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The Burning of a Wish in Winter - Episode 9
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Oz: What’s wrong.
Beluga: Um…… No, it’s nothing. It’s just that I’ve never seen magic or a magic staff before. You surprised me.
Oz: Never? At your age?
Shylock: This is Eastern Country. Compared to other countries, magic users here mustn’t practise their magic in the open. At her age, it’s to be expected that she’s never seen a wizard at work before.
Oz: I gave her a fright… I now see what happened…
Beluga: Um, I’m fine, really, I am. I’m not scared. I know you’re going to help me.
In stark contrast to her words, Beluga had her eyes squeezed firmly shut. Her shoulders tensed, as if bracing herself for unseen impact.
Oz: ……
There are plenty of other methods that would not invoke such fear.
Oz’s staff disappeared. Through the icy walls of the snow globe, I could see his eyes had, ever so slightly, become gentler than usual.
Beluga: Oh…… Um, thanks. Sorry for the trouble.
Oz: Do not apologise. I too am unaccustomed to being around a child that fears magic.
Shino: But what are we gonna do if we don’t smash it open? How about I grab my scythe and bust a hole through it?
Cain: Yeah, no, that’s going to frighten all three of them in there. There’s got to be some kind of less violent way to do this…
Lennox: … Then, how about using the flames from the matches? It’s an object that Beluga’s more than familiar with.
It’s going to be menial work, but if we work on melting it from both the inside and the outside, wouldn’t we be able to get them out that way?
Rutile: That’s a wonderful idea, Leno san! We’ve got three boxes of matches between me, you, and Shino.
Heathcliff: Kenja sama and I have got our matches too, and Beluga has plenty in her basket. Let’s go with Lennox’s suggestion.
Oz: Very well.
Shylock: Fufu. Does it not bring to mind a wintertime fairytale? Using the light of these vision-granting matches to escape the abode of a fey of snow and frost.
Shylock gently smiled.
Shylock: Now, everyone — if I may have your permission to cast a spell so that we all can see each other’s visions.
Cain: Is this going to be the same thing you did back at the bar?
Shylock: The very same. It would be a sight for sore eyes, all our little wishes in front of us in a beautiful, dazzling display.
Such dreams can offer a respite in times of sorrow and loneliness.
Shylock’s attention quietly moved to Beluga. His expression made me realise something:
The bond between the frosty and Beluga was no more. For better or for worse, there was no longer anything for Beluga to crutch her heart on.
Her self-inflicted punishment of sorrow, the loneliness that came from being abandoned — she now had to bear that entire burden herself.
Akira: … I think that’s a wonderful suggestion. If everyone’s agreeable, I’d like us to go ahead with it!
[ Back outside the snow globe… ]
Shino: Wishes, huh… Can’t think of any.
[ The wizards start to say their wishes aloud as they strike their matches. ]
Rutile: I want to drink some mulled wine! Spicy and filled with fruit!
Shylock: In that case, after we return to the Manor, I shall prepare mulled wine for you, made with orange, cinnamon, and star anise.
Cain: As for me… hmm, I might be in the mood for some meat? Something huge and solid sounds good, like a roast chicken.
Shino: Then I want lemon pie. It’s best if it’s made by Lady Blanchett, but Nero’s is fine.
Hey, Oz, what about you? Whatcha wanna eat?
Oz: Must I wish for food?
Lennox: Haha. Being surrounded by lots of food sure makes it feel like a party, doesn't it?
With every lit match, came another bright projection of someone’s wish, like torches lighting up one after another.
Within the visions, our wishes had been granted, and we all looked happy.
And all of us here, standing in reality, gazed upon the display of visions with shared excitement.
Owen: ………
Cain: It’s not every day you get to do this, so how about striking a match for yourself, Owen? You got one from Rutile earlier, didn’t you?
Owen: I mean, I don’t have any wishes.
Cain: C’mon, don’t say that. I think it’d be pretty fun if you tried wishing for anything at all, like heaps of cakes or something.
Owen: What’s so fun about looking at images? If I threatened Nero into making me cake, I’d have real cake.
Ah. It might be a good idea to wish to see you crying and begging for your life though, Knight sama. After all, everyone’s watching.
Cain: You and your godawful personality…
Owen: Why, thank you for the compliment.
[ Finally, Owen strikes his match. ]
Cain: Urgh, for real? That’s me on a horse…
…… Hn? Is that really me? I’ve never worn old-fashioned armour like that.
Owen: The knight has short legs and isn’t even begging to be spared. Who’s this?
Cain: I’m the one that ought to be asking that. Oh, the horse stopped… and the knight’s extending a hand towards us. It’s like the knight’s here for someone…
Owen: ………
Cain: Hey, Owen. What’s this vision about?
Owen: I don’t know. I didn’t wish for this. I never once imagined this happening.
[ Owen dispels the vision. ]
Cain: What, it’s gone!
Hey, man, just because you don’t like what you saw doesn’t mean you should shove a lit match into the ice wall like that. That’s not right.
Oh… but I guess the ice wall started to melt a little faster, so all’s well ends well?
Rutile: Leno san, you’ve not made a single wish since the start of this.
Lennox: (chuckles) I can’t think of any, that’s why.
… Oh, I’ve got one. Rutile, you’ve mentioned some time ago that you lost your mug. I wish you success in finding it.
[ Lennox strikes his match. ]
Rutile: … Ooh. That’s me with my missing mug! It’s my mug with leaf patterns all over it.
Oh, I look really happy in that vision. What a nice thing to see! I suppose I’ll have to buckle down and give my room a proper cleaning. While I’m at it, I’ll look for my missing mug!
… But wait, Leno san, that isn't a wish for yourself, is it?
[ Lennox CG ]
Lennox: Oh, now that you mention it, you’re right. Hmm…
I want to see you and Mitile healthy and happy, and Figaro sensei his usual self. There’s sheep, there’s mountains, and the big open sky…
And that’d be enough for me.
[ Lennox strikes another match. ]
Rutile: Wow, it’s getting more and more vivid! Is that a giant bonfire in the middle of the forest? There’s me, Mitile, and Figaro sensei.
…… Ah, it’s not just the three of us! I see Heath, Owen san, and Kenja sama too… Every single one of us — we’re all there!
Lennox: Not a single Sage’s Wizard left behind, I see. Haha, I suppose I must be a greedier person than I thought I was.
Rutile: I wonder why the moon’s so tiny… We seem to have gathered around the bonfire for a night banquet.
Oh! I hear someone playing music! Leno san, you must be the person playing the song! It’s that song — the one you always play when you’re drunk.
Lennox: (sheepish laugh) This might just be only a vision, but it’s kind of embarrassing.
Rutile: Someone’s starting a jig next to the bonfire, to the tune of the music you’re playing.
Huh, it’s a bit hard to see… I wonder who it is….?
Lennox: (smiles) ………
Rutile: Well, I can’t tell who it is… but more importantly, Leno san, you’ve got such a lovely wish! It’s beautiful and filled with good cheer.
Lennox: Oh, thank you.
… For the flame to project as a beautiful vision, there is no better wish than this one.
From within the snow globe, I watched Lennox put his matchstick flame close to the domed wall. The ice between us quietly melted away.
Every so often, I could catch glimpses of everyone’s wishes reflected within the melting ice. They were beautiful, fleeting, as dreams are wont to be.
I saw Mitile, as a handsome young man;
I gazed down upon sparkling seas, from a vantage point up high;
and I could almost smell the pot-au-feu from one of the visions.
Time melted away like the ice separating us as I stood captivated by vision after vision, until Heathcliff too held his match in hand.
[ Match sfx ]
Heathcliff: If Shino’s going to wish for lemon pie… then I’ll wish for eggs en cocotte*.
Shino: … That good with you?
Heathcliff: Huh?
Shino: I said, don’t you got a wish that isn’t a wish for just some eggs?
Shino stared straight ahead, past the melting ice, looking at Heathcliff.
His flame-coloured eyes wavered ever so slightly. It was as if the vision-granting flames themselves were posing a question in return to its wisher.
Heathcliff: I… Someday, I…
…… I want to become a son my parents can be proud of… No, a son that my parents can be openly proud of, without fear of being spoken ill of behind their backs.
Shino: ………
Heathcliff: …… While remaining who I am.
Shino: ………
Shino’s flame-coloured eyes gleamed, at the same time his face lit up in a smile. Or maybe, instead, it was an expression on the verge of painful tears.
Whatever he truly felt right now, I could only guess, for Shino had already closed his eyes.
Shino: …… Right.
Beluga: ………
Before we knew it, all the matches had been lit, and Beluga was the only one left, with our last match in hand.
She too struck her match, and the vision of a gaunt couple came into view.
A Vision of Beluga’s Papa: … Beluga….
A Vision of Beluga’s Mama: We love you so much…
Beluga: … Papa… Mama…
I’m sorry I couldn’t become a good daughter for you.
Beluga approached the ice wall with her lit match.
The ice melted away into droplets of water like glistening dew. Like tears, they rolled down the wall, each riding on their own little stream that they left behind in their wake.
[ Heathcliff CG ]
Heathcliff: …… « repsevaivulp sunos »
Heathcliff lightly pressed his finger to the thinning ice and said his spell-word aloud.
Cracks formed in the ice as lines that spread outward from where his finger had touched the ice. I heard the ice begin to splinter, a beautiful sound like the singing of carol bells on holy night.
But just before the wall of ice shattered completely, there was a moment of silence. The sky above us seemed somehow a little brighter, more alive.
Then the ice shattered. Countless shards scattered like sparkling diamond dust into the silver of the icy skies above.
Rutile: Yes! It shattered!
Shino: Heath, Kenja, you two okay?
Heathcliff: Yup, we’re completely unharmed.
Lennox: Beluga, I’m glad you’re safe and sound.
With his thumb, Lennox brushed away the streaks of tears on Beluga’s cheeks. In response, or perhaps in embarrassment, Beluga wiped her face clean on her sleeve.
Owen stole a glance at that moment they shared, but he quickly turned the other way. But then he stood very still, and suddenly, his eyes darted in the complete opposite direction.
Oz: ………
Shylock: … So it has come at last.
A cold wind blew past the two of them as they murmured to each other.
Shino summoned his scythe and held it at the ready.
Shino: It’s here. That’s our frosty.
Cain: Kenja sama, Beluga, stay close to me.
[ Strong wind sfx ]
The vortex of blizzard winds intensified. The howling winds crescendoed into a deafening roar. The white shadow I had seen before now stood before us all.
Erratically but also violently, its body started to repeatedly shrink and stretch, warping and contorting.
Heathcliff: It’s in an enraged state… It must have noticed that its prey had escaped its clutches.
Beluga: I-Is it here to take me away?
Lennox: No such thing will happen. We will protect you.
Frosty: …!
Desperately, the frosty tried to seize Beluga from us.
Oz sighed in disgust.
Oz: … Even though Owen and I are here? You foolish fey.
Without even summoning his staff, and without even speaking his spell-word, Oz extended his hand towards the frosty — as if he were about to crush an insect.
* Cocotte is Heathcliff's most favourite dish in the game.
next episode →
Oz: What’s wrong.
Beluga: Um…… No, it’s nothing. It’s just that I’ve never seen magic or a magic staff before. You surprised me.
Oz: Never? At your age?
Shylock: This is Eastern Country. Compared to other countries, magic users here mustn’t practise their magic in the open. At her age, it’s to be expected that she’s never seen a wizard at work before.
Oz: I gave her a fright… I now see what happened…
Beluga: Um, I’m fine, really, I am. I’m not scared. I know you’re going to help me.
In stark contrast to her words, Beluga had her eyes squeezed firmly shut. Her shoulders tensed, as if bracing herself for unseen impact.
Oz: ……
There are plenty of other methods that would not invoke such fear.
Oz’s staff disappeared. Through the icy walls of the snow globe, I could see his eyes had, ever so slightly, become gentler than usual.
Beluga: Oh…… Um, thanks. Sorry for the trouble.
Oz: Do not apologise. I too am unaccustomed to being around a child that fears magic.
Shino: But what are we gonna do if we don’t smash it open? How about I grab my scythe and bust a hole through it?
Cain: Yeah, no, that’s going to frighten all three of them in there. There’s got to be some kind of less violent way to do this…
Lennox: … Then, how about using the flames from the matches? It’s an object that Beluga’s more than familiar with.
It’s going to be menial work, but if we work on melting it from both the inside and the outside, wouldn’t we be able to get them out that way?
Rutile: That’s a wonderful idea, Leno san! We’ve got three boxes of matches between me, you, and Shino.
Heathcliff: Kenja sama and I have got our matches too, and Beluga has plenty in her basket. Let’s go with Lennox’s suggestion.
Oz: Very well.
Shylock: Fufu. Does it not bring to mind a wintertime fairytale? Using the light of these vision-granting matches to escape the abode of a fey of snow and frost.
Shylock gently smiled.
Shylock: Now, everyone — if I may have your permission to cast a spell so that we all can see each other’s visions.
Cain: Is this going to be the same thing you did back at the bar?
Shylock: The very same. It would be a sight for sore eyes, all our little wishes in front of us in a beautiful, dazzling display.
Such dreams can offer a respite in times of sorrow and loneliness.
Shylock’s attention quietly moved to Beluga. His expression made me realise something:
The bond between the frosty and Beluga was no more. For better or for worse, there was no longer anything for Beluga to crutch her heart on.
Her self-inflicted punishment of sorrow, the loneliness that came from being abandoned — she now had to bear that entire burden herself.
Akira: … I think that’s a wonderful suggestion. If everyone’s agreeable, I’d like us to go ahead with it!
[ Back outside the snow globe… ]
Shino: Wishes, huh… Can’t think of any.
[ The wizards start to say their wishes aloud as they strike their matches. ]
Rutile: I want to drink some mulled wine! Spicy and filled with fruit!
Shylock: In that case, after we return to the Manor, I shall prepare mulled wine for you, made with orange, cinnamon, and star anise.
Cain: As for me… hmm, I might be in the mood for some meat? Something huge and solid sounds good, like a roast chicken.
Shino: Then I want lemon pie. It’s best if it’s made by Lady Blanchett, but Nero’s is fine.
Hey, Oz, what about you? Whatcha wanna eat?
Oz: Must I wish for food?
Lennox: Haha. Being surrounded by lots of food sure makes it feel like a party, doesn't it?
With every lit match, came another bright projection of someone’s wish, like torches lighting up one after another.
Within the visions, our wishes had been granted, and we all looked happy.
And all of us here, standing in reality, gazed upon the display of visions with shared excitement.
Owen: ………
Cain: It’s not every day you get to do this, so how about striking a match for yourself, Owen? You got one from Rutile earlier, didn’t you?
Owen: I mean, I don’t have any wishes.
Cain: C’mon, don’t say that. I think it’d be pretty fun if you tried wishing for anything at all, like heaps of cakes or something.
Owen: What’s so fun about looking at images? If I threatened Nero into making me cake, I’d have real cake.
Ah. It might be a good idea to wish to see you crying and begging for your life though, Knight sama. After all, everyone’s watching.
Cain: You and your godawful personality…
Owen: Why, thank you for the compliment.
[ Finally, Owen strikes his match. ]
Cain: Urgh, for real? That’s me on a horse…
…… Hn? Is that really me? I’ve never worn old-fashioned armour like that.
Owen: The knight has short legs and isn’t even begging to be spared. Who’s this?
Cain: I’m the one that ought to be asking that. Oh, the horse stopped… and the knight’s extending a hand towards us. It’s like the knight’s here for someone…
Owen: ………
Cain: Hey, Owen. What’s this vision about?
Owen: I don’t know. I didn’t wish for this. I never once imagined this happening.
[ Owen dispels the vision. ]
Cain: What, it’s gone!
Hey, man, just because you don’t like what you saw doesn’t mean you should shove a lit match into the ice wall like that. That’s not right.
Oh… but I guess the ice wall started to melt a little faster, so all’s well ends well?
Rutile: Leno san, you’ve not made a single wish since the start of this.
Lennox: (chuckles) I can’t think of any, that’s why.
… Oh, I’ve got one. Rutile, you’ve mentioned some time ago that you lost your mug. I wish you success in finding it.
[ Lennox strikes his match. ]
Rutile: … Ooh. That’s me with my missing mug! It’s my mug with leaf patterns all over it.
Oh, I look really happy in that vision. What a nice thing to see! I suppose I’ll have to buckle down and give my room a proper cleaning. While I’m at it, I’ll look for my missing mug!
… But wait, Leno san, that isn't a wish for yourself, is it?
[ Lennox CG ]
Lennox: Oh, now that you mention it, you’re right. Hmm…
I want to see you and Mitile healthy and happy, and Figaro sensei his usual self. There’s sheep, there’s mountains, and the big open sky…
And that’d be enough for me.
[ Lennox strikes another match. ]
Rutile: Wow, it’s getting more and more vivid! Is that a giant bonfire in the middle of the forest? There’s me, Mitile, and Figaro sensei.
…… Ah, it’s not just the three of us! I see Heath, Owen san, and Kenja sama too… Every single one of us — we’re all there!
Lennox: Not a single Sage’s Wizard left behind, I see. Haha, I suppose I must be a greedier person than I thought I was.
Rutile: I wonder why the moon’s so tiny… We seem to have gathered around the bonfire for a night banquet.
Oh! I hear someone playing music! Leno san, you must be the person playing the song! It’s that song — the one you always play when you’re drunk.
Lennox: (sheepish laugh) This might just be only a vision, but it’s kind of embarrassing.
Rutile: Someone’s starting a jig next to the bonfire, to the tune of the music you’re playing.
Huh, it’s a bit hard to see… I wonder who it is….?
Lennox: (smiles) ………
Rutile: Well, I can’t tell who it is… but more importantly, Leno san, you’ve got such a lovely wish! It’s beautiful and filled with good cheer.
Lennox: Oh, thank you.
… For the flame to project as a beautiful vision, there is no better wish than this one.
From within the snow globe, I watched Lennox put his matchstick flame close to the domed wall. The ice between us quietly melted away.
Every so often, I could catch glimpses of everyone’s wishes reflected within the melting ice. They were beautiful, fleeting, as dreams are wont to be.
I saw Mitile, as a handsome young man;
I gazed down upon sparkling seas, from a vantage point up high;
and I could almost smell the pot-au-feu from one of the visions.
Time melted away like the ice separating us as I stood captivated by vision after vision, until Heathcliff too held his match in hand.
[ Match sfx ]
Heathcliff: If Shino’s going to wish for lemon pie… then I’ll wish for eggs en cocotte*.
Shino: … That good with you?
Heathcliff: Huh?
Shino: I said, don’t you got a wish that isn’t a wish for just some eggs?
Shino stared straight ahead, past the melting ice, looking at Heathcliff.
His flame-coloured eyes wavered ever so slightly. It was as if the vision-granting flames themselves were posing a question in return to its wisher.
Heathcliff: I… Someday, I…
…… I want to become a son my parents can be proud of… No, a son that my parents can be openly proud of, without fear of being spoken ill of behind their backs.
Shino: ………
Heathcliff: …… While remaining who I am.
Shino: ………
Shino’s flame-coloured eyes gleamed, at the same time his face lit up in a smile. Or maybe, instead, it was an expression on the verge of painful tears.
Whatever he truly felt right now, I could only guess, for Shino had already closed his eyes.
Shino: …… Right.
Beluga: ………
Before we knew it, all the matches had been lit, and Beluga was the only one left, with our last match in hand.
She too struck her match, and the vision of a gaunt couple came into view.
A Vision of Beluga’s Papa: … Beluga….
A Vision of Beluga’s Mama: We love you so much…
Beluga: … Papa… Mama…
I’m sorry I couldn’t become a good daughter for you.
Beluga approached the ice wall with her lit match.
The ice melted away into droplets of water like glistening dew. Like tears, they rolled down the wall, each riding on their own little stream that they left behind in their wake.
[ Heathcliff CG ]
Heathcliff: …… « repsevaivulp sunos »
Heathcliff lightly pressed his finger to the thinning ice and said his spell-word aloud.
Cracks formed in the ice as lines that spread outward from where his finger had touched the ice. I heard the ice begin to splinter, a beautiful sound like the singing of carol bells on holy night.
But just before the wall of ice shattered completely, there was a moment of silence. The sky above us seemed somehow a little brighter, more alive.
Then the ice shattered. Countless shards scattered like sparkling diamond dust into the silver of the icy skies above.
Rutile: Yes! It shattered!
Shino: Heath, Kenja, you two okay?
Heathcliff: Yup, we’re completely unharmed.
Lennox: Beluga, I’m glad you’re safe and sound.
With his thumb, Lennox brushed away the streaks of tears on Beluga’s cheeks. In response, or perhaps in embarrassment, Beluga wiped her face clean on her sleeve.
Owen stole a glance at that moment they shared, but he quickly turned the other way. But then he stood very still, and suddenly, his eyes darted in the complete opposite direction.
Oz: ………
Shylock: … So it has come at last.
A cold wind blew past the two of them as they murmured to each other.
Shino summoned his scythe and held it at the ready.
Shino: It’s here. That’s our frosty.
Cain: Kenja sama, Beluga, stay close to me.
[ Strong wind sfx ]
The vortex of blizzard winds intensified. The howling winds crescendoed into a deafening roar. The white shadow I had seen before now stood before us all.
Erratically but also violently, its body started to repeatedly shrink and stretch, warping and contorting.
Heathcliff: It’s in an enraged state… It must have noticed that its prey had escaped its clutches.
Beluga: I-Is it here to take me away?
Lennox: No such thing will happen. We will protect you.
Frosty: …!
Desperately, the frosty tried to seize Beluga from us.
Oz sighed in disgust.
Oz: … Even though Owen and I are here? You foolish fey.
Without even summoning his staff, and without even speaking his spell-word, Oz extended his hand towards the frosty — as if he were about to crush an insect.
* Cocotte is Heathcliff's most favourite dish in the game.
next episode →