your foretelling thing too?

Shinkai:

I wonder, is it...? But it's something we cannot run from anymore.

Shinkai:

It's very near. Just right there, it's beginning...

Coda:

Right there? You mean in the palace?

Hope:

Take us along, Shinkai!

---

*SFX 2: Return of the SFX*

Fang:

Two against one, not bad. But...

*SFX The Third*

Lazu:

Ugh!

Erin:

You tired yet?

Erin:

Got no time to steal the Shard while fighting us two huh?

Lazu:

Hah, hah... Shut up!

*S4X*

Fang:

...!!

Erin:

Whoopsie Fang-san, take care.

*I'm running out of SFX movie titles*

Lazu:

Ugh!

Fang:

Lazu, give up. More than this is meaningless.

Fang:

Depending on how you act, I guarantee your safety. But...

Soldier E:

...king! There's fire coming from the throne room...! It's coming closer!

*burn burn*

Erin:

Wah, the castle's burning!

Fang:

...no, Lazu, did you!?

Lazu:

Hmph...

Fang:

You wanted to steal the Shard during the chaos of the fire? Then you would've been in danger yourself too...

Lazu:

As if I care. If it has to, my body shall burn for my king's sake...!

*SFX are back*

Fang:

Ugh!

Erin:

He's really persistent...

Hope:

*cough cough* The smoke is... Are they really in this room? ...guys!?

Lazu:

...!

Fang:

Hope! Coda and Shinkai too! Why are you guys here...

Erin:

You guys can't come here. Go back to your room and sleep 'kay?

Shinkai:

And this is...?

Coda:

As if we could sleep now!?

Coda:

What are you doing!? The palace is burning, you guys are fighting... What is happening!?

Hope:

Lazu, Erin, you shouldn’t point your blades at each other! Please, don't do it...!

Fang:

Hope, stay away!

Lazu:

...the Star Gem is like an alley of the king after all.

Hope:

Eh... ---ah, ouch!

Coda:

Hope!!

Lazu:

Hand me the Shard if you don't want Hope to be killed.

Hope:

Lazu...!?

Coda:

You're fucking kidding me, Lazu! Let go of Hope!!

Lazu:

Hand me Bestia's Shard, or his life is no more.

Fang:

...

Coda:

What! Killing? You're kidding aren't you? You wouldn't do that...

Lazu:

Do you need proof?

Hope:

A-ah...

*Lazu moves his sword next to Hope's neck*

Coda:

Stop, please stop...!

Erin:

Don't say anything reckless. Lazu's serious.

Coda:

But... why!

Lazu:

...you people wouldn't understand.

Hope:

...Lazu?

Erin:

What are we gonna do, Fang-san?

Fang:

...

Coda:

...!

Fang:

...Coda!?

Coda:

The Star Gem Shard... this is enough, right?

Hope:

Coda, no!

Coda:

Shut up! Your life is in danger you know!

Hope:

But...!

Lazu:

Put it in my hand.

Coda:

Here! Now hurry and---

Lazu:

As promised, I won't take his life. But I never said I would release him.

Coda:

Huh!?

Lazu:

He's a hostage, I'll take him with me.

Hope:

L-let go!

Fang:

Wait! Lazu!!!

 

Chapter 19 - Runaway in the Dark of the Night

Fang:

Have you found Lazu and Hope!?

Soldier A:

We are looking for them right now.

Fang:

Have the elite forces gather at the ports. Find them no matter what. The remaining troops, hurry and quench the fire!

Soldier A:

Yes!

Erin:

The port of Dadan... will they really be there?

Fang:

Unmistakably. After having acquired the Shard he probably wants to leave the star as quickly as possible.

Coda:

Shit... Shit! Why did Lazu!

Fang:

There's no time to regret. Let's hurry!

Coda:

I know! But...!

Coda:

...I'm sorry, Fang. I just handed over the Shard like that...

Fang:

...

Erin:

You did. You shouldn't have.

Coda:

...!

Shinkai:

Erin. Saying it won't change anything.

Erin:

But it's the truth. Eeeveryone else might die because of the Shard now you know.

Coda:

...sorry! I know apologizing won't help but, I'm really sorry...!

Fang:

Coda, you don't have to apologize. If you wouldn't have given Lazu the Shard, I would've done it.

Coda:

Fang!

Fang:

I can't let a member of Burst Roar be in danger can I? What would happen to our journeys from now on?

Coda:

Journeys... But, didn't you say it was the end of your journeys...

Fang:

That was a lie to bait Lazu.

Coda:

Huh!?

Fang:

I thought it'd be more real that way.

Coda:

...really, Fang?

Fang:

I told you, didn't I? Both the king of Bestia and the leader of Burst Roar; they're both me. I couldn't possibly let such a fun journey end, right?

Coda:

Wh-what even. I thought, it was the end... for good...

Erin:

Ah. Coda's crying!

Coda:

I'm not!!!

Fang:

I'm sorry to have made you worry. But let us continue this later.

Coda:

...yes. We have to find Hope and Lazu quickly!

Shinkai:

What in the... what is that?

Coda:

What that?

Erin:

A space ship's lighting. And a quite big one might I add.

Coda:

It's about to take off!

Fang:

...that's a war ship from Alba!

Coda:

Alba!? Then, Hope must be on board...!

Fang:

Shit! Were we too late!? Quick, board our ship! We're chasing it!

Coda:

Y-yes! I'll start the preparations immediately!

Shinkai:

Understood.

Erin:

Okay!

Fang:

...King Carnelian. What in the world are you thinking?

 

Chapter 20 - A 1000 Years' Sleep

Vega:

...

Capella:

Lord Vega. Today's twinkling stars are as beautiful as ever. Could you not awaken soon? I have so many things to tell you..

*touch*

Capella:

...Lord Vega... Today too... you will not awaken it seems, right...

Curse:

You do not learn, do you, Capella? You should know there's a barrier surrounding Vega.

Capella:

You... you called yourself Curse, did you not?

Curse:

Yes. A perfectly fitting name, isn't it?

Capella:

That is bad taste.

Curse:

Fufu. So you're back to Vega's side.

Capella:

...I am fulfilling my duty as a priest. For you to visit the Grand Sanctuary, rare things do happen sometimes.

Curse:

Yes. It must've been about ten years?

Capella:

Much more. The war between Alba and Eterno was ten years ago.

Curse:

Three or four years, they are but a fleeting moment.

Capella:

...indeed.

Curse:

Whenever I visit it's always calm here. As if the world falling into ruin were but a lie.

Capella:

...You having returned must mean that the time is near, is it not?

Curse:

Yes.

Capella:

We have just received word from Bestia concerning the Star Gem Shard. It seems King Carnelian of Alba is trying to bring the Star Gem back together... In due time he will probably come to Mistero in demand of its Shard too.

Curse:

...Eterno's Shard is already in Carnelian's hands as well.

Capella:

...what did you say!?

Curse:

My duty is coming to an end too. There seems to be no need for me to hand down a verdict.

Capella:

Then you have...

Curse:

Yes.

Curse:

I had already made up my mind. Though it did take me some time.

Capella:

...I see. ...it's been 1000 years since the Day of Origin, has it not?

Curse:

I have wandered around the stars and coming days, observing the actions of countless people.

Curse:

Humans are beautiful beings. They take each other's hands and share a small piece of bread. Yet on the other side they are foolish and not worth of salvation. They fight for their own desires and steal small pieces of bread from each other.

Curse:

Before great power, small good deeds are meaningless. ...just once have I found something akin to hope, as humans call it.

Capella:

...You are someone that sees through everything. There may have been no other way but arrive at such a conclusion.

Curse:

You won't tell me to rethink?

Capella:

No. Because that is the great duty that Lord Vega has entrusted to you. If that is your decision, then I shall obey as well. Furthermore...

Curse:

Yes?

Capella:

...should the world end like this, I would not mind.

Curse:

My. For Mistero's priest to say something like that.

Capella:

I am fulfilling my duty as the priest to protect the Star Gem. I will not hand Mistero's Shard to King Carnelian. And should the world end, it is still not correct for the Star Gem to be stolen.

Curse:

So you value your duty more than the end result?

Capella:

It is the duty given to me by Lord Vega. I shall fulfil it no matter what. Therefore, that was just my simple sentiment.

Curse:

Hm?

Capella:

...1000 years are far too long. If the other choice meant to continue waiting for Lord Vega's awakening for another unthinkable amount of time, then I think perishing alongside wouldn't be all too bad.

Curse:

Fufu. That is indeed a rather personal wish.

Capella:

Even if it may. Furthermore, Lord Vege's sleeping is calm, yet somewhere I can see a sadness.

Vega:

...

Capella:

No matter how hard Lord Vega's task was, he would always smile gently.

Capella:

Even now, the way he called my name with his gentle voice still echoes in my ears. How long has it been since his smile was clouded...

Curse:

Vega was too kind. He knew that breaking the Star Gem wouldn't leave himself, the Protector, unharmed.

Curse:

And due to that, he fell into a thousand year long sleep.

Capella:

...then even now after all this time, he might still be suffering on his own. Only being able to look after him makes me feel tantalized...

Curse:

You heard Vega's wish, didn't you?

Capella:

...I did. Lord Vega is a very wise and loving person. And so was his wish and the role he had to fulfil, there was nothing that he did wrong... Yet still... Why does he have to suffer all alone!

Capella:

Why does he have to shoulder all of the sadness and hate and sleep for a thousand years!

Curse:

You want to save Vega from the suffering, don't you?

Capella:

Of course I want...!

Curse:

...

Capella:

...excuse me. I have raised my voice.

Curse:

...fufu. You don't change do you.

Capella:

I do not. I believe that Lord Vega was right. ...even if Lord Vega shall doubt himself.

Curse:

...I see. I think I understood your sentiment a bit.

Capella:

Understood my sentiment? ...you?

Curse:

Is that weird?

Capella:

...no, forgive me. It's just that you never had any interest nor understood human sentiments so far.

Curse:

...you're right. So far... Maybe because I played make-believe? I think I understand what you said.

Capella:

Maybe you too, found something to believe in.

Curse:

Something to believe in...?

Capella:

Maybe that is the thing akin to hope that you have found, as you mentioned earlier?

Curse:

...

 

Chapter 21 - Carnelian's Wish

*knock knock knock*

Hope:

Open up! Let me out! Someone!? Lazu! Lazu!!

*knock knock*

Hope:

I've been yelling all the time but no one is...

{Flashback to how Lazu threatened him.}

Hope:

...Lazu was serious... He really would've...

*open*

Carnelian:

I'm coming in.

Lazu:

...

Hope:

King Carnelian!? And Lazu!

Carnelian:

Don't be scared. I don't mean to hurt you in any way.

Hope:

...

Carnelian:

...Hmph. Oh well. Let me give you some food.

Hope:

...huh?

Carnelian:

I let dinner be prepared. Alba may be a star full of ore, but the food doesn't taste all that bad. There's still some hours until we arrive at our destination. I wanted to talk with you a bit.

Hope:

...I don't need it.

Carnelian:

Aren't you hungry?

Hope:

That's not what I mean! How can you be so calm!?

Carnelian:

...

Hope:

Lazu too! Why didn't you say anything!? We were together all that time...!

Lazu:

I just moved according to my king's orders.

Hope:

I know that but!

Hope:

To be tricked all the time...

Lazu:

...

Hope:

And what do you mean destination? Where to?

Carnelian:

The Star of Origin, Mistero.

Hope:

...Mistero?

Carnelian:

Yes. To get the last Shard.

Hope:

The last? Then, Eterno's Shard...

Carnelian:

I already have it.

Hope:

Let me down from the ship right now! And return Eterno's... no, return all of the shards!

Lazu:

Acting disrespectful all the time...

Carnelian:

Lazu, it's okay.

Lazu:

...understood.

Carnelian:

I cannot return the shards. I have to put the Star Gem back together.

Hope:

And then what? Weren't you the one that said there'd be no point in doing so anyways? That only the sleeping Protector can offer wishes to it?

Carnelian:

Originally, yes. But I am different. I made a deal with the Star Gem.

Hope:

A deal... How?

Carnelian:

The Star Gem started talking to me. It wanted to be brought back together once more. And if I did, it would fulfil one single wish of mine.

Hope:

The Star Gem? Really...?

Carnelian:

No matter the sacrifices, I have a wish that must be fulfilled.

Carnelian:

I want to save this world.

Hope:

Save... the world...?

Lazu:

...

Carnelian:

Hope. Let me tell you an old tale while we wait. The story of a certain country's "good-for-nothing" prince.

---

Prince:

...ouch!

Alba's king:

How often do I have to tell you. When holding a sword, straighten your back and raise your chin.

Prince:

Y-yes, father...!

Alba's king:

...fire the sword arts instructor. I don't need anyone who can't show results.

Alba's king:

And never let him appear near the royal palace.

Prince:

Please wait, father! I'm sure I can get better...!

Alba's king:

The same goes for you. Someone that can't show results does not belong here.

Prince:

...!

Alba's king:

You're no good with swords, are inept with instruments and bad at studying. Are you really my son?

Prince:

Please forgive me...

Alba's king:

Hah... Listen, at least carry the resolve of the royal family. Show majesty as someone who stands above the people.

Alba's king:

Even a good-for-nothing like you should be able to at least do that, right?

Prince:

...yes, father.

---

Carnelian:

For as long as that prince could remember, he had always received harsh education. Governing, violin, martial arts...

Carnelian:

There were mountains of things he needed to study. The schedule was calculated down to the minute. Aside from sleeping time, he had close to no freedom at all. Not only the king thought of the prince as a good-for-nothing, the people from the castle did too.

Carnelian:

Right at that time, the star on which the prince was living wanted to invade the neighbouring star. Even though the surroundings opposed him, the king pushed through with the war. It seemed to have left a big hit on that star.

Hope:

War...

Lazu:

...

Carnelian:

Yet because the prince still had the king's lecture inside of his head, he worked his best to fulfil every task he was given and observed everything around him.

---

Noble (female):

My, look, the prince. He's not smiling at all again.

Noble (male):

Because he's a good-for-nothing, if he were cute at least.

Noble (f):

He is the son of the war loving crazy king after all. Maybe he laughs when seeing blood?

Noble (m):

Hahaha, most definitely!

Noble (f):

Shh, remain quiet. Or he will hear you.

Prince:

...

Noble (m):

My! Your Highness, Prince. How are you faring today?

Prince:

...I'm in a hurry.

Servant:

...Prince. There is no need to listen to drivel such as that.

Prince:

I am not. It is the same as always anyways.

Servant:

...

Prince:

In any case, I shall leave the castle for a while.

Servant:

Are you sure? You have lessons about the history of space in the afternoon.

Prince:

I will be back until then.

Servant:

Then I will...

Prince:

Don't follow me.

Servant:

But...

Prince:

It's an order!

Servant:

...understood.

---

Carnelian:

To the prince, the castle was but a suffocating place. ...but it seems like he found one single person he could call a friend. It was a boy who travelled the stars together with his father.

Hope:

A merchant's boy...?

---

Friend:

Ah! There you are, you're late!

Prince:

Sorry for making you wait.

Friend:

...geez, you don't have to apologize. You really always look self-important.

Prince:

I-I do?

Friend:

Whatever. But look, I got something awesome! Look!

Prince:

This is... a crystal rabbit.

Friend:

We're gonna sell them on the next star. Cute, right! It moves as if it's alive.

Prince:

Hmm. If anything, isn't it just a piece of rock that was made to look like a rabbit? This isn't rare on this star.

Friend:

Even if it's not, it sparkles and is pretty!

Prince:

How boring. But nevermind that, the board game. We still didn't decide yesterday's duel, did we?

Friend:

Eh, of course it was my win?

Prince:

No, that was a draw.

Friend:

Ehh!

Prince:

Or tell me stories about your journeys.

Friend:

Eh, again? You really like them.

Prince:

Hmph. If you don't tell me any story we'll play the board game again. ...it's an order!

Friend:

Huh? Ordeeer? What are you talking about?

Prince:

Eh? ...I see. He doesn't understand my order...

Friend:

Heeey. What's wrong?

Prince:

...no, nothing.

Prince:

Then, how do you decide in times like these?

Friend:

Ahaha. You say the funniest things. Rock paper scissors should work, right!

Prince:

I see... rock paper scissors... I understand...

---

Hope:

(It somehow is a lot like Coda's story. The one about his friend.)

Hope:

(Wait, it can't be... are the prince and friend from this story...?)

Carnelian:

It seems like the prince couldn't help but enjoy playing with his first friend. ...but the prince lost sight of his surroundings, I wonder if that was for the best.

Hope:

Eh?

---

Servant:

Prince, please wait! If you go out of the castle this often, others will start noticing.

Prince:

It's okay. I won't let them notice me. And I always come back on time.

Servant:

But...

Prince:

Shut up.

Servant:

...!

Prince:

Did you forget who you are to me? From now on, don't say anything about what I do.

Servant:

...as you wish.

Prince:

...hmph.

Friend:

...and then, that guy from the shop was a super cheapskate! Three of the goods were fakes.

Prince:

Hee. You're always having fun.

Friend:

Huh? That's not fun! If I hadn't noticed they were fake, my dad would've laughed at me! But well, I did notice. And he promised to let me eat my favourite food today! Maybe marinated meat! Though I don't think we can afford that right now, I shouldn't expect much.

Prince:

...fufu. It seems very fun after all.

Friend:

You think?

Prince:

Yes, a lot.

Friend:

...uhm, you see. We actually have to leave soon.

Prince:

...eh?

Friend:

Sorry. I wanted to tell you all the time, but I kinda just couldn’t...

Prince:

...

Friend:

...you angry?

Prince:

Me too...

Friend:

Eh?

Prince:

I wonder if I can't go too.

Friend:

Huh?

Prince:

I want to come along! On your journeys...!

Friend:

...are you for real?

Prince:

Yes. ...I wish I was born a merchant's child like you.

Prince:

I want to protect some goods from cheapskates in shops too. And be praised by my father.

Friend:

...

Prince:

He'd say "well done" while patting my head. ...I'm sure he wouldn't sigh. And he wouldn't say "you're a good-for-nothing anyways".

Friend:

You...

Prince:

I want to wander around many stars like that too. ...if I don't go back now, and just went off somewhere...

Friend:

...okay, got it! Then let's go together!

Prince:

...eh?

Friend:

You really wanna travel, right? Then I'll talk to my dad.

Prince:

...are you sure?

Friend:

...well, you always look like you're suffering. If you're always suffering like this, then it's better to just take off this star and go! ...and I will protect you!

Prince:

...you will... protect me?

Friend:

Yeah!

Friend:

If you really wanna leave this star, then I'll help you. ...we're friends after all 'kay!

Prince:

Friends...

Friend:

...haha! Saying it out loud makes you kinda itchy!

Prince:

I see... I really can go on a journey...

Friend:

What, you scared?

Prince:

No. ...but it's the first time I'm feeling like this, so I don't know. I wonder, what is this. ...my hands, are trembling. Like I can't wait to depart...

Friend:

Ahaha! That just shows how much you're looking forward to it! I can't wait either!

Prince:

Fufu... ahaha! I see! I'm looking forward to it!

Friend:

Once we decide on a day I'll tell you immediately. Let's meet at the port.

Prince:

It'd be best to depart when everyone else is sleeping. That should take them a while to notice that I'm gone.

Friend:

Then we need some kind of sign for the meeting. ...I know! Here, I give this to you. It reacts to the stars' light, so take it with you.

Prince:

A crystal rabbit... isn't it a valuable good of yours?

Friend:

It's the proof of our promise, it's special!

Friend:

Though don't tell my dad 'kay?

Prince:

A promise... I see, understood. ...fufu, maybe they are cute after all.

Friend:

See!

Prince:

Thank you. ...I'll treasure it.

Servant:

...prince.

---

Carnelian:

The fun old tale ends here.

Carnelian:

In the end, the prince didn't go on a journey with his friend. He followed in his father's footsteps and became king.

Hope:

...uhm, maybe I've heard the story of that prince already once! From someone that was on board a ship with me...

Carnelian:

...I see. But that must be your imagination. Only the prince and the friend know of this story.

Hope:

That's why, I'm sure that friend is...!

Carnelian:

Impossible.

Hope:

...why do you say that?

Carnelian:

...because that friend has died.

Hope:

...!?

Carnelian:

...he was killed. The king found out about the promise he had made with the prince. The boy was executed for having tricked the prince.

Hope:

Th-that's a lie! He...

Carnelian:

It's the same as if "I" had killed him!!!

Hope:

...

Hope:

It was your story after all.

Carnelian:

...Hope. Do you remember the war on Eterno?

Hope:

Eh, the war? I was young so, not really...

Carnelian:

I do. I saw it with my own eyes. Even with eyes open like this, that disastrous sight is still in front of me.

Carnelian:

There was no single day on which I have forgotten it. ...as if I could forget it!

Hope:

King Carnelian?

Lazu:

...during that time, he was brought to the battlefield as a child by the former king.

Hope:

...what...

Lazu:

The king couldn’t forgive the prince for wanting to live freely during times of war.

Carnelian:

Fulfil the role as a royal, shoulder the weight and be prepared, he said. And to learn on how much blood you're walking.

Hope:

That's horrible. Saying that to a kid.

Carnelian:

My father thought it was a righteous battle for the sake of Alba. A holy war to bring back the sun's light, he said.

Hope:

That's just messed up...

Carnelian:

It is, Hope. ...there is no such thing as a necessary war.

Carnelian:

If there was no war, then I wouldn't have had to see such a repulsive sight back then. Without war, no one would be isolated, no one would be left alone. Without war, I would've been able to go on a journey too! And my single friend wouldn't have been killed!!!

Hope:

King Carnelian...

Lazu:

...

Carnelian:

That is why, no matter the sacrifices, I have to make war disappear from this world. So that such a tragedy won't happen again...!

*knock knock*

Alba's soldier:

Forgive me, King Carnelian. Mistero has entered firing range.

Hope:

...!?

Carnelian:

Proceed with preparations to attack. Divine barriers are erected around the Grand Sanctuary.

Soldier:

Yes Your Highness!

Hope:

Firing preparations... Why!? Didn't you just say to free the world from war!

Hope:

Do you want to make the people from Mistero go through the same things as you!?

Carnelian:

I did say no matter the sacrifices, right? I have bring the Star Gem back together, no matter what.

Hope:

What even!

Carnelian:

The wish to free the world from war is far too big. It's impossible without the Star Gem's power. Even if I have to sacrifice the life of every living being on the stars, I will definitely fulfil my wish.

Hope:

You can't! That's messed up too!

Carnelian:

...I see. It's a shame that you won't understand.

Lazu:

My king, it's about time.

Carnelian:

Yes, let us go.

Hope:

Wait!! ...why, did you tell me this story?

Carnelian:

Why, huh... I thought I had to tell you before I make the wish come true.

Hope:

...eh?

Lazu:

...

Carnelian:

You are the king of Eterno.

Hope:

....king, of Eterno?

 

Chapter 22 - Burst Roar Crashes

Fang:

---Mistero has come into our field of vision.

Coda:

Though we were at a loss there when we lost sight of Alba's war ship...

Erin:

You sure Lazu and the others are on Mistero?

Fang:

Without doubt. I got a message from the Grand Sanctuary's priest too. ...and Eterno's Shard is also in King Carnelian's hands.

Coda:

...seriously?

Erin:

The star is covered in haze. Those are traces of an attack.

Fang:

And normally it's such a beautiful star, like a crystal... Is this King Carnelian's doing too?

Shinkai:

...

Erin:

What's wrong, Shinkai? You're shaking.

Shinkai:

There is... far too much...

Erin:

Of what?

Shinkai:

Until just now, it was a feeling of being swallowed up... A very big nasty feeling. But now there's too much of everything, I don't know... Celebrating voices, sad voices, scared voices...

Fang:

What do you mean?

Shinkai:

I don't know. But, it feels like a child is crying all alone...

Coda:

A child...?

Shinkai:

In a pitch black dark room where no light shines, a stone and a child are all alone. No one's voice reaches him, he can't hear them. Only the various voices of the stone.

Erin:

Hm? What does that mean?

Fang:

I don't know right now, but if we get to the Grand Sanctuary, we may be able to learn something. Hurry and proceed with the landing prepara---!!

*gagagaaa!!!*

Coda:

...uwah! A barrier!?

Shinkai:

...! The ship is heeling over...

Erin:

It's dangerous, Shinkai! Hold yourself onto something!

Shinkai:

Yes...

Fang:

...this is Alba's doing. There is a barrier around all of the star, but it's not Mistero's divine power.

Coda:

Do you really have the time to think about this now!? ...the rudder isn't working!! We'll crash down at this rate!

Erin:

Oh dear! We can't win against the gravity...!

Fang:

Give up on the ship! Escape at once!

Coda:

Understoo...wait, what!?

*fuwah*

Shinkai:

...ah.

Erin:

Wah...!!! The space ship is floating? It's not falling anymore!?

Fang:

Is the rudder working again?

Coda:

No... it shouldn't.

Fang:

So the buoyancy was restored...? Anyways, initiate an emergency landing. Coda, I'm counting on you!

Coda:

Aye aye sir!

---

Coda:

Hah, hah... We landed, somehow.

Fang:

Well done, Coda!

Coda:

...well. But, where are we? We're somewhat separated from the Grand Sanctuary.

Fang:

Let's get off the ship. We have to hurry.

Shinkai:

Someone is outside of the ship...

Coda:

Alba's soldiers!?

Shinkai:

No... The clothing seems hard to fight in.

Fang:

...! No need to worries. He is no enemy.

Coda:

...you know him?

Fang:

Yes, he's Capella, the priest that serves under the Protector.

Capella:

Lord Fang. Everyone. Let me guide you to the Grand Sanctuary.

Erin:

Long time no see, Capella.

Capella:

It has been a long time, Erin.

Fang:

Capella, is it possible that you protected our ship with your divine powers?

Capella:

It seemed as if you would have crashed otherwise.

Fang:

Thank you.

Coda:

You can do something like that!? Mistero's priest is seriously awesome.

Fang:

How are things at the Grand Sanctuary?

Capella:

King Carnelian is heading to the Star Gem's room with his troops. Our guards are holding them off for now, but it is only a matter of time.

Capella:

That is why I have come for you. Shall we hurry and head to the Grand Sanctuary then?

Fang:

Yes, of course.

Coda:

...Hope, wait for us!

Capella:

I shall tell you King Carnelian's plan on the way. It seems to be a somewhat long story.

Fang:

...you even know about that?

Capella:

Indeed. Right now, there is someone on this star that can see through everything after all...

 

Chapter 23 - Mistero, Star of Origin

Lazu:

My king. I have opened the door to the Star Gem Room.

Carnelian:

Seems to have caused some trouble. Did the priests reinforce it?

Lazu:

It seems so. There were mostly guards awaiting us, but some seem to have fled as well.

Lazu:

But the Star Gem Shard is already under our control.

Carnelian:

I see. ...Lazu, can you hear it?

Lazu:

What could you mean?

Carnelian:

The Star Gem's voice.

Lazu:

...please forgive me.

Carnelian:

No, it's okay...

Carnelian:

The first time I heard the Star Gem's voice was when my father died and I got the Shard. ---Back together. If you do, I shall fulfil one of your wishes. Ever since then its voice echoed in my head.

Lazu:

...you are hearing it right now as well?

Carnelian:

Yes.

Lazu:

...

Carnelian:

Why me, I wonder.

Lazu:

...are you really sure about this?

Carnelian:

Hmph. It is rare for you to tell me your opinion.

Lazu:

My wish is for your wish to come true. ...that is all.

Carnelian:

You never change huh. You were always like this ever since.

Lazu:

No. I...

Carnelian:

What's wrong? I am finally close to fulfil my wish with my own hands. Finally. ...how long have I been waiting for this time to come... Let's go, Lazu.

Lazu:

Yes.

---

Hope:

You... let go of me!

Alba's soldier:

Stay calm!

Alba's soldier:

His Majesty is in the Star Gem Room right now!

Hope:

As if I can stay calm! Even Mistero's Shard... Let go!!

Alba's soldier:

You little...

*SFX*

Hope:

Ouch!!

Alba's soldier:

Don't do anything reckless!

Hope:

...(My necklace is still getting hotter.)

Hope:

(Why! It won't stop...)

Carnelian:

Stop the useless resistance. You'll only hurt yourself.

Hope:

King Carnelian! ...please, please reconsider putting the Star Gem back together! The world may be destroyed, that's...

Carnelian:

I won't be destroyed. It will just be reborn into a world with no war.

Hope:

...Lazu! Stop King Carnelian!

Lazu:

...

Hope:

Are you really okay with this!? If you put it back together, you might... King Carnelian too might end up dying!

Lazu:

...my wish is for my king's wish to come true.

Hope:

Lazu...

Carnelian:

Hmph. It's ironic, isn't it. The king of Alba wishes for a world without war in front of the king of Eterno.

Hope:

...you said that before too, that I'm the king. But that can't be tru---

Carnelian:

Hm. If you don't believe me, why don't you look at your own chest?

Hope:

Eh... What is this!? The stone on my necklace is glowing!? A lot more than on Bestia...?

Carnelian:

Because all shards are in this room right now. Yours is resonating as well.

Hope:

...mine?

Carnelian:

Don't you understand? The other shards I'm holding in my hand are glowing in the same way. That stone around your neck is Eterno's Shard, Hope.

Hope:

You're kidding...

Carnelian:

Why would I. I knew you had Eterno's Shard since we first met.

Carnelian:

Back then I had Alba's Shard on me as well. It has taught me many things. Being by a king's side, the Shard emits power. The fact that it's glowing like that right now is proof that you're the king.

Hope:

Seriously... I am... Eterno's king?

Carnelian:

Accept it. That's your destiny.

Hope:

Destiny...

Carnelian:

Being born into the royal family you cannot escape this curse.

Hope:

...!

Carnelian:

...Lazu.

Lazu:

Yes.

Hope:

...! My necklace! Give it back!

Carnelian:

Give up, Hope.

---

Hope:

...! The Star Gem's light...!

Carnelian:

Finally... All of the shards are assembled... Fu, fufu... Hahahahahaha!!! Oh Star Gem! I fulfilled my promise. Now it's your turn to fulfil my wish!

Carnelian:

---Build a world without war for all eternity!

Carnelian:

So that no one will ever feel the same as I did back then...!

*gogogogogo...*

Hope:

Wh-what? The ground is shaking!?

Carnelian:

The contract is completed. Like the Star Gem, the stars will come back together again.

Hope:

That's...!!

Carnelian:

Ah, finally...

Carnelian:

It'll finally become silent...

Lazu:

My king...

Fang:

---King Carnelian!!! The Star Gem is... were we too late...!?

Alba's soldier:

Ugh!

*SFX*

Erin:

Hope, are you okay?

Shinkai:

It seems you're unharmed...

Hope:

Fang! And the others too!

Capella:

This is...! ...the Star Gem's power was put into operation. It seems he has already offered his wish...

Fang:

...what an immense power. Every hair on my body is standing on end...

Carnelian:

Well if it isn't Fang-dono. You were a bit too late.

Fang:

There were some problems on the way here you see.

Carnelian:

How unfortunate.

Fang:

You won't listen even if I tell you to take back the wish, will you?

Carnelian:

Hmph.

Fang: Was offering a wish of a warless world to the Star Gem really the right thing to do?

Carnelian:

...why do you know...

Capella:

I told everyone. Your past, your wish... That person sees through everything.

Carnelian:

That person...?

Coda:

Amber...!?

Carnelian:

...!

Carnelian:

Are you... no... Coda? ...why, why are you... alive...

Lazu:

...

Coda:

...sorry. I heard the story from Capella. ...but to think it really was you.

Carnelian:

Coda... ...then really...?

Coda:

It's me, Coda. Amber. ...so your real name is Carnelian huh.

Carnelian:

Coda...

Coda:

When we were kids I told you I'd protect you, yet left you alone. It must've been hard on you, right? Yet I didn't know about anything...

Carnelian:

...

Coda:

This time for sure, let's go together! Though some time has passed since then huh?

Coda:

If, even now, your feelings are the same, then like back then, I'll take you with me. It doesn't matter if you're a king! Definitely! I won't leave you behind!

Carnelian:

...fu. Fufu... Fuhahahahahaha!!!

Coda:

What's wrong?

Carnelian:

What are you talking about!!!

Carnelian:

My... my wish... I swore to create a world without war... without pain. And for that... just for that, until now... always... It doesn't matter that you're alive!!!

Coda:

Amber...

Mistero guard A:

Stop King Carnelian!

Mistero guard B:

Make him revoke the wish!

M guard A:

Uwaahhh!

Carnelian:

...!

Lazu:

My king! Please take cover...!

*slash*

M guard:

I-I did it!

Lazu:

U...gh...

Hope:

...Lazu!!!

Coda:

Lazu...! You... blood!

Carnelian:

......

Lazu:

My... king... are you... okay...?

Carnelian:

Yes... but...

Lazu:

Please... forgive me... I couldn't...

Carnelian:

...it's okay. Don't talk.

Lazu:

Please... forgive, me...

Carnelian:

I told you to not talk! It's an order!

Lazu:

...no.

Carnelian:

...!

Lazu:

Just once... I won't listen... I have always... wanted to apologize...

Carnelian:

Apologize what for? You have always moved as I instructed you to. There is nothing to apologize for...

Lazu:

The one, who told Your father... about You and Your friend... was me...

Carnelian & Coda:

...!?

Lazu: I knew... that Your friend... that Coda was being searched by soldiers... but that he somehow escaped from Alba... But I... didn't want to, burden You with too much...

Coda:

Why, Lazu. Why did you tell the king?

Lazu:

Back then I thought it'd be the best... for my king*, for the royal family... that he ought to not leave... no. In reality, I just... didn't want... my king to leave. I couldn't forgive... that he wanted to travel with you... Coda.

[TL note: referring to Carnelian]

Carnelian:

Lazu, you...

Lazu:

My king's wish, is my wish... I wanted to... no matter what, be the one to... fulfil Your wish... But You were forgetting your role... so I thought it was my duty to... stop You... But what I should've done... was to share Your pain...

Lazu:

...

Carnelian:

Lazu... ---Lazu!? Open your eyes...! Lazu!!!

*rumble*

Fang:

The shaking got more intense!

Capella:

We have to stop the Star Gem's power or else...

Hope:

Haaaahhhh!

Fang:

Hope! Isn't that Lazu's sword!?

Hope:

I'll break the Star Gem!

Hope:

If I do, then surely...

*kinnn*

Hope:

Uwah!

*kann!!!*

Coda:

Hope!!!

Erin:

What just... The Star Gem sent Hope flying!

Fang:

Hope, are you okay!? ...we can't approach the Star Gem...

Shinkai:

It's an incredible power... There are invisible walls around it.

Hope:

That doesn't matter! Uooohhh!

*kinnn*

Hope:

...uwah!!!

Coda:

Hope, stop it!

Hope:

No!!!

Coda:

...!

Hope:

...King Carnelian! I think your wish is very important. ...I'm sure it's better without war. Even on Eterno, it would've been easier to live without Alba's war.

Hope:

A world without war for all eternity can't be something bad.

Carnelian:

Then tell me, why are you trying to destroy the Star Gem. ...why do you keep on rushing towards it so many times.

Hope:

Because I don't want the people living now to vanish because of that!

Hope:

Because I want to live with everyone here, and with Curse! ...you told me I was the king of Eterno, right?

Carnelian:

Yes.

Hope:

If that is really true, then I want to be friends with Alba's king... with you!

Carnelian:

...what are you saying?

Hope:

We become friends, get along, and do everything so there will never be war again! If we really wish for peace, then isn't that how a king should do it!?

Carnelian:

...hmph. Become friends and end war, huh? Sounds like a child's delusion...

Hope:

But...!

Coda:

What's wrong with a child's delusion.

Carnelian:

...Coda.

Coda:

I was saved a lot when I spent time with you as kids, Amber. Sure, it may sound childish, but the short amount of time I spent with you was really fun, it was special to me.

Coda:

Or wasn't that the case for you, huh, Amber!?

Carnelian:

...I... the me from back then... what I really wanted...

Coda:

...

Lazu:

...

Carnelian:

...I thought I would get it if there were no wars anymore. Play games with Coda, like a normal child... Go out with Lazu on the day of the festival and make decorations together... That is all I wanted...

Coda:

Amber...

Carnelian:

Maybe I was the foolish one.

Carnelian:

... Oh Star Gem. I will not bring You back together. Return to be six shards. I don't mind if you don't fulfil my wish. ---I shall prove that I can fulfil my wish with my own hands!

Hope:

King Carnelian!

*kinnn*

Carnelian:

...!?

Coda:

Amber, are you okay!?

Erin:

What's happening? The Star Gem won't go back to being shards!

*rumble*

Fang:

It's gotten even stronger than before!

Capella:

...it seems the Star Gem has returned completely already.

Hope:

Eh!?

Fang:

Is there no way to return it to shards?

Capella:

No.

Capella:

Once it's like this, there is nothing we can do... And the same fate will fall upon the stars...

Hope:

No...

Carnelian:

...what did I...

Erin:

Boo! And I promised to go right back to Lama!

Coda:

Is this really the time to say that!?

Shinkai:

...

Shinkai:

Wind...

Hope:

...wind?

Fang:

What about wind? Are you feeling something?

Shinkai:

...yes. A gentle wind is coming...

Fang:

Gentle?

*kyuooo!*

Capella:

...!

Coda:

What's that sound!?

Hope:

The wind? It sounds like a cry...

Shinkai:

It's here. The strong, gentle, alabaster wind...

White Dragon:

Kyuoooo!

Shinkai:

Beautiful... a pure white dragon. That is, surely...

Hope:

A white dragon... ---The Observer of Stars.

 

Chapter 24 - Hoshimeguri no Kansokusha

White Dragon:

Kyuoooo!

Coda:

What even!? It's huge!!!!

Fang:

The Observer of Stars... was real after all!?

Erin:

Hmm, seems difficult to find any weak points huh.

Coda:

Eh! You wanna battle it!?

Capella:

...has it come to witness the demise of the world, I wonder. It is the being that observes all and every star after all.

Hope:

...so that's what Fang told me about before... Such beauty, and...

White Dragon:

-----

Hope:

...!

Fang:

It's looking at Hope...?

*woosh*

Hope:

...what a strong wind!

Coda:

It just flapped its wings a bit and yet...

Carnelian:

...what is it doing? Wrapping its wings around the Star Gem...

Shinkai:

The gentle dragon is trying to protect us... ...no, it's trying to protect this world.

Fang:

So it's trying to stop the Star Gem from unifying?

Shinkai:

Yes, I'm sure. Such warmth...

Capella:

No! Impossible! To think the Observer would interfere to save us.

White Dragon:

----

Capella:

Why, are you...

*rumble*

Erin:

Oh no! There are cracks in the building!

Fang:

The shaking is terrible, it's amazing it still stands. It's dangerous here! Let's evacuate quickly!

Coda:

Erin, lend me your shoulder. We'll carry Lazu---

Carnelian:

I shall.

Coda:

...alright!

Hope:

...

Fang:

Hope! What are you doing!?

Fang:

There's no time to be fascinated by the dragon!

Hope:

I know... I know, but...

White Dragon:

----

Hope:

Why... I can't take my eyes off it...

Coda:

Hope!! The pillar!!!

Erin:

It's gonna hit him!!!

Hope:

...!

*doon!*

Hope:

...huh? Nothing happened...

Carnelian:

The Observer... covered Hope...?

Hope:

Eh...?

White Dragon:

----

Hope:

...........Curse...?

Coda:

Huh!? ...what do you mean Curse!?

Hope:

I know it! This dragon is Curse!

Hope:

His eyes look completely different but... It has the same gentle eyes as Curse. The eyes of when he listened to my story. ...I just know it. ...you're Curse, aren't you?

White Dragon:

----I can't fool you, right, Hope?

Hope:

...Curse!!!

Coda:

...the shaking weakened...?

Capella:

Probably the Observer's power. Though I doubt it'll hold for long...

Curse [TL note: his sprite appeared now too]:

Hope, I'm sorry that I didn't return home. ...I've surely made you feel lonely.

Hope:

...you did!

Hope:

Because you never returned...

Curse:

I'm surprised, the Hope that was but a child once went on a journey around the stars in search of me. In just a very short moment of not seeing you you've become so reliable.

Hope:

It wasn't short! It was really long for me!

Hope:

...I thought I may never see you again. I was scared, every day... Curse...!

Curse:

...fufu. It's hard to breathe if you hug me that strongly.

Hope:

Shut up! I don't care if you call me a child! ...I won't let go!

Curse:

...Hope.

Carnelian:

The dragon turned into a human...

Fang:

So that is Curse. Unbelievable, to think he was the Observer of Stars...

Hope:

If we return the Star Gem to shards then... Right, Curse. ...we can go home together, right?

Curse:

...

Curse:

Hope, please listen to me. It's not possible to think that I would remain unharmed after supressing the Star Gem's enormous power, right?

Hope:

...why!

Curse:

The Star Gem is the base of everything existing in this world.

Curse:

Even I myself, though being something far beyond humans, am something brought to existence by the Star Gem. Even if I use all of my power as the Observer, the probability of stopping the Star Gem's unification are exceedingly low.

Hope:

...why? Even though it's about yourself... why do you always talk as if it's about someone else?

Curse:

...someone, else?

Hope:

Yes! You're always like that! As if you yourself are nothing...

Hope:

Because the Star Gem is so great, because it's to save the world... don't you care about what happens to you? Why don't you say that you want to return to our home on Eterno? That you don't want to die... that you want to live with me... why not!!?

Curse:

Hope...

Hope:

I know! I know that I'm just being selfish in this kind of situation! But, without Curse it's the same as if this world would end! There's no meaning without you! Please, Curse... Say that you... will go back with me...

Curse:

...

Curse:

When I'm with you... I really lose being who I am, huh.

Hope:

...eh?

Curse:

The Day of Origin. On the day the Star Gem was divided into six, I was born thanks to the Protector. To observe the stars in place of the sleeping Protector.

Curse:

...to see if this world was worthy of continuing existing, to observe and to draw a conclusion; that is my duty.

Hope:

What do you mean?

Curse:

It means, my duty was to bring the world to ruin, should the time come where I judge humanity unworthy of continuance.

Hope:

...really?

Curse:

...indeed. So I had already decided to end this world in which futile wars were fought over and over again.

Carnelian:

...

Fang:

---you... had already decided?

Capella:

.....

Curse:

That must've been around the time Alba invaded Eterno, I think.

Curse:

Eterno lost the war and the royal family was dispersed. And I, as the Observer, protected the sole survivor of the royal family and their Shard. That boy was from Eterno's royal family and therefore the protector of the Shard. And should something happen to him...

Curse:

That was supposed to become my last duty as the Observer of Stars.

Hope:

...I see...

Curse:

Yes. That was all there was to it. ...at first, you see.

Hope:

Eh?

Curse:

What was supposed to be but my duty made my heart sway step by step while living with you.

Curse:

Every day was brimming with surprises and discoveries. Human actions were something like sand that slipped through my fingers. Even in an endless time span of observing everything for 1000 years, it was but a virtual image to me.

Curse:

The one to have given me a real sensation of warmth, was you. Hope.

Hope:

Curse...

Curse:

All the time I spent during those 1000 years, are nothing compared to the moments I spent with you. Those moment were dazzling, like the twinkling of the stars.

Curse:

That is why I want to protect you. I want you to live.

Hope:

Curse... wait, where are you going!? I don't wanna! Don't leave me!

Curse:

Don't make such a face, Hope. Don't worry. ...we're surely to meet again.

Curse:

The twinkling stars of the night sky are sure to lead our fates together again. So I beseech You, and wish for you to become the king of hope---

Hope:

Curse!

*woosh*

Coda:

...the wind!

Fang:

The white dragon is flying into the sky while holding the Star Gem.

Shinkai:

High, and higher... As if it's being swallowed up by the starry sky...

Hope:

Curse, no! ...come back, please! ----Curse!!!

*rumble*

Fang:

The shaking, stopped?

Erin:

...ah! Look, something's falling down!

Coda:

Those are... The Star Gem Shards!?

Fang:

They're shards again? ...Bestia's Shard!

Carnelian:

And Alba's...

Hope:

...

Fang:

They fell around Hope...

Shinkai:

The big red... is as beautiful as ever...

Hope:

...uu... uuu...! I don't... need these shards... My... my wish is... Curse...!

 

Chapter 25 - The Time of Awakening

Vega:

...this is... I see... I was... asleep... ...I can't sense the Star Gem's power. ......nor the Observer's...

Capella:

---Lord Vega!

Vega:

...Capella?

Capella:

......have You, really woken up...

Capella:

It was only a moment, but maybe, when the Star Gem was one again...!

Vega:

...indeed.

Capella:

Lord Vega... may I hold your hand...?

Vega:

...why?

Capella:

I cannot fully believe... that You have awoken for certain...

Vega:

...I have made you suffer a lot.

Vega:

The wish I have offered to the Star Gem has made me fall asleep and brought you nothing but pain...

Capella:

---as long as You are alive I will live alongside You. That is my wish and it has never wavered.

Vega:

Capella...

Capella:

Lord Vega. Those 1000 years are nothing if I'm now able to see Your smile again. And if You were without a dreadful dream...!

Vega:

A dreadful dream...

Capella:

You are too kind, Lord Vega.

Capella:

...the more You offered wishes to the Star Gem, the louder people's voices of dissatisfaction grew. When one person's wish gets fulfilled, then another one suffers. The more wishes were fulfilled, the farther Your own wish strayed away...

Vega:

My wish...

Vega:

I knew there was no way for my wish to be granted, but I couldn't continue betraying my heart... That is my weakness, right?

Capella:

...no! You are stronger and kinder than anyone!

Capella:

You knew the existence of the Star Gem itself made people suffer, so you destroyed it with your own hands. Without thinking what could happen to yourself... someone like that cannot be called weak!

Vega:

...Capella.

Capella:

...!

Vega:

Well done on protecting the Grand Sanctuary all this time. Due to the fact that the world is still existing, it means that is the answer the Observer came to. Then I too, will look over the world's coming path from within this Grand Sanctuary.

Capella:

Yes.

Vega:

...even now after having awoken from my sleep, my wish of wanting every person to be happy hasn't changed. Will you laugh at such a self of mine?

Capella:

I would never think of laughing at you!

Vega:

Fufu. ...then, may I hold your hand as well?

Capella:

...!

Vega:

Thank you, Capella. You have my thanks for always being by my side, even though after all this time.

Capella:

....yes... yes!

---

Hope:

Curse...

Vega:

...it seems the Observer protected this world.

Hope:

...you are?

Coda:

You're you? Someone from the Sanctuary?

Carnelian:

...Protector! You have awoken!

Hope:

...this is the Protector!

Vega:

Indeed. This is the first time we meet, isn't it?

Vega:

You are the people that protected the Star Gem Shards, yes?

Fang:

You can tell?

Vega:

I can. ...I can tell from your faces.

Carnelian:

Our faces?

Vega:

Fufu.

Hope:

...Lord Protector!

Vega:

You are...

Hope:

I have a request!

Hope:

I want you to save Curse... to save the Observer of Stars!

Vega:

...!

Hope:

You were the one who created him, right!? Then you can save him too, right...?

Vega:

......

Capella:

Hope, that is...

Vega:

It's okay, Capella. I shall tell him myself.

Vega:

Unfortunately, that is very difficult.

Hope:

Why!?

Vega:

I don't sense the Observer of Stars anymore. He went to a faraway place which I cannot even infer... It's like he vanished...

Hope:

...

Vega:

Even if I create a new Observer, it won't be the one you seek.

Hope:

...but!

Vega:

I can try my best, but I doubt he would return to his former self...

Hope:

...

Coda:

Hope...

Hope:

Even then... I'll believe. Curse has always kept his promises with me. He said we'd meet again. That's why I'm sure it's going to be okay!

Vega:

......

Vega:

You're right. We have to believe, don't we? You will surely meet again. Let us believe in the Observer's words.

Hope:

...yes!

 

Final Chapter 26 - The Promised Place

~some years later~

Hope:

It's been a while, huh, leader! How's space?

Coda's voice through transmitter [TL note: from now on just Coda]:

Stop calling me leader, it's embarrassing.

Hope:

But you're Burst Roar's new leader right?

Hope:

That's amazing!

Coda:

Well, it was so suddenly I'm still surprised. Doing alright though I guess. Fang is just busy with king's work.

Hope:

He may be busy but it seems he sneaks on board all the time anyways.

Coda:

Seriously! It's like nothing changed!

Hope:

Ahaha!

Coda:

Anyways, how are things over there? ---Mister King of Eterno? You already used to living in a palace?

Hope:

...hearing it from you makes me think I'm not used to it yet, no.

Coda:

Ahaha! Shouldn't you get used to your work already?

Hope:

I'm still learning! There's a lot of things I still don't know. But all of the former retainers are slowly coming back to the palace, so we're just doing our best together!

Coda:

I see. Eterno's market is booming lately too huh.

Coda:

An old man I was trading with told me with a smile that it's because of the new king that public safety is getting better again too. I was happy to hear that!

Hope:

It's because of everyone's help! Fang and Lord Orion often call and stuff.

Hope:

Even Lord Sardinia and Shinkai came to Eterno together! He told me to come visit Sirena soon too.

Coda:

Hee. Sirena really opened up huh.

Hope:

The townspeople were really happy to hear Shinkai's flute playing!

Coda:

I see! Seems you're doing alright.

Hope:

Yes... Are King Carnelian and co doing fine?

Coda:

Well, with what happened... After retiring from the throne, he went to the countryside with Lazu and is living peacefully in a hut. I went to visit them recently too.

Coda:

They were having fun playing chess. The pieces were small crystal rabbits, they were so cute!

Hope:

I see!

Coda:

Oh and seems Erin visits them sometimes too. Though he just bothers them while they're playing chess and gets yelled at by Lazu.

Hope:

Ahaha! I can imagine!

Coda:

There's gonna be a festival in Alba soon and I was invited to it as well. I think... it was something about making lanterns?

Hope:

Hee, lanterns huh. Sounds fun!

Coda:

Right?

Hope:

Man I wanna see them again too.

Coda:

Then maybe you should hurry. Recently there's been voices that want King Carnelian back on the throne. It'll probably get busy for him.

Hope:

He was a kind king after all. ...I have to learn from it too!

Coda:

There you go again, don't overdo it.

Hope:

...hey, Coda?

Coda:

Hm?

Hope:

Sorry that I said we'd go travelling together yet I can't go.

Coda:

Ahaha! You were worrying about that? How long has that been!?

Hope:

But, I promised...

Coda:

If I'd just take the king of Eterno with me I'd get prohibited from stepping foot on Eterno!

Coda:

And Eterno is an important trading partner! ...also, if you wanna meet, I can just quickly fly over there with my ship so no problem!

Hope:

...thanks, Coda!

Coda:

..ah, sorry. Crew is calling me! I'll call back!

Hope:

Sure!

*beep*

Hope:

Fufu.

Hope:

I'm glad Coda and everyone else is doing great! ... ...everyone, huh.

Hope's servant:

Your Majesty, is something wrong?

Hope:

No. ...I'm gonna head out for a bit!

Servant:

Please wait, take a guard with---

Hope:

No worries! I'll be right back!

Servant:

Your Majesty!

---

Hope:

As expected, coming to this house calms me down. It's a run-down house, but it's were I lived ever since I was a kid. ....

*creak*

Hope:

...Curse. Where are you right now? Like you said, I'm properly wearing my necklace all the time.

Hope:

Everyone in the castle is telling me to return it to its room all the time though. But I can't calm down without this shard. It's what you protected after all. And like this, I have someone to talk to as well! .... ...but until when do I have to talk to the shard?

Hope:

I want to talk to you...

*knock knock*

Hope:

........

Curse:

The entrance was left open. I hardly recognized you after becoming Eterno's king, but I guess you're as clumsy as ever, huh?

Hope:

....Curse....? Are you really.... Curse?

*Hoshikuzu Magic starts playing*

Hope:

Am I dreaming...?

Curse:

Dreaming?

Hope:

...no, even if it's a dream! Because you're right over there...

Curse:

Hope, this is no dream. ...it'd be a problem for me if it was a dream, I finally managed to fulfil my promise with you.

Hope:

......!

Hope:

Curse...!

Curse:

It's thanks to you, Hope. Because you fulfilled your duty as a king I was able to come back.

Hope:

Because of me...? What do you mean?

Curse:

When the Star Gem was being unified, I wished for you to become the king of hope. And you wished to be with me from now on too. At that very moment, the Star Gem was one, right? I may not be the Protector who offers wishes, but I am a being created by him.

Curse:

Due to you fulfilling my wish, your wish of being with me was fulfilled as well. Though it's a bit of a miracle...

Hope:

The Star Gem has.. our wishes...

Curse:

Vega and Capella seemed to have done their best as well.

Hope:

Then, you're back to how you were before!

Curse:

No, that I am not.

Hope:

...!

Curse:

Vega used all his powers, but I didn't return to how I was before.

Hope:

...Curse, then...

Curse:

I have lost the eternal life I've had until now.

Hope:

...but, you've been living for 1000 years and now...!

Curse:

Hope, what are you saying? Isn't this wonderful? Like this, I too can live in the same time as you and grow old with you.

Hope:

Together... with me... Curse... are you really, really okay with this? Living together... all the time... growing old...?

Curse:

Yes.

Hope:

...! Curse....!!!

Curse:

...my. Fufu. You're so quick to hugging as always.

Hope:

Curse...! Curse!!!

Curse:

...you've grown stronger, didn't you. I've made you wait quite a long time.

Curse:

I'm home, Hope.

Hope:

...welcome back, Curse!

The End