As Nami's turn proceeded after mine, I saw the large exchange of people waiting behind us.
From here on out, it was going to be an adult discussion about our current situation. The adults were going to check up on crop growth, the situation of the caravan's goods, and most importantly, our everyday life.
What we were doing was simply just house-play. Even if we were [Incarnations of God], it was just a meaningless title given to us.
Still. Everyone shows their gratitude towards us.
Therefore, the title [Incarnate of God] was given to us.
If we didn't accept that name, we wouldn't be able to exist.
Nami and I don't have parents. Ten years ago, when we were only five, our mother passed away to hirusho.
Ever since then, I've been living in a large house, living with a family that I wasn't a part of. As a spiritual entity valuable to the town, I was given preferential treatment.
I've understood that all this time. I knew we couldn't survive simply as Nagi and Nami. That's why we are [Incarnates of God].
After the meeting was adjourned, I felt uneasy. That feeling crept up my spine, sending shivers down my body.
The opposite could be seen in Nami. She stood with the same accepting, kind face that had watched over me for the past years. If not, I wouldn't have gone through the trouble of accepting the prophecy.
Nami has been like this since forever. Accepting the role as an [Incarnate of God], she responsibly complied with her duties without complaint. Although we may look identical, we are quite different in multiple aspects.
Folding the carpet used as the rug for the meeting, I inquired about the topics I heard.
"Nami, before the ceremony, what did they mean by 'A big change that'll reverse the prophecy?'"
"Well, I was thinking that the dry season would end, so the rainy season would come.
"It's quite similar, to be honest."
"There's nothing wrong with that. It's just a fortune-teller. If everyone lightens up even just by a little, then that's fine."
Nami's expression darkened.
"It's because what we can do isn't much."
"… … That's right. Sorry."
There is nothing special in store for us. Even our fate, dictated by the Tarot cards don't give us a positive response. If I can't figure out what to do about the "big change," I can't do it even if I tried.
The drawing of the "tower" on the card I imagined was replaced by the blurry picture of a shuttle launch station no longer in service.
The [Tower of Hope] once abandoned by the people of the Earth that ceased to provide us with faith.
Me, Nagi, the people of the town. Everyone alike was left behind by that desolated star.
"Oya? Nagi-sama, Nami-sama!"
As I heard the voice, I immediatel attempted to leave. I failed as I was caught from behind.
A tall, familiar voice that made my heart miss a beat.
Nami turned back and responded with a smile.
"Oh, Aya. Hello."
Aya was a woman exceeding Nami and I in ten years of age, whom I deeply admired. As a child, I recall having many fun memories with Aya. Beautiful and gentle, she looked at both of us.
However——
"The day is coming up soon, is it not? How do you feel?"
As Nami asked, Aya put her hand her her plump, round belly and smiled softly…
"Thanks to you, everything is doing well. Would you like to touch the baby?"
"Please allow me to do so as well."
Shan, went the bell as Kou-san stood next to Aya.
The father of the child in the stomach glanced at Aya, smiling softly as well. Unbeknowst to me, I realized that they were the parents.
Pain spread throughout the entirety of my chest.
Kou straightened up and looked at me gently. I understood the situation and was strongly annoyed with myself.
Nami slowly placed her palm around the circumference of the belly with a facial expression I couldn't bear.
"Well, the child is very healthy. My tummy moves every once in a while. I definitely must go out soon. I pray that this child will be able to explore this wonderful world. May the moon place it's protection among us."
After saying so, Nami's eye met mine. I finally reached the fearsome side of the moon.
"… … Take care of the sun."
Speaking in a weird way, I felt this weird feeling in my chest, and was nervous. My hands were trembling, and my throat felt horse, unable to speak properly.
What on Earth are you doing! Touching the belly holding the child of another man!
Sometimes, I wonder. Why wasn't I born with the body of a regular man? Why did I have to be born as some freak, some incomplete human being?
If that's how it is, then I knew nothing at the start, which is how I feel right now.
I will never be able to have a reproductive function, nor will I be able to find a beloved. Along with Nami, I will live my life as an [Incarnation of God] until I die.
I feel so empty inside.
The couple that looked so very happy together thanked us, and parted.
The sound of the bell becomes distant. Perhaps Kou will return to his wagon car parked outside of town, and will continue his business of bringing supplies.
Immediately after, the man will leave his precious wife and leave town.
No. No, it covered that —— traitor's —— back.
"Nagi, what's wrong?"
Nami's voice brought me back to reality.
"Nothing. It's nothing."
I couldn't create a bad mood. I kept my feelings to myself, frustrated.
"Right now, is it important for those feelings to be heard?"
"Huh? It's just about touching Aya's belly."
Disregarding the strange look on Nami's face, I continued.
"Whatever we do will eventually become meaningless in the future. It's better for people like us to rely on birth."
"Although we have the name [Incarnation of God], we can't even control our lives.”
We have no special power.
Nami, who had been silent during my confession, smiled and looked directly into my eyes face to face. And with a firm tone, she said,
"Hey, Nagi? Even if there is no way for you to become human, I'd like for us to pray for the safety of Aya and her baby. At least there should be some meaning in having hope."