02x03 - The Awaited

[bunniefuu]

You need friends.

The one who knows Fushi breathes her last.

Those who come to the towns
to find him are Hayase's descendants.

Will former foes become friends?

I am the sixth successor, Kahaku.

A guy?

Yes. This must be a first for you.

-I apologize if you were taken aback.
-No. It doesn't make a difference to me.

Hayase's heirs are females.

It has been decided
since Hisame became her successor

but my mother passed away
before she could give birth to a daughter.

It can't be helped.

I see.

Do you not read stories?

My ancestors had hoped for you to learn
about the love between men and women.

Supposedly,

everyone is reading a novel called
Love is in the Imagination right now.

Should I bring one next time I come over?

Unlike my predecessors,

I won't attempt to seduce you
so please rest assured.

I prefer ladies myself.

Why are you here?

To inform you that danger is upon us.

Immortal! Show yourself!

I know you're here!

I warned him, so he fled.

Where did he go? You know, right?

Are you from Guardian Force? You heretic!

If you have any complaints,
bring them up to the leader of the town.

Our only concern is
the safety of the people.

I'll lock all of you up someday!

Mark my words!

Fushi, you may come out now.

What is going on?

"Wanted. Those who capture him
will be rewarded with 1,000 gold coins."

The ones that stand against us
are those of the Church of Bennett.

The Church of Bennett?

Some regard the Guardian Force

and activities centered
around you, the Immortal, as heresy.

So those guys earlier are in this camp.

They believe you're not a holy warrior
fighting against the Nokkers

but an evil being that attracts them.

If this continues,

even those who believe in you will end up
becoming targets of persecution.

I apologize. It was
my incompetence that caused this.

No. You don't need to apologize.

Fushi, will you join us?

Join you?

Since its founding 200 years ago,

the Guardian Force has been
fighting Nokkers and protecting people.

The number of supporters also increased.

However, that is still not enough.

That's why, if you could join us--

I won't join you, but…

If it means fewer people will get hurt,

I'll go with you.

This village was once
attacked by the Nokkers.

Since then, many of the villagers
became supporters of the Guardian Force.

What do I have to do?

You just have to let them see you.

That's all?

-Great Immortal!
-Great Immortal!

I can't thank you enough!

Great Immortal!

Can't we make this more normal?

This is fine.

You just need to show your face,

and they will know that
the Great Immortal is no mere legend.

With this, we'll garner even more support.

Great Immortal!

Great Immortal.

Please help me, my son was taken away!

All because he made
a wooden carving of you.

How can I help you?

I just need to pay the ransom,

but I don't have the money.

How much do you need?

It's a miracle!

Thank you so much, Great Immortal!

Thank you, Great Immortal!

Get out of our village!

Get out! Go back to the devil's lair!

Are you all right?

I'm fine. I'll be able to cook eggs now.

That's him! One thousand gold coins!

Leave this to me.

You lot won't be able
to lay a finger on him.

Monster!

Run!

Is it really all right
to let them see that thing in your arm?

This is the form required to protect you.

Things could get
more dangerous at this rate.

Perhaps you should change form.

It doesn't bother me
that they throw eggs at me.

It doesn't really matter
even if I get caught anyway.

That won't do!
We can't allow our Fushi to be…

No. If you wish to help the people,

you mustn't allow yourself to be captured.

Fine.

This should solve the problem.

Yes, but I imagine
it would be hard to move in this form.

You're right. My back hurts too.

Perhaps someone younger would be better.

What about this form?

I think it would stand out too much
for a girl in a dress to travel with us.

This form should do it, then.

Let's not use this form.
This person is too well-known.

What? Does it really
matter what form I use?

A lot of people
have seen this form though.

What do you think, Kahaku?

This form will do! Please use this form!

I'll bring you a coat.

Fushi, are you awake?

Good morning. We'll be traveling
to the Cargar Region in the south today.

Okay.

Please mind the puddle.

I've prepared a horse for you.

That's not necessary. I can walk.

Let one of the injured take the horse.

I insist!

Cargar Region is about 50 Ri from here.

Now that I think about it,

I don't need to be
in human form when we travel.

Dog, mole, or bird. Choose one.

A dog then.

Fu… No.

Joaan. Sorry to keep you waiting.

Is something the matter?

I recognize that flag's symbol.
It's the mark of Jananda, right?

Yes.

It was once the mark branded
on the hands of the islanders.

The three swords represent

the three churches,
Monjo, Bennett, and Zumla.

It represents opposing forces
united by battle, a symbol of hope.

Hope…

According to my ancestor
Hayase's biography,

it was you who brought change to Jananda.

The mark you made
in history has been widely told.

That flag is proof of that.

This land has been kind to us.

I had three members
stay behind to fend off the Nokkers.

Joaan…

Kahaku and the Guardian Force
are not bad guys,

but is it really all right
to continue like this?

Do whatever you want, Fushi!

What I want to do the most right now

is to find those
who understand me… friends.

I know that much.

Are these people…

my friends?

Watch out!

Wonderful! I must
report this to Mama right away!

You must be surprised and scared!

Who are you?

What do you mean, Fushi?

What's with that attitude?

This person isn't Fushi!

Don't lie! It was obvious!

How did you know?

I just do!

You just do?

It seems you really wish to know who I am.

Very well. I shall
grant you knowledge of me.

I am the prince of the Kingdom of Uralis,

Bonchien Nicoli La Tasty Peach Uralis!

Bonchien Nicoli La Tasty Peach Uralis?

You must be surprised.

To think such an important figure as I
have come all this way to capture you!

Sorry. I don't know you.

Fushi, I have come to capture you,

and I have done so!

Do you understand what this means?

What?

What does it mean?

Sorry! Don't come over here!

Fushi won't be seized by the likes of you.

Amazing. Are all of them your comrades?

Scared?

If you wish to apologize, now's the time.

No…

Stop!

What?

It is all right, Master Bon.

We are with you.

I apologize.

Master Bon acts up like this occasionally.

Is that so? It must be difficult.

Say, what will you do to me

if I let you capture me?

You can't let them capture you, Fushi!

What will I do to you?
Lock you up, of course.

Until?

I don't know. Papa decides that.

A lot of the people in high places
don't like you, so you might be ex*cuted.

But I can't die.

You're right.

Well, we'll execute them instead then.

I won't allow that.

What they're doing
isn't meant to harm others.

-In fact, it's the exact opposite.
-Fushi…

If you dare lay a hand on them,

I won't let you capture me.

What should I do?

I know. Calm down.
I'll think of something.

Go away! Fine!

How about this?
I'll just take Fushi with me.

No! You have to take us with you!

I won't be responsible
for whatever Papa decides to do to you.

It matters not.

Let's take him with us for now.

Bringing two back
will be an even bigger achievement.

Very well!

All right! Both of you are coming with me!

But be good now!

I've caught Fushi!

-Well done, Master Bon!
-Well done, Master Bon!

Why did you let him capture you?

He has so many supporters.

If I can secure their support,
it'll help us fight against Nokkers.

But the supporters of the Guardian Force
are capable as well.

But most of them are normal people.

They won't lose all the same.

Faith is stronger than armor.

How long will I need
to keep fighting the Nokkers?

Will those things keep coming?

If that's the case,
only more lives will be lost.

Papa, Mama, I've captured Fushi.

Praise me lots when I return!

Go on now!

Papa! Mama! Praise me!

Where is Fushi, the immortal?

She's resting inside her tent.

If you're going to feed her
such unpalatable food,

don't bother waking her.

Watch your tone, Yanome man!

I am a man who will be king!

My apologies,

but you will not be my king.

I'm telling Papa about this once I return!

How scary.

Black-hooded guy.

How many have the Nokkers k*lled
in places where I don't know?

Thirteen thousand thirty-six.

That's way more than
the number of people I've met!

It's a small number compared
to those who died of natural disasters.

So many died in places out of my sight.

I can't do anything at all.

Is there a purpose for my existence?

Why are you immortal?

Why can you take on so many forms?

Isn't that strange?

Why do you possess so many?

Why are you so special?

It's because we have shared them with you.

That's what I would say
if I were one of your old friends.

Who do you think you are?

What would you know?

Go away!

Who do you, who doesn't know
anything about me, think you are?

Don't be so dejected.

Please don't die
before we reach the castle.

That would make me sad.

You should worry about getting k*lled
by Nokkers rather than worry about me.

Mind your words, White One,

or I shan't reward you.

Reward?

If you give me something,

I shall give you what you desire too.

I am the prince of the Kingdom of Uralis,

Bonchien Nicoli La Tasty Peach Uralis!

I know everything about you!

Master Bon!

As expected of Master Bon!

Welcome back, Master Bon!

-Master Bon!
-Welcome back!

So many came to receive me!

Papa must've received my report
and sent them here to welcome me!

Master Bon!

Master Bon, a word, please!

What will happen to the immortal?

I haven't decided yet,
but he will be dealt with accordingly.

I'll share the details
in the next issue of Bon Weekly.

That's all for now!

All right. This is my home.

Turn back into the girl, Fushi.
You'll be better received in that form.

-I do prefer this form better.
-Hey! Don't touch her!

What are you going to do to us?

Don't be so impatient.
First, I'll take you to Papa.

Marvelous job, Bon! Well done.

Papa!

This means you'll acknowledge me
as king, right? Thank you!

Well now, Bon.

This is this, and that is that.

In any case, let's have
a welcome party for them!

Shall we, Papa?

Now, Fushi, remove those rags.

Makeup!

-Hey!
-Fushi!

What are you going to…

You'll have me to deal with
if you do anything bad to her!

Good!

Rid this fellow of the Yanome stench,
dress him in my little brother's clothes,

and spray some of my perfume on him.

So you're Fushi?

Allow me to introduce you.

This is my little sister, Pocoa,
and my snotty little brother, Torta.

It is a pleasure to meet you.

I heard Fushi was a boy
but why is she a girl?

I would've preferred a boy.

Now, take your seat, Pocoa.

What will you do with them, Your Majesty?

He is a famous character,
so we must do something about him,

shouldn't we?

Not some awful punishment, I hope.

I'll have to publish it
in the next issue of Bon Weekly

so please decide soon, Papa.

I'm sure Your Majesty must be aware

that she is under
the protection of the Guardian Force.

It is documented in the oldest book
about Fushi, Hayase's Records, as well,

so I ask that you
discuss the matter with me first.

Of course. We've heard much
about the Guardian Force since long ago.

Dr. Sandel wrote that
you were originally a sphere in his book.

I don't remember it well,
but apparently, I was.

Does the black-hooded guy actually exist?

Yes.

Apparently, Tonari's journal
was recently discovered and is being sold.

Tonari's journal?

Its interpretations are currently
the mainstream belief. Have you read it?

Yes, but compared to Sandel's writing,

it paints the Guardian Force
in a much more favorable light.

Why has the journal
surfaced now, of all times?

I remember burning it with her body!

You take on her form a lot, don't you?

Someone must have gotten
their hands on it then.

I only ever turn into her
in front of the Guardian Force!

I don't really know
what happened in the past.

You stole it!

-My eyes have been opened.
-Fushi!

Tonari didn't write
that journal for you people!

Where are you going? It's rude
to leave the table in the middle of meals.

Fushi!

Don't run!

Relax!

Stay here and heal your body and mind.

Sorry, Prince Bon.

It was I who upset her.

I have a suggestion.

As a reward for her coming back with you,

will you provide her with an army?

Army? The Uralis Army? For what purpose?

To combat the Nokkers.

She wishes to save more lives.

Fushi, you are very kind indeed.

I admire that about you.

Brother! We have guests!

I am High Cleric Cylira
of the Church of Bennett.

I have come to take custody of Fushi.

I wasn't informed of this, Papa.

Me neither.

I heard you have captured
the heretic for us. So where is he?

Hold it right there! What are you
going on about? Who are you people?

I am High Cleric Cylira
of the Church of Bennett.

I'm Bonchien Nicoli La Tasty Peach Uralis!

I was the one who captured him!

I won't allow you to steal my glory!

As the next ruler of this kingdom,
I hereby demand that you leave at once!

Understood.

I shall come again another day.

It's fine even if you don't.

Bon, about my successor,

I have not changed my mind
about having Torta succeed me--

I know, Papa, but I will continue
to work hard to earn your approval

with the great deeds
that I shall accomplish.

Those damned heretics…

Rest here for the night.

Today has been a great day.

Wait!

That hurts!

Fushi, why do you run?

Do you dislike it here

or are you worried
that you'll bring the Nokkers here?

Both.

But I will help you.

I'll consider giving you an army

and I can help you
take care of those pesky Nokkers.

I was hoping for that at first

but I realized something on our way here.

What did you realize?

I'm scared that,

when I defeat the Nokkers for good,

I'll forget all the people I've met,

the ones I hold dear.

But…

Even so, I don't wish to see more lives
sacrificed in my fight against them.

So I've decided.

The next time someone important
to me is taken by the Nokkers, I'll…

You'll what?

You can tell Bon.

I can't!

That guy is watching.

That guy?

Tell me, Fushi.

How else will I know?

There are some things
that you must say out loud.

For instance, who is evil.

Next time someone important
to me is taken by the Nokkers,

I will give up

and surrender my body to them

and put a stop to their attacks!

Unfortunately, Fushi,

even if you lose
everything you have right now,

you'll just have to start all over.

Are you alright with that?

That's fine with me.

Fushi, I, Bonchien,
will show you a brand new world!

You can decide if you want
to abandon yourself after that.

NEXT EPISODE

Prince Bon of Uralis

shows Fushi a new path forward.

What do those dauntless, smiling eyes see?

Is he a friend?

Or…