Story by: Yajima Sara.
Translated by: Matcha.
Prologue
８
It seems like I've been here a long time, standing motionless. Alone.
"No, it's not cold..." I answer, looking down at the stuffed animal in my arms, one my brother chose for me--
If I hug it more tightly, will I become warmer? Just like when my brother hugs me...?
I'm five years old. Or maybe about... five years and ten days. The stuffed animal my brother bought for me on his way home from Daath was a birthday present. It has an odd face for a rabbit, but it is still very cute and is like a friend to me. My stuffed animal friends will help me keep on waiting for my brother as long as I need to.
But is that really it? Am I really just waiting for my brother?
I've always, always been waiting. I am always, always waiting. The truth is that I've been waiting in hope of seeing someone just once more.
１０
I hadn't been hugging a stuffed animal at all; I had been hugging myself, and I know, my brother will never come home. I gaze out the window, trying to escape the reality surrounding me. Outside is the selenia garden my five year old self was just sitting in.
１１
I just turned five years old today.
"Gailardia, you mustn't get them dirty!" I remembered my sister's words on the way back to the manor. I can't remember why I had even gone out, but anyway, I had to get back.
I kept running and realized something was off. Not a single person was there. Though nothing else about Hod had changed, it was enveloped in perfect silence.
It was frightening.
１２
"Mother? Mary? Father!?" I yelled like a mad man before running back out into the empty city.
When I came to, I was no longer on Hod. I... I was searching. Even now, I'm still searching. I have to find--!
My eyes opened right when I was about to scream the name of someone who was not a family member. My throat's really dry. I probably wasn't actually yelling. His name has dried up on the tip of my tongue; I can't say it.
I have to open the window, have to call for him. And one day, as soon as possible, I have to see him again and smile.
１３
Chapter One
１６
"Jessie... Thank you for everything until now. I am... indebted to you."
Jessie Talbath held the hands of Falmiliarica Satys Fende, who lay prone on a bed, with tears in her eyes. The pregnant woman had done her best since the fall of Hod. Though she had safely given birth to her daughter, she had been pushed to her limits, and from her expression, it was clear she did not have much longer.
"Yes, Mother."
"One day... when you think the time is right, please... give this to Mystearica..."
"I will."
Seeing Milia's weak smile, Van clenched his teeth.
１７
"Vandesdelca," Milia interrupted her son, "your father fought bravely alongside the House of Gardios. I'm sure he is no longer alive. But you... Live thinking only of the things to come, and... please, don't blame yourself."
"Promise me that you'll protect Mystearica. That the two of you will... be happy..."
"Vandesdelca... your power..."
Jessie buried her face in her hands, then glanced at Van once with red eyes.
At that moment, a baby's cry could be heard from the next room. Mystearica was crying.
"I'm waiting for Luke..." Tear Grants spoke to herself, repeating the words in her heart aloud.
"Luke..." Suddenly afraid of his name leaving her lips and disappearing into the night, Tear lifted her fingers and covered her mouth.
２０
Tear searched deep into her memories.
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