Fire Emblem Echoes – Shadows of Valentia Drama CD:

Foreign Skies, Daybreak Forest

ファイアーエムブレムEchoesもうひとりの英雄王 ドラマCD

『異国の空 黎明の森』

Catalog Number: QWCI-00001/02

*This drama CD contains spoilers for Fire Emblem Echoes – Shadows of Valentia, up till Act 4 (Act 4 included). Please take note before reading on!

Cast:

Alm: Natsuki Hanae (花江夏樹)

Lukas: Takahiro Sakurai (櫻井孝宏)

Python: Shinji Kawada (川田紳司)

Forsyth: Nobuyori Sagara (相楽信頼)

Tobin: Atsushi Abe (阿部敦)

Kliff: Mitsuki Saiga (斎賀みつき)

Faye: Atsumi Tanezaki (種崎敦美)

Silque: Yuka Inokuchi (いのくちゆか)

Yuri: Kengo Kawanishi (河西健吾)

Holy Mother: Yoshiko Sakakibara (榊原良子)

Magnhus: Takuya Kirimoto (桐本拓哉)

Vidar: Masanori Takeda (竹田雅則)

etc.

Contents

Preface

Disc 1

Track 01: The Invaders 侵略者たち

Track 02: Nimble Assassins 細き手の刺客

Track 03: Forest of Delusion 惑いの森

Track 04: The Whereabouts of Justice 正義の行方

Track 05: Premonition 予兆

Track 06: What to Believe In 信じるものを

Disc 2

Track 01: To Where the Light Shines 光ある方へ

Track 02: Battle at Dawn 夜明けの戦い

Track 03: Encounters and Farewells 邂逅と別れと

Bonus Track: The Voice Calling You あなたを呼ぶ声

Preface

Year 401 of the Valentian Calendar.

Zofia Castle was retaken following the fall of Chancellor Desaix.

Now, having defeated the forces led by Berkut at the border, Alm and the Deliverance begin their advance into the Rigelian Empire.

Just when all seemed well, they received news of a civil war breaking out within Zofia’s borders.

Clive, a pivotal figure within the Deliverance, separated from them temporarily so as to quell the rebellion.

Meanwhile, having found a village being used as an enemy base within the forest, Alm decides to burn it down at Lukas’s suggestion. However —

What awaits them in the Rigelian forest, just past the border…?

Disc 1 Track 01: The Invaders

(Sounds of fighting)

Alm: Hyaaahhhh!!

Rigelian Soldier: Urgh!

Rigelian Soldier: Gheh! Don’t tell me this mere child is the leader of the Zofian Deliverance!?

Rigelian Soldier: This is absurd! We of the Rigelian Empire shall not be trampled upon by these children and their little games!

Alm: This is no game! Defeating Emperor Rudolf and defending Zofia is the reason I’ve come all this way!

Rigelian Soldier: Silence, you brat! You’d best be running home if you know what’s good for you!

Alm: I have a name, and it’s Alm!

(Alm attacks)

Rigelian Soldier: Urgh!! Please forgive me…Your…Excellency…

Lukas: Alm!

Alm: Lukas!

Lukas: The enemy’s formation has fallen apart. Now’s our time to strike!

Alm: Alright! All forces, CHARGE!

(Deliverance lets out a war cry)

◆ ◆ ◆

Alm: Year 401 of the Valentian Calendar. Chancellor Desaix staged a coup d’etat, with the the help of the Rigelian Empire, in an attempt to gain control of Zofia. The coup was then suppressed by the Deliverance, led by me. Still, Rigel refused to relent in its invasion of Zofia, and so our forces advance towards them, crossing the border.

Alm: Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia Drama CD – Foreign Skies, Daybreak Forest.

◆ ◆ ◆

Rigelian Soldier: Uwaahh!!

Forsyth: Did you think that feeble attack of yours could penetrate my armour? Hyaah!

Rigelian Soldier: H-help me!

(Rigelian Soldier runs off)

Forsyth: Ngh…how dare you run away, coward! Python! Pursue him with your arrows!

Python: Spare me the trouble. He’s just a peasant who’s here for the paycheck; he won’t pose a threat to us any longer.

Forsyth: That soldier? He’s a peasant!?

Python: Obviously, no matter how you look at it. You don’t think so, Forsyth? His equipment’s all shoddy, and the way he wields his sword — it’s like he’s just swinging for show!

Forsyth: I see…I guess this means Lukas was right, then. It seems the Rigelian forces deployed here suffered great losses while defending the border under Berkut’s command.

Python: So, basically, they’re trying to make do with soldiers gathered from around the vicinity. Well, before their reinforcements arrive, anyway.

Forsyth: Either way, it’s good news for us. After all, we’re currently missing Sir Clive and Lady Mathilda, two of our main fighting forces.

Python: Those stinkin’ nobles just stayed cooped up in their own lawns pretending not to know a thing, while we risked our butts fighting Desaix…and now that we’re past the border, they’re finally crawling out of their holes to fight over who’ll be the next ruler of Zofia…

Forsyth: But we can’t just ignore them either; you never know if any of them will decide to sell us out. That’s why Sir Clive is taking matters into his own hands and heading down to suppress the conflict personally.

Python: What else can we do? Nobles only ever listen to other nobles.

Forsyth: It’s exactly as you say. All we can do now is assist our leader Alm in holding our ground here. So…come, Python! It’s time to fight!

Python: Ehhh!? But I’m spent…*sigh* I hope they all return soon…

◆ ◆ ◆

(Sound of footsteps)

Rigelian Soldier: C-commander! Our infantry troops to the north have all been defeated! We’re at our limit too!

Rigelian Soldier: Ugh, useless commoner vermin! Sound the order for retreat! We’ll fall back for the time being and regroup. We head for the forest base!

Rigelian Soldier: Retreat! Fall back!

(Sound of Rigelians retreating)

Alm: The Rigelian Army is retreating into the forest…if they manage to escape to the forest depths, we won’t be able to follow them…! All forces, give chase! Don’t let the Rigelians get away!

(Deliverance lets out a war cry)

◆ ◆ ◆

Rigelian Soldier: *pant* Alright, we’re almost at the base. Even those Zofian rabble wouldn’t be so foolish as to chase us this far…

Tobin: Ah, I see them! Over there, Python!

Python: Aye, aye…go!

(Arrow hits Rigelian Soldier)

Rigelian Soldier: Uwaaahh!!

Python: You’re something else, Tobin, to be able to spot them from here!

Tobin: Heh heh! What did you expect from someone raised right in the heart of the forest? Just leave it to me!

(Sound of wings flapping)

Faye: Tobin!

Tobin: Hey, Faye! Did you manage to catch sight of the Rigelian forces from the sky?

Faye: No, but I found something even greater! Help me call Alm over!

Tobin: Huh? So what is it?

◆ ◆ ◆

Python: Ow! Hot!

Forsyth: Careful now, Python, or those stray sparks could very well cause the entire forest to erupt in flames.

Python: I know, I know…whoa! Look at this baby burn.

Kliff: …They’re really burning it down.

Tobin: Say, Alm. I know the Rigelian Army used this village as their base, but…even then, isn’t burning the whole village down going a little far?

Alm: That’s…

Lukas: Kliff. Tobin. I know how you must feel, but we cannot ignore the possibility that the Rigelian Army might retake the village after we leave and use it as a base to attack us from behind. Not to mention, we’re already lacking some of our main players.

Tobin: But then, what about the villagers? When they return to see their village like this…

Forsyth: The village’s residents lost their home to the Rigelian Army the moment the army decided to use their village as a stronghold. I’m sure the villagers have made their home elsewhere by now.

Python: Come on, destroying the enemy’s base is common sense. If you don’t like it, you’re welcome to pack up and head on home.

Tobin: Urgh, of course we know that! Treating us like fools…let’s go, Kliff!

Kliff: Right. I don’t particularly enjoy this sight, anyway.

Tobin: Alm…you should come with us too.

Alm: Ah, I…I have to see this through. Lukas might be the one who suggested this course of action, but I was the one who made the decision to go through with it.

Tobin: …I see. …We’ll be going, then.

Alm: …This is the best I could do.

Faye: *pant* Alm!

Silque: Sir Alm!

Alm: Faye…Silque…you were here too?

Silque: I am a cleric, so I thought to offer up my prayers as well…

Faye: I’m sorry, Alm. It’s because I found this village, that…you had to make this painful decision…

Alm: It’s not your fault, Faye. As members of the Deliverance, it was inevitable that we would have to do this sooner or later.

Silque: Sir Alm…please do not shoulder the blame all by yourself.

Faye: Hey, Alm…look at this. I found it in a nearby house.

Alm: A doll? So a child used to live there…

Faye: The family probably left in a hurry; there are a lot more toys left over. Say…do we have to burn these dolls as well?

Alm: Well, I…Lukas! Everyone! Hold on for a second!

◆ ◆ ◆

Child: Look, Yuri, over there! I see smoke!

Yuri: It’s coming from the eastern village…so the Deliverance has finally made it to this forest.

Child: The Rigelian Army lost the battle earlier, didn’t they? What should we do…will they burn our village down, too?

Yuri: Now’s not the time to back down! We swore that we would protect Mother’s village, didn’t we?

Child: Y-you’re right! The God of Strength, Duma, is with us!

Yuri: Just wait, Deliverance…we won’t let you trample upon this forest any longer!

Disc 1 Track 02: Nimble Assassins

Lukas: Good work today, Forsyth. Let me take over for patrol duty.

Forsyth: Oh dear, is it that late already…today sure was an exhausting day.

Lukas: We’ve really earned the ire of Tobin and Kliff, haven’t we.

Forsyth: No need to worry, I’m sure they’ll be back on their feet soon enough.

Lukas: Hm…

Forsyth: Lukas? Is something the matter?

Lukas: Someone’s over there.

Forsyth: Say what? Don’t tell me…remnants of the Rigelian Army!?

Yuri: Zofian Deliverance! Prepare yourselves!

(Children yelling)

Forsyth: Wha-!?

Yuri: It’s the enemy!

Forsyth: Lukas!

Lukas: It’s alright, it just scraped my leg. More importantly…halt, all of you! You can’t win against us. Do you intend to throw your lives away for naught?

Deliverance Soldier: *whistle* The enemy is attacking! Everyone, wake up!

Child: Hyaaahhh!!

Lukas: What!?

Forsyth: Urgh, I…I can’t cut them down when they’re mere children…Sir Clive…tell me, what do I do…?

Child: Yuri! Our allies are here!

Yuri: Alright, everyone! We’re pulling out!

(Children leave)

Lukas: …They left.

Forsyth: What on earth was that all about? …Ouch!

Lukas: Are you alright?

Forsyth: They managed to land a cut on my arm, but I’ll be fine.

Alm: Lukas! Forsyth! I heard there was an enemy attack?

Python: Oy! You folks still alive?

Tobin: Huh? Where’s the Rigelian Army?

Forsyth: They’ve already retreated. And…it wasn’t the Rigelian Army.

Alm: Huh? Then who was it?

Lukas: The ‘enemy’ was a small group of unarmed children. You could barely consider what they were holding ‘weapons’…I can’t bring myself to believe that they were serious about attacking us.

Tobin: Wow, that’s…I wonder what their aim was?

Kliff: Sure they’re not just trying to provoke us?

Alm: Provoke…what do you mean by that, Kliff?

Kliff: It’s possible that those children belonged to the village we razed earlier, don’t you think? And so, they might just be trying to get back at us for what we did.

Python: Huh, figures.

Tobin: I can imagine that…I mean, if someone did that to my house, I’d want to settle the score, too.

Alm: Even so, to think those children would resort to something so dangerous as trying to infiltrate enemy territory…do you think we could persuade them to back down?

Forsyth: You don’t have to worry on that front. Both Lukas and I would never so much as try to hurt a child.

Lukas: Fortunately, we only suffered minor injuries from the attack. We’ll move out from this area tomorrow and advance towards the enemy. Even those children wouldn’t pursue us that far, I’d wager.

Alm: You have a point…alright then.

◆ ◆ ◆

Silque: Faye, are you not done with your preparations yet? Just a reminder, but we’re leaving at noon.

Faye: I’m aware, but my clothes aren’t! They just won’t fit into my bag…

Silque: Umm…may I suggest lightening your load a little, then? If I may be so forward…I feel as though you may have too much unneeded baggage…

Faye: No can do! Every single item in here is packed with the precious memories I share with Alm!

Silque: Even so…I think you could at least consider leaving out that leftover heel of bread…

Faye: It’s fine, really! You don’t have to keep badgering me about it, Silque…you’re annoying me!

Silque: W-wait, I…oh? What could Sir Alm be doing all the way over there?

Faye: Huh? Where, where? Alm!

Alm: Oh, hey! Morning, Faye.

Faye: Where are you going? There isn’t much time left before we have to move out.

Alm: I’m just…paying the village from yesterday a little visit. I wanted to take one last look at it before we leave…

Faye: Alm…

Alm: Help me tell everyone I’ll be back in a short while. Well then, later!

Faye: Okay, take care!

◆ ◆ ◆

Yuri: What an awful sight…every last house is burnt to cinders. Damn those Deliverance scoundrels…I won’t let our village — the Holy Mother’s village, meet the same fate! I swear it! I’ll do anything if it means protecting the village!

(Sound of footsteps)

Yuri: Wha-? Who’s there!?

Alm: Huh? Who’re you?

Yuri: You…don’t tell me you’re from the Deliverance? Damn it, I can’t win against them alone…damn it! Ugh!

(Yuri tries to run off)

Alm: Ah! Wait up! You’re from this village, aren’t you? I just want to talk!

Yuri: W-what’s he saying…? Gah! *cough* *cough* Why now…of all times…

Alm: Hey! Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?

Yuri: D-d-don’t come near me!

Alm: Ahh, I’m sorry! I won’t hurt you, I promise. Please trust me…I really just want to talk.

Yuri: …Talk?

Alm: Um, the village was burn- no, we burnt the village down, but we tried to salvage as many of the items we found in the houses as we could. We placed the items into crates and buried them near the roots of that tree over there. We just…we wanted to spare what we could, since some of these might be precious to you villagers.

Yuri: Huh? Y-you’ve got it wrong…I’m not from this village…

Alm: Also, tell me. Were you the ones who attacked the Deliverance’s base last night?

Yuri: Ah…s-so what if we did?

Alm: I know that we’re the invaders in the eyes of the Rigelians. It may not be my place to say, but…still, I hope you could consider backing down. We don’t wish to hurt you.

Yuri: Hah! Now you say this, after all you’ve done!?

Alm: …You’re right…but I wanted to say it anyway.

Yuri: H-hey!

Alm: Ah, right! Here, have this. Sorry it’s only a meagre portion. These are Mana Herbs, medicinal herbs commonly found in Zofia. I don’t know if it’ll cure what ails you, but…will you accept them?

Yuri: You…are you really a member of the Deliverance?

Alm: Huh? Well, uh…yeah, kind of. My name is Alm. What’s yours?

Yuri: …Yuri.

Alm: Yuri…that’s a nice name. Well then, I’ve got to be going.

(Alm leaves)

Yuri: What a weird person…but…maybe he isn’t such a bad fellow after all? We attacked his comrades yesterday, and yet…ugh, no! I won’t fall for his ruse! Zofians are the enemy!

◆ ◆ ◆

Kliff: Ah, he’s back.

Tobin: Where were you, Alm!?

Alm: Kliff? Tobin? Did something happen?

Tobin: Not just ‘something’, we’re in serious trouble right now! Anyway, just get over here, will you!

Silque: Ah, Sir Alm!

Alm: Ah! Lukas, Forsyth! What happened to you?

Forsyth: To tell the truth…we’re not too sure ourselves, but…the injuries we suffered last night began to hurt really badly all of a sudden.

Lukas: The pain itself isn’t a big issue, but…how should I put this? It’s as if…it’s lost all sensation. We can’t move the injured part at all.

Alm: What!?

Python: And it’s not just them. All of the soldiers who got hurt in the scuffle last night are all down with the same symptoms.

Alm: Don’t tell me…their weapons were coated with poison!?

Silque: That’s not it. Sir Alm, take a closer look at Forsyth’s arm.

Alm: Ah…the area around the cut…it’s turned black.

Silque: This isn’t caused by poison. This is just like what Berkut’s forces used against us at the border — the power of the Fell God Duma’s curse.

Alm: Curse!?

Silque: I suspect the children that attacked last night were using weapons that have received Duma’s curse. That’s why they retreated after inflicting only light injuries instead of aiming for the kill.

Alm: No way…what do we do now? What will happen to Lukas and Forsyth!?

Silque: There must be an arcanist who put the curse on those weapons. If we can defeat that arcanist, the curse should be lifted as well. However, if we do not manage it…the black mark will spread throughout the victim’s entire body, until…

Lukas: Our hearts stop beating. Is that what you’re saying?

Silque: I’m afraid so…

Tobin: Wait…you’re joking, right? You mean…Lukas and Forsyth are going to DIE!?

Python: Gods, give me a break! Why’d those troublesome brats have to show up precisely when Sir Clive isn’t around? This is too much, even for me!

Forsyth: W-well, let’s all be calm now! To sum it up, what this means is there’s an arcanist masterminding those children. Let’s capture those children, and get them to spill the whereabouts of this arcanist. As long as we can do that, we have absolutely nothing to worry about.

Python: And HOW are we going to capture those children, pray tell? Who knows where they’ve run off to by now.

Forsyth: U-um…about that…

Lukas: Looks like combing through this vast forest in search of them is our only choice right now. I don’t know if we’ll last till then, but…

Alm: No…don’t you say such things, Lukas! I’ll definitely find them, so…! Ah…that’s right! Yuri!

Tobin: Huh? What’d you say?

Kliff: Who’s ‘Yuri’?

(Alm runs off)

Python: Hey, chief! Where’re you going!?

Faye: Alm, wait up! Wait, I said!

◆ ◆ ◆

Alm: *pant* Yuri!! It’s me, Alm!! Please come out if you can hear me! Yuri!! YURIIIIII!!

Alm: He’s not around here anymore…I should’ve expected that, I guess.

(Sound of footsteps)

Python: What was that all about, chief!? Why’d you run off all of a sudden?

Faye: This place…isn’t this the village we were at yesterday? Did you find any clues to their whereabouts around here?

Alm: Um…I met one of them here just now. One of the children who attacked us last night.

Kliff: Huh? By ‘met’, you mean…that’s all? You didn’t do anything else?

Alm: I pleaded with him not to attack us again, and we split up from there. He didn’t seem to be in the best shape, so I didn’t want to treat him too roughly. Never did I think this would happen…

Tobin: Alm, don’t tell me…you LET HIM GO!?

Alm: I’m sorry…everyone…!

Python: …THE HELL YOU DOIN’, CHIEF!?

(Python grabs Alm)

Alm: Python…

Python: Why’d you let him go? Why didn’t you capture him!? You “didn’t want to treat him too roughly”, you said? They may be kids, but they came for our heads!

Alm: Even then…is that any different from what we’re doing!? I can’t put the blame on them!

Python: SAVE YOUR BREATH! We came here to do war. They may hate us, call us ‘demons’ or ‘devils’…but if we don’t do what we came here to do, then what’s the point of even being here!?

Alm: Python…

Kliff: …Hey, calm down a little. Seeing Lukas and Forsyth go through that is as painful for us as it is for you. You’re not the only one, Python.

Faye: Let go of Alm, please!

Python: Oh, so I’m the bad guy here, huh.

(Python lets go)

Alm: Python…

Python: Say, chief. Whose side are you on, anyway?

Alm: That’s…

Python: Can’t even give an answer? …Forget it.

Alm: I’m everyone’s…I’m the Deliverance’s leader. And yet…

Disc 1 Track 03: Forest of Delusion

Deliverance Soldier: Hey! Manage to find anything on your end?

Deliverance Soldier: Not at all. Forget an entire village, I couldn’t even find a single kid.

Tobin: No luck today either, it seems.

Kliff: Right? My feet hurt from all the walking.

Tobin: Keh! That Gray…convenient time for him to be sticking with Clive, when he could be here searching with us!

Kliff: You mean he’s sticking with Clair, not Clive.

Faye: Clair did return home to Zofia with Clive, too.

Kliff: I wouldn’t say they’re ‘returning home’, but…you sound happy about this, Faye.

Faye: Of course!

Kliff: Blunt as always.

Tobin: Leaving that aside for now…I’m pretty sure forests don’t just spawn human children on their own, so there has to be some sort of village or hideout somewhere where they’re based…

Kliff: But this forest is vast beyond what the eye can see, and worse, we don’t have a single clue to go on. What’s more, we can’t slow down now…didn’t even more soldiers fall victim to the curse during last night’s attack?

Tobin: Yeah. Don’t you think that maybe…they’re well aware that we wouldn’t dare go all out when fighting children?

Kliff: It wouldn’t surprise me. Then again, I wouldn’t say what Alm did was right…

Tobin: Let’s not bring that up again. Even if it’s just us, let’s at least be on Alm’s side.

Kliff: I know! You don’t have to tell me twice.

Tobin: Aw, hell! Where on earth could those kids be!? Show your faces and fight us fair and square! COWARDS!!

◆ ◆ ◆

Child: Serves you right, Deliverance goons! Look at them wander around helplessly…I bet they’re afraid of the curse we put on them! Don’t worry, we’ll be sure to send the rest of you to hell too! With Duma’s curse! Right, Yuri?

Yuri: Huh? A-ah, yeah…you’re right.

Child: Yuri? You don’t seem like your usual self today. Aren’t you the least bit happy about this? I mean, we’ve managed to attack them successfully three times!

Yuri: …Of course I am. Anyway, look! We’ve arrived at Lord Vidar’s mansion.

(Sound of gate opening)

Vidar: Welcome, all of you. I’ve been waiting.

Yuri: Lord Vidar…

Vidar: Thanks to your efforts, the Deliverance has been stuck at the forest entrance, unable to progress. If you can keep this up until the Rigelian Army reinforcements arrive…I have no doubt you will succeed in defending this forest, and your village.

(Children cheering)

Child: We were of use, weren’t we, Lord Vidar?

Vidar: Why, of course. I was right to bestow upon you Lord Duma’s power. And you, you are all fine warriors and defenders of Rigel.

Yuri: We’re…fine warriors? But…we fought with such underhanded means-

Vidar: What are you saying? If anyone should be labeled underhanded, it would be the cowards in the Deliverance, who trespassed our border and come to invade Rigel! Have you so soon forgotten the tragedy that befell the eastern village?

Yuri: I-it’s just as you say, but…

Vidar: I shall prepare a new weapon for your use in a few days’ time. Until then, do not spare the Deliverance the suffering that they deserve! Heh heh heh!

◆ ◆ ◆

(Sounds of townspeople)

Alm: Say what? The residents of that village have all moved to live elsewhere?

Man: Well, yeah. It wasn’t fun being chased out by the Rigelian Army, sure, but we happened upon a nice place to stay afterwards, so maybe it wasn’t all bad in hindsight.

Alm: But that means…then, who were the children that we saw?

Man: Children?

Alm: Yes, we saw them while we were in the forest. Who are they, exactly?

Man: …Not a clue what you’re talking about. Not at all. Alright, it’s time we wrapped up this conversation! You should head back too.

Alm: Huh? Ah, wait up! Hey! *sigh* Why won’t they talk about the children?

Silque: Sir Alm.

Alm: Ah, Silque! Python! Have you found anything out?

Silque: No…it seems no one knows of the children or arcanist we speak of.

Alm: I see…I thought we’d be able to learn something about them in town, at least.

Python: Every single one of them clammed up the moment we made any mention of children scuttling around in the forest. This won’t get us anywhere.

Silque: Um, about that…

Alm: Silque? Do you know something we don’t?

Silque: Y-yes. The citizens of the Rigelian Empire, who revere the God of Strength, Duma, value strength above all and shun the weak. So…for a long time, it has been customary among Rigelians to abandon frail newborns in the forest.

Alm: So what you’re saying is…Yuri and the other children might be…

Python: Keh. Makes sense that the townspeople wouldn’t want to talk about it.

Alm: That said…it doesn’t explain why the children would risk their lives to attack us. In the end, we still have to locate the arcanist who provided those children with their weapons.

Merchant: By ‘arcanist’, are you by any chance referring to that Vidar guy who lives in the forest?

Alm: WAHH!!

Silque: Ah, aren’t you the travelling merchant we met before?

Merchant: Why yes, it’s been a while! Haven’t seen your faces since we last met in that Zofian village. Thanks to you, business is absolutely booming for my brother and I!

Alm: Wait, you know about the arcanist in the forest?

Merchant: As you’re well aware, this region is also the territory of Nuibaba, one of the most feared arcanists in Rigel. Vidar is her top disciple, not to mention my loyal customer!

Alm: He’s the one we’re after, I’m sure of it! Could you tell us where he is?

Merchant: Hmm…I can’t, actually.

Python: Whaaat? Why not!?

Merchant: Vidar’s the very definition of cautious! He never sticks around in a single spot. He sends a letter to inform me of his location when he has need of my services, but otherwise, I’m just as clueless as you about his whereabouts right now.

Alm: No way! Is that how it is…

Merchant: I’m telling you this only because you’re my especially special regular customers, but…the last time I went to Vidar’s place, he bought from me a cartload of ingredients for his spells. And…I remember seeing children in his yard.

Alm: …Children?

Merchant: Yep. There were some kids your age, but also kids way smaller than that. I almost thought they’d end up as spell ingredients too!

Silque: …There’s no mistaking that it’s him, then.

Alm: Could this Vidar person be making use of Yuri and the other children to attack the Deliverance…?

Python: We don’t know that now, do we? It could very well be that the children are the ones borrowing the arcanist’s power for their own goals.

Alm: Yes, I won’t deny the possibility. But whichever it is, as long as this carries on, we’ll be seeing fatalities on either side sooner or later. I want to convince them to stop before we get to that point.

Python: Still spouting that naive nonsense?

Alm: Python…

Python: …You’re the leader of the Deliverance. As long as I’m still part of it, I’ll follow your orders. But remember this. If your ignorant naivete is what drives them to their graves…rest assured that you won’t see my forgiveness for as long as I breathe.

Silque: Ah…where are you going, Python?

Python: I’ve got somewhere to be, so…you two head on back first.

Silque: Shall we be off then, Sir Alm?

Alm: Alright.

◆ ◆ ◆

(Sounds of children playing)

Child: Wait for me!

Child: Ow!

Child: Hey, wait up!

Child: Ah, it’s Yuri and the others!

Child: Welcome back!

Yuri: Good to be home. Have you been behaving yourselves?

Children: Yeah!

Child: Yuri! Mother’s in the chapel right now. Make sure you get back before she spots you.

Yuri: Yeah, I know. I wouldn’t dream of causing Mother any unnecessary grief, after she took us abandoned children in and raised us in this village.

Child: As long as you understand. Well then, catch you later!

Child: Hey, Yuri…the Zofian Deliverance is in this forest, right?

Child: I’m scared…will they come after us, too?

Yuri: Urgh…where did they hear about this… It’s alright, you have nothing to worry about! As long as I’m here, I’ll make sure no harm comes to you or the village.

Child: Eh!? You sure you can, Yuri?

Child: There’s no way you could, you’re even more sickly than I am!

Yuri: That’s not true, and you know it- wait. Is it just me, or are there less of you than usual…? Where are the rest?

Child: Oh, they ran off searching for the treasure!

Yuri: Treasure?

Child: Yeah! Marco found it, near the eastern village! He said it was filled to the brim with toys!

Yuri: The eastern village…treasure…it’s the crates Alm was talking about! Didn’t I remind you guys time and again not to leave the village!? Damn it!

(Yuri runs off)

Disc 1 Track 04: The Whereabouts of Justice

Deliverance Soldier: Ah, Sir Lukas! Are you alright?

Lukas: Yes, you have no cause for worry. Thanks to this walking stick, I can walk without too much trouble.

Deliverance Soldier: That’s good to hear. Without Sir Clive around, we would be at a loss if we were to lose your leadership too, Sir Lukas…

Lukas: Come, now. Alm is the leader of the Deliverance, remember?

Deliverance Soldier: Sir Alm, you say…to tell the truth, we have been conflicted about whether following Alm’s orders is the right course of action.

Lukas: Everyone…

Deliverance Soldier: Sir Lukas…what will happen to us?

Deliverance Soldier: I’ve been inflicted with the curse as well…I beg you! Even if I become dead weight…please don’t leave me behind!

Deliverance Soldier: Being abandoned in Rigelian territory will only mean one thing for us — the Rigelians will torture us to death!

Lukas: Calm down, all of you! Your fears are unfounded. Alm would never go so far as to cast aside his own allies.

(Sound of footsteps)

Deliverance Soldier: Sir Lukas! We’ve got trouble! Forsyth and Python are…!

Lukas: Say what!?

◆ ◆ ◆

Python: Forsyth! I’m beggin’ ya, pal, cool your head!

Forsyth: Unhand me, Python! I am left with no other choice!

(Sound of sword swinging)

Python: Gah! That was close!

Forsyth: The mark only grows with each passing day…I can’t even move my entire right arm any more! What way do you see out of this, other than cutting my whole arm off!?

Python: What I’m saying is, everything you do is just so excessive! Everyone’s out busting their tails looking for those kids. There’s no way we won’t find ’em!

Forsyth: SAVE ME THE EMPTY CONSOLATION!

Lukas: Now, what’s the meaning of this ruckus?

Python: Lukas! Perfect timing! Help me get this fool to stop, will you?

Lukas: Forsyth, drop your sword! Python’s right.

Forsyth: Lukas…must be good to be you, huh. You’re still a noble, and you’ve still been granted knighthood. But me? This is the end of the road for me…

Lukas: What’s the point you’re trying to make?

Forsyth: Say I survive even after cutting off my arm…forget about becoming a knight, I won’t even be of the slightest use to Sir Clive! …Even so, I cannot sit here so idly awaiting my death without taking action!

(Sound of sword being unsheathed)

Python: Gahhh!! Hold your horses, I said! Let’s make a deal, okay? Give us just one more day!

Forsyth: And what will come of it!? Do you seriously think that Alm, Tobin…those children alone can accomplish anything by themselves!? Are you telling me to lie on my deathbed, living the rest of my life as dead weight without lifting a finger!?

Lukas: That’s enough!

(Lukas throws a punch at Forsyth)

Python: Whoa…

(Sounds of items falling)

Python: Hold up, you two! Any more fighting and the tent might just…see, I told you! It’s falling!!

(Sound of tent crashing)

Alm: Wha-? What was that sound? Hey! What’s going on?

(Alm runs off)

Python: *cough* *cough* Hah…don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Forsyth: Ow…Lukas, you…

Lukas: So what if I’m nobility? Did you think I became a knight out of my own will? Did you think nobles don’t fear death like any other person?

Forsyth: Lukas…

Lukas: Forsyth. I won’t stop you from continuing your self-deprecation. But then, what of me? You refer to yourself as dead weight…by extension, the other soldiers and I are the same dead weight as you, are we not!?

Forsyth: That’s not what I meant! I just…I’m sorry, Lukas. I’m ashamed of myself.

Lukas: Everyone here is doing their utmost to fight their anxieties and fears. Taking your anger out on those of higher birth won’t solve anything. Besides…we’re hardly the only ones suffering.

Forsyth: A-Alm…

Lukas: That’s right, Alm- huh?

Alm: Um, well…I came running because I heard a loud noise come from here, and…

Forsyth: Ah…why, if it isn’t Alm! What you see here is…that’s right! We were just practicing some drills, that’s all!

Python: Yeah, exactly! Forsyth here just got a little TOO excited while training and now we’re stuck with this mess!

Forsyth: PYYYYTHOOOON!

Alm: I-I’ll be off looking for Yuri, then!

(Alm runs off)

Lukas: Ah, Alm! Please wait! It’s dangerous to go alone!

◆ ◆ ◆

Child: Wow, look at this! Dolls! They’ve got toy soldiers in here too!

Child: Hee hee! I’m sure everyone’ll be so happy to see these once we bring them back!

Yuri: Hey!

Children: Ahhhh!

Yuri: Didn’t I tell you not to leave the village by yourselves?

Child: Yuri! But…we…

Child: Isn’t this amazing, Yuri? There are so many toys here!

Yuri: These toys belong to the eastern village’s residents. We’re leaving them here.

Children: Awwww…

Yuri: Don’t ‘aww’ me! It’s not right to steal what belongs to other people. Mother taught you all that as well, didn’t she?

Child: Yeah, sure. What a stick in the mud…

Child: Yuri…well then, why don’t we play by the riverside instead?

Yuri: Huh? What’re you…we’re heading back to the village, and that’s final!

Child: I don’t wanna! Let’s go to the river!

Child: We haven’t been out of the village ever since the war started! I’m bored to tears!

Child: Come on, you’ll let us, right? Please!

Yuri: *sigh* Looks like there’s no convincing you otherwise…just for a little while, alright?

Children: Yaaayyy!!

◆ ◆ ◆

Alm: *pant* I shouldn’t have expected to be able to find them by searching around aimlessly…ah! The charm that Celica gave me!

(Sound of charm falling)

Alm: Phew, that was close. I almost dropped it into the river…come to think of it, this same charm saved our skins during the battle at the border. I want to see you again, Celica…everyone’s suffering because of me. Was I…did I make the wrong choice?

Child: Yuri! Hurry up!

Yuri: Hey! Don’t run here, it’s dangerous!

Child: Wooow! It’s the river!

Alm: Wha? Children!?

Child: Huh? Yuri! There’s someone on the other bank!

Yuri: What? Ah…you’re…! Alm!

Alm: Yuri…Yuri! Is that you!?

Yuri: Run, all of you! It’s the Deliverance!

Children: Ahhhhh!!

Alm: Ah! Wait, Yuri!

Yuri: I wouldn’t even think of crossing that river if I were you. The riverbed here goes especially deep halfway through. You’ll sink like a rock if you try to cross the river in that getup!

Alm: Yuri…I beg of you. Please, stay and listen to what I have to say! You’re attacking us using power granted to you by the arcanist Vidar, aren’t you!

Yuri: Ah…you actually dug that deep…then again, I expected no less.

Alm: Just what is your objective? Those children with you just now…are they your friends? So you’re fighting to protect them-

Yuri: Shut up! It’s none of your business, now is it!

Alm: Yuri! We have no intention of hurting anyone outside of the Rigelian Army! We will leave this forest as soon as I lift the curse placed on my allies! So, please…tell me where Vidar is!

Yuri: Ha! And you thought I’d so easily reveal his location to you? You might say you have no intention of hurting anyone else, but you don’t speak for everyone in the Deliverance!

Alm: If that’s what you’re worried about, then don’t be! I’m…

Tobin: Hey! Alm!

Alm: Ah…everyone!?

Faye: We came looking for you at Lukas’s request! We searched high and low, I tell you…

Kliff: Huh? Who’s that on the opposite bank?

Yuri: Damn, he’s brought reinforcements!

Faye: Ah, you! You’re one of those assailants, aren’t you!

Tobin: What!? Did he come directly for Alm because’s he’s the Deliverance’s leader!?

Yuri: Wha…? YOU’RE the leader?

Faye: That’s right, Alm’s the leader of the Deliverance! Not to mention strong, kind, cool, smart, and…and…he’s leagues above you, now, got it!?

Tobin: What on earth is she jabbering about now? Anyway, we’re catching this kid! Kliff, back me up!

(Tobin enters the river)

Alm: Ah! Hey, wait!

Kliff: There’s no need for us to wade through the river when we can just do this. Wrath of the heavens, descend to the earth and strike those who have sinned! Thunder!

(Sound of lightning striking)

Yuri: Urgh!

Kliff: Tch, missed him.

Tobin: I’m not letting you get away! Get bac- awawa!! It got deep all of a sudden!!

(Tobin flails in the water)

Alm: Tobin!

Faye: Oh, stop clowning around!

Kliff: Not the sharpest tool in the shed, is he.

Alm: Are you alright, Tobin!? Here, grab onto this!

(Alm pulls Tobin out of the river)

Tobin: *pant* I’m saved…a-achoo!

Faye: Ahh! Oh, how gross! Stay away from me!

Yuri: *pant* Alm’s…the leader of the Deliverance!? And it’s not just Alm. All of them are skilled fighters- urk! *cough* *cough* Damn it…if only I weren’t cursed with such a body…I wouldn’t have been abandoned by my father in the first place…I’d be able to fight as a true soldier of Rigel… Damn it all!

Disc 1 Track 05: Premonition

Deliverance Soldier: Hey, over here.

Deliverance Soldier: Someone help me carry this over!

(Sound of tent flap opening)

Python: Yaaawn…I’m back, F- GAHH!

Forsyth: Huh? Python, is that you?

Python: W-what’s the matter this time, Forsyth? What’re you doing, holed up in that corner over there?

Forsyth: I wish I could just…erase myself from existence. Displaying such unsightly behaviour in everyone’s presence…even going so far as to take my anger out on Lukas, Alm, everyone… Wahhh! Sir Clive! Please forgive your unworthy lieutenant for all the crimes he has wrought!

Python: Uhh…well, why so hung up about it? Faced with that situation, it’d be far weirder for someone to stay completely calm and collected, if you ask me. Even that straight-laced Lukas snapped! Now THAT was scary…

Forsyth: *sigh*

Python: Oh come on, get it together! How’s about I introduce you a pretty lady or two?

Forsyth: No thanks! In fact, I’m more surprised that you’re still so carefree even in this state of affairs!

Python: It’s not like your curse’ll be going anywhere just because I started sulking, now won’t it? Plus, you’ll be surprised how much the townswomen know.

Forsyth: …Did you find something out?

Python: …Seems that Rigelian soldiers are popping up around the area again of late.

Forsyth: What did you say!? It can’t be…their reinforcements have arrived?

Python: C’mon, we’d realise if their behemoth of an army began to move. Not a lot of them were spotted, so we’re guessing that they might belong to some nobleman’s little private army.

Forsyth: I see…but it definitely begs further investigation.

Python: Well then. I can be of help ‘investigating’ the matter, so…have some change to spare?

Forsyth: What? Did you seriously spend every last coin you earned?

Python: No? I mean, I have money, but I’d hate to spend it.

Forsyth: And why should I be the one funding YOUR little misadventures!?

Python: Isn’t it obvious? You’re the one who told me to investigate.

Forsyth: I said nothing of the sort!

Python: And why’re you still hiding there like a sad pile of junk? Stop it!

(Sound of tent flap opening)

Lukas: Oh? Sounds like you’ve returned to your usual chipper self, Forsyth.

Forsyth: Lukas! I, um…about what I said the other day…

Lukas: It’s quite alright. I could hear you crying your apologies from outside. Besides, I had overreacted just as much as you had. The fault lies with me as well.

Forsyth: …Thank you, Lukas. It’s thanks to you that I realised the error of my ways.

Python: So? What brings you here, Lukas?

Lukas: Ah, right. Did you happen to catch sight of Tobin and the other children, by any chance? Alm’s worried about them, seeing as he hasn’t seen them since morning.

Forsyth: No, we haven’t-

Python: Yeah, I saw ’em.

Forsyth: Eh?

Lukas: When was that?

Python: Spotted them in the forest while I was out late last night. I saw Tobin, Kliff…and I think Faye and Silque were with them too?

Forsyth: And WHY didn’t you stop them!?

Python: Look at them, at the prime of their adolescence! Who am I to get in their way?

Forsyth: Ugh, you…

Lukas: You said you saw them in the forest? Don’t tell me…they left to try and locate the assailants on their own!? Alm! This isn’t good!

(Lukas runs off)

◆ ◆ ◆

(Sounds of children playing)

Child: Huh? Yuri! Are you leaving the village again?

Yuri: Shhh! Mother will have my hide if she spots me!

Holy Mother: I will do what, now?

Child: Mother!

Yuri: Huh!?

Holy Mother: I’d like to have a one-to-one conversation with Yuri. Why don’t you all play over there instead?

Children: Okaaay!

Child: Hey, let’s play there!

Child: Okay!

(Children run off)

Yuri: Mother…

Holy Mother: You seem to have a lot of business to attend to lately outside the village, don’t you, Yuri?

Yuri: That’s…uh…

Holy Mother: I won’t force you to confess. You’ve been looking under the weather, so I’m just worried for you.

Yuri: I’m fine, really!

Holy Mother: Then, why do you not look me in the eyes as you speak?

Yuri: That’s…

Holy Mother: My only wish is to save as many children as I am able…children cast aside by this country’s abhorrent customs. That is the reason why I established this village — the Holy Mother’s Village. Most children arrive in this village before they can even understand their surroundings, but not you, Yuri. You were already past ten when your father brought you here. I know it must be difficult for you to accept me like the other children do so innocently, but…

Yuri: Y-You’ve got it all wrong, Mother! I just…I met a soldier from the Zofian Deliverance.

Holy Mother: Ah…

Yuri: Well…he looked my age, yet they call him the leader of the Deliverance. He was a strong fighter, and yet…he treated me — an enemy! — with such kindness, and even saved me…I just…I wanted to be like him!

Holy Mother: Yuri!

Yuri: I wanted to defend this village. I wanted to defend everyone, including you, Mother, with my own abilities! But that’s just a far-fetched dream for me. That’s why…!

Holy Mother: Then you simply have to follow in his footsteps.

Yuri: Huh?

Holy Mother: Why do you think he helped you, even though you were his enemy? It’s because he felt that was the right course of action. Decide not based on whether one is Zofian or Rigelian…decide and act based on what your heart tells you is right.

Yuri: Follow in his footsteps…Alm’s footsteps…

Holy Mother: Alm…?

Yuri: Mother? Is something the matter?

Holy Mother: …No. It’s nothing.

◆ ◆ ◆

Kliff: Say, Tobin. You’re sure this path leads to the enemy base?

Tobin: We won’t know unless we go, right? It took us all night to find this shady passage! We can’t back out now.

Silque: I can’t help but feel venturing into the forest by ourselves isn’t the wisest decision…we may well be causing everyone undue worry.

Tobin: Still, it’s our fault that that Yuri kid got away yesterday. Apparently Forsyth was so ridden with despair that he caused that huge uproar, and Alm just looks more depressed by the day…I can’t deal with this any longer.

Faye: It’s YOUR fault that Yuri got away, not ours! Bird-brain Tobin!

Tobin: Who’re you calling a bird-brain! Gods, your feathers sure are ruffled today.

Silque: Please forgive Faye…she hasn’t been in the best of moods since she lost her ribbon a while ago.

Faye: And it was one of my favourites, too. Alm called me ‘cute’ while I had it on…

Tobin: Like that’s any of my beeswax… *sigh* Anyway, I could really use some food right now. You brought anything to eat, Kliff?

Kliff: I’ve some flour with me if you want.

Tobin: Why’d you bring plain flour of all things!? At least make something edible out of it! Ugh, let’s just talk about something else to take my mind off of my hunger.

Kliff: You’re the one who’s starving, so why do I have to play along? *sigh* Well, if you want a conversation topic…I heard Lukas actually shouted at Forsyth yesterday.

Tobin: THE HECK!? What did Forsyth even DO to make Lukas of all people unleash his anger!? Lukas never shouted at us even once despite all the trouble we cause…

Kliff: Lukas might not put his anger into words, but you can tell when he’s pissed.

Tobin: For real? I can’t tell at all…

Kliff: Can’t say I expected you to, Tobin.

Faye: Ah! My hair got caught on something! Hey…how long more do we have to keep walking?

Tobin: I still don’t see the slightest sign of an enemy base.

Silque: Adding on to what Kliff said earlier…Sir Clive always appears calm and composed, but it makes me wonder if that’s also just a front to hide his inner emotions.

Kliff: Clive’s a different story altogether. He’s just a good person at heart.

Tobin: AND terrifyingly tall! I swear, the first time we met him, I thought we were staring up at a bear!

Kliff: What does his height have to do with anything? Ah, but now that you mention it, I remember my neck hurting the last time I tried to converse with him…it was too much that I had to look down instead, and that’s when Clive suddenly kneeled down. He then looked me in the eye and asked, “Would this be better?”.

Tobin: Whoa! Now that’s nobility for you.

Silque: Oh, my!

Kliff: You sound oddly delighted by this story, Silque.

Tobin: If we’re talkin’ about height, then Python’s another contender!

Kliff: Speaking of Python…it’s not just once that I’ve caught him with long strands of hair hanging from his back.

Tobin: I mean, he slips out in the dead of night all the time! Sure is great being an adult!

Silque: Tobin! To think your mind has been clogged with filth all along! Faye, do help tell him off as well!

Faye: Huh? Hmm…well, if it isn’t about Alm, then I couldn’t care less!

Silque: …I don’t know what I expected.

Faye: But I do think you’re an interesting person to be around, Silque.

Silque: Oh, Faye…! How I do love your company as well!

Kliff: Ah, but you don’t hear of Forsyth doing anything of the sort, do you.

Tobin: Oh, about that…I got the answer straight from Python’s mouth! Don’t quote me on this, but apparently, Forsyth got dumped by a butcher’s daughter in the past. And so from then on, he’s never been very thrilled at the thought of both meat and women!

Kliff: *snicker* What kind of a reason is that?

Tobin: All he ever talks about now is Clive! I wouldn’t be surprised if women don’t even enter his field of vision.

Silque: Oh my, is that so?

Tobin: Tell me again why you seem so weirdly gleeful about this?

Faye: See? Didn’t I say she’s an interesting person?

Kliff: Interesting? I think you mean…frightening…

Tobin: Oh! Look at that, the path’s clearing! I’d bet my marks we’re almost at the exit!

(Sound of leaves rustling)

Disc 1 Track 06: What to Believe In

(Sound of gate opening)

Child: Yuri, you’re late! What took you?

Yuri: Ah, my bad. I just got a earful from Mother…

Vidar: I see you’ve all arrived. Now, then. Allow me to present you with the new weapons I had promised. These swords have been enchanted with a powerful curse, courtesy of my master, Lady Nuibaba herself. Even the slightest scratch will deliver instant death to its victims.

Yuri: Instant death…to its victims? To…them…

Vidar: Yuri. I would very much like you to wield it. Well then, I’ll be counting on you again today. To clean those despicable Deliverance cretins off the face of Rigel!

Yuri: U-understood. I shall be off, then.

(Yuri walks off)

Magnhus: Hmph. He’s gone.

Vidar: Why, if it isn’t Sir Magnhus. Your arrival is earlier than planned.

Magnhus: I see you’re putting those children to good use. I suppose even discarded dregs like them have their uses.

Vidar: Indeed. It seems there’s a noble who’s taken to raising these rejects, though I know not of their identity. All I have to do is threaten them with news of the Deliverance’s arrival and those dregs will come to my beck and call, so eager to defend their precious village! Heh!

Magnhus: I’m not expecting results from mere children, but it is true that the Deliverance’s advance has been halted, according to plan. All you need do is buy enough time for the Rigelian reinforcements to arrive. My territory is just beyond this forest, and…it would sadden me so to see it ravaged by battle.

Vidar: Sir Magnhus. On the dawn following the succcess of my plan…

Magnhus: I will see to your appointment as a bishop of the Duma Faithful. That was what I promised, was it not? You needn’t worry; I’ve already taken steps to ensure your appointment.

Vidar: You have my thanks. Now, to await the day I finally hold power among the Duma Faithful. Heh heh heh…

Kliff: As if stumbling upon a suspicious mansion wasn’t enough…we’ve stumbled upon the truth behind their plot, as well.

Silque: Exploiting sickly children to do their bidding…absolutely unforgivable!

Faye: We have to let Alm know about this as soon as we can!

Tobin: Agreed, this is the accomplishment of the century! Now to hightail it outta here before we get caught-…ah…

Kliff: Wha-!? You have GOT to be kidding!

Tobin: ACHOOOO!!

◆ ◆ ◆

Alm: Tobin! Kliff! Faye! Silque! Where are you? Answer me, please!

Lukas: Alm!

Alm: Lukas! I told you to remain at the base, didn’t I?

Lukas: There’s something more pressing right now…have a look at this. I found it while searching over there.

Alm: This is…Faye’s ribbon!

Lukas: It had fallen into a thicket lying away from the main road. There’s no mistaking it, then; they entered the forest in search of the assailants.

Alm: This ribbon is one of Faye’s favourites…it’s hard to imagine she wouldn’t backtrack to look for it the moment she realises it’s gone missing. So why didn’t she…? Could it be that…they’ve been captured by the enemy!?

Lukas: Calm yourself, Alm.

Alm: But…should something really happen to them…!

Lukas: I should apologise, Alm. From the moment we left Ram Village, the safety of each and every one of you was supposed to be my responsibility. And yet, I made light of the situation and let them out of my sight. The fault lies with me alone.

Alm: Enough of that, Lukas! Don’t apologise to me…not when I’m the one who is to blame! All of them…all because of me…

Lukas: Alm…

Alm: Curses…the tears just won’t stop…

Lukas: It’s alright to cry, Alm. Punishing yourself won’t do you any favours.

Alm: That isn’t what troubles me, Lukas. It’s that, even after all that’s happened…even though I feel nothing but remorse for letting Yuri go…I just can’t bring myself to condemn his actions! Despite the fact that I’m only piling onto everyone’s suffering as a result…despite the fact that you…that everyone might be inching closer to death!

Lukas: No one can fault you for what your heart believes in.

Alm: But still…!

Lukas: Why don’t we put it this way? Say I were in your position…I would’ve captured the boy, even if it meant roughing him up a little, and brought him to our base.

Alm: Yes…that would’ve been the right course of action, no doubt.

Lukas: However, it’s only because I’ve become accustomed to war that I would’ve made such a decision. I do not deny that your actions have put our army at a disadvantage, but if you were to ask me whether I like or dislike the decision you came to…I must say I’m quite fond of it. It sounds preferable to holding a sickly child captive, at least.

Alm: But I can’t carry on like this!

Lukas: Alm. We’ve made it all this way looking to your leadership, despite your young age. Fair enough, we’ve also been using your blood relation to Sir Mycen for our own ends. Even so, you’ve gone above and beyond all expectations, and led us all this way onto Rigelian soil. Your contributions to this army cannot be expressed in mere words.

Alm: Lukas…

Lukas: That is why I can bring myself to turn a blind eye to your few blunders. All great things come at a cost, do they not?

Alm: That’s not true! The only reason I’ve come so far is because of you, Clive, and everyone else’s efforts! It makes me wonder what kind of a leader I am!

Lukas: Is that how you truly feel?

Alm: Exactly! That’s not all…the mere thought that you might die because of my folly…I can’t bear that happening!

Lukas: Because of your folly, you say?

Alm: …No, I just don’t want you to die! No matter what the cause.

Lukas: Heh…that’s a relief to hear, then. I was almost wounded by your words.

Alm: Lukas…it’s not as if I don’t understand what everyone’s going through. I’m sure you weren’t jumping for joy at the thought of having to burn the village down, and I’m sure Python doesn’t take delight in injuring defenseless children. Clive and Forsyth too, all of you…no matter how agonising the task, you always perform it with a stoic front. I tell myself that I have to do the same, and yet…!

Lukas: Indeed, we may seem more capable at handling these callous acts. However, may I suggest you continue to leave them in our hands? While you continue to uphold what you believe is right.

Alm: Is that really…the path I should walk?

Lukas: Of course. We rallied under your leadership precisely because of who you are.

Alm: Thank you, Lukas…from the bottom of my heart.

Lukas: Alm?

Alm: Lukas!

Lukas: …Yes?

Alm: I won’t allow you, or anyone else in the Deliverance, to die here! I’ll find the arcanist behind this and lift that curse! I give you my word!

Lukas: Alm…! …I place my hopes in you, then. Now let us find Faye and the others post-haste, so that we may return this ribbon to its rightful owner.

Alm: Right!

◆ ◆ ◆

Child: Yuri? Something the matter? What’re you standing around here for?

Yuri: I…can’t do this any more.

Child: What!? Do you hear yourself, Yuri?

Yuri: Taking advantage of the enemy when they’re down, resorting to such underhanded means…I’m sick of it! You can’t tell me you’ve never noticed! The only reason we’re still standing is because the Deliverance members hesitate at the thought of killing children!

Child: Yeah, but…they’re the ones in the wrong, aren’t they!

Yuri: Even so, I’d much rather meet them in a fair fight! Not like this…all I am now is a spineless knave!

Child: Hey! Where are you running off to?

Yuri: I’m returning this sword to Lord Vidar!

Child: Yuri, wait!

Disc 2 Track 01: To Where the Light Shines

Yuri: Lord Vidar…um…

Tobin: Ugh, stop it! Let go of me!

Faye: Bird-brain Tobin! You couldn’t have picked a worse time to sneeze if you tried!

Kliff: Could you kindly do yourself in without dragging the rest of us into your mess?

Tobin: Will you guys shut it! I didn’t sneeze because I wanted to!

Yuri: Those voices…they’re from the Deliverance! What are they doing here, of all places?

Vidar: Silence, Deliverance rats! Scurrying around like the vermin you are…how much of that did you hear!?

Tobin: EVERYTHING! Every last word about how you’re just taking advantage of that Yuri kid!

Silque: How dare you deceive those children into risking their lives to do your bidding…have you no shame!?

Yuri: Huh? Lord Vidar…? What do they mean by that?

Vidar: Yuri! Why are you here?

Yuri: They say you took advantage of us…deceived us…just what is the truth? You told us this power was granted to us so that we can defend our village…you even said we were ‘fine warriors of Rigel’…!

Vidar: Heh heh heh…an expendable puppet like you, calling himself an esteemed warrior of Rigel?

Yuri: Expendable…puppet…?

Vidar: Did you honestly believe every lie I fed you? Defects like you couldn’t even hope to lay a scratch on the Zofian army! You should be thankful we can even wring any use out of you whelps…so long as you can delay the Deliverance for even a second, I have no other use for you.

Yuri: We fought all this while, believing in your promise to protect our village should the Deliverance invade us…that’s why we followed your every order…are you telling me that’s all a farce!?

Vidar: Ha! Me, protect your miserable village? Do you still not realise why you have been abandoned in the first place? It’s because the Rigelian Empire has no need for worthless dregs like you! Why should I have to lift a finger to protect you discarded rags who bring me no benefit?

Yuri: Vidar…YOU DASTARD!!

Vidar: Now then, time to decide how to deal with these rodents…ah, how about I inflict a little curse upon you? A curse that will claim the life of those you touch!

Faye: NO! That would mean I won’t be able to hold Alm any more!

Tobin: I can’t believe THAT’s your first thought at a time like this!

Magnhus: Quiet! Now, bring them to me.

Kliff: Of all the…let go of me! Let go!

Yuri: GRAAAAAHHHH!!

(Yuri stabs Magnhus)

Magnhus: Urgh…!

Kliff: Huh?

Vidar: Sir Magnhus! Yuri, you…that’s the sword I gave you!

Magnhus: Urk…ugh…what’s…happening? Argh…my body’s…turning black…! GAAAAAAHHHHHH!!

(Magnhus falls to the ground)

Vidar: Sir Magnhus! No…my dream of becoming a bishop…

Yuri: Run, all of you!

Tobin: Huh!? But…

Vidar: Yuri…now you’ve done it…! Just wait, I’ll raze you and your pathetic village to the ground!

Yuri: Forget about me, just go! And tell Alm…that with this, we’re even! *cough* *cough*

Tobin: Hey! You sure you’re alright?

Kliff: Tobin!

Faye: What’re you doing!? Hurry!

Tobin: Mmmm…grrr…oh, TO HELL WITH IT!

(Tobin picks Yuri up)

Tobin: Hold on tight, kid!

Yuri: W-what do you think you’re doing! Let go! You won’t make it if you try to escape while carrying me!

Tobin: Oh, just put a sock in it, will you?

Vidar: Don’t think you can escape my grasp so easily!

Silque: I won’t let you! In the name of the Mother, open the gates to the Outrealms!

Vidar: What!?

(Sound of magic taking effect)

Yuri: Vidar…disappeared!?

Faye: Silque! I knew we could count on you and your Warp magic!

Silque: I didn’t manage to teleport him very far. We must make haste!

Yuri: I told you to let go! Why’d you even try to save me!? I’m your enemy! We even attacked you!

Tobin: Oh, I know, all right! I just thought…Alm would’ve done the same if he were here!

Yuri: Ah, Alm…he would, wouldn’t he…

◆ ◆ ◆

Child: Yuri still isn’t back…

Child: What now? Should we just do it without him?

Child: Huh? But…it’s impossible with just us…

Child: Wait! I heard something.

Alm: Ah…you…you’re the children with Yuri!

Child: It’s the Deliverance! R-run!!

Alm: Ah! Wait, hold up!

Kliff: O, wind…gather and form a sword that cuts through all creation! Excalibur!

(Sound of gust of wind blowing)

Alm: Ah! This spell…

Kliff: I merely knocked them off their feet using the wind. That’s all right with you, I presume?

Faye: Alm! Did you come for us?

Alm: Kliff! Faye! Silque and Tobin, too! I’m so glad you’re unharmed, I’ve been looking for you all over!

Silque: Sir Alm! I must apologise for causing you such worry.

Tobin: *pant* *pant* I could…drop dead any moment…

Alm: Tobin! Are you okay!?

Yuri: Alm.

Alm: You’re…Yuri! It’s really you!

Yuri: Alm. I…I need to ask a favour of you.

◆ ◆ ◆

Alm: The Holy Mother’s Village…I didn’t think such a place existed in this forest.

Yuri: I’m not surprised; our Mother leads a secluded life, so not even the townspeople are aware of its existence.

Python: And so, you want our help in protecting it because that arcanist who planted this curse…Vidar or something…might launch an attack?

Lukas: That way, we can lift the curse and protect your village at the same time. It does sound like a win-win situation to me.

Forsyth: Am I the only one who’s not quite convinced by this argument?

Python: You said your name was Yuri, kid? You sure put us through quiiite a bit of trouble before…and now, isn’t this just awfully convenient?

Yuri: That’s, uh…I do feel remorse for my actions.

Python: Remorse, huh. You don’t get it, do you? We have nothing to lose even if your village goes boom, as long as we defeat Vidar, you see?

Yuri: You can’t…!

Tobin: Stop picking on him, man! Those children were all lied to!

Kliff: But honestly speaking, can we really win against him by ourselves? Not to mention Lukas and Forsyth aren’t in fighting condition…

Alm: Yuri…take us to your village.

Yuri: Alm…

Python: Hey, chief.

Alm: I know how all of you must feel about this. But I’m still going, even if I have to go alone. Because…I know I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I turned my back on them now.

Python: We had this conversation before, didn’t we? I’ll ask again — whose side are you on? Are you willing to risk your life fighting for these same punks who threw us into hot water without batting an eye?

Alm: I do not wish to look at the world based solely on allegiances. The reason why I joined the Deliverance…the reason why I’m still here with all of you today…is because I acted according to what I felt was right. I want to do what my heart tells me to! For my own sake, and for the sake of those who have placed their hopes in me. Even if that means helping the enemy, or those who have made us suffer…I will not stand idly by as the weak are wrongfully tyrannised! It’s not right!

Lukas: Alm…

Yuri: Alm…

Python: *sigh* Wow…guess I’m the villain again, huh?

Forsyth: Give it up, Python. You lost this one.

Python: Traitor, I thought we were on the same side! You said you weren’t fully convinced either!

Forsyth: I did, but…in any case, you can stop keeping up your ‘bad guy act’ for our sakes.

Python: Huh? What’s this about, now?

Lukas: We heard everything from Alm, Python. Who knew you hid such a fiery temperament?

Python: Say wha? No clue what you’re talkin’ about, pal.

Forsyth: Heh, let’s just leave it at that. There’s the Python I know. Alm…I share your sentiments. Like you, I strive to become someone whom I feel no shame in being, and who brings no shame to the ones I cherish. Let us make for their village.

Alm: Forsyth…thank you!

Yuri: Umm…I, uh…

Tobin: Yuri? What’s up?

Yuri: I’m so, so sorry for everything I caused! W-we knew full well that the Deliverance would hold back while fighting children. And yet…it went to our heads, just because it felt like we were finally of some use…I accept any punishment you’ll hand me! I don’t care what happens to me! Just…I beg of you…save the village, Mother, everyone! Please!

Alm: Yuri…

Lukas: You heard him, Python.

Python: Hmmm…I’ll just go along with whatever you say. If you’re fine with it, then I’m cool.

Lukas: No objections from me either, Alm.

Tobin: I can’t wait to punch that old geezer’s face in!

Kliff: Can’t say I’m all that fond of him, either.

Faye: Whatever your decision, Alm, I’m with you all the way.

Silque: Yes, I’m sure Mila is smiling upon us as we speak.

Alm: Everyone…thank you! Alright, we have no time to lose! Let’s hurry to the Holy Mother’s Village!

Disc 2 Track 02: Battle at Dawn

Vidar: I see it now…that’s the Holy Mother’s Village! Listen well, all of you! It’s time we avenged Sir Magnhus’s death! Do not even think of going easy on them just because they are children. Burn them along with their sorry village!

Rigelian Soldier: Yeaaahhh!!

(Rigelian Soldiers are struck by arrows and fall to the ground)

Rigelian Soldier: What!? Who’s there!? Lord Vidar! There’s an enemy archer lurking in the woods!

Vidar: What did you say!?

Python: Hey, now. The whole lot of you bunching up together just means a big, fat target for us! Listen up! Volley fire at them till you’re outta arrows, we’re drawing them into the forest!

(Sound of Rigelian Soldiers being struck by arrows)

Vidar: That’s…the Zofian Deliverance…! Impossible…what reason would they have to defend the village? Cursed Deliverance worms!!

(Horse neighs)

Vidar: Why are you preparing to charge!? You’re falling right into their trap!

Rigelian Soldier: Hah, I doubt they have the numbers to stand up to us. We’ll make short work of them! CHARGE!!

(Rigelian Soldiers let out a war cry)

Python: Ah, how easily they broke their own formation…now, chief! *whistle*

Alm: Got it! All forces, CHARGE!!

(Deliverance lets out a war cry)

Rigelian Soldier: Wha-!? They’re charging at us head-on!?

Vidar: So they were lying in wait to ambush us from the village!

Tobin: Hyaaaahh!! Here I come!

(Tobin attacks Rigelian Soldier)

Tobin: Heh, how’s that!

Faye: I’ll do anything if it’s for Alm! Hyaah!

(Faye attacks Rigelian Soldier)

Rigelian Soldier: Ha, what’s a kid like you doing here? Did you get separated from your mommy?

Kliff: Why yes, actually. Why don’t we play in the meantime?

Rigelian Soldier: What?

Kliff: Rainbow of purgatory, ascend to the skies! Aura!

Rigelian Soldier: Gaaaahhhh!!

Kliff: Vexing, isn’t it? Losing to a kid. Heh.

Deliverance Soldier: Ugh…I can’t…hold on…

Silque: O Mother Mila, grace this soul with your relief and blessings! Recover!

(Sound of magic taking effect)

Silque: There, you should feel right as rain now. Do your best out there!

Deliverance Soldier: T-thank you, miss cleric!

Rigelian Soldier: Hiyaaah! Hah!

(Sound of weapons clashing)

Python: Gaah! Whoa there, I don’t do so well at close quarters…man, I’m so used to having a convenient, walking wall around me that without it, I’m handicapped!

Forsyth: WHO are you calling a convenient wall!?

Python: Eh?

Forsyth: Haaah!

(Rigelian Soldier gets hit)

Python: Forsyth! Why’re you here!? The chief told you to sit this one out, didn’t he!

Forsyth: You have some gall telling me that when you’re here putting up such an atrocious fight! You needn’t worry about me, one arm is more than enough to fend off this rabble’s attacks! So hurry and draw your bow!

Python: Heh…aye aye, cap’n!

Alm: Haaah!

(Alm charges and attacks)

Alm: Vidar…where are you hiding!? Show yourself!

Vidar: Amorphous beings, rise from the abyss. Mire!

(Sound of bubbling slime)

Deliverance Soldier: Wha-!? What is…this…can’t…breathe…

Alm: Hey! Hang in there! This has to be the work of Vidar’s spells! Where is he attacking from…!?

Vidar: Heh heh heh heh! I wouldn’t rejoice too quickly if I were you, Zofian savages!

(Sound of wings flapping)

Faye: Alm!

Alm: Faye!

Faye: Vidar’s over there, at the top of that hill! I’ll ferry you there. Climb on!

(Sound of pegasus getting struck by an arrow)

Faye: Ah!

Alm: Watch out! Faye, are you alright?

Faye: I’m fine…but what do we now? My pegasus is injured…

Alm: Just our luck…looks like our only choice is to fight our way through the heart of their forces!

(Sound of horse galloping)

Alm: Huh? Who’s there!? I’m pretty sure there aren’t any cavaliers in our army at the moment…

Lukas: Alm! Please get on!

Alm: Lukas!?

Lukas: I believe I can be of some help this way, even without the use of my legs. Now then, let’s hurry!

Alm: Ah…okay!

(Alm gets on the horse)

Rigelian Soldier: That runt’s the leader of the Deliverance! Stop him! Prevent him from reaching Lord Vidar at all costs!

Lukas: Hrah!

(Lukas attacks Rigelian Soldier)

Alm: That was amazing, Lukas! Makes me wonder why you weren’t a cavalier instead!

(Sound of horse neighing)

Alm: Gaah! I-I’m gonna fall!

Lukas: Ah, my bad. It seems this horse and I can’t quite get on the same wavelength…I think I very much prefer having to control just one body on the battlefield.

Alm: S-sure seems that way…

Lukas: Ah, there he is. Vidar!

Alm: Perfect. Thanks, Lukas!

(Alm dismounts)

Alm: VIDAR!

Vidar: You worm…don’t get too ahead of yourself, boy! Twisted deities who thirst for blood…I offer a sacrifice unto thee! Now, DIE!

(Sound of magic taking effect)

Alm: Aaaaahhhh!! Urgh…

Vidar: Ho ho…it’s not every day you see someone walk away from a Death spell still alive. You Zofian curs are tenacious, if nothing else. But your luck has run dry!

Alm: I need to counter that spell somehow…damn it! After we made it this far…I’m so closing to saving everyone, and yet…

(Sound of charm glowing)

Alm: Huh!? Celica’s charm is glowing…this is the same light as the one it gave off during the battle at the border, when we’d almost fallen to Duma’s spell! Alright! Please, lend me your strength…just once more! Celica! HRRRAAAAAAAHHHH!!!

Vidar: You fool! You would charge straight into a Death spell!? Then allow me to grant you your death wish!

(Sound of magic taking effect)

(Sound of charm breaking)

Vidar: My spell was nullified!? This can’t be…the power of the goddess Mila…

Alm: GRAAAAAHHHHH!!!

(Alm stabs Vidar)

Vidar: NGAAAAAAHHHHHH!!! Grh…ahhh…

(Vidar falls to the ground and crumbles)

Alm: *pant* Vidar’s body…is crumbling into dust…is this the price they pay for their curses?

Rigelian Soldier: Ahhh! Lord Vidar has been defeated! Retreat! Retreat!

(Rigelian Soldiers retreat)

Tobin: We did it, Alm! Victory is ours!

(Deliverance cheers)

Kliff: Does this mean the curse placed on Lukas and the other soldiers has been lifted?

Tobin: Ah, now that you mention it! Lukas! Forsyth! Where are you?

Lukas: Alm!

Alm: Lukas! Lukas, you…how’s your leg?

Lukas: Hup!

(Lukas jumps off his horse and lands)

Alm: Ah…Lukas…!

Lukas: It’s like the curse never happened. I owe you my thanks. Thank you, Alm…for keeping your word.

Alm: Ha ha…you’re alright…you’re really alright!

(Alm hugs Lukas)

Lukas: Oh! My, my…the last thing I expected was a hug from you.

Alm: …I’m so glad…really, truly!

Silque: Oh, Sir Alm…seeing Lukas and Sir Alm huddled up together like that, it’s like…it’s like they’re inseparable brothers! Don’t you think so too, Faye?

(Faye draws her bow)

Faye: Grr…Lukas…how dare you be the recipient of Alm’s passionate embrace…

Silque: Faye! Please lower your bow…why don’t we have a nice chat to take your mind off matters, yes?

Forsyth: Hahahahaha! Look at my arm, Python! It’s moving…it’s actually moving!

Python: Yeah, I can tell.

Forsyth: Now I can be of use to Sir Clive again…and my dreams of becoming a knight can stay well and alive! Alright! I’LL GIVE IT MY ALL!!!

Python: *sigh* I might actually prefer when you were more down in the dumps…

Forsyth: Hm? Did you say something?

Python: Nope! Not a peep.

Alm: Forsyth! Python!

Lukas: Are the both of you unhurt?

Python: If it isn’t the chief! Good work today!

Disc 2 Track 03: Encounters and Farewells

Alm: Whoa…I wouldn’t have expected to see this impressive a chapel in such a small village.

Lukas: Agreed. I’m inclined to believe that this ‘Mother’ figure may actually be a noble of fairly high ranking.

Alm: Is that so…now I’m getting tense.

Yuri: Our Mother is waiting for you inside. I’ve been told to stay out here.

Alm: Got it. Thank you, Yuri.

(Sound of doors opening)

Alm: Pardon our intrusion…huh?

Holy Mother: You have done well to come all this way, members of the Deliverance. I am the caretaker of this village; the children here refer to me as ‘Mother’.

Alm: Ah…pleased to make your acquaintance, Holy Mother. My name is Alm, and this is Lukas. Um…about your veil…

Holy Mother: Please pardon my rudeness in keeping my face concealed, despite being the one who called you here. I have my reasons for not showing my face to those from outside the village.

Alm: Ah, not at all…in fact, we should be the ones apologising for stepping into these beautiful grounds in our crude dress. Especially since they’ve been dirtied from the battle just now…

Holy Mother: Ha ha…

Lukas: So why have you called us here?

Holy Mother: Right. Before I go into anything else, I must first express my gratitude to you for your help in defending the village, as well as apologise for Yuri and the other children’s attack on your army. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you…and I am sorry.

Alm: It’s alright, you don’t have to. Yuri already apologised to us earlier as well.

Holy Mother: No, but I must. These children may have made an innocent mistake, but I cannot ignore the fact that your lives have been endangered as a result…I would offer up my life as recompense if I could.

Alm: Y-you don’t have to go so far, really!

Holy Mother: Do not be so alarmed. In any case, I am unable to do so…for it would in turn bring harm to you instead.

Alm: Huh? What do you mean?

Lukas: What you’re saying is, if you were to come to harm because of us, it would sully the honour of Rigel…and this would affect any future peace or ceasefire talks the two nations might come to have. Is that right?

Holy Mother: Yes, you may choose to see it in that light. Therefore…I would like to atone in another way. You will be heading deeper into the forest after this, yes?

Alm: Yes, that’s the plan.

Holy Mother: Then I shall order all Rigelian soldiers stationed within my territory, encompassing this forest, not to attack the Deliverance. How does that sound?

Alm: Huh? You…you can do that?

Holy Mother: Yes. So long as you do not show them aggression, they will reciprocate and allow you to pass through the forest unharmed. Would that be agreeable to you?

Lukas: Simply ‘agreeable’ would be an understatement! Just who are you, exactly?

Holy Mother: That is all I am willing to say. I wish you safe travel.

Alm: Ah, um…

Holy Mother: What is it?

Alm: Uh…no, it’s nothing. Sorry about that. It’s just…I kind of wanted to speak with you a little more, I guess…

Holy Mother: Alm. Seeing that there exists humans like you who would extend a helping hand to the weak without any thought of discrimination…it fills my heart with joy. I am glad to have met you.

Alm: …And I feel the same.

Holy Mother: Ha ha…is that so?

◆ ◆ ◆

Deliverance Soldier: Hey, over here.

Deliverance Soldier: Come on! One, two…!

Deliverance Soldier: Can comeone help me grab this?

Yuri: Heeey! Alm!

Alm: Yuri! You came to see us! Even though it’s so early in the morning…

Yuri: *pant* You said you were leaving, so…

Alm: Yeah. We’re quite far behind schedule now, so we’ll have to pick up the pace.

Yuri: I see…Alm. I…no words can express how grateful I am to you. But…that doesn’t change the fact that Rigel is my homeland, where I was born and raised. I’d be saddened to see it go, so…I won’t cheer you on. But I’ll always be wishing for your good health!

Alm: Yuri…that’s more than I could ever ask for. Thank you.

Tobin: Alm! Where’d you go?

Alm: Ah…I’ll be there in a minute! Yuri. I…we can’t guarantee we won’t topple this country. But I refuse to accept a world that simply casts aside its weak and ill as right! That is why I continue to fight…this is the true enemy we need to rid the world of!

Yuri: Alm, you…

Alm: Hm?

Yuri: Ah, don’t mind me! I just thought…you kind of resemble our Mother, in a way…

Alm: You think so? I mean, I never got to see her face beneath her veil, so I can’t really tell. Oh, but…

Yuri: What is it?

Alm: Mm, it’s nothing. I have to be going, so…Yuri. You stay well, too!

Yuri: Thanks so much, Alm! I’ll never, ever forget you!

◆ ◆ ◆

Tobin: Oh? You’re finally here, Alm.

Kliff: Took you long enough. I was worried I might fall asleep on my feet.

Faye: Morning, Alm! So today’s the day we finally depart.

Silque: May Mother Mila keep us safe on our journey.

Forsyth: Alm, I bring good tidings! We received news that Sir Clive and his party have made it back across the border.

Python: Which means it won’t be long before they join back up with us.

Alm: Oh, I can’t wait to see all of them again! There’s so much I want to tell them about…

Lukas: It seems everyone’s here and accounted for.

Alm: Lukas! Are you done with preparations?

Lukas: Yes. We can depart any time now, Alm.

Alm: Then let us depart! To where Emperor Rudolf awaits…to defend Zofia, our motherland! All forces, ADVANCE!

Bonus Track: The Voice Calling You

The Voice Calling You

あなたを呼ぶ声

Vocals: Yumi Kawamura (川村ゆみ)

Composition/Lyrics: Yuka Tsujiyoko (辻横由佳)

Arrangement: Takeru Kanazaki (金崎猛)

Japanese Lyrics:

ありがとう その手のぬくもり

覚えているから

いく度 季節がめぐっても

想いは続く 今ここに

悲しい影おとし

淋しさに凍えても

心に感じる ぬくもりに

力見出そう

ありがとう 君の声を

僕は 覚えているから

どこにいても 感じる

心おだやかに 君のそばに

たとえ触れられなくても

遠い記憶の中でも

僕の声も 君に届いているだろうか

忘れないよ

Romaji Lyrics:

arigatou sono te no nukumori

oboeteiru kara

ikutabi kisetsu ga meguttemo

omoi wa tsuzuku ima koko ni

kanashii kageotoshi

sabishisa ni kogoetemo

kokoro ni kanjiru nukumori ni

chikara miidasou

arigatou kimi no koe o

boku wa oboeteiru kara

doko ni ite mo kanjiru

kokoro odayaka ni kimi no soba ni

tatoe furerarenakutemo

tooi kioku no naka demo

boku no koe mo kimi ni todoiteiru darou ka

wasurenai yo

English Translation:

Thank you, for I remember

The warm I felt in those hands

No matter how the seasons may change,

My feelings still remain, even here and now

Even when my shadow reflects my sadness

Even when I’m frozen with loneliness

I find strength from the warmth

I feel within my heart

Thank you, for I remember

The sound of your voice

No matter where you may be,

I can feel my heart resting gently by your side

Even when I’m deprived of your touch

Even when you’re lost in my furthest memories

I wonder if my voice will reach you?

I won’t ever forget you