A Boda of New Beginnings for a Once Wandering Heart Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Lennox: Al, if you don’t wish to speak about it, I won’t force you.

But know that there are times where if you talk to others about what's weighing you down, you may feel better. 

What happened to you before you came to this town?

His eyes wavered like the flames of the lanterns when the wind hit them.

Al takes his compass out from his pocket, and grips it as he talks.

Al: Lizzy was my only friend. 

She and I were both wizards who had been chased from our homes, two wanderers walking alone. 

I was so lonely and hurt, I just wanted someone to be with me. That’s why when we met, we became fast friends. 

I didn’t really like this world because of all the suffering I’d been through, but Lizzy loved it, finding interest in so many things.

Lizzy: That family in the house we passed by earlier looked really close. A smiling papa, a smiling mama, must be nice…

Did you see the dishes they served at that restaurant! There’s so many different kinds! I wonder how they taste…hah, I wish we could have something warm to eat. 

Have you heard of this place called “school” where you get to learn and play with friends all day? I wanna go…

Hey, Al? There’s a lot of wonderful things in this world,

but to me, you’re the bestest and the most dearest! So stay with me forever, okay?

Al: As long as I had Lizzy with me, I was content. But then…

He glanced down at the compass, shutting his eyes once before continuing. 

Al: One day, I went searching for work, going as far as the next town over. 

There was barely anybody who’d give work to a child who couldn’t use their magic properly yet.

I managed to find somebody though, and returned to our broken down shed we called home. 

That’s when…gh.

I went inside to see our home torn apart…!

He bites his lips, body shaking as if it were about to be pulled apart, and his voice distorts.

Al: The only thing I could find was the compass that she always had on her.

During my search for Lizzy, I heard rumours of a man who abducted people for money around where we lived. That’s why…I believe that Lizzy was kidnapped.

Riquet: Oh, no…

Al: That’s my reason for travelling. I’m searching for her.

While he was out, someone broke into his home and stole his dear friend. 

That long, long journey was one riddled with shock, despair, confusion, and regret. 

Al: There’s still plenty of places I’ve yet to go…after I took a rest here I was to leave this town.

Except…

Lennox: You met Emily and Luca.

Al: Yes…they’d visit me often, giving me food or useful tools.

It was the first time in my life an adult had ever treated me so kindly. My chest began to feel weird, and I was so happy I could cry. 

I gave into their kindness.

I never told anyone this, but when I came to the Town of Clouds for the first time, I thought to myself how nice it would be if I could live here. 

That’s not right, though. I shouldn’t. How could I be happy when I still have to find Lizzy?

Those thoughts swarmed my head, and the compass began to shake. I lost control of my magic and…

Akira: (We finally know the root of the sadness in Al’s expressions until now…)

He’s been desperately shutting away the desire to run away from this suffering with no end in sight. 

Not knowing what to say to him, the words bunch up at the back of my throat, and all becomes still. 

After a long period of silence, Lennox is the one who breaks it. 

Lennox: …I was once on a long journey in search of someone.

I searched, and searched, but never found him. It wasn’t a separation like yours, rather, I was tracking down someone who had been chased away…

He grew quiet, like he was carefully searching for his next words, or remembering a memory.

Al was surprised, peering into the face of the man next to him. With expectations and anxiety, he asked him a question. 

Al: …How long were you searching for?

Lennox: A very long time. Like you, I spent a lot of my life searching.

Al: …Did you find him?

Lennox: I didn’t.

Al: …

…What did you do when you couldn’t find him?

He gazed at the fearful boy with those unchanging eyes of his that burned ever bright. 

Lennox: The same as you. I just kept on going.

Weariness showed on his face as he said that, and Al’s lips pursed. Lennox shows a small smile in return.

Lennox: Then, I met someone who called me a stubborn fool. He was the one who gave me a job as a shepherd in South Country. 

Of course, I didn’t have any intention of giving up. I honestly believed I would see the man I was searching for again someday. 

But as I spent time with the people of this country, surrounded by these beautiful sights I realized…

I was a little tired. 

Al: …

Lennox: It was the people of this town that welcomed me warmly, slowly undoing the knots tied within my heart. 

…So after a miles long journey, I decided to rest here in this country.

And I found him. The one I was searching for.

As if he found a faint light that shone within the darkness, Al’s mouth quietly opened.

And the shepherd watched over this little traveller, in silence and serenity, like he were a sheep that fell behind from the herd. 

Lennox: I didn’t throw everything away when I was travelling. I rested. I gave in to the kindness of others. 

…I had just reached my journey’s end.

Al. You don’t have to make your journey for Lizzy a journey where you blame yourself too. 

You can eat your favourite foods and think it’s delicious. You can laugh your heart out when you want to.

You can view the clear blue sky and enjoy its beauty. You don’t have to suppress the emotions that you feel, you can live as you are. 

When you’re tired, rely on someone, and rest. 

That’s what this land taught me. 

I hope you can remember it too.

Large hands embrace Al’s back,

and although he hesitated for a moment, Al moves into his arms, deciding not to let go for once.

Lennox: You did well getting this far on your own. 

Al: Ah…

His eyes open wide, and teardrops begin to pour out.

Like rain began to fall on the ground, tears fell from his cheeks. 

Al: Ugh…gh…

He kept on crying silently. I hoped that for the tears he cried his heart would soothe.

After Al weeped and calmed down, Lennox suggested something. 

Lennox: …Al. Would you let me help you in finding Lizzy?

Al: What?

Lennox: To be specific, it’s more my friend who can help you find her, though…

Could you let me see your compass again?

Al nodded, and carefully placed the compass in Lennox’s hands. 

He delicately handled the metal object, petting its surface. 

Where he touches with the palm of his hands, a pale light blooms.

Lennox: As I thought…this may not be Lizzy’s magic tool, but it still carries her presence. 

Perhaps hair or blood, something from the owner is left here somewhere…ah, this looks like it opens up. 

Mumbling like he was talking to himself, Lennox looks at Al.

Lennox: Al, may I remove this latch? I think it’s a second compartment.

Al: S-Sure…

Lennox: Thank you.

Reaching into his pocket for a tool, he begins to unscrew the latch in the compass.

Seeing how worried he looked, I smiled at Al.

Akira: Lennox is pretty smart with his hands. He can fix the tiniest things to even the biggest of objects, so don’t be afraid.

Al: …Mm…

Standing beside Al, we watch over Lennox’s handiwork attentively.

Lennox: And opened.

As he said that, we all peer into the compass.

What was inside was a small thread of hair, no bigger than a pinky.

Al’s breath quivers.

Al: That’s…Lizzy’s hair colour…

Lennox smiles, and places the thread of hair in Al’s hands.

Lennox: For a wizard, hair and blood can be used as catalysts for spells.

You can be cursed, tracked down, and many other troublesome things…

Riquet: So if we have this, we’ll be able to find where Lizzy is!

Lennox: Yeah. I can’t, but Lord Oz surely can…

Riquet: Right…!

Al: Oz is that wizard who fixed the chair in a second right…? He can do even that…!?

Riquet: Oz can just about use any kind of magic, so he definitely should be able to. Even if he says he can’t, I’ll bug him until he does. 

Lennox: But why would there be hair here…you’re both young wizards, so you wouldn’t have known about this yet. 

Al: …It’s a charm…from when we went to see a wedding before...

There was this super long cake, and we promised to each other that when we were older, we'd eat something like it.

We thought it would be hard to eat that big a cake if we were short,

so I told Lizzy about this charm that makes you grow tall. 

The charm was to take a hair from the top of your head, and place it in something close to you, so you’d grow tall…

Lennox: Didn’t know that.

Riquet: How very heartwarming. 

A memory with Lizzy is what becomes a clue into saving her. 

Al: Yeah…thank you, everyone…

Holding that single thread in his fingers, his shoulders begin to tremble.

Al: Lizzy…I hope I can see you, just once more…

Lennox: I will talk with Lord Oz as soon as he comes to town.

Riquet: For sure. …Al.

Even if you don’t meet with Lizzy, or like you she found something else that’s important to her…

Please don’t come to hate this world.

Al: …Riquet.

Riquet: Someone told me that paradise is anywhere you go.

That it depends on you. Wherever you are and however you spend your time, you can find happiness. 

Up until now, you might have only found suffering in the places you went.

That’s why I think that if you come to love this place, Al…

It can become a paradise for you.

Because I love this place too.

Al: …Mm…thank you. 

Standing in front of Luca’s house, Al turns back to us with a shy smile.

Al: It’s thanks to you guys that I can finally say this…

I love this town, and its people.

Lennox, Riquet, Master Sage, thank you. …Goodnight.

He quickly leaves those words and enters the house. 

Lennox: Goodnight, Al.

He said so kindly and peacefully, that it reminded me of the spring wind.

Tanned Townsperson: Haaah, it’s thanks to your help that the wedding’s a step more beautiful than before!

Black Haired Townsperson: The meal menu leaves nothing to be desired! Thank you kindly, Nero!

Nero: I’m the one who should say thanks. I got to learn a buncha South recipes, so I can try ‘em myself at the manor. 

Al: I’m so glad we got to rebuild the wedding…

Lennox: …Yeah. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.

Smiles spread on their faces as the two survey the newly rebuilt wedding venue.

Akira: Since we made everything from scratch together with the townspeople, I feel even happier to celebrate!

Tanned Townsperson: You guys helped us out a lot, so we’re treating you to the finest alcohol we got!

It’s the alcohol your friend Shylock appraised for us!

The clamor of voices led my eyes to Shylock and Oz who was surrounded by people again.

Shylock: You best look forward to it. I bet you will find it to your tastes. 

Oz: …Very well.

Lennox: Lord Oz, may I have a moment? There is something of concern I wanted to talk to you about…

Lennox, along with Al and Riquet, lead Oz to a quiet area, asking him whether he could find Lizzy or not.

Lennox: I’m sorry for bringing this upon you so suddenly.

Riquet raises his shoulders as he sees Oz stare at the quiet Al. 

Riquet: So Oz, can you do it? Or no?

Oz: There is nothing I can’t do.

Al: …!

Riquet: This is great, Al!

Oz: I will have the hair of the child.

Al: Yes! Thank you so much…!

He takes Lizzy’s hair, and lowers his voice.

Oz: I cannot promise you a happy reunion. I may come back with a stone instead.

Whatever condition I find this Lizzy is in, are you prepared to meet her?

I understand he had to take a strict tone with the kid, but I still looked over to Al in worry. 

Only to find him staring Oz straight in the eye, telling me he was prepared for a long while now.

Al: Yes.

Oz: Understood.

He said his spell and disappeared.

Lennox: Now it’s in his hands.

Riquet: Although he may scare Lizzy, I know he’ll protect her for certain. 

So let us wait and place our trust in him.

Al: Yeah.

When we returned to the venue, we saw Rutile and a group of students around him.

Town Child: Hey hey Mr. Rutile! Since we finished the wedding preparations, can you hold a class for us again!

Rutile: You all worked so hard, so why not? Let’s have a lesson under Mr. Sun today!

Al: Rutile, you’re a teacher?

Rutile: Mmhmm. Though I currently prioritize being a wizard of the Sage, I used to be a teacher of this town.

Al: Wow…I’ve never gone to school before.

Riquet: We’re in the same boat, Al.

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A Boda of New Beginnings for a Once Wandering Heart Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Al: You too, Riquet? I’m kinda surprised…you seem so smart, and you’re a good teacher…

Mitile: Al, if you’d like, do you wanna join in on my brother’s class?

Al: Sure! 

Rutile: Okay, let’s make a circle everyone! Today’s special lesson is about…weddings! 

Town Children: Yaaaay!

Rutile: Do you know how many sayings there are about brides? There’s tons! To finish off today’s hard work, I’m going to quiz you on one of them.

One saying says, what will happen if you make a present for the bride, and manage to keep it secret until the wedding day when you give it to her? 

Riquet: She’ll be happy? 

Rutile: True! She would be, but there’s something else that will occur!

Child: What is it?

Rutile: I’ll give you a hint. We often hold weddings outside, right…?

Mitile: On the day of the wedding, it’ll be clear skies!

Rutile: Aah, Mitile! You’re so close!

Another hint. If you see this on a joyous day and in a clear sky you’re sure to smile!

Al: Ah, is it a rainbow…?

Rutile: Ding ding ding! Everybody clap for Al!

Receiving praise from everybody makes him shrink in embarrassment, but he didn’t look to hate it at all.

Rutile: It’s just a saying, but wouldn’t it be nice if it was true?

Al: …I want to try that. To make it the best wedding ever.

Rutile: That’s very sweet of you, Al. What shall we make?

Al: Uhhm…I can make flower crowns.

Mitile: Flowers and shrubs grow everywhere here, so that’s perfect!

Riquet: The first paper decoration we made was flowers too. Do you like flowers, Al?

Al: Only ‘cuz you don’t need any money to pick them. I made a flower crown and gave it to my friend…Lizzy, once. 

Ever since last night, Al’s been more open about himself and Lizzy, talking freely. 

Rutile: Alrighty Al, let's go flower picking with everyone!

Al: Okay. It’s been a while though, so I wonder if I still remember how…

Rutile: Hehe. From now on, you’re my student.

He crouches down, meeting eyes with Al. 

Al: Your student…?

Lizzy wanted to go to school too…if she had a teacher like you, I bet she’d love it.

Uhm, if we find Lizzy, can we take another one of your classes together?

Rutile: Of course! You’re always welcome, and I think I’ll love Lizzy too. 

Al: …Heehee…

Al giggles as he stares down at the compass he took out. I realized then that the engraved letters he kept tracing over spelt Lizzy’s name. 

Al: Oh, Rutile. There was something else I wanted to do for the wedding…can we talk while we make the flower crowns?

Rutile: Sure!

After that, we picked plenty of flowers. Al had created a splendid flower crown,

to which everyone complimented, only making him feel more excited to give it to Emily. 

Riquet: Al, keep fidgeting like that and she’s bound to find out.

Mitile: Should we hide the crown at my house for now?

Al: I-It’s fine! I’ll go hide it somewhere in the room they gave me!

Al: Where should I put it…? Maybe the forest would be a better spot…

(Huh, there’s something on the floor. What is this…?)

A veil…for the bride! Right, Emily did mention that she was going to fix it. 

The flower crown and the veil…they both would look good on her.

Lizzy, I got better at making flower crowns. I’ll make another one for you too.

Owen: …

Al: Woah…y-you scared me. Who’re you…?

Owen: I’m Owen.

Al: Do you need something?

Owen: Porranborn. I’m looking for that dessert.

They said I’d be able to eat it, but it’s nowhere in sight. This sucks.

Al: You can eat it at the wedding.

Though this one was postponed because of me…

Owen: I heard. You made a real mess of the venue.

You must really hate the bride and groom that much, huh.

Al: …No…I know how it may seem to you, but I actually really love those two. 

I’m happy for them, truly. 

Owen: Yeah, yeah. Well I hate weddings.

Making a promise just to be together forever is stupid. What, you can’t be together forever without one?

Al: …Are you together with somebody who you won’t make promises to?

Owen: What?

As if I’d ever. I’m with no one.

Al: …He’s gone.

A promise…

Woaaah!? …Shoot, the veil’s being taken by the wind!

I have to catch it! Ugh, why’d I leave the door open…!

It just keeps on going…running’s no use. I need to fly!

(But…can I? What if I fall again…?)

Ack, there’s no time for that!

Al: (The wind is so strong…if I don’t speed up I’ll lose sight of it.)

(Faster, faster…! Almost there…it’s within hand’s reach, I just need to…)

(Grabbed it! But…)

(I overdid it. This is bad…I feel my power weakening…I’m falling…!)

W-Waaaaaugh!

Al: …Ow.

(I can’t move my legs…that was quite the fall.)

Ah! The veil! Where is it…

No, it’s ripped…did it latch on to something? I need to fix it…!

No use…I’m still behind in magic. I even managed to fly this far though…

I need to contact someone…but…

…They’ll think it’s my fault again…

Even if it was the wind, no one will forgive me this time…

I may not even see Lizzy…she might be long gone by now…

…No, no, no! I can’t think like that!

I’ll see Lizzy again, and the wedding will go perfectly! That’s what I’ve decided…

They don’t have to forgive me, just, just let me do this…!

Mitile: Mr. Leno, Master Sage! Have you seen Al?

Lennox: No, not for a while now. What’s the matter?

Riquet: He went to go hide his present for Emily, and disappeared.

Akira: What…?

Riquet: He did say he would hide it so that she wouldn’t find it, but it’s strange that we haven’t seen him yet. 

Rutile: And his compass was left on the floor of the front door…

Lennox: We can split up and search, but first Rutile, can you use magic on his belongings to track him down?

Rutile: I’ll try…! Lizzy, lend me your power. 

Ortonik Setomaouge. 

When he said his spell, the arrow of the compass that’s meant to point north changed direction. 

Rutile: Let’s go to where this arrow is pointing!

We flew straight away to where the compass pointed. Yet these were the vast lands of South, so even spotting Al was difficult. 

Lennox: Riquet, Mitile. Can you check over there?

Mitile & Riquet: Yes!

Lennox: Let’s continue searching every nook and cranny of this field.

Rutile: Oh Al, where are you…

Akira: (Why now, when we’re about to find Lizzy…)

The setting sun dyes the grass bed red, and the wind that swept our skins grew colder. …Night was soon approaching.

Staring at the edge where sky and land meet, I noticed what seemed like a white bird in the corner of my eyes flapping about.

Akira: (What’s with it…?)

Looking closer at the nearby cliff, what was flapping about was actually a thin cloth flowing in the wind.

Rutile: That’s…that’s a veil!

Lennox: …! Let’s hurry.

They fly their brooms to the bottom of the cliff.

As we descended, that familiar deep green hair entered my vision.

Lennox: It’s Al…!

Our reflection in his eyes shook. 

Al: Lennox, Rutile…

Rutile: Oh no, he’s badly hurt…

Lennox: Al, you’re safe now. 

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A Boda of New Beginnings for a Once Wandering Heart Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Akira: Why are you here…?

Al: I’m sorry. I wasn’t careful enough and the veil was carried away by the wind…

I went after it on my broom, but ended up falling since I’m still no good with flying…

At the very least I wanted to fix the veil…it just won’t work out though…

He said and bit his lips tight. When I looked closely, I noticed that his right leg was sprained and swelling up.

Despite his own injury causing him to be stranded this far from town, Al was thinking about how he could fix the veil.

Rutile: Ortonik Setomaouge.

Rutile held Al up, saying his spell and healing his leg bit by bit. 

Rutile: You must’ve been so scared, not being able to move.

Yet you still managed to protect Emily’s veil. You’re very brave, Al. 

Al: Rutile…

Lennox: It’s okay, Al. You’re not alone. 

We can fix the veil together. 

He put his hand over Al’s, the two now carrying the veil.

Lennox: Forsettao Meiuvat. 

A bright light envelops the veil and the rip in the tulle, and within a blink closes up.

A speckless snow white veil appears before us, and takes away our breaths. 

Al: It’s…fixed…

Staring a hole into the spot where there used to be a tear like he couldn’t believe it, Al lets out a deep breath. The tear really was gone.

Lennox: It’s thanks to you for not giving up and chasing after the veil that we found it, Al. 

You protected her veil, and kept yourself from any more harm. You did well. 

Lennox patted the boy on his head, acknowledging his achievement, and the corners of Al’s eyes began to water as he gave a nod, smiling.

Lennox: Let’s go home. Everyone’s waiting for you.

We found Mitile and Riquet, returning to the Town of Clouds with Al. 

The veil was safely returned to Emily, and Al’s leg was doing better with Rutile’s magic and Mitile’s medicine.

Without any panic, the situation was settled. 

And the day of the wedding came.

The tables were decorated with a variety of alcohol and dishes,

along with flowers in a glass vase sitting in the middle of each one. It made the dining a step more elegant.

Owen had a bored look on his face as he stuffed his mouth with the dessert Porranborn.

Akira: Owen, it’s good that you finally got to eat it. 

Owen: Oh yeah, I guess. It’s really tasty. Wanna bite?

Akira: Yes!

Owen: Not sharing any.

When we got to town and the venue was in shambles, I thought I’d get to see everyone’s disappointed faces. Talk about the opposite. 

They're all so optimistic I could barf. I can't stand to be here any longer. 

He disappeared with an armful of desserts, like a flame going out.

Shylock: Oh, he’s went and gone.

Riquet: Woah?!

Nero: What’s up, Riquet?

Riquet: The entire table’s desserts are gone!

Nero: Swiping the treasure from underneath our noses like that…that Owen. Don’tcha worry, we got more in the back.

The chiming of a bell ringed throughout the venue. 

Wizards and humans alike, as if beckoned by the bell, turn their backs.

The town children called for the to-be-wedded bride and groom with their bells.

Mole’d Townsperson: Congratulations! I’ve been waiting for this!

Mustached Townsperson: May you have happiness forever!

As the people shout their blessings, vibrant coloured petals scatter into the sky.

Red, white, yellow, purple, blue–two who wish to vow forever to each other walk through these dancing petals.

Emily’s veil is decorated with Al’s flower crown, making the bride bloom beautifully.

Akira: He got to hand it to her…phew.

Wait, where are Al and Lennox?

Al: Luca, Emily, congratulations on your marriage!

Everyone in the venue looks up to the voice above.

It belonged to Al, sitting behind Lennox on his broom, and he was holding high his compass.

And the petals that fell to the ground once again rose.

The colourful petals join up together, as if he had casted a rainbow into the sky.

The townspeople, the bell-ringing children, everyone was enjoying this joyous view. 

Al: I did it! I pulled off the spell Mr. Rutile taught me!

Rutile: That’s my student! A gold star for you!

Akira: So this is what you were talking about when we were making the flower crowns!

Rutile: Mmhmm. I told him if it was too difficult by himself, we would be there to help him, but…

With his own power, Al managed to cast a lovely rainbow into the sky.

Lennox: Good job, Al. 

Al: Yeah, yeah!

His voice was full of energy. In reaction, the flying petals jump with vigor. 

Mitile: It’s a relief he’s able to use his magic again…

Riquet: Truly. And what a sight it is. 

The petals swirl around Emily and Luca, pushing them to take each other’s hands and dance. 

Al: May happiness fall upon you two, forevermore!

Luca & Emily: Al! We wish the same for you!

Akira: We went through a lot to get here, but it’s a beautiful wedding indeed…

Under this clear sky petals cease falling to the ground and start flying upwards continuously. 

I wished that this paradise before me would stay in my heart forever. 

Akira: (I’m sure Al thinks so too…)

I watched the Al who came down from his broom as the couple and other townspeople run up to him, face red with blush. 

Suddenly, a strong breeze blew, and Oz appeared.

Within his arms was a short-haired girl with a familiar hair colour. 

Oz: The wedding was conducted safely.

???: Wow, this place is so…so pretty…

Akira: Oz!

Lennox and I race to the pair, but before we can say the girl’s name Al already shouted it. 

Al: Lizzy!

He rushes forward calling her name, and the girl looks to him with surprise.

Lizzy: Al…? …Al!

The girl called Lizzy jumps from Oz’s arms, and runs as fast as she could to Al.

They nearly bump heads as they hug each other, laughing and crying. Seeing their smiles shine as bright as the sun, I felt relief from the bottom of my heart.

Because I remember the figure who sat in that tree hollow hugging his knees, whose gloomy expression was illuminated by the light of the lanterns.

Oz: As you said, she was sold by that kidnapper and made to work. 

I dealt with them myself. This girl is free now.

Lennox: Lord Oz…thank you so much.

He bowed his head deeply, and then turned to the children. 

Lennox does not usually show his emotions. It is not that he has none, but is just weak at expressing them.

Yet the Lennox I saw before me had a face filled with love and protection, watching over the two warmly.

Lennox: Luca and Emily said that if you two wish to live here, they’ll be happy to welcome the both of you into their home.

And for you Al, if you let your heart rest some more your magic will stabilize and you should be able to use it safely again.

What a human cannot do, a wizard can with the flick of their finger.

That’s why most are fearful of them. But in this land, the people are not afraid, and welcome them with open arms.

This country was founded on the bonds between wizards and humans.

With great applause, I hear the voices of the people. Luca and Emily were underneath the arch, swearing their lives together.

Al and Lizzy sat with the crowd, smiles bright on their faces as they clapped.

Lennox: In my life I’ve witnessed a terrible end to many things.

So to see a journey’s end as blissful as this…makes me feel eternally grateful.

What may have been the last of Al’s spell, petals begin to swarm around me and Lennox.

And like he were scooping them up, Lennox extends his hand outwards.

Lennox: It’s beautiful.

Akira: …It really is.

Carrying their scars, wizards in need of healing find their way to South Country, meet with its people, and build a new paradise for themselves. 

Al and Lizzy have an entire lifetime’s worth of happiness waiting to be discovered, starting from this very first page. 

The flurry of petals begin to trickle down, reminding me of the tears of joy Al shed.

 
 

END

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