Departure Euro Gallu: I've never loved anyone. Amiya Rai: Never loved anyone...? Euro Gallu: That's right. I like everyone, but there's no one I've loved in a special way. Euro Gallu: As for how far "everyone" extends, of course I care about my Federation comrades, but I feel a sense of kinship even toward people in the Empire. Amiya Rai: Huh?! Euro Gallu: I figured you'd react like that... Amiya Rai: Even though they're the enemy? Euro Gallu: They are, but… That's just a geographical circumstance. If I'd been born as their younger brother, they'd be family, wouldn't they? Amiya Rai: Um...? I mean that's technically true, sure, but... Euro Gallu: You think it's strange? Amiya Rai: it’s hard to sum up my reaction in one word. Euro Gallu: Yeah, I figured. Whenever I share this, people usually think I'm cold-hearted. Euro Gallu: Some people get angry, thinking I'm mocking them. Euro Gallu: That's why, ever since the day we met, I've always thought you were far better suited to lead than I am, Amiya. Amiya Rai: Why's that? Euro Gallu: Because you're so rich with emotion. Even when you and Rao charged at me, it was out of genuine love for your country. Euro Gallu: And when Rao set off on his journey, you tried to play it cool, but anyone could tell you were heartbroken. Amiya Rai: Hey now, that's embarrassing. And here I was trying to keep a straight face... Euro Gallu: There's nothing embarrassing about it. Having a heart so full of love is a wonderful thing. And just like you said, you still keep your head on straight. Amiya Rai: I'm honored. Euro Gallu: I feel like the whole world and I are one and the same. Euro Gallu: And just as much, it makes me lonely. Because I've never met anyone else like me. Amiya Rai: Whoever ends up wanting your love all to themselves is going to have a rough time. Amiya Rai: Do you have any idea why you're like this? Was there some kind of trigger? Euro Gallu: My mother says it's because I was raised by Echoes as a child. Amiya Rai: Raised by Echoes...? Euro Gallu: Sounds like a joke, doesn't it? Even I half-think it's a joke. Euro Gallu: A hawk grabbed me and carried me off when I was a child, apparently. Amiya Rai: I've heard that story. You were found in the forest a few years later, right? Euro Gallu: Right. I was surrounded by Echoes at the time. As if they'd been taking care of me the whole time. Amiya Rai: Well, that sure is a completely normal story. Euro Gallu: Really? Amiya Rai: Kidding. I’ve never heard anything like that in my life. Euro Gallu: I've even wondered if I went through an Echo Fusion back then. Euro Gallu: I must have been completely battered after that hawk had attacked me… Amiya Rai: And then the Echoes saved your life. Euro Gallu: It’s just a theory, though. So I sort of feel like the Echoes are my siblings, too. Amiya Rai: I'm jealous. I want you to call me your brother. Euro Gallu: You’re as good as family to me, Amiya. I think of you no matter where I am. Amiya Rai: You say that to everyone. Haha, just kidding. I'm happy to hear it. [Amiya leans in to hug Euro.] Euro Gallu: Wah... Amiya Rai: Hold still. In my homeland, an embrace is a ritual of familial affection. Euro Gallu: Amiya... Amiya Rai: Off you go. My brother in soul. Amiya Rai: I support you in your love of freedom. Please, stay safe out there. May fortune be with you. Euro Gallu: Thank you. I'll make sure to hug you enough to fill Rao's share, since he isn't here. Amiya Rai: Hahaha! I'm sure Rao would appreciate it. [Outside Ecolina Village…] Thecto Sis: Alright, we're off. Fail Urus: We're off! Nelpha Maxi: ...Wait...! Fail Urus: Nel! Thecto Sis: Stop, you need to lie back down! You're badly hurt! Nelpha Maxi: The village elder just told me you're heading to the capital to look for Airio. Thecto Sis: ...I already made up my mind. Airio's my only brother, my precious family. Fail Urus: We know it's going to be dangerous, but we've made our peace with that. So please, don't try to stop us. Nelpha Maxi: I'm not stopping you. I'm coming with you. Thecto Sis: You are?! Fail Urus: But... Nelpha Maxi: ...Ugh. I'm fine, this is nothing. There's all sorts of people in the capital. It's not exactly safe for kids. Thecto Sis: We’re not kids! Eleu Coge: I'll come along too. Nelpha Maxi: Eleu Coge?! Fail Urus: Balaeno too?! Balaeno: Morning. Balaeno here, pumped and hyped. Nelpha Maxi: ...What's the meaning of this? Balaeno: Balaeno here, pumped and hyped. Nelpha Maxi: A-ah, sorry. I wasn't referring to you... Eleu Coge: Just simple goodwill, that’s all. Travelling with an injured man and kids sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. Thecto Sis: Balaeno's not a kid either. Eleu Coge: He's certainly got some muscles. Fail Urus: He really does. He's carrying all that luggage alone...Are you okay? Balaeno: Light work no reaction. I'll carry yours too. Thecto Sis: Really? Are you sure? Balaeno: Bring it on! Nelpha Maxi: I feel bad making a kid do heavy lifting... Eleu Coge: Balaeno might not even be human, actually. Nelpha Maxi: Not human? Then what is he…? Eleu Coge: Who knows. A humanoid Echo, maybe. Fail Urus: An Echo... Thecto Sis: What do you think? Fail Urus: I don't think he's an Echo... Eleu Coge: You can sense the presence of Echoes? Thecto Sis: Fail can see their memories. Eleu Coge: Oh? Fascinating. Tell me all about it while we walk. Nelpha Maxi: Ho-hold on a second! To be continued...