Sinful Wish for Life
The crew receives a request to deal with a zombie-infested village and the sorcerer who made it. Unfortunately, the crew already has a request on their plate, so Raziel volunteers to take on the zombies by herself. This marks her first foray into skyfaring, so (Captain) appoints Sandalphon as her supervisor. As a result, they head to the village together, but the mood is soon spoiled as neither is able to comfortably broach the topic of Lucifer.
Raziel: The faint scent of light... An aroma I shall never forget.
Raziel: It reminds me of his lost radiance, a departed happiness. But now... these thoughts provide only a void that reminiscence alone could never fill.
Raziel: (And that's exactly why...)
???: —ziel!
Raziel: (I must find...)
Lyria: Raziel!
Raziel: Eek! Wh-what is it?
Lyria: Are you okay? You were staring off into space.
Raziel: W-was I? I'm fine. I just got lost in thought. My apologies.
Raziel: So, um... You wanted to go over the request details?
Sandalphon: I'll leave the explaining to you, (Captain).
The captain nods in assent before detailing the mission entrusted to the crew by Sierokarte.
They've been charged with investigating an abandoned village. Or, more specifically, its recently returned—and decaying—residents.
According to the brief, a local woodcutter was working near the hamlet when he was attacked.
He caught sight of the infestation's source during his retreat: a sorcerer, who appeared to lord over the ghost town as his own.
Sandalphon: Hm. So our mission is to exterminate the zombies?
Lyria: That's right. And drive away the sorcerer while we're at it, if possible...
Raziel: Is that all? It doesn't sound like a very difficult task... Oh, unless you experienced skyfarers are seeing something I'm not?
Vyrn: It's just... We've already got a request on our plate.
Lyria: We were supposed to depart today, but that island is in the opposite direction.
Raziel: That is quite the pickle! Shall I go in your stead?
Raziel: Zombie extermination, sorcerer clearing—what a breeze! I should have no trouble completing the request by myself!
Vyrn: I don't know if going alone is the best idea. Might be tougher than you think, what with it being your first mission and all.
Raziel: Hehe! Worry not, my silly red dragon! I am a resplendent archangel!
Vyrn: Yeah, who ain't done diddly yet...
Lyria: What do you think, (Captain)?
- Maybe if someone went with her?
Choose: Maybe if someone went with her?With a sheepish grin, the captain turns toward Sandalphon.
Sandalphon: I see where this is heading...
Raziel: You want Lord Sandalphon to supervise me? No, I couldn't! I don't want to be a bother!
Sandalphon: ...
Sandalphon: Fine. I'll do it.
Raziel: What!
Sandalphon: It makes sense. We're both capable of traversing the skies sans airship. After we finish the request, we can return to the Grandcypher with little difficulty.
Raziel: I-I suppose you're right...
And thus, Raziel and Sandalphon find themselves heading toward the decrepit village as a unit.
Raziel: It looks like the village is further down this road, just past the tree line to the north.
Sandalphon: Seems so.
Raziel: ...
Sandalphon: ...
Raziel: (Oh, how awkward!)
Raziel: (This would've been the perfect chance to talk to Lord Sandalphon about Lord Lucifer.)
Raziel: (But it's my fault he got stuck on this mission, and I bet he's really upset about babysitting me—I have no business even addressing an archangel of his stature...)
Raziel: (I wish we could be like the mortals I saw at the book fair, obsessing over our mutual fave together.)
Raziel: (That's back when I collated all the skies' enigmas into what I thought was a bite-size spellbook—but okay, sure—it was too thick, and I didn't sell a single copy. If only—)
Sandalphon: Raziel, are you listening?
Raziel: Y-yes, Lord Sandalphon! I'm right here! What can I do for you?
Sandalphon: About... About Lucifer...
Sandalphon: ...
Sandalphon: Actually, never mind.
Raziel: Oh, okay...
Raziel: (What gives? Why did he hesitate? What was he about to ask me?)
Raziel: (Ooh, this request is going nowhere fast...)
Sinful Wish for Life: Scene 2
Arriving in the zombie-infested village, the angelic pair soon discovers the sorcerer's diary and learns the entire hamlet was wiped out by a plague. Unable to live without his beloved villagers, the sorcerer learns how to resurrect them as zombies. Raziel outwardly condemns his actions, but on the inside, she can't help but empathize with his position.
Raziel: What is this?
Raziel and Sandalphon arrive at the village overtaken by the sorcerer.
Just as reported, its undead residents fill the streets, lumbering to and fro. However...
Curiously, some till the fields, while others hang up laundry—the angelic pair even find zombified children tossing a ball.
Sandalphon: Are they trying to imitate daily life?
Raziel: They don't seem to be aggressive. What's going on here?
Raziel: Huh... There are zombies in this house too. No way... Are they sitting down for a meal?
Raziel pushes open the door to find a zombie mother and children sitting around a table.
Raziel: It's like they're playing house. How unnerving...
As if on cue, a looming figure creeps up behind Raziel.
Zombie Villager: Graagh, agh!
Raziel: Eek!
Sandalphon: It's grown violent! Get back, Raziel!
Zombie Villagers: Gaaah!
Raziel: Why the sudden change! They were so calm before!
Sandalphon: Something must have provoked them. Any idea what it might have been?
Raziel: I'm not sure. I was just standing in the doorway...
Raziel: Was that zombie trying to enter the house? Maybe he attacked me because I was blocking his path?
Raziel: Perhaps the zombies eliminate anything that impedes their role-play. Though I can't imagine why.
Sandalphon: They're upset because we interrupted their game of house? I find myself reminded of sniveling children.
Sandalphon: At any rate, they'll continue to attack anyone who approaches the village. We need to strike at their source.
Raziel: Right! Let's find that sorcerer!
Weaving between swipes from the hostile hordes, Raziel and Sandalphon scour the city for the sorcerer's whereabouts.
Zombie Villagers: Guuugh...
Raziel: Eep!
Sandalphon: I could take them all out with one fell swoop, but it seems imprudent, given our current lack of information.
Raziel: That hut! Let's head there for now! We can put our theory together afterward!
Sandalphon: Fine by me. Close the door as soon as I give the signal.
Raziel: Okay! Heeere goes!
The studious archangel barely closes the door in time; the unsatisfied zombies bash at the entrance in retaliation. Until, suddenly, they stop.
Sandalphon: How odd. Why would they give up?
Raziel: They won't set foot in this house. So far as I've analyzed, at least.
Raziel: Perhaps if this was a place they wouldn't have entered in their mortal life spans, then our presence here doesn't present an obstacle to their imitation of daily life.
Sandalphon: I see. You're observant. But speaking of daily life, it seems someone has been living here recently.
A quick search of the room finds half-melted candlesticks, dirty tableware, open books—obvious signs of habitation.
Raziel: My, it does seem like this hut is currently occupied. In which case...
Raziel: Eureka! This is a spellbook! And this is an alchemist's tool... Ergo, this must be the sorcerer's hideout!
Sandalphon: So the zombies refuse to enter the sorcerer's quarters. Perfect. Now we wait for his eventual return and—
Raziel: Oh, this looks like a diary. Shall we read it, Lord Sandalphon?
Sandalphon: What are you doing? The request was to remove him, not riffle through his life.
Raziel: But think of all the enigmas that could be hiding in this very tome! I owe it to the skies to take a peek!
Raziel: Besides, once I find such a trove, I'm compelled to read it!
Sandalphon: Right... Research and recordkeeping is your domain. Have at it then.
Raziel: Let's see... "I dedicate this record to my beloved hometown—"
Sorcerer: I dedicate this record to my beloved hometown, the poor yet beautiful village that made me who I am today, in the hopes it will offer some form of aid.
Sorcerer: May my deeds as a skyfarer lift our humble hamlet just as it reared me.
Raziel: So we have an original inhabitant on our hands. The early portions are a detailed log of his adventures.
Sorcerer: The request came with a reward, of course, but the real payment was the monster loot!
Sorcerer: I think it's time to head home and regale everyone with my skyfaring adventures. I just hope they're doing okay without me.
Raziel: A wish to return home after an arduous journey... A typical read, but onward we delve...
Raziel: Oh my...
Sorcerer: Why... What did we do to deserve such a plague? Were our sins truly so great?
Sorcerer: Clauss, Amylia, Uncle Carl, Auntie Ella, Professor Kathrin, Manuela, Norah, Little Paul...
Sorcerer: They're all dead.
Sorcerer: It makes no sense. Why did they have to die? They were innocent!
Raziel: It continues incoherently for a while longer. What a deep rage...
Sorcerer: I'll see you all again. That's a promise.
Sorcerer: I'll restore the village. No, I'll resurrect it. Then we'll all live together once more.
Raziel: ...
Raziel: The remainder is his research notes on revival magic. It seems he went with zombification in the end.
Sandalphon: To make a mockery of life... What a fool.
Raziel: Yes, it's true. He blasphemed against the dead.
Raziel: And yet...
Raziel: (He missed his loved ones. He just wanted them back.)
Raziel: (I know I can find a better way. I won't pursue this option.)
Raziel: (But...)
Sorcerer: I'll see you all again. That's a promise.
Raziel: Was he so wrong?
Sandalphon: Raziel?
Raziel: What this sorcerer did was horrible and foolish.
Raziel: However, had he employed a more elegant method—had he truly returned his loved ones—could that not be called true resurrection?
Raziel: No, given the underlying hubris in such an action... that would serve to only humiliate him...
Sandalphon: Come now...
Raziel: Is it a sin? To want to reunite with your loved ones?
Sandalphon: ...
Sinful Wish for Life: Scene 3
The sorcerer and his zombies continue their assault against the angelic pair. Sandalphon raises his wings to shield Raziel, but the scent of coffee emanating from them causes Raziel to recall the moment when Lucifer encouraged her to live a real life. When she comes to, the sorcerer lies on the ground, expended and dying.
After narrowly evading the village zombies, Raziel and Sandalphon find themselves holed up in the sorcerer's hut.
There they discover the sorcerer's diary, which details his desire to resurrect the village. Raziel grows introspective after poring over its pages.
Raziel: Is it a sin? To want to reunite with your loved ones?
Sandalphon: ...
Just as the deafening silence between them begins to swell, the door bursts open.
Zombies: Grrr...
Sandalphon: The zombies! I thought they'd given up!
Leading the fetid brigade is a living mortal.
Sorcerer: That's right, everyone! Kill these intruders!
Zombies: Gaaah!
Raziel: You're the sorcerer! Break this spell at once!
Sorcerer: How dare you! After invading my home! Out with you! Quickly!
Raziel: We're no intruders... And you're not the only ones who live on this island!
Sandalphon: That's right. The other islanders live in fear of zombie attacks!
Sorcerer: As long as they don't approach the village, there's nothing to fear! We just want to be left alone!
Raziel: You expect to isolate this village for eternity? Surely you know that's impossible!
Sorcerer: I won't hear your drivel! Just leave us alone!
Raziel: Such hubris...
Raziel: (I know it all too well.)
Sorcerer: Call me selfish if you must! But I can't live without this village!
Raziel: Your actions go against the very laws of nature!
Raziel: (That's right. This is against the laws of nature...)
Sorcerer: What could be more natural than wanting to reunite with the people I love most!
Raziel: ...!
Zombies: Ooough...
Sandalphon: Raziel, watch out!
Raziel: (I have no room to judge this man.)
Sandalphon: Raziel, wake up!
Raziel: (Lord Lucifer, what would you have me do?)
Sandalphon: Pay attention!
Sandalphon spreads his wings, shielding the dazed Raziel from the undead onslaught.
A charming scent emanates from his wings, sending the bookish archangel into the recesses of her memory.
Raziel: Do I smell... coffee?
Lucifer: Raziel. Welcome.
Raziel: Normally I'm summoned only for the regular reports—whatever task you have for me now, it's an honor!
Lucifer: No task today. Rather, I have an important message to impart. Though it might take some time.
With greetings delivered, the supreme primarch begins.
He explains that the Sky Realm no longer requires the archangels' protection, thus invalidating their roles.
Including the roles of the present company.
Lucifer: So you see, I would like you to live your life, without the burden of your duty.
Raziel: No... duty?
Raziel: Ah, how impudent of me! If that is your wish, Lord Lucifer, of course I will obey!
Lucifer: ...
Lucifer: Archangel Raziel. You have witnessed much.
Lucifer: Through your observations and records, you have built enormous knowledge, and have become a true asset to the entirety of the skies.
Lucifer: Hence why it pains me so... To know your duty to analyze this world has stunted your ability to live a life.
Raziel: I'm sorry? Has my performance been unsatisfactory?
Lucifer: Enigmas, the knowledge of the ages... They are beautiful, precious. But they also hold wickedness.
Lucifer: One day you will want to do more than watch. With all that you've learned, you will consider, and then you will choose. And only then will you see the ugliness of knowledge.
Raziel: Consider? Choose?
Lucifer: The world is full of contradiction. Just as hearts are. But if I could have one hope...
Lucifer: It is that you will continue to seek out the beauty of knowledge... while bearing witness to all its ills.
Lucifer: Even should the answers remain ever shrouded, do not avert your eyes. For only then, will you truly know what it is to live.
Raziel: Yes, my lord.
Raziel: (I remember nodding, as if I understood his cryptic message.)
Raziel: (But I see now, Lord Lucifer. This is my lot in life. I must bear witness to everything, ugliness and all.)
Raziel: (That is what it means to live.)
Raziel: Ah! Lord Sandalphon, are you hurt?
Sandalphon: Not at all. Their attacks found no purchase. But more importantly—
Sorcerer: Cough...
Sandalphon: It seems he's hit his limit. Despite the fact we returned no strike of our own.
The sorcerer falls crumpled over, coughing up blood. The zombies at his side grow motionless.
Sandalphon: He's depleted his magic reserves. A grave if not inevitable result, since he was maintaining an entire village of zombies.
Sandalphon: Without the support of a primal beast, of course a mere skydweller would exhaust himself and perish.
Sorcerer: Ugh... I know... But...
Raziel: If you keep this up, you'll die! We have to leave the village—we have to get you treatment!
Sorcerer: Don't you dare! I mean... It's fine. It's all over.
Sorcerer: I've reached my limit... Just let me die... Where I belong...
Raziel: No!
Sandalphon: What would you do? His death would mark our request complete.
Sandalphon: But it seems you have more feelings on the matter.
Raziel: What would I do? Me?
Raziel clutches her tome, her eyes fixed on the dying man. She could avert them no longer.
Sinful Wish for Life: Scene 4
Though the sorcerer begs for death, Raziel insists he must live to carry on the memory of the village, to which he eventually acquiesces. With the request complete, Raziel and Sandalphon head back to the Grandcypher where they chat over coffee. After some introspection, Raziel vows to experience life to the fullest and fulfill her long-held desire.
Raziel: Page, 562, Book of Healing, On Regeneration!
Having raised a throng of zombies, the sorcerer now lies on the brink of death. Raziel frantically applies healing magic upon his broken form.
Sorcerer: Stop this! Let me die! My life is already over!
Raziel: Don't you run away! If you die, who will remember this village?
Raziel: Do you want your hometown to be truly gone? Is that what you want?
Sorcerer: I remember it well...
Sorcerer: It was so beautiful in the past. The people were jovial and would sing in the street.
Sorcerer: Children would play by the river on the outskirts of the village, with the fish shining silver in the sunlight.
Sorcerer: It was a splendid place...
Raziel: Hang onto those sights. Use them as your anchor, to give yourself a reason to live.
Sandalphon: Give this village a new start. Or pass your memories on.
Sandalphon: So long as you remember, then nothing has been fully lost.
Sorcerer: ...
Sorcerer: Mercy!
Shortly after wrapping up the request, Raziel and Sandalphon are surprised to find the Grandcypher has landed on the island.
Raziel: You didn't have to come all this way for us. We can both fly, after all.
Vyrn: That would just tire you out, right? And who wants to keep workin' right after finishin' a job?
Lyria: That's right! Maybe it feels a little pushy, but we wanted to pick you up to celebrate a job well done.
Lyria: It's what we would do for any member of our crew—even if you are the mighty archangels Raziel and Sandalphon!
Sandalphon: Best give into their whims. There's no reasoning with these skyfarers.
Raziel: Haha, so I see!
Later that afternoon, after the island becomes but a distant blip on the horizon, Raziel and Sandalphon meet in the cafe.
Raziel: Sorry to call you so suddenly. And for a cup of coffee no less.
Sandalphon: There's always time for coffee. Now, drink up.
Raziel: Mmm. Yep, it's this smell.
Sandalphon: What... smell?
Raziel: Back when I would give Lord Lucifer my reports, there was always a faint aroma wafting in the air.
Raziel: I loved that scent.
Raziel: It was as if, there it was—the perfect window into this perfect entity. I could actually observe a piece of him.
Sandalphon: I understand. Whenever I brew a cup, the memories come flooding back.
Sandalphon: The soft light. The drip, drip, drip in the background. His soothing voice. And of course, the smell of coffee.
Sandalphon: Once, I added too much milk to his cup. I thought he would be upset, but instead he told me to add more sugar to balance the flavor.
Sandalphon continues reminiscing; Raziel lingers on every word before committing it all to memory.
Raziel: (We mustn't forget. We mustn't lose him.)
Raziel: You know, the skydwellers have a theory. As memories erode, the last vestige to remain is smell.
Sandalphon: Hm? What's this?
Raziel: Nothing. Just idle banter.
Fenie: You and Melin belong together! I'll definitely make it happen!
Farhana: Never... Not you... Not Melin... Because I'm your mother.
Abramelin: I'll be waiting for you... in twenty-five millenniums... Time will fly by...
Raziel: (They lived to the fullest, died to the fullest, and flew to the fullest. And what awaited us all at the end? It was nothing short of a miracle.)
Raziel: (I need to work to my fullest. To remember them forever. Until I've fulfilled my desire.)
Raziel: That's what it means to live. I'm sure of it.
Sandalphon: ...
Sandalphon: One more cup?
Raziel: Don't mind if I do!
The smiling angel hands Sandalphon her empty mug.
Bathed in the calming light of the cafe, they spend a quiet afternoon together.
