Wild Arms 3: Adventure Story Script

Written By: Evan Lai
Created: May 02, 2005
E-mail: [email protected]
Version 1.0

Disclaimer
This script is compiled for personal use only.  It cannot be used for
commercial purposes, whether in whole, in part, or altered.  Only GameFAQs may
host this guide.

About this guide:

I really didn't think there was much demand for this sort of thing.  But every
month it seems, people would come and ask for the script- and the board doesn't
have many topics either, and we'd always have to say, sorry, we don't have it,
maybe we'll do it someday.  It's something that is wanted to be read through
for leisure, not something a board can answer or even summarize.  So, if you
could never, or simply never bothered to collect all 10 parts of the story
scattered across Filgaia, or never killed the optional boss for the epilogue,
or if you just no longer own the game and the desire to read the rest throbs
inside your inner being, well, then I pounded through this just for you.

I'm sure I added many errors as I typed through it.  However, the many errors
already in the script were intentionally left in, so it's not all my fault.
So watch out for that if you're looking for spelling and grammar errors!
Anything in brackets, and the page numbers, were added in.

I still have to name the music and add some sound effects!  I don't have the
soundtrack, and the Little Rock saloon is unreliable, so help from someone with
the official soundtrack would be much appreciated!

Well, happy reading!

111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
11 Chapter 1: The Moon and the Model Airplane 11
111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Page 1
[Music change]
[Picture: A boy with a toy airplane, under a full moon.]

I slipped through the back door while the
the radio filled the air with piano sonata.

Crossing the backyard, I peeked
through the window to see Grandma
knitting under the light of the lamp.

"Now's my chance!" I thought, as
I opened the fence and darted
away with my homemade rubber-band
airplane in my hands again.

Page 2
[Footsteps]
Heading straight for my destination, I
ran up the mountain.  Patches of flowers,
lit pale-blue from the moonlight, swayed
with my footsteps.

"Phew..."
Reaching the open riverside field far
from town, I took a short breath and
walked toward the stream.

The cold air sneaks into the neckline
of my short-sleeved shirt.

Page 3
"Ooh, it's cold!"
Looking up at the full moon that paints
the world blue, my breath turned white.

Although it's just passed August, autumn
has already begun in these mountains.

On days like this, when the temperature
drops greatly at night, it's a great
time to take advantage of the wind
updrafts to fly my plane.

Page 4
I ready my aircraft and wait.

Page 5
The time is ripe...
"Go!"
I release my beloved machine SK-13
into the sky and it successfully
catches the upward current.

"Yay! Just as I calculated!  Huh...?"
My SK-13 kept floating on the draft and
drifted along without lowering altitude.

"H-Hey!"
How far is it going to fly?  Having no
idea what to do, I chased after it.

Page 6
"Ugh!"
Seeing where the craft landed, I gasped.
The dark silhouette of an old, derelict
castle... I-It's the house of the
blood sucking monsters of the night!!

But...
I can't just leave my first
successful aircraft behind...
Dragging my shaky feet, I
head towards the castle.

Page 7
"It's spooky..."
My body shakes as I look up at the gates
carved with devil ornaments all over it.

Do you think I'm chicken?
Maybe so, but I'm just an eleven year old.
I don't think anyone would blame me.

"There's no use standing around, Jack.
You gotta go!"
I pumped myself up and opened the gates.

Page 8
[rumble of opening gates]
Climbing up the crumbling stairs,
I looked down on the ruins from
the terrace.

A cracked goddess idol was looking up
at me with vacant eyes.  The castle must
have been beautiful in its day.
How sad it is to see it so run down.

Page 9
Oh, well.
I'm not here to be sentimental.

"It should be around here... Ugh."
Pushing myself through the broken
fence, I found what was left of my
SK-13 and let off a long sigh.

"What tough luck..."
Feeling exhausted, I sank down
and leaned against the fence.

Page 10
[End picture]
Then suddenly, I felt a looming
presence behind me.  As I swiftly
stood up, something jumped at
me from the darkness!! I-I-Is it
the rumored monster!?

Page 11
[Music change]
"Ahhhhhhhhh!!"
I rolled forward and turned to
see what was behind me.  I turned
pale as I saw my would-be assailant.

There it stood with glowing red
eyes, a wolf with steel-blue fur!!

"Uwaaaaahhh!!"
I let off a pitiful scream
as I avoided its lunge.

Page 12
Having no weapons or special skills,
I can't expect to win against a wolf
just by evading his attacks.

I started losing my breath and my
legs grew heavy.  I can't turn my
back to him and run away either.

and laughed at me.  Oh, Jack... To die so
young at the tender age of eleven...

Page 13
No... I can't die yet!!
I opened my eyes wide and stared into
his.  Glaring at each other, I slowly
nudged toward the opening in the
terrace fence.

When I reached the point, I looked away.
"Grrr...Grrooooaaa!!"
It jumped towards me with incredible
speed!

Page 14
Just as I planned!!
I jumped towards the wolf
with a rolling somersault!
Please, make him drop from
the terrace!!

Page 15
But, my prayer was not heard.  The wolf
jumped over my head, but twisted his
body to avoid the opening in the fence.

The sound of falling rocks crashed.

The wolf let off an irritated snort and
leapt at me with a graceful bound!
It's the end, oh, God help me!!

[Music stops]
Page 16
But the deadly blow I expected never
came.  I opened my eyes cautiously.

Page 17
[A loud crash like thunder]
That's when I saw it: A small shadow
coming out of the moonlight!  A red
ray of light fired from its finger!!

As I stood breathless, the wolf slowly
dropped in front of me.  A long cape
flapped gently in the breeze.

Page 18
[Music change]
Landing with a light tap, the
shadow stood in front of me.
"What the...?"
I couldn't believe my eyes.

The shadow belonged to a cute girl!!

Page 19
As I sat there wonder-struck, she
snapped her fingers and called a small
machine that was floating in the air.

"So the motor sound I heard came from
this," I thought while trying to regain
my senses.
"Are you all right?"
Asked the girl with a rather high voice.

Page 20
As I nodded up and down, she smiled
faintly.
"Good.
So, what brings you here?"
She ran her fingers through her long
blonde hair, curled at the tips.

Her hair was very pretty, but...
When I looked at her eyes, I broke
into a cold sweat.

Page 21
Her eyes are red!?
Is she the blood sucking monster!?
Before I knew it, I was screaming out,

"P-Please, I don't taste good!!"
Watching me slide back on the ground,
she smiled with a strangely sad face.

From between her red lips, long white
fangs glowed.  She quietly approached
me as I sat half-frozen with fear.

Page 22
"I have no interest in a youngster's
blood.  You haven't answered my
question yet.  What brings you here?"

The long iris of her eyes glared at me.
I felt like a mouse hunted by a cat.

Page 23
"I-I-I...c-c-came for my aircraft..."
"Aircraft?"
She asked while tilting her small head.

"Uhh, y-y-yes.  Hear it is..."
I showed her the aircraft in my hands.

Page 24
"Don't be so stiff.
You need not be so frightened."
Laughing wryly, she took the craft
into her hands.

How can I not be petrified?
It's impossible to feel relaxed
in this situation.

Page 25
"Hmmm..."
With a serious expression on her face,
she examined the shape of the wing and
the rubber band power mechanism.

It felt kind of awkward, as if she was a
teacher grading a test in front of me.

Page 26
"Hmm.  It's built well.  For a youngster
living only ten years or so, that is."
She grinned as she returned the craft
to me.

"Thanks...I guess..."
Hearing my snotty remark, she
broke a smile again.

Page 27
"My apologies.  I meant it as a
compliment.  As a Crimson Noble, I'm
not well versed in human nature."

"Huh...?  A Crimson Noble?"
I said with a dumbfounded voice.
Did I hear that right?

Page 28
But Crimson Nobles... they commonly
appear in comic strips as the immortal,
beautiful, and legendary race of night
walkers in search of human blood.

So the girl in front of me is telling me
she's one of these Crimson Nobles?

Page 29
"That's correct."
Nodding with an air of arrogance,
she indeed shows characteristics
of the legendary Crimson Noble.
"So, what do you intend to do
with the craft?"
"..."

Page 30
I wasn't about to tell her everything,
but she did save my life...and I was
quite rude to her, wasn't I?

"I was experimenting with it so I can
one day make an aircraft large enough
to soar in the sky with."

Page 31
"I see... That is quite an ordeal."
She said in a patronizing manner.

(What kind of answer is that?  It's
not like I'm doing this as a joke!)
Feeling flustered, my mouth slipped.

"It's not nice to laugh at someone's
dream after you asked to hear about it."
This was the first time I ever told
this to anyone.

Page 32
"Oh, I was not laughing at your dream."
"Then what's so funny!?"

Without heeding to my question,
"Here, here, don't get so touchy.
Perhaps I can help you achieve
your dream?"

She then pressed a button on a
mechanical band wrapped around
her wrist.

Page 33
[A loud crash]
"Uwahhhhhh!!"
I screamed again, surprised much
more than last time.

I think even a grown-up would've
screamed loudly at this one.

Page 34
The place that was a ruin just a
second ago was now a shiny new castle!!

"Holy jeepers..."
The girl held out her hand towards
me and led me into the castle.

Page 35
Inside the castle were machines that I
had never seen before.  I was still
stunned, but I followed her quietly.

Page 36
[Door with a rusty hinge opening]
Passing through several rooms, she
opened the double doors to a big room.

"Oh... Wow..."
The room was filled with books ten
times, no, hundreds of times bigger
than the school library!!

Page 37
[Picture: The Crimson Noble in front of many books]
"This is incredible..."
I was awestruck, finding books
like "The Basics of Wind Power"
and "The Lost Flying Machine"
that I always wanted.

"How is it?  Do you like it?"
Turning towards her, she was
smiling with her arms crossed.

Page 38
"There are many books here that
will help in your research.
Come here to read whenever you like.
I will set a transporter connecting
to the town for easy access."

Page 39
"That's very generous of you, but...
Why are you so kind to me?"
My fear of her was long gone.

It was strange, but there was something
in common between me and her that made
me drop my guard.

Page 40
"Hmm... Well..."
She paused to choose her words.
"Well what?"
"I know...
I will answer you when you have
successfully constructed the aircraft
and take me to the sky with you."

"What kind of answer is that?"
"Hahaha.  Remember, it's a promise."
She chuckled as she leaned against
the bookshelf.

Page 41
Trying to thank her, I realized,
"Hey, what should I call you?"

"You seem to need to learn
common social grace..."
Said the girl with an impish smile.

Page 42
"Have you ever been taught to
introduce yourself first before
asking a person's name?"
"I...I guess you're right..."
I scratched my neck and straightened up.

Page 43
"My name is Jack Beckson.
I'm an eleven year old living with my
grandma in Quartly, south from here."
Nodding firmly, she faced me and said,

"I am Marivel Armitage.
Master of the Crimson Castle."
"Nice to meet you, Marivel."
Marivel shook the hand that I
held out and grinned.

Page 44
This is how I met Marivel.


222222222222222222222222
22 Chapter 2: Teatime 22
222222222222222222222222

Page 1
[Music change]
My grandma had a habit of saying, "Life
is a strange thing," but it's very true.

Even if the Crimson Noble legend is true
that they are blood feeding monsters,
the castle library and the existence of
Marivel was too tempting to resist.

Page 2
And the fact that all of this was my own
secret made my heart dance.  I couldn't
help chuckling to myself while I read
"The Basics of Wind Power."

Page 3
[A door opening]
"Are you reading something funny?"
"Uh...well, uh."
Being caught laughing by yourself
is quite embarrassing.

"No, it's noting."
She chuckled as I tried to compose
myself in front of her.

Page 4
"Jack, care for some tea?"
I would like to know what kind of
lives humans live in this age."
"That goes the same for me.
I'm interested in a Crimson Noble's
life, too."

"Settled.
Then let me call Red and Blue to
set up the table."
Marivel closed one of her eyes and
snapped her fingers.

Page 5
"These things are Red and Blue?"
"Correct.  Are they not cute?"
"Uh, yeah..."

Page 6
[sound of tea pouring]
[Picture: Marivel resting her chin on closed fists, while Red & Blue pour tea]

I just don't get what girls consider
"cute."  I secretly sighed while watching
a pair of spherical robots, one red and
one blue, cleverly carrying a tray.

Picking up a small, marble-patterned
plate of sweets and a pair of teacups,
they served hot tea for us.

Page 7
"Thanks."
Their big eyes twinkled as if they said,
"You're welcome."  I guess they are kind
of cute.

Page 8
Marivel took a saucer with a blue
flower printed on it and gracefully
carried a sweet to her mouth.
Huh?

Page 9
"Marivel, you're a Crimson Noble,
but you can also eat normal food?"
"Of course I can.  Having tea and
sweets is a lady's pastime."

Page 10
"Is that how it is...?"
"Yes."
"Okay, then I'll go ask the girls
in class about it next time."
"You do that."

Blowing to cool off the hot tea,
we engaged in a somewhat silly
conversation.

Page 11
While taking in the sweet scent of herbs
from the tea, I hurriedly bit into the
sweet morsel, which melted in my mouth.
"How do you like our sweets?"
Marivel asked with a smiley face.

Page 12
"Can I give you an honest opinion?"
"Of course."
"It doesn't have any texture at all.
And it's not that sweet either.
I like it more sugary and crunchy."
Hearing my answer, Marivel bristled,
and her eyebrows raised.

Page 13
"No crunch!?  Now sweet enough!?
Of course not!  We carry no such
barbaric tastes in our blood!!"

"You said I can be honest... And I
never said it tasted bad.  It's really
good, but it melts away in one bite.
Don't you feel it should last longer?"
"I absolutely have no idea what you
are talking about!"

Page 14
"Then I'll bring some of our barbaric
sweets next time.  It's really tasty."

I said with a dreamy face, remembering
the taste of an old fashioned apple pie
the lady down the street made for me.
"All right, all right... I'll try it
if you say so."

Page 15
Smiling bitterly, Marivel looked at the
clock on the wall and turned towards me.

"Isn't it time you should head home?
Your parents will worry."

Page 16
"Oh, it's all right.
I only live with my grandma.
Besides, she always says boys
should be more adventurous.

Page 17
I tried to keep it cheerful, but her
red eyes turned a little worried.
"I see.  I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't worry about it."
I might have sounded rude, but
I hate receiving sympathy.

Page 18
I know it's childish to think so,
but I'm still at an age where I
can have a little leeway, right?

"But, I should probably go home now...
Grandma shuts me out for dinner when
I'm late."
"Well then, I will see you out."
"That's okay, I can go back on my own."

Page 19
Using the soft springy cushion
on my seat, I stood up.
"Come back again."
Waving goodbye to Marivel as she
cleaned up the tea set, I ran outside.

The north wind stings my cheeks.
Shivering from the cold, I looked
up at the sky and saw the thin moon
between the mountain tops.

Page 20
[Picture ends]
[Music change]
"Oh, no, Grandma..."
I said with a whimpering voice.  I left
late at night to Crimson Castle again,
but she already found out when I came
back and gave me a spanking.

I forgot that Grandma sleeps early at
night, but wakes up even earlier in
the morning.  Call me stupid.

Page 21
"Eeeek..."
As I fell flat on my desk, a blue
satin ribbon waved in front of me.
"G'morning."
Cursing silently in my head,
I looked up at the cheerful voice.

Just as I expected, there stood my only
classmate of my age, Violetta Bubka.

Page 22
From the outside, she LOOKS like a cute
girl with her blonde hair in a layered
bob (she gets mad when I say it wrong"
matched with beautiful blue eyes.

She moved from a big city last year to
her father's hometown Quartly, so she
is way more elegant than other girls,
but she had an attitude from hell.

Page 23
[A thud noise]
"Umm, good morning.  What is it?"
Violetta widened her nostrils
as I answered in a snotty tone.

"Well, you're in a bad mood.  Not nice to
someone who brought you some big news."
"Let me guess.  You brought a new ribbon
or something, right?"

Violetta was a bit mad at my negligent
attitude, but she said,
"Heehee... A transfer student of
our age is coming today!"

Page 24
[A thud noise]
That is big news!!  I straightened
up and looked at Violetta.
"No kidding!?  Hey, so is the
transfer student a he or a she?"

"It's a girl as far as I can tell from the
distance.  She's too cute a girl to
be a match for a monkey like you."

Page 25
"I never asked you anything like that.
(sigh)  A girl, huh..."
I was a little disappointed.  If the new
student was a boy, I could have made
friends to work on the craft together.

Page 26
Contrary to what Violetta said, the
student called in by the teacher
was a boy.
But...

Page 27
[Picture: The new boy with a lunch pale, Violetta looking evil/enamored]
(Wooooow...!!)

I saw why Violetta mistook him as a
girl.  Pretty green eyes and a cute face.
Fair hands and skin that hasn't seen
much sun.

(What can I say.  Give him some skirts
and he'll look like a girl.  I'm really
disappointed...)
I don't think he's the type that will
understand my love for aircrafts.

Page 28
Glancing over the class (with all the
girls blushing and whispering, Violetta
blushed up to her ears with her mouth
wide open.  I just felt dejected.), he
introduced himself with a tense voice.

"My name is Reese Farlain.
Nice to meet you..."
"Hi Reese, what's your favorite hobby?"

Violetta raised her hand, still blushed.
She's probably trying to impress him
before the other girls snap out of their
crush-trance.

Page 29
"Uh, I play violin.  And I enjoy reading."
Whoa, he must be straight out of a
romance novel.

Ignoring the buzzing class, the teacher
tells Reese to sit next to me and starts
the lecture.
She even whispered to me,
"Look after him, understood?"

Page 30
[A rustling noise]
I don't mind, but how does Reese feel
about it?  I shook my head slightly and
placed my textbook between me and Reese.
He shuddered briefly at the ruffling noise.

Page 31
"Um...can I share your textbook?"
"That's what I meant to do."
I nodded bluntly.  Keeping his distance
as to not invade my space, he peeped
into my textbook.

Page 32
"You don't have to be so hesitant."
Reese shuddered his shoulders again.

"Yes, but...this is my first time."
"What's your ' first time?"
This is getting to be like one of those
late night radio dramas...

Page 33
"Well I, I've never been to school
before."
"Huh?  Where were you living before?"
Judging by his clothes and face, I can't
believe he's from some backwater town
without schools.

Page 34
"Well I'm..."
I never got to hear him finish his
words.  When I felt the sunlight from the
window blocked, the teacher was standing
there with a smirk on her face.

"No talking during class, boys."
We hurriedly looked down at the textbook.

[Picture ends]
Page 35
"Say, aren't you at an age you
should be going to school?"

Marivel asked while she read the
"Wonders of the Emma Motor" across
the table from me.

Page 36
"Well, yeah."
"How is that going for you?
Are you not spending too much time
with me and forgetting to socialize
with your friends?"

"It's kinda sad, but I don't have
any friends of my age.  Well, boys
of my age at least."
Wait a sec, I forgot about the transfer
student.  I felt the corners of my mouth
drop at the thought.

Page 37
"Did you suddenly remember something?"
I jumped a bit with her sudden question.

"Your thoughts appear on your face."
Marivel set her book down and looked
into my face.

"Is my face that easy to read?"
"Yes.  You're the type that shows
everything on your face."
"I never noticed that..."
Scratching my head, I continued.

Page 38
"Actually, a new student came to our
class today.  But he's a real girly
kind of guy and I can't seem to get
to like him.  He even plays a violin."

"Hmm.  That's a tender subject..."
Answered Marivel, twirling a pen
in her hand.

Page 39
"But it is such men that possess a
strong manly side to appreciate the
finer things in life.  No matter
how many call them girly."

"Is that really how it is?"
I don't think so...
"That's how it is.  See for yourself."
With that remark, Marivel laughed.


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33 Chapter 3: At the Fountain 33
33333333333333333333333333333333

Page 1
[Music change]
Class finally ended for the day.
"Reese, you really look like the
pianist Kareena Farlain."
"What she does has nothing
to do with me..."

"So you're really her son?  Hey,
can you get me her autograph?
I'll even pay you for it!"

Page 2
I packed up my books into my bag as
I watched Violetta and her friends
surround Reese, wearing a helpless
look on his face.

I understood Reese's feelings about
not wanting others to talk about
their mothers.  I would have stopped
them, but I had already promised to
meet Marivel today.

Page 3
Toting my canvas pack, I headed
out the school gate.
I think I forgot something...
I stood there trying to think about
it, but since I couldn't remember,
it probably wasn't that important.

Page 4
With a light skip, I headed for the
sweet shop.  I was going to buy
that apple pie I promised Marivel.

Page 5
Counting my coins, someone pulled
on my sleeve as I was about to
take the steaming apple pie.

Uh-oh.  Could it be my teacher?
As I timidly turned around, Reese
was standing there with his hands
on his hips.

Page 6
"You shouldn't buy sweets after school."
"Oh, it's you, Reese.
Let me go, please?"

I playfully put my hands together and
winked at him, but Reese looked at me
with a stern face.
"No way.  It's against school rules."

Page 7
Darn.  Why is he being such a good
goody?  I pulled my sleeve away from him.
"Don't be so picky.
You're getting on my nerves."

Page 8
"I just wanted to...you."
He flinched away, but rebutted
in a small voice.

Page 9
"I can't hear you.  Speak up."
I took the pie out of the lady's hands
who was taken aback by our conversation.

Reese called my name as I ran away, but
the voice was soon lost in the distance.

Page 10
The soft sunlight falling on the
rooftop deck was clear as glass.
The sky above us was blue as a
robin's egg.

As I enjoy the sunbath, Marivel
casts a side glance at me.
"If it were winter, the sun would
have set already,"
griped Marivel, as she looked up
at the sun through her sunglasses.
She is also wearing a costume today
(to shield her from the sun).

Page 11
"Yeah, probably."
I answered passively as I held the
craft in my left hand and measured
the wind with my right fingertip.

Page 12
"There's no sincerity in your words..."
Not answering to that, I aim the craft
at the sky.  The sound of my heart
pounding rings in my head.
I heard Marivel hold her breath.

Page 13
A gentle east wind blew on my cheeks.
Then, feeling a gusty wind coming,
I let the craft go with a holler!!
"Go!"
The craft sliced through the winds,
and flew down with great speed down
into the inner court of Crimson Castle.

Page 14
[Music change]
The autumn sum fell as I searched
feverishly for the craft.  Wandering
around with a lamp that Red and Blue
lent me, Marivel (who was out of her
costume by now) called my name.
"Jack..."

Page 15
[Sound of the fountain]
We stood there silently, as we looked
down into the beautiful mosaic patterned
fountain where the broken craft laid.

Page 16
"What did I do wrong...?"
I mumbled to myself as I stepped into
the fountain and picked up the craft.

"We'll look into that later...
Jack, you'll catch a cold if
you don't come out of the water,"
said Marivel, with a kind and
gentle voice.

Page 17
When I thought about it later, it
was that kindness that triggered it.
But at that time, I was stupefied by
the sudden tears gushing from my eyes.

Page 18
"Jack?"
Marivel called me with a wondering
tone as I stood still in the fountain.

"...!?"
Seeing my face, she slightly held
her breath.  Thankfully, she didn't
say a word...

Page 19
[Picture: Marivel standing over Jack]

Wordless, I say on the edge of the
fountain and tried to wipe the endless
flow of tears with my sleeves.
"Jack...use this."
Sitting next to me, she softly
handed me her handkerchief.

Page 20
"Um, will you...listen to my story?"
She nodded quietly.

"I'm obsessed with aircrafts because...
a long time ago, my mother who is a
migrant worker in Slayheim bought me
a model aircraft as a gift."

Page 21
Marivel's face was hidden from
the backlight.

"So I...I was always playing with the
aircraft.  I started modifying it so
it can fly farther and... And it made
me feel as if I could fly with it to
my mother...

Page 22
But I always failed.  Failure after
failure.  I feel so lousy and
worthless at my helplessness!!
"There, Jack... It might be so, but..."
But her words stopped abruptly.

Page 23
"Who's there!?"
A small scream was heard from the
shadows, surprised by Marivel's
incisive voice.  For a moment, complete
silence fell over the area.

Marivel stood in front of me and yelled,
"Give up and show yourself!"
Out from behind the bushes came...
..Reese Farlain.

Page 24
[Fountain noise ends]
"I'm sorry... Your forgot your homework
so I wanted to hand it to you..."
"...!!"
All the blood in my body rushed into
my face.  Of all the people, he had
to be the one to listen in!

Page 25
"You've...been eavesdropping..."
My earlobes were hot from embarrassment.
"I didn't mean to..."

Page 26
The pounding vessels in my head blocked
his words.  Reese continued to apologize,
but I pushed him aside and ran to the
transporter.

A sudden rush of weightlessness struck.
The next second, the world turned white.

[Picture ends]
[Music change]

Page 27
A week went by.
I completely ignored Reese, who was
giving me an apologetic glance every
once in a while.  I wasn't happy about
the fact he got to know Marivel after
that either.

I thought to myself, "Hey, grow up!"
but I'm still just a kid.

Page 28
Today, Marivel promised to fix the
noise on my grandma's radio.

Tossing my textbooks into my pack,
I saw Violetta coming towards me.
Hey, don't rush so much or you'll...

Page 29
"Hey, Jack.  Reese is going to come to
my house and play the violin for us.
Would you like to... Ahh!"

Just as I thought, Violetta tripped
on my pack (which contained my craft
and the radio) and crashed loudly.

Page 30
"Violetta..."
"Wh-What's with the scary look, Jack?
Fine, I'll pay for the damage!
It's just a cheap toy!"

Page 31
Wh-Why the nerve!  Something snapped
inside of me.
"It's not about the money!
You know how much effort I've put into
it!  You know how much I treasured it!"
"Hey, is it something to get that
upset about?  It's just a piece of
junk no matter how you look at it!"

Page 32
"That's not the problem, you...you...
Spoiled brat!!" I continued in my head
as I stuck my shaking hand into my pack.

As I expected, the craft was broken
into bits.  Luckily, Grandma Dalia's
radio was undamaged and it's mahogany
finish glowed in the sunlight.

With both bitterness and relief mixed
together, I stood up without saying
a word.

Page 33
Marivel invited me into the
underground laboratory today.

"Now this is amazing."
There were many kinds of monsters
inside water tanks lined up against
the wall.  It was an unearthly sight.

Page 34
"Hah hah.
"This one can only live underwater.
Can you see its lungs?

The Vermillion over there, contrary to
its appearance, has a refined taste for
good music and will behave itself when
you play some music for it."

Page 35
"Boy, that's amusing!"

Page 36
Marivel walked up to a metallic
work bench and stopped.

"Dear me...
I forgot to call my assistants.
I'm going back to get Red and Blue
so stay right here.  Don't touch any
of the machines, Jack."

Page 37
I knew she was having fun showing
me around, but to be so immersed
to forget about her assistants...

"Okay, okay, I got it."
She gave me a worried look as I
chuckled, but turned around and
went up the stairs.

Page 38
This place is really something.  I
looked around again at the seemingly
endless rows of specimen tanks.

Page 39
The moonlight, passing through the
water tank, lit the whole place blue.
It was unreal, even mystifying.
Releasing my breath, I leaned
against the wall behind me.

Then, along with a small alarm, a plate
full of switches came rising up.

Page 40
What is it?  Did I push a button when I
leaned back?  Anyway, I better put this
thing back before Marivel returns...
I approached the panel and tried to
push it back into the floor.
Then suddenly...

Page 41
[Music change]
I literally jumped by the sudden alarm.
"Wh-What's the matter!?"
Marivel came dashing into the lab,
holding a toolbox in her arms.

Page 42
Acknowledging what happened in the room,
her face immediately turned blue.
"Jack!!
Why did you release the monster!?"

"What's that?  I just tried to
push this panel back in and..."
"The Vermillion is out of its tank...!!"

Page 43
"What?"
"This is bad...
If it gets to the transporter,
it'll attack the town!"
"Oh... Oh, my god!"
I felt the blood draining from my face.

Page 44
"Marivel, can't we do something?"
"Jack... I'll activate the device to
put it back into its tank with Red
and Blue.  I'll come after I'm done.
You try to stop it from getting near
the transporter!"

"I...I got it!"
I ran up the stairs, skipping a step
with each jump!

Page 45
The footprints in the court headed
straight for the transporter.
Despite its lumpy appearance, this
monster is pretty darn smart.
"Darn it!!"
Cursing, I followed its footprints to
the transporter.  A bad feeling brewed
in my heart.

Page 46
Materializing at the outskirts of town,
I ran full speed after the monster...
Under the moonlit street I found the
monster confronting Reese and Violetta!

Page 47
Turning towards them, it opened its
large mouth gleefully to feast on its
terrified prey.  As my brain shook with
despair, the words Marivel said earlier
struck me like lightning.
"It will behave itself when you
play beautiful music."

Page 48
"Reese!  Play the violin!"
"Jack!!  Why are you here!?"
"Violetta, I'll explain that later!
Please!  Do it, Reese!!"

Page 49
[Picture: Reese plays the violin]
Please, Reese...!
I clasped my hands together and prayed.
Reese readied his bow with a flowing
swing.  A moment later, the violin
started to sing.

[Music change]
Page 50
The beautiful melody of his violin
brought all time to a halt.

Page 51
Like a cat fawning over his master,
the monster let out a small cry
and crouched in front of Reese.

Page 52
At the same moment, balls of light
like fireflies covered the monster.

Page 53
The silhouette of the Vermillion slowly
faded away.  When I looked around, I
found Marivel's blonde shadow by a tree.

Page 54
I pointed my thumb up.  Returning the
"thumbs up" sign, she disappeared into
the darkness.

Page 55
The last passage of the melody finished.
I slowly walked towards Reese.

Page 56
While putting his violin into the case,
he looked up a little surprised, with
his green eyes wide open.

It's a little embarrassing, but there
was something I had to say.  I steadied
myself and bowed my head down.

Page 57
"Thank you Reese.
I was wrong about you.
I took you for a coward.
I'm really, really sorry."
Saying everything in one breath,
I lifted my face and nervously
looked at him.

Page 58
Reese was... Reese was smiling.
"Don't worry.  I was at fault too.
I even thought you were a crybaby,
but really stubborn at heart."
"Don't remind me.  That was..."
I turned bright red and scratched
my head.


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44 Chapter 4: The Colors of Autumn 44
4444444444444444444444444444444444444

Page 1
Leaves, turned yellow and red, flow
with the smell of nuts in the wind.

"Ahh, I love autumn."
Muttering to myself like ol' forester
Canavan, I took a deep breath of the
fresh morning air.
Oh, here comes...

Page 2
"Hiya!  Morning'!"
Reese smiled, carrying a leather case.
"Good morning.  It feels really nice today."

"Yup.  Is that a violin case you have?"
"Yes, but why?"
"Being able to play instruments is
amazing.  All I can play are cymbals
or drums as the school talent show."

Page 3
After laughing at my long sigh,
he took the violin into his arms.

"I was planning to practice in the
music room after school.  I didn't
want to bother my uncle at home."
"Uncle?  Who's that?"

Page 4
Come to think of it, I've never heard
him talk about his family.  Quartly is a
tiny town.  (There's only 17 students
at grade school, all grades combined!)

So when a new resident comes, the whole
town spreads rumors about them whether
they like it or not.  But there were no
such rumors about Reese.  Which means...

Page 5
The question marks that flew in my
head must have shown up on my face.
Reese smiled wryly and said,
"He's the forester, Canavan."

"Huh?  Ol' Canavan...?"
I stared hard at Reese's slender
white face.

Page 6
"You're related to that
old forest bear of a man?"
You don't look alike at all...
Genes are so mysterious.

"Yes."
"I see.  Well, I guess it's no surprise
that nobody spreads rumors about you
when you live so far out of town."

Page 7
"I think so... Umm, Mr. Beckson."
"Call me Jack."
I hate being called mister.
The teacher should be the only
one to call me by that name.

"Then, Jack.  Would you like to
come over to my place today?"
"Today, huh... I have a promise
with Marivel."
"Then let's call Marivel, too.
I'll make some sweets while
you invite her."

Page 8
"Sweets?"
A little surprised, I looked at Reese.

"Uh-huh.
My mother was a good cook, but she
didn't like anything sweet.  If I wanted
to have some I had to bake it myself.
I'm pretty confident about my cooking."

Page 9
"I'm impressed.  That's kinda neat."

Me on the other hand, only knew
Grandma's cooking...

"Then bake me some apple pie.  The one
with the crunchy sugar inside."

Page 10
"Huh?  That...totally sweet one?"
Reese put on a frown for a second,
but smiled again and said,
"All right.  I'll make it if you say so."

Page 11
Picture G, Violetta hugging her ribbon
"(Yawn)"
It's recess time.
I suppressed a yawn while I watched
Violetta show off her white bobbin
lace ribbon to the other girls.

Does it feel so good to be envied by
others?  Grandma said all girls are like
that, but I guess I can't relate, since
I'm not a girl.

Page 12
"Violetta's cute, isn't she?"
Reese whispered next to me,
while I rubbed my sleepy eyes.
"Huh?  What's so cute about her?"
"She's kinda nice and innocent."

Page 13
Innocent?  Her?
"You probably think so because she
likes you."
I gave a lukewarm response with chin
in hand.

"No, it's not that.  Besides, I'm used
to having girls liking me."
"You say the wildest things sometimes."
I thought my jaws were gonna drop off.

Page 14
I have to admit its a pretty ribbon,
though.  I thought to myself as I
watched the girls frolic.

"Jack, the teacher's here."
"Uh, okay... Thanks."
I rushed to take out my textbook
and slate from my desk.

Picture G ends
Page 15
As the autumn sun sets into the sky,
Marivel, Reese, and I were enjoying a
small tea party at the forester cabin.

"Say, you told me before that you've
never been to school, but your grades
are pretty good."

"My mother's co-workers taught me."
"Co-workers?  Was your mom a teacher?"
I put my hand up to my chin.

Page 16
"No, she belongs to a band of musicians
traveling across the country."
"Hmm, it's no wonder that you're such a
well-rounded young boy.  Your apple pie
was excellent, too."
Marivel smiled with whipped cream still
on her lips.

Page 17
"Was it good?  Ah, I'm glad.  It was
my first time baking apple pie, so
I wasn't too confident."
Reese's face brightened up.

"Aye.  The sourness of apples mixes
well with the sweet brown sugar,"
said Marivel, as she asked for seconds.

"Thank you, I'm delighted."
As Reese tried to slice a new pie, the
door opened with a loud crack.

[Music change]
Page 18
Under the moonlight stood Violetta.
"Violetta... What brings you here at
this time of night!?"
Violetta answered as Reese panicked.

"My ribbon was stolen.  So I was looking
for it and heard that a stranger was
seen at Reese's place."

Page 19
"Wait!  So you're telling me that
my guest is the culprit?"
"Well...I can trust the people in
town, but..."
"Violetta, that is way too rude!!"

Page 20
Calming Reese down, Marivel stood up
without making a sound.
"I have no need for such a thing...
I seek not what is inferior to what
I already have."

Then she took out a ribbon from her bag.
"Th-That's so..."
Beads of sweat rolled on her forehead as
Violetta fixed her gaze on the intricate
laces of the ribbon.  Clearly a work of
a master.

Page 21
"It was handed down to me by my mother."
Marivel grinned arrogantly.
"I sincerely doubt you can appreciate
it's true value?"
Ohh, Marivel... That's too cruel.

Page 22
Turning pale white, Violetta walked out
of the cabin and closed the door.  She
walked staggeringly away as if she
was walking in her sleep.

Leaving a bitter taste in our mouths,
we quietly looked away from each other.


5555555555555555555555555555555555
55 Chapter 5: The Lady in White 55
5555555555555555555555555555555555

Page 1
"You get the feeling that it's deep into
autumn when gentian flowers bloom."
I looked back at Reese's voice as I
walked, kicking the falling leaves.

"Yeah.  It's gonna start snowing soon."
"Mm-hm.  They even say November is
snow waiting month."
"Is that so?  You sure are smart."

Page 2
"No, it's nothing like that.
I've never seen snow, so I'm really
looking forward to it.  I just
thought of "snow waiting month"
because it seemed appropriate."

"When it snows, Grandma makes me shovel
the snow off the roof.  I don't look
forward to it that much."

Page 3
"Aha.  I guess living in snow
country has its own problems."
Reese laughed and shrugged his
shoulders.
"...!"
Then his smile suddenly froze.

Page 4
"Hm?  What is it?"
I tracked his line of sight as his
lips trembled.
"...!"
Focusing my eyes on it, I gasped.

Reese was looking at the headlines
on the station news stand.
The headline read,
"Popular Pianist Kareena F. In Love
with Slayheim Orchestra Violinist?"

Page 5
"You look exactly like your mother,
Kareena Farlain."
Violetta's words from some time
ago crossed in my head.

Could it be...?
I quietly peeked at Reese's face.

Page 6
Ugh...
His big eyes were all misty.
I couldn't stand watching him so sad.
"You wanna go see the snowplow that's
inside the station engine house?"

Page 7
Mission failed...
I didn't want to make it seem like
sympathy, but it came out too blunt.

As I clicked my tongue looking off
the side, Reese rubbed his eyes and
smiled gently.
"I've never seen...a snowplow."

Page 8
"All right, then.  Good timing.
Although it would've been better if we
can see it moving.  Its got a pointy
head and shoves all the snow off
flying like this.  It's really cool!"

I kind of over exaggerated it (I'm not
good at explaining, okay?) but
continued to describe it to Reese.
"Really?
It makes me want it to snow even more...
Oh?"
Reese stopped walking again.

Page 9
"Hey, Jack.  Isn't that Marivel?"
Reese pulled his hands out from his
pocket and pointed towards the
station platform.

"You sure?  Why would she come here?"
"Over there.  You see?"
"You're right..."
There's no mistaking that strange
costume.

Page 10
"What are you doing, Marivel?"
"Oh, it's you two.
A friend I made over shortwave radio
owns a cottage near this town.
We promised to meet when she comes
over to see the crimson foliage."

"Hmmm.  Is she a girl?"
Reese asked casually.
"Yes, she's a girl just like me."

Page 11
"Uh, a girl just like you...?"
"What is it Jack?
Do you have a problem with that?"
"Uh, well..."
I continued to say "no," but the
steam whistle blew over my words.

Page 12
(train whistle)
Marivel waved her hand at one of the
passengers getting off of the train.
"You there!  You must be Anastasia?"

Hearing her named called, the lady
turned around slowly.  Her long black
hair gently swayed and I smelt a nice
fragrance.

Page 13
[Picture of Marivel, in costume, and Anastasia in front of a train]
(Wow...)
She was a beautiful young lady, about
three years older than me.  The beauty
mark under her eye makes me, uh, my
heart thump.  I tried to hold myself
while my heart beat loudly.

Page 14
"Yes.  You must be Marivel?"
"I didn't expect you to really come in a
costume," she continued.  Marivel smirked.

"Oh, yes.  These two are my followers.
This is Jack and Reese."

Page 15
(Followers?)  Reese whispered and
crinkled his nose.  Taking no heed of
him, Marivel continued.

"They insisted on being your guides today.
Use them to your heart's content."
Isn't she going too far?

Page 16
But...
When I was greeted by a smile from
this beautiful girl in a white coat, the
brusque words from Marivel disappeared
from my head.

"Um...ah..Nice to meet you."
"Oh, my.  Don't be so nervous.
You're making me nervous, too."
Miss Anastasia laughed jokingly.

Page 17
"Nice to meet you, too."
"Y-Yes."

Me and Reese nodded up and down,
saw each other's cheeks blushed red,
and felt really embarrassed.

Page 18
"I'll leave the planning up to you two."

Page 19
Miss Anastasia looked down at us with
apparent enjoyment as she exchanged a
meaningful glance with Marivel.  Hmm,
something smells fishy, but I'll just
let it go.

Page 20
So after a small discussion with Reese,
"How does a picnic by a nice stream
sound?  There's a great view of the
town's trademark drawbridge, too."
That was the plan we came up with.

Miss Anastasia gave us a nice smile
and patted our shoulders in approval.
"Yes, That's a wonderful plan.
Let's go."
We turned our backs to the station
and walked off.

[Picture ends, birds begin chirping in background]
Page 21
"Isn't it too cold for you?"
Although the weather was nice, it's
already late autumn.  The cold might be
too sharp for people from the city.

"If it's about me there's no need to
worry.  The nice sun will warm me up."

[Picture of group having a picnic]
Page 22
Scones, sandwiches, and apple pies
arranged on the mat rolled luscious
scents that increased our appetites.
"My, they look delicious!!"
Miss Anastasia laughed appreciatively.

"Chow down!"
And off to the food we went.

Page 23
"You really do eat a lot..."
"Buth ith tho gooth,"
said Miss Anastasia while she bit
into the egg sandwich.

"I'm flattered if you say so.
We picked the eggs in that sandwich
from the chicken that me and my uncle
look after."

Page 24
"Ohh, so it's direct from the Reese
family.  Yes, it's really good."
Miss Anastasia replied gleefully to
Reese.

Attracted by her smile, Reese also
smiled happily.  He's usually the
bashful type, but it looks like Miss
Anastasia had the upper hand on him.

Page 25
"Hey, isn't that?"
I saw the Bubka sisters coming from
the side road of the bridge with a
basket in hand.

Finding us, Violetta came running down
the hill raising a shrill voice until...
She quieted down and her blue eyes
opened wide, finding Reese talking
cheerfully with Miss Anastasia.

Page 26
(Uh-oh, we've been found...)
I had a bad feeling about this...

"Is something wrong, Jack?"
"No, it's nothing."
I was caught a little off guard
and returned a taut smile.

Page 27
"Ahh, that was so delicious."
As she rubbed her tummy in delight,
she started to nibble on the sweets
that Marivel brought us today.

"How can you still be hungry!?"
"Hee hee... You know what they say.
Sweets go to a different tummy!"

Page 28
"Besides...," she continued.
Taking Reese's hands,
"You two have to eat more.  Especially
you, Reese.  You're wrists are so thin."

"Uh..."
Reese flushed red and froze like a
picture.

Page 29
Not noticing, Miss Anastasia skimmed
over Reese's fine fingers.
"Oh? Do you play the violin, Reese?"
"Y-Yes I do."
Reese nodded nervously.

"That's what I thought.
I'm learning how to play, too.  Look,
we have calluses at the same spot."

Page 30
[Music change]
Right then, a shadow came over me.
I looked up and saw a blue ribbon
swinging in front of me.

"Good day... How do you do?"
Violetta was smiling...with fixed
eyes that scared the living daylights
out of me.

"Fine, thank you.
This is a wonderful town."
Miss Anastasia replied nonchalantly
as if she didn't notice anything.

Page 31
"Tourist?  You don't seem to be a
relative of Reese's."
"Yes, she is, but...
Violetta, that's a rude way to say it."

Violetta's eyes slanted up.
"What?  Are you telling me that an
occasional tourist is more important
than your own classmate?"
"That's not what I mean, Violetta.
You understand, don't you?"

Page 32
(Ohhh, Reese you fool.  You're only
going to fire her up even more...)
Marivel and I exchanged glances in
suspense.  Violetta put her hands to
her hips and cornered Reese.

"That's what I meant.  Didn't you feel
anything when she pawed your hand
so indecently?"

Page 33
"I-Indecently?"
Reese was bewildered by the word that
may not have even existed in his world.

"That's right.
She kept fondling your hand."
Violetta pointed her chin up and glared
challengingly at Miss Anastasia."

Page 34 [Music change]
But Miss Anastasia still had the
upper hand in every respect.

She gently warded Violetta's glare
and replied with a smile,
"Uh huh, yours truly is a very
kinky land."
She said as if it were nothing.

Then she approached the stunned
Violetta and whispered something
into her ears.
"..."

Page 35
Leaving behind Violetta, who looked
taken aback, Miss Anastasia took her
coat and stood up.
"It's about time for my train home.
Thank you all for everything today.
It was so much fun."

"We'll see you off to the station."
Watching us stand up in a hurry,
she titteringly bowed her head.
"In that case, I'd be obliged."

Page 36
The lights of the train heading into
the mountain gradually grew smaller
and disappeared into the afterlight.

Lowering the hand that I was waving,
I look towards Marivel and whispered
into her ear.

"I wonder what Miss Anastasia said to
Violetta?"

Page 37
"What?
Did you expect that I'd overhear
the conversation with my hearing?"

Marivel glanced at me with an amazed
look.  I nodded as I blushed red for
the umpteenth time today.

Page 38
Marivel shrugged her shoulders
and pushed the hood off her head.
Brushing her ruffled hair back,
"Well I guess I can tell you.
What she said was..."

"Was?"
"If you really like him,
be more honest with yourself."

Page 39
"Ahh.  That explains it..."
As I nodded deeply, Marivel sighed
and left me with riddling words.
"I wish she would have said those
words to you as well."


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66 Chapter 6: The First Snow 66
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Page 1
"Take a look at this.  It's great!"
Calling over to Reese, I opened the
classroom window.  White snow fell
down from the black clouds.

"Do you think it'll snow enough?"
"According to the radio this morning,
I think it will."
"Nice.  That's good news."
We looked at each other and grinned.

Page 2
We had a promise with Marivel that
we'll get to play together with a
snow mobile when it snowed.

This year the first snowfall was belated
compared to previous years, but it looks
like we'll get our first chance today.
I closed the window as I kept grinning.

Page 3
I never felt a lecture go so long
before.  As soon as the bell rang, I
packed up my books to get ready.
Then Violetta, with her cheeks blushed,
came over to our desks.

Page 4
"Hey, would you like to play checkers
at my place today?  We can't go outside
because of the snow, and...
I wanted to apologize about the
run-in about the ribbon, too."

Slightly withdrawing her eyes from him,
she twiddled the tips of her wavy
blonde hair.

Page 5
It slightly hurt my conscience.
But Reese replied in a leisurely tone.

"Thanks for inviting, but I already
have prior engagements today.
I'm sorry about that."
"Oh... Is that so..."
Feeling her queen-like pride torn apart,
Violetta walked back to her desk.

Watching her take her frustration
out on the other girls, I shook
in my head.

Page 6
"Hey Reese.  You should be a little
more kind to her."
"Huh?  What's that about?"

Snow must have been really curious to
him.  He was busy stomping footprints
into the snow when he turned around
and smiled innocently.

Page 7
"Well, It's okay if you don't understand."
I backed off and looked up at the sky.
It it's this clouded, Marivel should be
able to come out with some bundling up.

Page 8
Hm...?
I felt something in the back of my head.
I stopped my feet and looked around.

"What's up, Jack?"
"No, it's just that I...sort of felt
someone watching us."

Page 9
"Someone watching us?
But my uncle said he'll be making
baskets at home today."

"Yeah, I guess nobody wants to go
into the mountains on a day like
this besides ol' Canavan..."
Well, it was probably just my
imagination.

Page 10
[sound of a gate opening]
"I've been waiting for you two."
As we opened the gates and went into
the room adjacent to the library,
Marivel, who was wearing long pants
for a change, greeted us in.

Page 11
"Care to drink something warm first?"
Exchanging quick glances, we both
answered at the same time.
"No way.  We're going riding first!"

"Very well.  That's what I though you'd
say.  Then let us depart for the sea
of snow!!"

Page 12
"I'll show you how athletic I am!!"
"Hehehe.  But I have experience!"
"I won't lose either!"
We walked with springy steps as
we headed for the garage.

Page 13
[Picture of Marivel, in long pants standing in the snow]
"Hm?"
Marivel suddenly fell silent.

"Egh...!!"
Following her line of sight, we grunted
unconsciously.  The trembling shadow in
front of the garage... It was Violetta,
standing there with purple cheeks!

Page 14
[Music change]
She must have tumbled many times.  Her
blonde hair was covered with snow and
her clothes were wet and muddy.

Accompanied by glaring blue eyes, her
appearance had an awesome impact.

Page 15
"I knew something was going on when
that monster attacked us.  And the
time I caught a glimpse of you at
Reese's house..."

While Reese and I froze in silence,
she ground her teeth and yelled,
"Let go of them! You MONSTER!!"

Page 16
"Violetta!"
Pretending not to hear Reese's voice
stopping her, she approached Marivel.

"What vicious teeth... And your breath
isn't turning white.  You're really not
human... What are you trying to do by
deceiving them?"

Violetta tries to grab Marivel's
shoulders with both hands, but
Marivel silently avoids her moves.

Page 17
"You are correct, human.
I am indeed not human."
The redness of her eyes turned darker.
Her long blonde hair rises up,
breaking the laws of gravity.

My brain is yelling at me to stop
Marivel, but my legs refused to
move an inch.

Page 18
"So..."
Marivel's white hand extends towards
Violetta's forehead.  And then, she
uttered short foreign words against
the wide-eyed and rigid Violetta.

Page 19
Along with a flare, Violetta's body
collapsed to the ground.

Scooping her up into her arms, Marivel
looked toward us with a colorless face.

The clacking sounds of my teeth felt
like they were coming from someone else.

Page 20
A high pitch note rang deep inside my
throat.

Ahh, Grandma once told me that chickens
cried like this when they crush chickens
that can't lay any more eggs.

I could tell that part of my head was
still cool, but I couldn't pry my eyes
from her as if bewitched.

Page 21
As we stood there, Marivel approached
us without a sound with Violetta in
her arms.

Reese and I stepped back subconsciously.

Page 22
Seeing that, her face crumpled up.
"Go home...
Never set foot here again...!"
"No, Marivel!
We're sorry, it's, it's not that!!"

But Marivel kept her back to us and
went inside the castle.  Red and Blue
looked at us with a puzzled look and
then followed her inside.

Page 23
[Sound of a heavy gate closing]
"Marivel...!"
We shouted out her name, but the
gates of Crimson Castle roared
shut in front of our noses.

Page 24
[Music change] [End picture]
The noise of sleet rattled the roofs
in the afternoon.
"Did you finish writing?"
Reese, wearing a blue apron, came
peeking in while stroking his neck.

"Hey... cut it out!"
I dived flat onto the table to
cover the letter from Reese's eyes.

Page 25
"Don't worry, I didn't see it.
But is your aircraft really strong
enough to fly over the castle wall
with a letter strapped to it?"

"Hey, that's not nice.
Have more faith in your airplane
specialist, the one and only, Jack."

Page 26
"You say faith but...
Can't you just simply fly a plane
with a message on it through the
openings of the castle fence?"

"I guess that would be easier..."
As I went into a deep thought, the sweet
smell of roasting apples and cinnamons
came trickling into the room.

Page 27
"Did you sprinkle a lot of brown
sugar for me?"
"Those are your tastes."
Reese said coldly and started
to whip the cream.

"You're putting whipped cream on it.
Oh that's the best."
As I drooled at the thoughts, Reese
looked at me with an appalled look.
"Hey, weren't you going to show
Marivel your sincerity?"

Page 28
Yes.  Marivel refused to meet us after
that incident, so Reese and I racked
our brains together to come up with
a way to apologize to her.

Page 29
His plan was to bake her an apple pie.
My plan was to write an apology letter
and fly it to her with my plane.

Page 30
I took my teacher's advice, "Do what you
want others to do for you for others,"
for this plan, but...I honestly had no
idea how Marivel would feel about it.

I guess she hated us thinking that she's
a different "thing" from us, too.

Page 31
"Your place feels really cozy,"
I said as I calculated design patterns
of a long distance flight capable paper
aircraft on grid paper.

"You think so?"
"It smells great.  The cold from the
snow doesn't come in either."
"I agree.  I like the smell of moist
cypress logs, too."
Reese replied while peeking into the
oven.  Just then, a loud noise came
from the door.

Page 32
[A crashing noise]
"Wh-What's that?"
As we watched the door in surprise,
the door creaked open.  There was Mr.
Canavan, the owner of this cabin, standing
with his hands on his head.

Page 33
"Ouch... My legs, slipped on the sleet."
Ol' Canavan growled like a bear as he
shook the water off of his fur overcoat.

"You slipped?  Are you all right, uncle?"
Tapping Reese's head as he brought over
a towel, Canavan gave a hearty laugh.
"Aw, I'm all right.  The door might have
cracked, though."

Page 34
"By the way Reese.  Where's that good
smell coming from?"
Canavan sniffed his nose and grinned.

"No, it's not for you.  That's for a gift
I'm taking over today."
"To the little lady at Mr. Bubka's?"
Not knowing how to answer Canavan,
we lowered our eyes.

Page 35
Violetta's been cold to us
ever since that incident.

It seems her memory of Crimson Castle
had been erased, but it's no wonder
that we've made her mad because of it.

Page 36
"What's the matter.  Was I wrong?"
"Yes... It's someone you don't know.
Say, uncle.  You're home early today?"

"Aye.
The sleet that's been falling today
is melting down the new snow from
yesterday.  So I packed up early
before an avalanche starts up."

Page 37
"For real?  Is this house safe?"
"Hah hah hah!  Jack, you're a worrywart.
Avalanches start far deeper into the
mountains.  The forests here'll stop
the snow long before it can reach here."

Reese and I faced each other.
"Say, would a big avalanche be dangerous
even if it were a great castle?"

Page 38
[Music change]
"Let's see.  It depends.  Avalanches have
great power.  There was a 300 yard wide
snowpack that slid down across a two
mile perimeter before.

When a big one like that comes down,
no building is safe,"
said Canavan, as he took out some
sherry from the cabinet.

Page 39
"Eh, so that means..."
"I think she'll be safe with all
those advanced technologies, but..."
"If...If it..."
We grit our teeth and ran out of the
cabin.

"Hey, wait!!  What's up with you guys!!"
Canavan yelled with a bottle in one
hand.  Reese replied back, still wearing
the apron,
"Sorry uncle!  Don't worry, we'll be
right back!!"

Page 40
[Music change]
Running through the muddy mountain road,
we ran (slipping) into the transporter
to the castle.

Lucky for us, the gates were unlocked
and we ran into the castle unstopped.

Page 41
[A picture of Jack and Reese running in front of a stone wall]
"Marivel!!"  "Where are you!?"
Our voices echoed through the creepy
stonewall of the hallway.
"Waaaahh...!!"

Page 42
[A small crashing sound]
"Jack!?  Reese!?"
Marivel was there holding her forehead,
blinking her eyes in astonishment after
crashing and landing on her rear.

Red and Blue hovered next to her
holding a ladder.

Page 43
"Why did you come here on a risky
day like this!!"
Marivel was mad, with her long hair
brisked up.

"Canavan told us an avalanche was near."
"We thought you might not know and..."
"Barriers to stop avalanches are
standard issue for us Crimson Nobles
living for thousands of years!"

Page 44
"Th-That's true...
I'm sorry, Marivel..."
"I guess it was nothing for us to worry.
We're sorry..."

she stared at us with her face red
from anger.

Page 45
"What I am angry about is...
Why you two came all the way out
here putting yourselves at risk!"

Her red eyes, which glowed like
red flames, fixed on us as we
shrunk even further.

Page 46
"But...we were so worried..."
"Yeah...
We thought that if we lost you...
uhh...we got so scared and..."

"...Fools..."
Marivel said with a small voice.

Page 47
[Music change]
"Fools, both of you!!
Potato-heads even!!
On top of that, you're complete
and helpless nincompoops!"

Contrary to her words, her face
blushed red and looked away.

Page 48
Continuing to speak in a tiny voice,
"So there's no way but to...
guide you two myself...!!"

"Marivel!"
Reese and I faced each other and
then rushed to hug her together.


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77 Chapter 7: Reese and Violetta 77
77777777777777777777777777777777777

Page 1
"Man... I need some sleep."
Rubbing my eyes, I jumped out
into the sun.

We came to Slayheim by carriage to
cheer for Reese at the Violin Contest,
but...

"My internal clock is out of synch..."
Marivel, wearing a costume, also got
out of the carriage wobbling.

Page 2
"Are you two all right?"
Reese's deer-like eyes opened wide
with concern.
"Ahh, I'm all right.  Don't worry..."
Marivel waved her hands slightly.

Page 3
"You shouldn't have stayed up so late.
Please try to at least keep awake
when my turn comes around!"

"I told you not to worry..."
You're not too convincing when
you're about to get run over by
a carriage, Marivel.

Page 4
"This city is always so noisy.
It never changes."
Reese frowned as he supported
Marivel's back.
"My impression is a little different."

Page 5
When I think about my mother who
lives here, it pains my heart.
It makes me want to ask why my mother
abandoned us to live in this city.

"Really?  There's nothing good here.
I like Quartly a lot better."

"Maybe so... Oh, is that the concert
hall?"
"All right, let's go!"
Seeing Reese's face shine, I smirked.

Page 6
Shrugging my shoulders, I started to
follow him when I noticed Marivel
looking at me.

"What is it, Marivel?"
"Reese usually acts more mature than
you, but it's the opposite today.

That's why watching humans in their
growth period is fun," she said.
I didn't know how to answer her, but
I could predict the expression hidden
under her costume.  I hastened my feet.

Page 7
Finding Reese and Marivel after signing
in and dressing up, I called them over
to where I was saving them seats in
the waiting room.
Hey...?  Isn't she...

Page 8
"Violetta!"
The shoulders covered by a blue chiffon
turned back.

"Reese!?  Are you here for the contest?
Thi isn't an easy contest the likes
of you can win!"

Page 9
"You're still mad, right?  I'm sorry."
"Don't give me that false modesty!
You're just making fun of me aren't
you!?"
"No.  I wouldn't do such a thing."

Page 10
"Liar!
Like the time about the ribbon or...
I don't remember much about it, but...
about the day of the first snow..."

"That's not true..."
Glaring at Reese fumbling his words,
she got red up to her ears and yelled,
"That's enough!  I hate you!!"

Page 11
[Music change]
In the strangely tiring air,
Marivel opened her mouth.

"You're almost up."
"Yes... Oh?"
Standing up with the violin in
one hand, Reese looked around.

Page 12
"What's the matter?"
"My music scores are gone."
Reese turned pale and looked at Marivel.

"Did you look for it?"
"I know I placed it next to the violin."
We looked up at each other.

Page 13
"It's Violetta!  She took Reese's scores!"

"So she's the one!  I am at fault...
She never should have got away with it.
Reese, Jack and I will retrieve the
score.  You stay right here and wait."
Reese nodded, almost crying.

Page 14
"Shoot!  Where is she?"
We looked around the hall, but
she was no where in sight.

"The next performer is...
Mr. Reese Farlain..."
I bit into my lips at the announcement.
There's no time left!

"Er...What should we do, Jack!?"
"I'd like to know that, too!!"
At that moment, a carefree voice
called me from the back.

Page 15
"My, it's Jack!
How have you been?"

"Miss Anastasia!?"
She was wearing a dress with white
bubbled laces, standing with a violin
and a music score in her hands.
Seeing the scores, an idea raced
through my head!!

"That's it!  Marivel, Miss
Anastasia.  I need your help!"

Page 16
[Picture of Anastasia and Marivel in dresses]
After I explained it, Marivel put on
a wry face.
"Isn't that too flashy a performance?"

"Doesn't it suit your taste, Marivel?
All right, let's go with that plan."
Miss Anastasia said with a chuckle.

"I guess it will have to do.
We have no time left either."
"Okay, here we go!"
We dashed out of the waiting room and
ran towards the back row seats.

Page 17
Securing some space on the spot,
I took out the scores.  Trying to
remember my design drawings,
I frantically fold the papers up.

"The lights turned on, Jack!"
I caught Reese coming out at the
corner of my eyes.  He looked as
scared as a sacrificial lamb.

Page 18
"Marivel, Miss Anastasia, let it fly!"
"Leave it to me!!" "Roger!"
They started throwing the musical
score airplaines one after another
onto the stage!

The white planes flew steadily up
and then dived down onto the stage.

Page 19
Reese startled for a second, picked
them up and spread them open.  The
audience fell silent, not expecting
such a sight.

Page 20
In the midst of the silent hall,
Reese finished spreading all the
scores and readied his violin.

Tension ran through the hall.
After a moment, a decorous tone
flowed from the strings.  Feeling eased,
I fell back into the nearest seat.

Page 21
[Music change] [End picture]
"Sorry, Reese.  It's probably my fault
that you didn't get to win."
I apologized as the carriage clanked
its wheels.

"Uh-uh.  I'm happier for what you all
did for me than getting an award.
I'm really grateful."

Caressing the trophy he received as a
special award, he moved his eye on to
Marivel, sleeping quietly next to him,
and gently smiled.

Page 22
"But..."
"Don't mention it.
I'll make apple pie when we get
home, so let's celebrate then."

Page 23
"That's a good idea.  Let's send
one to Miss Anastasia, too."
Reese laughed at me as I recalled
the taste of pie in my head.

Page 24 [Music change]
"What's this?  You're telling me
that girl was kidnapped!?"
Marivel's loud voice resounds
through the quiet castle walls.

"On top of that, we were the ones
that guided the kidnapper to the
Bubka residence..."
"We didn't think a kidnap could
happen in this town..."

Page 25
In our regular meeting room, Reese
and I let out a big sigh.
"It's a heavy responsibility..."
"And besides, she's our classmate.
We want to help her out somehow."

Page 26
Marivel looked at us amused.
"You don't have any hard feeling
about the contest?"
"That doesn't matter!"
Reese bristled and his face turned red.
"I don't like holding grudges
for every little thing."

Page 27
"So, Marivel.
This thug wants Violetta's big
sis to carry the ransom to him."

"That smells like a dangerous trap..."
"Doesn't it!?  So we want to do
something about it."
"Hmmm..."

Marivel, who had her right hand to her
chin, looked up.  There was a mischievous
twinkle in both of her eyes.

Page 28
"How about this?  I'll go disguised as
Violetta's sister to the exchange site.
Then Red and Blue will come out and
capture the culprit."

Page 29
"I can't let you do something
that dangerous!"
"I think so too, Marivel.
Please think it over..."
"There nothing to worry.
Just believe in my powers."

Page 30
"I know how powerful you are, but
what if something happens to you?"
"Aah, that is enough!!"

Marivel stood up and banged the table.
"When I say it is all right,
it is all right!"

Page 31 [music change]
As we walked home silently, our shadows
were stretched long by the moonlight.
"Hey."  "Say."
We're congenial friends that even say
things simultaneously.

"You think so, too?"
"Of course I do.
If we go with Marivel's plan, it'll
make us look like chickens."
"You said it!  All right!"

Page 32
We planted ourselves down on a
nearby tree stump.
"First, the kidnapper will probably
underestimate us as kids so..."
Under the half moon, our rescue
plan meeting continued.

Page 33
[Picture of Jack and Reese dressed as girls confronting the thug]
"Um...I brought the ransom money."
Just as we planned, we switched with
Violetta's big sis and approached the
culprit using our best girl voice.

We shifted the time up from the time
we told Marivel.  Even so, this skirt
thingy is really hard to move.  It's
also because I'm hiding Canacan's
matchet that we secretly borrowed.

Page 34
"Good.  Now hand over the money."
"Wait!!  Release my sister first!"
Reese yelled with a trembling voice.
He's quite an actor.

Page 35
"Very well.  Move it."
Violetta was shoved out and came
running towards us, but stopped
surprised recognizing who we were.

"Are you all right, Violetta!?"
As we trotted up to her, her eyes
got even bigger.
"Y-Yes...but..."

Page 36
(Just keep quiet and hide behind us!)
Jeez, get with it will you...
She's a girl so I guess we can't
expect too much.

As I thought to myself, the culprit
approached us, clanking his spurred
boots.

Page 37
"Okay, hand me the money now."
"Y-Yes.  Here it is."
Reese hands out the bag of money.
I stealthily fingered the matchet through
the hole I cut out inside the pocket.

Page 38
"Ya know little missies, you look quite
cute for being a daughter of Bubka's?"
It's turning out just as we thought.
I looked over and nodded at Reese.
"Ya'll will sell for a hefty price."

Page 39
Now!!
I charged the back of the thug as
he gleefully fondled Reese's chin.
I took out the matchet at the same
time and pinned it at him as he
rolled on the ground.

Page 40
"Huh!?  You brat... What the hell!"
"Don't get any nearer than that...
or else!!"

Page 41
"Violetta, run away from here, now!!"
Reese yelled as he got in front of
her and covered her mouth.

"Okay!  I'll call papa for help!!"
Violetta gathered her courage and
started for town.

Page 42
"You stupid brats... How dare you ruin
my master plan!  You're gonna pay!!"

Wiping off his cut lip, he pulled out
a knife and stood up.  In the same
motion, he came charging towards us!

Page 43
No, I can't... I'm not ready to do
something that might kill a man!

It seems Reese had the same feeling
as we both stood frozen with a naked
blade in our hands.

Like a slow-motion film, the oily
face came closer and closer.

Page 44
Along with a great impact, we were
knocked into the ground head first.

"That was a bad stunt you pulled, brat!"
As my head spun around in circles, he
pulled his knife up above his head.
Darn it...!!

Page 45
[End picture]
As I closed my eyes a familiar voice
came into my ears.
"Qubeley!!"
Simultanenously with the voice, the
ground under the thug mounded up.

Page 46
[a loud drilling crashing]
The giant metallic pillar that grew
out of the ground opened its eyes.

"Hyaaa..!!"
A strong shock wave flared from its body
and it blew the culprit into the air.
I was stunned at the sight.

Page 47
I watched the culprit stagger
away, looking all beat up.
"It looks like I made it just in time."
From behind the metallic pillar arrived
Marivel in a jumpsuit, taking of a
semi-cracked pair of goggles from her head.

Page 48
"Marivel, what is this...?"
"It's an advanced golem that
incorporates Red and Blue into a
bigger and stronger frame.  Its name
is [Qubeley (test type)]."

After her explanation, she gave out
a short command.  Rumbling loudly,
Qubeley dove into the ground again.

Page 49
"If you've learned your lesson, you
are to never leave me behind again."
"Y-Yes, Marivel..."
We sank our heads in dejection.

Page 50
"You two were very brave though."
Marivel winked her eye and grinned.

"Really?"
"I am sure of it.
Although it would've been better if
we didn't let the culprit run away."

Page 51
"Marivel.  You noticed it, too?"
"Well, I was just regretting that
fact now..."

Then, we heard footsteps of several
people approaching.  Violetta adnd
Mr. Bubka had brought the sheriff along.

Page 52
When we told them that we lost the
criminal, Mr. Bubka and the sheriff
frowned for a moment, but Mr. Bubka
took our hands and thanked us.
"You've saved my daughter, heedless of
the danger.  Thank you, thank you."

We could tell how much he was worried
by his sweaty hands.  Smiling a little,
I looked behind me.

Page 53
Violetta was standing in front of
Marivel.
"I'm really sorry for...a lot of
things."
"Don't mind it.  I acted a little
immature as well."

Marivel smiled delicately.
"Next time, come to my castle,
all three of you."
Parting with the words, "I'll be waiting,"
she swiftly disappeared.


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88 Chapter 8: Spring Sonata 88
888888888888888888888888888888

Page 1
When I found it, only the name
"Clementine Beckson" gleamed out
at me from the ashes.

When was it that I learned that Grandma
burned the letters coming from my mom?
And when was it that realized that Mom
went away to live with a man in the
city, just as the villagers said?

Page 2
"Darn it...!"
I was awakened by my own voice.
To my annoyance, traces of tears
were on my face.

I no longer cry thinking about her
when I'm awake, but why is it that
my heart saddens so when I'm asleep.

Putting my thoughts away, I got dressed,
feeling irritated.

Page 3
"You're pretty late."
Violetta was already at the cabin
looking a little nervous.
Yup, today's the day we promised to
take Violetta to meet with Marivel.

Page 4
"Sorry.  Where's Reese?"
"He was making pudding to bring with us,
but... He was out of vanilla extracts
so he went into town to buy it."

"I wouldn't mind a little smell."
"(Teehee) Reese is a perfectionist."

Page 5
"You got that right," I said.  Then
I felt a small presence by the door.
"Something wrong, Jack?"
"I thought I heard a knock..."
We looked at each other's face.

Page 6
No one bold enough to come visit ol'
Canavan's cabin ever knocks.

"Yes, who is it?"
I was puzzled, but opened the door.

Page 7
"Good day."
A beautiful lady with green eyes and
black hair was standing in the doorway.
She seems very familiar...

"Hi.  Who are you?"
As I racked my brains thinking,
Violetta let off a cheer behind me.
"You're Ms. Kareena, I presume?
The pianist."

Page 8
As Violetta talked excitedly with a
higher than usual voice to Ms. Kareena,
I made some tea.

Page 9
I knew Reese's complex feelings, so I
hesitated in getting too social with
Ms. Kareena without him around.

"Here you go, ma'am."
The scent of apple tea rose up from
the steaming cup.

Page 10
"Excuse me."
As I listened into their conversation
quietly, Ms. Kareena addressed me.

Page 11
"You must be Reese's friend?
You wouldn't mind if I ask how he
is doing, would you?"
Her pretty face, resembling Reese's,
smiled tenderly.

"Of course.  He's really good at
violin, and even his grades..."
I answered haphazardly, not knowing
what I should be saying.

Page 12
"I'm relieved.  I haven't let him go
to school before, so I was a little
worried."
"And it looks like he has good friends,"
she added.

"Ah. y-yes..."
She looks...like the model mom type.
Feeling embarrassed, I strolled my eyes.

Page 13
[Music chage]
There was a small clatter at the door.
"Sorry!  I hope I didn't make you wait
too long."
Reese came running in out of breath.
Recognizing Ms. Kareena in the room,
his whole body tensed up.

Page 14
"Mother...why are you here?"
Responding to Reese's hoarse voice,
she stood up.

"Congratulations placing in the contest.
I heard your performance.  You've gotten
very good."

Page 15
"Thanks... So, I asked you once, but
what brings you here to this cabin?"
Reese returned a cold voice.

Page 16
"I'm here to take you with me.
If you intend to keep playing the
violin, it's better to join the band
now and get to know them."

"Eh..."
The bag slipped from his hands.
The breaking sounds of its contents
rang through the room.

Page 17
[Picture of Reese and Kareena yelling across the table, Jack behind, flustered]
"What's that all about!?"
"Reese.  Please listen to me."
Ms. Kareena said quietly.

"N-No... I don't want to!!  I..."
This was the first time I saw Reese so
infuriated.  I cursed my weak position,
not having any say in this situation.

Violetta was also looking wide-eyed,
not able to say anything.

Page 18
"Reese.
I'm sure what I did didn't come out
the right way, but I sent you here
because I thought that would be the
best for you."
"That's a lie...a lie...because..."

Page 19
Reese glared at Ms. Kareena like a
cornered, wounded beast.  His lips opened
and closed like a goldfish out of water.

"Did you really think that I don't
know anything...?"
What's he trying to say...?  Is it that!?

Page 20
"Reese, no!!"
But, I was a moment too late.
"Then what's with that gossip!"
Reese screamed out.

Page 21
"That gossip... Reese, you didn't."
I thought I heard Ms. Kareena's
blood flush down from her face.
"You've already forgotten about Father!
And...you thought I'll get in the way
of your new life!"

Page 22
[slapping sound]
A sharp sound was heard.
Reese's cheeks became red.
"You thought of me that way..."
uttered Ms. Kareena as she bit
into her lips.

I was concerned about Reese, but I
chased after Ms. Kareena as she
stepped out of the cabin.

Page 23
[End picture]
"Please wait!"
I called to stop her.
She turned around with a sad face, one
step away from breaking into tears.

"..."
There was something about the manner
when her back was turned that prevented
me from stopping her.  All I could do was
watch her walk away.  Then, I noticed a
silver locket on the ground.

Page 24
When I bent down to pick it up, the
springs of the locket were pretty worn
out and it opened up by itself.  There
was a little picture of Reese inside.

Reese, you don't know how lucky you are.
I grit my back teeth and went back to
the cabin.

Page 25
I showed the silver locket to Reese,
who was giving the cold shoulder to
Violetta as she tried to comfort him.
"Ms. Kareena dropped this.
Looks like she really holds you dearly."

Page 26
Reese slants his eye up with anger.
"That woman... I don't want to think of
her as my mother.  I'm even envious
that you don't have a mother."
My head went faint.

Page 27
When I came to, Reese was on the
ground in front of me.
"You disappoint me..."
There was a lot more things I wanted to
say, but they couldn't come out of me.

Not being able to stand it, I violently
opened the door and ran out.

Page 28
[Music change]
Oh, brother.  I was supposed to bring the
two back together, but I got into a
fight instead.  So much for that.

I sagged my shoulders and went up
the road to the castle.  This was not
something I can handle, so I thought
about discussing it with Marivel.

Page 29
"Jack!"
Violetta came running up next to me.

"I also gave him a hard word or two.
Say, you're going up to the castle,
right?"
"Yeah.  I'll introduce you to Marivel
as we promised."

Page 30
Going into the library, Marivel stood
up as she saw Violetta coming in and
greeted her politely.

Violetta returned the greeting in the
same fashion.  I guess it's a start,
after all they've gone through.
Convinced that things were okay
between the two, I quickly ran
down the situation to Marivel.

Page 31
"So Reese is being a little stubborn."
Marivel held her head after listening
to my story.

"In his heart he understands his
mother's feelings.  It's just that he
can't get himself to be honest and is
playing the baby.  Your situation is
similar to his, I suppose."

"Yes, I think so..."
Is that really so?  I shook my head.

Page 32
"I don't understand such a thing.
To be able to betray someone knowing
that they care about you.

That person might even get fed up with
the spoiled attitude and abandon them
for good."

Page 33
It was just a casual remark, but the
two fell awkwardly silent.

I did it...
Sighing, I tried to say an apology, but
they started apologizing to me first.

Page 34
"Aah, I must apologize for that, Jack."
"Yes, there's truth in your words, too."

It makes me feel more awkward when they
look so apologetic, but I couldn't say
such a thing.  I tried to laugh it off
and change the subject.
"For the meantime, let's think of a
plan to get the two back together."

Page 35
They put on a forced smile and nodded.
Sipping on her tea, Violetta opened her lips.

"How about the opposite of before...
I mean using the golem.  We'll make it
assault Reese and Ms. Kareena will
come to save him."

"That will be a dead giveaway..."
"I thought it was a good idea..."
Violetta frowned her lips.

Page 36
"I know.  How about we say that the
locket Jack has right now was lost.
It will get Reese to worry and to
feel that he's lost something dear."

"I think that's more of a prank..."
"Mmmmm."
Marivel tilts her head and points her lips.

Page 37
"I think it's better not to use any
cheap tricks."
"Then what are you saying we should do?"
Violetta blurts out, but Marivel smiled
in agreement.
"No, I think Jack has a point.  Reese
should have recovered his cool by now."

Page 38
"Okay, then let's go back to town.
If we don't hurry, Ms. Kareena will
be gone before we make up with Reese."
"You're right.  The snow is mostly
melted away so we'll take the anti-
gravity bike to town."

Page 39
The spring sundown brought a sweet smell
to the air.  We rode through this air
on the flying bike towards town.

But as we continued to seek a solution
to the problem, matters were taking a
sudden turn.

Page 40
"Hm?"
Marivel looked down at a point with
a suspicious frown.
"What's up?"
"It's Reese.  He's running with a
frantic look on his face."

Page 41
"What happened, Reese!"
Lowering the bike, Reese answered
while catching his breath.

"The guy that kidnapped Violetta
kidnapped my mother!  He wants to
take the money from her band...!"

Page 42
[Music change]
"What...!?  Is that for real, Reese!?"
I didn't expect real danger to come,
rather than the staged one we talked
about...
"Yes, I'm looking for him with my
uncle right now!"

Page 43
"And I thought I taught him a lesson!!"
Marivel got off of her bike and sat
down on the rear seat of mine and said,

"Reese, take the handle of that bike.
I will use all my powers to search
for the bandit."
Reese nodded and quickly got onto the bike.

Page 44
We paired up (Me+Marivel on the first,
Reese+Violetta on the second) on the
bike and started to chase at full speed.

"There he is, I found him!!"
At the place where Marivel pointed,
there was a man threatening Ms. Kareena
with an ARM in hand.

Page 45
"What do you think you're doing!?"
Reese yelled.  The man looked up,
surprised by the voice.  His face
slowly covered with the color of hatred.

Well, it's no miracle that he's mad,
being stopped by us kids every time.

But there was no time to think such
gibberish.  The man pulled out a pistol
and aimed the barrel at Reese.

Page 46
"Nooo!"
Kareena screamed and tackled the man.

Losing balance, he irritatingly smacked
his lips and kicked Ms. Kareena off.

Whoa... She could've been shot.

Page 47
Reese grit his teeth as I was awed
next to him.
"Darn it..."
Snarling unlikely words, Reese turned
to me with a decisive look.
"Jack, let's go!"

Page 48
"Roger that!"
Recognizing his intentions, I
returned a big nod.

Making a plan in the blink of an
eye, Reese charged from the rear,
and I charged from the front towards
the culprit.  The man's debased face
wrinkled in fear as we zoomed in.

"Go!!"
We called out in chorus and crossed
courses in proximity, almost brushing
the man's clothes.

Page 49
When the man sank down weakly, the
bike shook widely.  Marivel jumped
off of the rear seat and saying,
"You're done for!"
casts magic on the terrified man.

Violetta also got off at the same
time and ran up to Ms. Kareena.
We make a good team.

Page 50
[Music change]
[Picture of Reese, eyes closed and head slightly bowed]
We tied the man's wrists with
handkerchiefs chained together as the
man continued to snore in deep sleep.

"That's the end of it,"
said Marivel, brushing the dirt
off her sleeve.  But I shook my head.
"For us, that is."
With my hand stuck in my pocket,
I turned towards Reese.

Page 51
Nodding shortly, he stopped momentarily
and muttered as he looked down.

"Everyone, thank you for everything.
Jack...I'm sorry for what I said."
I smiled wryly at his apology.

Page 52
"You can keep that for later.
Hurry up and get over there."
Reese nodded and rushed over to
Ms. Kareena.  She smiled gently and
carefully brushed Reese's hair.

Page 53
The touching scene tabbed my heart
painfully.  I really hated that I
couldn't rejoice for them either.
Holding back my tears, I turned away.

Marivel showed a look of concern at me,
but...I can be forgiven, right?
Because Ms. Kareena was the image of
the mother that I always longed for.


999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99 Chapter 9: A Tale of Early Summer 99
999999999999999999999999999999999999999

Page 1
"Grandma, I'm home."
Huh?
The usual Radio 9 that runs at
this hour isn't on.  What gives?

"Grandma Dalia, are you there?"
Casually looking into the kitchen,
I dropped my pack in surprise.

Page 2
Grandma was in the kitchen, both hands
grasped and crying uncontrollably.  Her
bony hands held her white apron tightly.

"Grandma, what's wrong?"
"I-It's nothing, Jack."
Hurrying to her, Grandma hastily
shoved the white object in her hand into
her apron.  A rustling of paper was heard.

Page 3
"Grandma, is that..."
By intuition, I realized what it was.
It's a letter from Mom.  I won't let
you burn it this time!

Page 4
I grabbed the letter from Grandma's
hands and ran outside!!

"Jack!  Stop, you shan't read it!"
"I'm sorry, Grandma!"

I left Grandma in the dust (a fifty
year age difference is big) and ran
up the riverside road to the transporter.

Page 5
The Crimson Castle is colored red in
the afternoon sun.  I sat myself down
on the edge of the fountain in the
inner court.  Calming my breath down,
I tried to open the letter.

Page 6
"Oops."
Looks like the front and back of the
letter got stuck together because of
the sweat from gripping too hard.

Restraining myself from ripping the
thin paper, I carefully peeled open
the last crease of the letter.

Page 7
Okay.  That should do it.
Letting go the finger that opened the
letter, I nervously read what's inside.

"...!!"
I felt a hammering shock running
through my head!

Page 8
"Notice of death – Clementine Beckson."
The mechanically typed letter slipped
out of my hands.

"It's a lie...!"
I thought I screamed out loud...but my
tongue was tense and all that came out
was an indecipherable utterance.

Page 9
"Nooo...!"
An incredible amount of various
emotions invaded my whole head.

"Darn it, darn it...what have I...no..."
Repeatedly cursing to something or
anything at all, I falteringly
walked inside the castle.

Page 10
"..."
Upon reaching the usual room, I opened
the cupboard.  Holding back my pulsation
and suffocation, I pulled out the design
plans of all the planes I've made.

There were more than what two hands
could carry and it made me feel
miserable.

Page 11
[sound of running water]
Returning back to the fountain,
I violently slammed the load down.
Placing dried branches on top of it,
I twisted a plan sheet to make a fuse.

Page 12
Strangely, I felt no grief or sorrow.
A very pure and lucid feeling filled
inside of me.

"Farewell, Mom."
I took out a match from my back
pocket and lit it.  I moved the
fuse up to the small fire.

Page 13
But at that moment, a white arm
extended to stop my right hand.

Turning back, Marivel was standing
with a calm complexion.

Page 14
[Picture of Marivel and Jack at the fountain]
"Let me go."
"No, I won't."
"I said let go!!"
I yelled as my voice turned
into a snuffle.

"No, I won't."
Just as the red match flame burned
out, my emotions snapped.

Page 15
"I can't stand it... There's no more
use to any of this!"
Yelling, I slammed my palms down
on the ground.

"What are you doing?"
She shook as she tried to stop me.
"These hands!  They're so powerless!
Even in the end, I couldn't hold
Mom back!"

I was left behind, just like when
Mom went away.  The same way..."
The last part didn't come out.

Page 16
[Music change]
Marivel came by my side in silence.
"Your hands are not powerless."
She was looking at me with a kind face.

Page 17
"Come, don't cry so much.  You're a man."
She opened my hands that I gripped so
tight, the nails almost dug in.

And then she wrapped my muddy hands
with her own hands.
"Jog your memories...
You've accomplished much with these
hands, haven't you?"

Page 18
"The way you folded the paper airplanes
at Reese's violin contest.  Saving
Violetta from the kidnapper.  You did
all this with your own hands..."

"See?" Marivel smiled as she looked
into my eyes.

Page 19
"I know it's hard to be left behind,
but don't blame yourself for it..."

She spoke as if half of it was aimed at
herself.  I looked up and felt my eyes
get heavy with tears again.

But these tears were different from
the one before.
Actually, I already realized it.  That
my dream of one day making an airplane,
regardless of what started it, had
deeply rooted itself into my heart.

Page 20
"Yes.  I'll...do it for myself, not for
someone else.  To fly the sky for
my own dreams."

"That's the spirit."
Handing me a handkerchief, smelling of
sweet pansy perfume, she smiled the
most beautiful smile.

Page 21
[End of running water sound]
"Next time I'm going to attach a
simple motor to the craft."

I said as I stuck my leg into the
transporter.
"That sounds interesting."
Marivel smiled behind the rising curtain
of light with her hands crossed.

Page 22
[Sound of the transporter]
"Okay then, I'll see you tomorrow."
"I'll be waiting."
The transporter activated.

Even after I reached town, I felt the
sweet scent of pansy flowing from
the transporter.

Page 23
[End picture] [Music change]
Today was an unusually hot and muggy day.
"It sure is summer already," muttering
the obvious like Grandma, I pulled on
my shirt as I went outside.

Drawing water from the well into the
watering pot, I was watering the half
shriveled rosebay when I heard a light
metal crank.

Page 24
"Jack!"
Wearing a flower patterned dress, Violetta
was waiving he hands from a bicycle.

"Hi Violetta!  What's up?"
"You know, we're having a party tonight
at my house.  It's my big sister's
birthday, but I wanted you to come as
part of my saying thanks to you."
Tilting her head as she asked, I
raised the watering pot.

Page 25
"You've got good food, right?  I'm there!
Can I invite Reese and Marivel, too?"
"Of course.  I was going to ask you
to do just that."

Violetta laughed and went back up
the road after a short goodbye.
I guess she's still too embarrassed
to invite them herself.  Is it a girl's
way of thinking?

Page 26
Oops, no time for deep thinking.
Since I live clean but poorly (another
sad story), I don't have any decent
clothes.  I'll have to go borrow some
from Marivel.

I threw the watering pot back and ran
off to tell the others about the party.

[sound of running footsteps]
Page 27
"Hm, it's good to air my dresses
sometimes."
Doing her hair up into a ball (she said
it's to hide her pointy ears), Marivel
wore a simple, blue sleeveless dress
and had a wine glass in one hand.

Page 28
"Good for you.  It's not for me though..."
Wearing the outfit that I absolutely
wanted to refrain from (a bow tie and
shorts), I munched on the smoked salmon
on rye what crackers.

"Don't be so sulky.  It fits you well!"
"I rather have you say I don't."
"Jack, do you hate it that much?"

Page 29
"Lucky for you, Reese.
You're wearing a tuxedo..."
"You say that, but if I wear shorts,
it will fit me so well that you'll
get disgusted."

"You have a point there, but..."
"You two, Mr. Bubka's greeting
is about to start."
"I guess I'll listen since he invited us."

"How admirable, Reese."
Answering listlessly, I at least
looked towards the stage.

Page 30
Mr. Bubka wiggled his large body up
to the stage and cleared his throat.
Not betraying his appearance, he
spoke out with a thickly voice.

"Ahem.  Everyone.  We are honored
to have you all gathered here tonight
for my daughter's birthday.  Please enjoy
yourselves to your heart's content."

"Doing so will become a memory of her
"Happy Birthday" when she grows into an
adult and act as the seeds of kindness
towards all."

Page 31
Hmm... He says some nice things.
"I don't want to bore you with a long
speech.  Everyone please hold your
glasses up.  Cheers!"
A boisterous chant was raised.  Pleasant
clinking sounds echoed everywhere.

Page 32
[walking footsteps]
"You're here!"
With a flower in her lightly curled
hair, Violetta walked up to us.

"I gratefully accept your invitation."
Violetta looked surprised by Marivel's
archaic manner.

Page 33
"Yes, ah, I'm honored to have you here."
Her words came out a little awkward
following up to the archaic speech,
so we unconsciously laughed.
"Wh-What's so funny!?"
Violetta slashed out, looking a
little embarrassed.

Page 34
Reese calmly parried her.
"Sorry.  I'll play the violin
with you to make up for it."

"Huh?"
"You have the piano out, right?
Or, did you not want to play with me?"

Page 35
[Picture of Reese in a tux playing violin, and Violetta at the piano]
"I-It's not that, but...are you sure?"
Reese smiled gently at Violetta, who
was now bright red.

"Of course.  I love your piano."
"Ah, a, thank you...,"
said Violetta in a small voice as
she smiled like a blossoming flower.

I-It's getting awfully hot here...
Marivel and I exchanged glances and
went out to the terrace to cool off.

Page 36
[Music change]
"Oh, boy, that Reese.
He's got talent as a player."
I griped and rested my chin in my hands
on the rail.  Marivel twirled her long
skirt around towards me.  There was
an impish smile on her white face.

Page 37
"Don't be so jealous.
You'll find a good girl in due time."
"It's nothing like that..."

I couldn't dare say that I felt sad that
Reese is growing up faster than me.

Page 38
"There's no reason to rush and
become an adult, is there?"
"...!"
Startled by her words, I found Marivel
looking at me with a mysterious color
in her eyes.

"Sorry..."
"It's all right.
I'm used to being left behind."
She tried to act strong, but the air of
sadness coming from her was so painful,
I walked away towards a small shadow.

Page 39
The sonata of Reese's and Violetta's
duet flowed from the windows.
"Doesn't this remind you of something?"
"Aha.
It's very similar to the night I was on
the terrace watching the moon, when
you came in and broke the silence."

"That's right.  It seems like it happened years
ago, but it hasn't even been one year yet."
"There were a lot of things since then..."
Marivel narrowed her eyes and looked up
at the night.

Page 40
[End picture]
"Something smells really nice."
"It's the smell of black lilies.
The season's already come."
"Ahh, it's a wonderful scent... Hmm?"
Marivem turned around swinging her
wound hair.

"What is it?"
"Jack, look up there."
Looking up at the sky there was a
flashing star that surely didn't
exist yesterday.
"Was a new star born?"

Page 41
"No.  It's the light of a dying star..."
"That's sad that a star is at its
most beautiful when it's dying."
"But new stars are born from them
as well."

"Hmmm... That's very romantic."
Surrounded by the smell of flowers, we
stood there just watching the blue moon.


00000000000000000000000000000000000000
00 Chapter 10: The Day the Sky Fell 00
00000000000000000000000000000000000000

Page 1
"That new star sure is pretty.
I can't wait for Marivel to show
us through her telescope."

Carrying the bucket filled with bait,
Reese, dressed in summer clothes,
raised his arm.

Page 2
"Yeah.  I wonder if Marivel's costume
is dry by now."
I laughed as I recalled the sight
of her falling into the water.

"I don't know about that, but Violetta
and Marivel should be waiting.
Let's hurry up."

Page 3
The black roofs of the Bubka Mansion
loomed out of the orange sky.  Marivel's
costume was put out to dry on the
balcony of Violetta's room.

We asked the maid at the doorway to
tell the two we arrived.

Page 4
We leaned against the brick wall and
waited for them.  After a while, Violetta
came down dressed in a white-laced
summer dress accompanied by Marivel,
dressed in a delicately embroidered
red dress.

Page 5
"Costumes do not dry well.  I must
admit it was rather careless of me."
But the fishing was fun, added Marivel
as she sagged her head down.

Page 6
"Well... Summer's just begun so let's
go fishing again when the costume is
dried up."
"He's right.  By the way, that dress
looks really good on you, Marivel.
Did Violetta arrange that for you?"

"Yes.  It's my big sister's dress, but
it contrasts well with her white skin."

Page 7
"Of course it does.  I belong to a race
of beauty!"
It's good that she's back in a good
mood, but she's such a queen.

"Then milady, the sun has fallen.  Shall
we start for our new star observation
party?"
I said as I shrugged my shoulders.
Marivel snuffed shortly and said,
"All right, everyone.  Are we ready?"

Page 8
[Music change]
We helped Red and Blue carry the
telescope into the inner court.

"Hand that to me."
Marivel peeked into the eyepiece and
adjusted the fine adjustment dial.
Then, she gasped one big breath.

Page 9
[Picture of Marivel in a fancy dress with long gloves]
"What is it?"
She had an unusually serious face.

"Ahh, it's nothing...
The telescope is set on the new star.
Go ahead and look as much as you like."
Saying that, Marivel say down on the
edge of the fountain.

Page 10
"Uh, yeah..."
Feeling perplexed, we nodded and
took turns peeking into the lens.
"It's a beautiful light..."
"Yeah..."
Reese and Violetta smiled at each other.

I quietly snuck away trying not to bother
the two and say next to Marivel.

Page 11
Marivel was touching the embroidery with
her fingertips when she looked up and
noticed me.

"Jack, how is the aircraft coming?"
"Huh?  Yeah, the motor works great
on my new craft."
Her sudden question surprised me,
but I answered casually.

Page 12
"I see... Jack.
Do you remember what we promised?"
"Of course I do.
That's one of my biggest motivations."

"I'm glad if it is..."
"What's wrong?  You don't seem to be
yourself today."

Page 13
"It's nothing..."
said Marivel, as she combed her long
blonde hair.

"It's...probably just my imagination."
"Is there something troubling you?
I'll do anything if I can help."

"I'm thankful if you say so,"
She dusted herself off and stood up.

Page 14
"It's late now.  Everyone, go home for
tonight."
Her shadowy expression bothered me,
but I didn't want to trouble Marivel
so we left the Crimson Castle.

Page 15
[Music change] [End picture]
The swallow, nesting on the window roof
of the music room, flew by the window.
Watching the evening primrose waving
in the wind, I suppressed a yawn.

Ahh, it's a great day.
Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I looked in
the direction of Marivel's castle.

Page 16
[A motor sound]
Huh...?
I saw an out-of-season sand cloud
on the outskirts of town.

It came closer and closer to town
along with a small shadow inside.
I only know one such vehicle.

Page 17
[Music change]
(Marivel's anti-gravity bike?)

It can't be.  It's the middle of the day!
Even her costume is still at Violetta's
place...
Wiping the sweat off of my forehead,
I squint my eyes to look more closely.

Page 18
"...!!"
Two small round objects followed
right behind her.  Her long blonde
hair blinked in the sunlight.

Page 19
A rolling of a pencil ringed
inside a quiet classroom.

"It's really Marivel!"
"Jack, what is the matter!?"
Ignoring the teacher's call, I opened
the door and ran out into the courtyard!

Page 20
[quick footsteps]
"Marivel!"
Seeing her burnt red skin, I ran
out of words.

I lent her my shoulder and led her
to the shade of a tree.  Red and Blue
circled above her worriedly as she
laid down on her back.

"Ouch..."
Marivel's face crinkled in pain.
Looks like the cloth of the dress
rubbed against her burnt skin.

Page 21
"Uh, s-sorry!!"
"Don't worry..."
Beads of sweat form on her forehead,
but she managed to answer me.

When I laid her down trying to comfort
her, Reese and Violetta finally came
out into the courtyard.

As each of us laid words trying to
comfort her, Marivel glanced over
us with a strange and kindly face.
For some reason, I felt my heart freeze.

Page 22
She licked her cracked lips, looked
squarely into my eyes and said,
"Listen to me closely... That new star
is a large meteor... According to my
measurements... It's going to hit this
town around midnight..."
"Wh-What did you say!?"

Page 23
Somewhere, a skylark flew up and let off
a big chirp.  The sun flared white in our
eyes and the same lazy shine illuminated
the day.

Page 24
[Music change]
Taking over the broadcast room, we
looked at the townspeople gathered
in the courtyard under the afternoon
sun and sighed.

"Looks like no one believes us..."
"Ms. Dalia and my uncle are trying
to rally them, but..."
"Ohh, what are we supposed to do!?"
As I flustered around, Reese raised
his voice in surprise.

Page 25
"Jack!  Mr. Bubka's here!!"
Pinning our noses to the window,
Mr. Bubka faced the townspeople.

Violetta turned pale and ran towards
Mr. Bubka, but she's too late!

Page 26
As we watched holding our breaths,
Mr. Bubka got onto the stand.
With his thickly voice, he announced,
"I believe in what my daughter said.
So..."

Pausing his words, he glanced over
everyone's face.
"Everyone, can you help me take all my
riches to the mountain?  If there really
is a monster at the castle, I will give
you all the money that you helped carry."

Page 27
[chattering]
When he finished his words, a commotion
ran through the people.

The townspeople gathered around
Mr. Bubka like wolves.
"Mr. Bubka, are you sure of that?"
"Yes.  I promised in front of this many
people.  I, Bubka, never break promises."

Page 28
Mr. Bubka nodded deeply.  Then one by
one, the people went inside Mr. Bubka's
house.

Watching everyone greedily carrying out
all the valuable that they can carry,
Violetta sighed.

Page 29
"Thank you, papa."
"Hmph.  I just wanted to guard my
precious treasures."
"But...I'm so proud of you.
You were so wonderful."

Looking down at Violetta through his
sunglasses, he dropped the ashes of
his cigar and said embarrassingly,
"There's no time to be saying such
things.  We have to get to the ruins,
too!"

Page 30
Gathering the people (surprised to see
a magnificent castle thought to be in
ruins), we went into the great hall.

"Is a meteor really going to fall?"
A man, who was walking around nervously
at the well-appointed room, pointed his
finger at me.

"Yeah, it'll come."
I crossed my arms and looked back at
him.
"We've been listening to Dalia's radio,
but there's been no such news."

Page 31
He's right about the radio.  It's been
left on, thinking that it might tell us
something, but so far it's only playing
the normal radio program.

"Hey sonny, you haven't been seduced by
that blood-sucking monster that's said
to live here?"

Page 32
A wave of fear arouse among the people
as they heard what he said.

"Yeah.
Otherwise there's no way any old ruin
can turn into such a great castle.
This must be an evil contraption."

"Hmm... It may be smarter if we go back."

Page 33
"Wh-What should we do?  Jack?"
"Personally, I'd rather just leave the
guys who want to leave on their own..."

But I know I'll regret it if I allow
them to do that.
"Darn... Hey, Reese.  How about we get
Marivel to forcefully seal the gates?"
"They'll panic if we do such a thing."

"You're right about that..."
The confusion kept spreading as we
tried to come up with a solution.

Page 34
[music change]
Right then, the beautiful melody
of a piano played on the radio.
Reese sprang his face up.
"Mother..."

On top of the flowing melody, the DJ
announced,
"Today's guest on Radio 9 is
Ms. Kareena Farlain.
The song title is,
A Sonata for an Early Summer Night."

Page 35
Reese nods once and took out his bow and
violin.  An ensemble of piano and violin
resounds through the great hall.

Like the disappearing of shadows in the
morning sun, the people stopped their
talking and listened in to the two's
intertwining melodies.

Page 36
Rubbing my chest down in relief, someone
pulled on my sleeve.  Glancing back, it
was Violetta who had taken Marivel up to
her chambers.

"Jack... Marivel wants to talk to you."
"Okay, thanks."
I walked quietly out of the great hall.

Page 37
[music change]
[picture of Jack beside Marivel in her coffin]
Laying inside her coffin covered with
velvet, Marivel looked smaller than
ever before.
"Marivel..."
She quietly laughed as I called her
name timidly.

"There are two things I need to ask
of you..."
I grasped her hands as she added,
"Will you do it for me?"

Page 38
"The first one is to contact Anastasia,
who's in the neighboring town and...
inform her of the situation and request
for help.  She is the daughter of a
minor nobleman.  She will be of help
for sure."

"I got it.  The shortwave radio."
"That's correct.  Red and Blue will
tell you how to use it."

Page 39
Marivel's chest heaved up and coughed.
"Marivel!"
"No worries, I will not die.
It's just that I burnt too much skin."

"Are you really, really sure!?"
"Aye.  But I must go into deep,
deep sleep for a while..."

Page 40
"Don't give me such a face, Jack.
Will you listen to my other wish?"
She looked satisfied as I nodded
up and down.

"My other wish is...that you will
not break our promise.  You may use
the fruits of my research of the
Emma Motor as you will."

Page 41
"Emma Motor?"

"It's one of the lost technologies.
It works by returning a higher
output energy than its input energy.
It should serve useful for your plane..."

Page 42
"Thank you.  I'll put it to good use."
"Truthfully, I wanted to solve its
mystery with you before..."
Marivel laughed weakly for a moment,
but quickly went back to a serious face.

Page 43
"This is the first time I'm on the
side of leaving someone behind...
Jack, now I understand your sadness."
Marivel held my hands and whispered.

"It's strange... I am not afraid of the
falling darkness, but your pain makes
my heart sorrow."

Page 44
"Don't say such an ominous thing!!
Are you going to break our promise
of our first flight!?"
Scared and agonized, I grabbed her
hands and yelled.

Page 45
"Jack...I..."
With trembling fingers, Marivel pulled
my hand close.  My eyes blurred from the
tears as an ear-shattering roar came
falling from the sky.
And then she,

"..."
Her mouth moved faintly.
Not able to hear it, I pulled my
ear closer when...

Page 46
[a crash]
..the white light colored the world.


FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
FF Final Chapter: Seven Years Later FF
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

Page 1
The fountain I rested on contained the
same clear water as it did that day.

Under the setting sun, I planted my
elbow and looked up at the sky.
"You know, I gotta admire myself."
I talked to myself, remembering all
the events of the last seven years.

Page 2
"Jack, the final check is okay...
Hey, you're still shooting the breeze!?"

"Oops, sorry 'bout that.
Okay, I'll be going up now."
Waving to my assistant, I stood up
with a little wobble.

Page 3
[steps]
I steeped inside the castle.
The cold and dry air surrounded me.

"Everything's the same."
The commotion in the inner court seems
like a different world.  Talking to
myself, I walked down the spiral
stairs to Marivel's chambers.

Page 4
Just like before, Red and Blue guaded
her doors.  They opened their eyes at
the sound of my footsteps.

"Long time no see."
When I called them, they glanced at
each other as if in discussion and
stepped back from the door.

I took a deep breath and fixed my hair.
And then I opened the door.

Page 5
(What if she's not there...)
I shook the stray thought out of my
head and took the lid off the coffin.
There she was...
Just as I saw her last, she laid
there with her eyes closed.

Page 6
"Marivel..."
I called her name so nervously
that I almost made myself laugh.

"Mmmmmm..."
Her eyelids quivered and then her sweet
red eyes appeared.  I peeked into her
eyes, still a little unfocused.

"Good morning."
Slowly, her eyes regained a soft light.

Page 7
[Music change]
"Hahah...you're earlier than I expected."
Marivel sat up and smiled as she added
that she expected I'd be a grandpa.

Page 8
"Thanks to the Emma Motor."
As I winked at her, Marivel bent
her lips, looking a little sour.
"You've grown mighty big...
Sit down, you're tiring my neck."

"Oh, sure."
Sitting down as told, she stood up.

Page 9
While Marivel stood in front of the
mirror to brush her hair, I told her
everything that happened til now.

About Canavan and Grandma getting
married (remarried for Grandma), but
that they had gone away.  About Reese
and his mother putting out a record
together that sold really well.
About Mr. Bubka becoming mayor and
successfully rebuilding Quartly.

Page 10
"So what about Reese and Violetta?"
"Those two...are the same as always.
They're in the inner court right now
so it's better to see for yourself."

"I can't wait to see them."
Marivel, who had a ribbon tied,
smiled inside the mirror.

Page 11
"Aren't you cold?"
Her small shoulders shivered as
she walked up the spiral stairs.

"Ah, well, yes I am.
The season has changed since
I started sleeping."
"Then, put this jacket over you."
I took my jacket off and handed it to her.

Page 12
[a thud]
"It reeks of smoke.  And it's
way too baggy for me."
Marivel wrinkled her nose.
"You used to be small enough
to disguise as a girl."
"Don't remind me of that one..."

Page 13
[Picture of Marivel with Jack, with Violetta and Reese in front of them]
Coming up to the inner court, Reese
and Violetta came running to us.
"Long time no see, Marivel!!"

"Oh, oh.  You two look well."
"You too, Marivel.  You're the epitome
of beauty as ever."
Violetta laughed with red lipstick on her lips.

"Violetta, you've become a fair lady."
"Thanks, Marivel.
I was thinking I've gotten a little
attractive myself."
"Reese doesn't seem to have changed
much, though."

Page 14
Surely, his good looks like a cameo
actor haven't changed, and his build
is thin as or thinner than that of
Violetta's.

"Reese has such an economic body.
He never gets fat no matter how
much I feed him."
I feel I'm getting fatter in his place,
added Violetta as she bent her brows.

"Eating as much as you do, anyone
would get fat."
Reese answered leisurely and laughed.

Page 15
"You two haven't changed.  Are you
two living together now?"
"Yah.  Both of us out of volunteer
spirit, right?"
Reese answered for Violetta, who
turned all red.

Page 16
"By the way, Jack.
Shouldn't you be going now?
Your assistant has been
minding the clock."

It's all over when you get an easygoing
guy like Reese minding your time.
"Uh, yeah.  I guess so."
Getting on from the pilot side, I lent
my hand to Marivel, who was getting on
from the other side.

Page 17
"Oh, yes.  I almost forgot.
I've baked you some apple pie.
Please eat in the air if you
have the luxury."

Checking the meters, Reese poked his
head into the window and handed us a
nice smelling box.

"Thanks.  It's been a long time
since I had your apple pie."
"I appreciate your wonderful in-flight meal."
"You're very welcome."
Shaking hands with Marivel, the
two stepped back from the plane.

Page 18
"Please be careful."
"I'll be praying for your safe return."
Replying back to the waving two
with a military salute, I closed
the windshield.

Page 19
[a motor running]
[End picture]
Going through the final check list,
I opened my mouth and asked,
"So, Marivel.  I've been meaning to ask
you this for a long time, but...
When that meteorite fell, what did
you say to me?"

"You remembered..."
When I returned, "Of course," Marivel
turned to the window.  Her blushed red
cheeks reflected in the glass.

Page 20
"Just forget about such a thing."
"No I won't.  It's been on my mind for
seven years.  Pretty please.  I beg you."
"You've become quite ill-natured..."

Page 21
"You think so?"
Confirming that the machine condition
turned out all green, I flipped the
switches one by one.

Putting on the goggles I handed her,
she pouted her lips and muttered.
(Don't you have any self-consciousness?)

"Do you really want to know?"
I nodded to the eyes behind the goggles.

Page 22
"I said that I'm glad that we were
friends."
"Whaaat?"
Her eyes caught me as I blinked my eyes.

"I am glad that we were friends and
I am proud of it.  That's what I said."

Marivel grumbled (don't make me say
such things), but I couldn't help myself
from grinning uncontrollably.

Page 23
"Say, friend.  Will you pull this
level with me?"
I put my hand on the control stick
and urge Marivel to do the same.
She turned round-eyed for a second,
but soon softened her gaze.

"Very well.  Let us pull together."
Marivel's cold hand wrapped over mine.
Synchronizing our breaths, we start
the count down.
"Three two, one..."

Page 24
[motor sound fades away and sound of the aircraft taking off]
"Take off!!"
Our flying machine blasted off with an
explosive sound into the sky of the
evening star!

[End]

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