Storia of Angels and Rabbits - Chapter 4

Location: Shopping District (Game Event)

Feyle: A-Alright. Well,the reason we came here in the first place is to celebrate Orthos-kun’s birthday.

But when we were searching for the crucial restaurant we were looking for, Nazuna-kun suddenly called out to us.

And according to what Nazuna-kun said, we are their co-stars…

But before we had the chance to ask any details about all of this, Nazuna-kun suddenly said “it’s time” and everyone, him included, got up on stage.

So we still don’t know any specifics about our current situation.

Commander, maybe this really isn’t the Holy Capital?

Ah, I-I do know that what I’m saying sounds foolish, though!

The idea that an alleyway of the Holy Capital would lead right to Earth is way too preposterous.

Ravial: No, I agree with your assessment.

Those boys may have wings similar to ours, yet those seem somehow fake; and they lack halos as well.

Feyle: T-then, does that mean this is Earth?

Orthos: No, I don’t think the people here are groundlings. I traveled the Earth with Yuu and the others, but I’ve never seen or heard of a city like this one.

And I don’t see any of the usual monsters you’d usually find in any of ‘em either. So I wouldn’t be surprised if this was a world that’s entirely different from the one we inhabit.

Ravial: I see. In that case, this is neither the Holy Capital nor Earth. Maybe it would be correct to call this an alternate dimension.

Feyle: A-an alternate dimension… Commander, let’s go back the way we came from at once! If we went through the same alley, we should arrive back at the Holy Capital!

Ravial: Wait.

You have a terrible habit of rushing into action due to your anxiety.

It must be because of this “live” thing that’s started, but there are many people around that alley. People are watching us, and if we take careless actions in this situation it’s not unlikely that someone might get hurt.

Orthos: You’re right. In order to avoid causing disorder, we should appear briefly on stage and wait for the right time to act.

Feyle: ...I, guess you’re right. When I heard that this was an alternate universe, I suddenly went into a panic.

But now that I think about it calmly, it’s not a good idea to cause a fuss.

Understood. I will obey your orders.

Nazuna: “Everyone, thanks for listening to our song!”

“Well then, Holy Palace Guards, come on up~☆“

Ravial: Looks like it’s time.

Feyle: Yes. Now that it’s come to this, I’ll steel myself for the worst…!

Orthos: No idea what we’re supposed to do once we’re on stage, though. Should we just go along with whatever Nazuna and the others are doing?

Nazuna: “♪~ ♪~”

(Alright, Orthos-kun and the others came up on stage. Now it’s time for the wire stunts. I’ll take my co-star’s hand and float in the air.)

(While we’re floating up there, Hajime-chin is going to sing. It’s going to look like the descent of angels.)

(The song he’ll be singing is going to tell the audience that this is an encounter to be celebrated. And then Mitsuru-chin and Tomo-chin, who were lured here by the music, will join in the angel’s song.)

(These wings on our backs do their job in making us seem like angels...)

(But compared to us, the wings Orthos-kun and the others have are so beautiful, they almost look like they’re real. And they’ve got those rings over their heads too, which really makes them look just like actual angels.)

(Seems like they’re all in a unit called “The Holy Palace Guards”... But I’ve never heard of a unit with a name like that~.)

(They’re carrying spears and swords, so I guess they’re a chivalry-themed unit, like Knights.)

Orthos: Nazuna.

Nazuna: Orthos-kun? I see, so you’re my partner.

Here, take my hand. We’re supposed to be floating up into the air in a moment, but…

Umm, I think they put the equipment for the wire stunts on you earlier, did they not tell you anything about that?

Orthos: Right. I don’t really know what this “wire stunt” thing is, but in short, all I need to do is fly, right?

Nazuna: Well, we won’t be flying super high in the sky or anything... Just high enough for the audience to think of us as angels ascending.

Orthos: I see, so it’s best if I don’t fly too high, right?

Nazuna: Huh? What do you mean, “too high”? We’re just going to be pulled up by wires anyw-... Owah!?



Nazuna: (I-I’m flying!? This doesn’t feel like I’m hanging on wires at all! It’s like I’m actually flying, but for real…!?)

(No, that can’t be…! It must be because Orthos-kun is the one being pulled by the wires, that’s why it feels like this…)

(That must be it, huh? W-whew, that gave me a scare~.)

Orthos: So we just fly around like this a little?

Nazuna: Yep, you’re doing great! The audience is raving, all like, “They’re just like real angels!” and such.

Orthos: Real angels, huh… Well, I’m no longer an angel, though.

Nazuna, Hajime has started singing. What a beautiful singing voice... If he keeps it up, a real angel might actually descend upon us.

Nazuna: Thank you! Hajime-chin’s singing voice really is beautiful.

It’s a song that expresses the joy of an encounter between angels and humans. Mitsuru-chin and Tomo-chin are going to start singing in a moment, too.

Orthos: And then one after another, angels are going to fly down from the heavens, huh.

I’m sure when they hear this singing voice, they'll begin wanting to descend to Earth without knowing why.

Storia of Angels and Rabbits - Chapter 5

Location: Shopping District (Game Event)

Hajime: “♪~ ♪~”



Hajime: (There are so many people in the audience watching our live. Everyone’s smiling, so I can’t help but smile as well ♪)

Ravial: ………

Hajime: (Ah, it’s Ravial-san. He spread his wings behind me. They’re so wide, it’s like I’m being enveloped by them...♪)

Tomoya: “♪~ ♪~”

Mitsuru: “♪~ ♪~”

Hajime: (And behind Tomoya-kun and Mitsuru-kun, Feyle-san and Teufel-san are standing in much the same way.)

(They’re wearing such elaborate wings, it’s hard to believe that they’re imitations. It truly makes you think that they might be real angels.)

Ravial: Your singing voice is beautiful.

Hajime: Hoeh? Ah, you’re praising me? Thank you so much~. Ehehe, I’m so happy ♪

Ravial: Yes, it’s a beautiful singing voice, suitable for the Day of Saint Michellia.

Hajime: Saint Michellia… you say? That does sound like a celebration in honor of the descent of angels.

Ravial: Indeed. Last year on this very day, my little brother was given wings. And this year, I met all of you. This may also be some kind of miracle.

Hajime: Umm, I don’t really get it, but I’m also really glad that I met you guys, Ravial-san.

If this was thanks to God’s guidance, we should thank him ♪

Ravial-san, would like to sing with me? The part I’m singing right now isn’t that difficult, so…

“♪~ ♪~”

It goes like that, so what do you think?

Ravial: Yeah, I think I can sing that.

“♪~ ♪~”

How am I doing? I sometimes have to sing for work as well, you see.

Hajime: Yes! You’re very good! Alright, let’s sing together ♪

Ravial: “♪~ ♪~”

Hajime: “♪~ ♪~”

Nazuna: Good work, everyone~☆

Mitsuru: Nii~chan, everyone was cheering like crazy! They loved it, and I’m super glad they did~♪

Tomoya: It’s all thanks to Ravial-san and the others. You guys really look like actual angels… Your wings are so realistic that it’s hard to believe they’re fakes.

Just like the audience, I also caught myself thinking, “Are those guys real angels?”.

Teufel: My apologies.

...My wings are considerably small, you see. Even when I spread them the way the Commander and the others did, they were too small to catch people’s eyes.

Mitsuru: Mm-mm~, I don’t think so at all. Teufel-chan, your physical ability’s amazing. The way you were flying was so cool, all like, nyoom~!

Teufel: T-thanks.

Mitsuru: Hmm? Whatcha pinching your cheek so hard for? If you keep pinching it, you’ll stretch it out!

Teufel: I’m balancing out my happiness. Please don’t mind me.

Nazuna: You guys~, the live may have ended in success, but we’ve still got a handshake event scheduled. Stay focused, alright?

Hajime: Wawah, you’re right…

Nazuna: Only people who bought the game are allowed to shake our hands, but a lot of people seem to have bought it out of curiosity after seeing our live~.

We may end up having to shake most of the audience's hands now.

Ravial: My apologies, but we have plans from here on out. Can we leave the rest in your hands?

Nazuna: No problem, but… Do you mind telling me what kinda plans you have?

Ravial: It’s my little brother’s birthday today, you see.

Nazuna: Eh!? You booked a live on such an important day!?

I see~. Alright, leave the rest to us. And Orthos-kun, happy birthday to you ♪

Hajime: So it’s your birthday, Orthos-kun. If I’d known sooner, I’d have prepared something for you…

Happy birthday, Orthos-kun ♪

Mitsuru: Orthos-chan, happy birthday~♪

Tomoya: Happy birthday ♪

Orthos: T-thank you…

Ravial: That’s nice, isn’t it, Orthos?

Orthos: Yeah. I never thought Nazuna and the others would celebrate my birthday… It’s the greatest present.

We have to part ways now, but maybe there’ll be another miracle someday. And when that time comes, I’ll bring all my friends along to meet you, too.

That’s why, I won’t say “farewell.” See you again, everyone.

Mitsuru: Yep, see ya~♪

Nazuna: Hm? What do you mean, “miracle”...?

Mitsuru: Nii~chan, they already left. Let’s go do our best at the handshake event ♪

Nazuna: Oh, you’re right. There’s already a line forming too, and I wouldn’t want to make the guests wait.

Everyone. I know you must be tired after the live, but let’s stick it out ‘til the end. Keep at it~♪

Orthos: ………

Ravial: Orthos, are you reluctant to part with them?

Orthos: I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. I think we could’ve become good friends.

Ravial: In that case, your wish will surely be granted. As long as you never forget this feeling of wanting to befriend them, you’ll definitely see them again.

Orthos: ...Yeah. Thank you, Ravial-niisan.

Feyle: Commander! Orthos-kun!

This is the alley we took on our way here!

Of course, we don’t know if it’ll lead us back to the Holy Capital this time… But there’s nothing else we can do. For the time being, let’s try passing through!

Storia of Angels and Rabbits - Chapter 6

Location: Mehterhane

Feyle: This place is…

Teufel: Vice Commander. This is without a doubt the Holy Capital. We have safely returned to the world from whence we came.

Feyle: I see… So we finally made it back.

We were only gone for a short while, but somehow it feels like we spent much longer in that other place.

I guess it only goes to show what a lively time we had over there…

Ravial: Feyle.

Feyle: Ah, Commander! We’ve returned to the Holy Capital, see!

Ravial: It appears that way… I’m glad to see that Orthos returned safely, too.

Orthos: Sure, it’s a relief that we were able to return here, but if other people wander into that alley, they might end up in that other world by accident too.

Feyle: That’s true. For the time being, let’s warn people that this area is off-limits…

But it’s a path that the citizens of the Holy Capital use all the time, so even if we blocked it off, I don’t think they’d just accept that without any explanation whatsoever.

Ravial: At a glimpse, the townscape of the Holy Capital looks as it always does. But there may be a trick to it, so I’ll check out the alley once more.

Feyle: Huh!? C-Commander, you can’t! What if we only returned here by chance just this once, and it won’t work a second time!?

What’s going to happen to the Holy Palace Guards if you leave and never return, Commandeeer!?

Ravial: I won’t investigate it without a plan. Also, the Guards would be fine, because they’d still have you.

Feyle: B-but, I can’t lead the Holy Palace Guards all by myself. We wouldn’t be the same Holy Palace Guards without you, Commander!

W-well, I know I can’t keep relying on you forever…

In your absence, I protect the Holy Capital and Palace, as well as Her Highness together with the deputy, Teufel, and the other Guards.

But just as you said, Commander, I still haven’t grown enough to be left in charge of your duties.

If we were to lose you at a time like this, our future would be pitch black!

Ravial: I’m back.

Feyle: Already!? Eh, d-did it all go well?

Ravial: Yeah. There was no need to worry, that path no longer connects to that other dimension.

Orthos: Really? ...Well, the city does look like it always does.

Ah, is that the restaurant Feyle-san was talking about?

Feyle: Y-yeah. That’s the one. It’s the restaurant I wanted to bring Commander Ravial and the others to. So it really was on this street…

Orthos: Guess the mysteries never cease, huh. No idea if it led to that other dimension before, or whether it was just by chance that we were summoned to that world.

Miracles that can only happen here in the Holy Capital of the Sky Kingdom…

Just like I was granted wings on the Day of Saint Michellia, I met the inhabitants of another dimension this year.

Looks like God enjoys surprising me at every turn.

I never could’ve anticipated a birthday present like this.

No, no one could have seen this coming. To think that not just Ravial-niisan and the other Guards, but even inhabitants of another dimension would celebrate my birthday…

Ravial: ...Do you think it’s going to be a good birthday?

Orthos: Yeah. Before I came to the Sky Kingdom, Yuu and the others congratulated me, then Nii-san and the others celebrated with me here in the Sky Kingdom, and then even in that other dimension…

I guess I’m the only one who’s ever gotten to celebrate such a lavish birthday.

Ravial: Wrong, Orthos. We still haven’t celebrated your birthday yet.

Orthos: Don’t worry, I didn’t forget. You promised that we’d celebrate with a feast of fish dishes, right?

Feyle: Commander, Orthos-kun. The two of us will go ahead and book a table at the restaurant. Let’s go, Teufel.

Teufel: Yes, sir.

Orthos: ...Fufu.

Ravial: What’s the matter?

Orthos: When I imagined what kind of faces Yuu and the others make when I tell them about this experience, I couldn’t help but laugh.

We went to a place that probably even Yuu, who taught me about the beauty of the world, has never been to before.

Yuu was the one who taught me that there is beauty to be found all over the world, not just in the Holy Capital. And thanks to him, I learned the joy of wandering the Earth.

When I traveled the Earth, I was the one who was constantly surprised at the stories Yuu would tell me, but now it’s my turn.

When I tell him about the things I experienced first-hand in that other world, he’ll surely be shocked speechless!

Fufu, he’s probably going to be wide-eyed when I tell him that I sang and danced together with Ravial-niisan and the others.

Ravial: Sounds fun.

...I’m really glad that you’ve made such good friends.

Orthos: Thank you, Nii-san.

From my tower, this Holy Capital always seemed so beautiful. And even now that I’ve travelled the Earth, I still believe that it’s as gorgeous as ever.

But now that I’ve known the freedom you can only gain by flying away from the nest… I can’t find it in me to stay here forever.

Of course, this will always be my home town, and nothing can change that, though.

Ravial: That’s already enough for me.

You can come back here anytime you like. Sudden visits are fine, too. I’ll be at ease as long as I get to see your face once a year like this.

I’m sure there are many things you want to tell me that you couldn’t fit into letters. I feel the same way. There are so many things I want to tell you about.

Orthos: Then tell me, Nii-san. There’s still a lot of time left until my birthday is over.

And if we still haven’t said everything we wanted to say by then, there’s always next year.

And if we can continue like this the year after that, and in the future beyond that, then there’s no greater happiness I could wish for.

Storia of Angels and Rabbits - Chapter 7

Location: Practice Room

Hajime: One and two, three and four ♪ And the turn… Uwawah?

Tomoya: Hajime, are you okay? If you can’t get up, I’ll lend you a hand.

Hajime: Ahaha, thank you very much. But I just fell on my butt, that’s all… Heave-ho.

Moving the way Mitsuru-kun does is still difficult for me. If I practice lots and lots at home, maybe I can get it right next time ♪

Mitsuru: Yep yep. Hajime-chan can do it if he tries. You’re gonna be okay for sure!

Alright, I’ll show you again how it’s done. One and two, three and four ♪ Then a turn, and a handspring~♪

Rolling around like this is so much fun, ahahaha ☆

Hajime: L-like this? The turn, and a handspring~... Ouch!?

Tomoya: Don’t overdo it, Hajime~. Let’s go at our own pace, alright?

Nii~chan always tells us to do just what each of us can do during lessons.

Hajime: Y-yeah. Trying to rush it is no good, huh?

Tomoya: But it’s really rare for Nii~chan to be running late. Maybe I should drop by his classroom and see if he’s still there?

Hajime: Ah, speak of the devil. Nii~chan’s here ♪

Nazuna: S-sorry I’m late! I kinda heard a weird story, and thinking about it while I walked…

Hajime: A weird story?

Nazuna: Yup. Remember how we appeared in that promotional event for a game the other day? As it turns out, our co-stars for that event actually canceled at the last minute.

Hajime: Eeh!? But we performed with some others back then…

If the real co-stars canceled last minute, then who on earth were those people?

Nazuna: Exactly. Apparently the staff at the location weren’t told anything by the client, just to make everyone wear those angel costumes.

I was on the phone with the artists who were supposed to co-star with us today, and they told me the truth of the matter.

Apparently they expected that they’d get a call about their last minute cancellation, but instead they were told that the event was a huge success.

And then they were asked to star in future events as well, which of course they were completely shocked to hear, since they didn’t even appear in this one.

Hajime: Who would’ve thought that our co-stars cancelled last minute…

Does that mean that Orthos-kun and the others were dressed in those costumes, but weren’t even an idol unit?

Nazuna: Yeah. And that just makes me wonder… Just what were they?

Mitsuru: Hrm~m. ...Ah, I’ve got it! The guys who co-starred with us were real angels, that’s gotta be it!

Tomoya: “Real angels”, you say… Of course, I thought they really looked just like angels too, but there’s no way angels actually exist.

Mitsuru: I mean, I think so, too. But Orthos-kun and the others had such real-looking wings, and when they spread them they went like, swishhh!

Normally, people wouldn’t be able to spread their wings like that!

Hajime: That’s true~. Ravial-san, who was standing behind me, had such large wings. Just as Mitsuru-kun says, he was just like a real angel.

Tomoya: Not you too, Hajime… I mean, yeah, those wings looked so well-made that it’s hard to believe they were fakes, so it’s not like I don’t get where you’re coming from…

Nazuna: Now that you say it, maybe Orthos-kun actually was flying while holding me back then…?

At the time I thought I was just being lifted up along with Orthos-kun, who was hanging on wires.

But now that I think more about it, he didn’t look like he was wearing a harness…

It was more like he was flying through the air by the movement of his wings.

Tomoya: Wh-, not you too, Nii~chan! Stop saying stuff like that, please…

I mean, it’d be quite the moving story if real angels descended to save us from our plight…

But I still can’t imagine that being true. Maybe there was another event with an angelic theme like ours going on somewhere in the area…?

Nazuna: Well, that may be it. But we did actually stand on stage together with them, and those memories are real.

Hajime: Yes. And Orthos-kun said he wouldn’t say “farewell”, so I’m sure we’ll meet again somewhere.

Nazuna: You’re right. Maybe Orthos-kun and the others will be our co-stars again at the next event… Though that’d be a crazy coincidence, huh?

Mitsuru: A live? Nii~chan, are we gonna perform in another live?

Nazuna: I got a call that the event this time was such a success, they want to book us for the next game promotion, too.

Mitsuru: Yaaay, it’s a live! Singing and dancing is so much fun~♪

Hajime: Ehehe, it’s all thanks to Orthos-kun and the others. But I guess it’ll be difficult to get them to be our co-stars again next time…

Nazuna: Yup. The staff asked me to tell them anything we know about them…

So I told them their names and the name of their unit, but they replied that there’s no unit called “The Holy Palace Guards”.

And we don’t even know if “Holy Palace Guards” is a unit name in the first place…

If we can’t find them, they’ll go down in history as legendary idols.

Hajime: Legendary idols, huh~. Ehehe, that sounds so cool...♪

Mitsuru: Alriiight, we’re gonna become legendary idols, too! We’re gonna aim for Koushien* ♪

Tomoya: How is becoming high school baseball stars going to help us here? And it’s not like we did anything deserving of being called “legendary”, either.

Mitsuru: Then we just have to put in even more effort! Nii~chan, when’s the next live? It’s cool with me if it’s today ♪

Nazuna: I only just heard about it earlier, so of course the live isn’t today. But, well, it’s good to see you so fired up.

In order not to be too ashamed to face Orthos-kun and the others when we reunite with them, let’s do our best at what we can do~. Hip, hip, hooray ♪

—————

* Koushien is the stadium where the annual finals of Japanese high school baseball take place.