Translation notes, mostly on place names: -It's "Artefact" (spelled out in Roman letters) in early materials but "Artifact" in a recent CD. I use the former out of habit, but Koei could have changed its mind mid-franchise. -I use "Celestizam" from the fansubs for lack of any alternative, but the suffix in the original kana ("seresutizamu") combined with Celestia's heavy decadent Western religious trappings would seem to point to a partial Latin or Greek origin. Search engines, though, are unhelpful; I'm sure there's something we're all missing. -I am unaware of an official romanization of "Kozu". (There's a Greek island called "Kos" that would do well as the namesake for J.D.'s "sea of sunlight" home, but the kana don't match.) -Mathias's and Rene's title of "kyoudanchou" translates to "Head of the Order", also used in the translation. There are instances, though, when only a direct title will do and "kyoudanchou", untranslated, is used. -Angelique is popularly referred to as the "joou no tamago", a title usually translated as "Queen's Egg". "Tamago", however, has a meaning beyond the strictly literal sense of "egg" we all learn early on - it can also mean "unhatched" or, to go a little further, "in the making". (You can be a "isha [doctor] no tamago" or "bengoshi [lawyer] no tamago", too; it's not considered an awkward expression in Japan, unlike calling a person a literal "egg" would be in English.) The series wants the egg imagery, of course, as a quick check of that image art used to promote the first part of the Abyss anime confirms. I use "the Unhatched Queen" here, which retains the imagery without a layer of awkwardness not present in the original expression. -Manga Erenfried has a penchant for using computer terminology as slang, apparently. pg. 3 [image 1] GENIUS'S MIRAGE Caption: Headquarters of the Artefact Organization Merchant City of Farian Roche: Hey, hey - gimme a smile, Professor Erenfried! SFX of camera: *snap* Erenfried: So my smile can become marketable data for a gossip monger like you? Caption: Erenfried (14) Member of Artefact (General Manager) Roche: It'll sell! Don't you wanna see your face on the front page when your research is complete, Professor? pg. 4 Erenfried: Forgive me, but could _you_ laugh after seeing such horrors? We appreciate your help in facilitating the flow of information. We in Farian are at the eastern edge of the continent...we strive to obtain data on losses from the Thanatos in the western part of Arcadia, but there are always areas in which we're geographically vulnerable, no matter what we do... Roche: WHATTA HARD-ASS~~ Gotta expect that, though, from someone who worked under that scientific genius who...how should I put this?...*ran away* from Artefact? Professor Rayne? *Ohhhh*...touchy subject? Erenfried: ...No. pg. 5 SFX of cup: ::clack:: Erenfried: Just so long as you so kindly continue to extend your help to Director Jorgo and myself, your demeanor is utterly inconsequential to me! Oh, yes...even if, let us say, your precious information were obtained through...less than scrupulous methods?... Roche: ...... SFX: ::ack:: Roche: Y'know, you're not gonna get any chicks, being such a crabass. Erenfried: I have no need for women. Roche: HUUHHH--REEEEAAAALLY? AN ARTIFACT AIN'T GONNA KISS YOU, Y'KNOW! SFX: ::CRACK:: Erenfried: You--are you making fun of me? Roche: (heh) pg. 6 Roche: ME? NOT _PARTICULARLY_.... Jes' means there're _some_ things I _can_ be serious about, huh? SFX: (Hmph!) Roche: Wire my payments to this account, OK? (Hey!) If we're gonna be best buddies, you better be packing one heavy wallet! (See ya!) Erenfried (thinking): Roche the information broker...what an exhausting individual. (phew) Jorgo: Erenfried. That information broker is a valuable source of data. We need to avail ourselves of anything of possible use to us, regardless of its source. Erenfried: ...Director Jorgo! pg. 7 Jorgo: If you need more material for your research, be sure to discuss it with me beforehand from now on. Is your research in a slump? Erenfried: Uh-- No - of course not! Our weapon research is progressing smoothly! Jorgo: ......... Then hurry back to the lab, Erenfried. Let us exterminate the Thanatos - before they drain all of humanity dry. Erenfried: Yes! Of course! pg. 8 [image 4] Erenfried: I won't let you down, Director, by any means! PRofessor Rayne gone or not, I'll be certain to-- Jorgo: --I know. Indeed, if only Rayne were here. Erenfried [thinking]: Actually, our weapons research is far behind schedule. pg. 9 SFX of door: ::whoosh:: Researcher: ...Dammit! That kid's got me on my last nerve! He's working me to the bone...and for WHAT?-- 2nd Researcher: Hey--the boss is here. Erenfried: Is there any trouble? 2nd Researcher: Professor Erenfried--... It's just that this program is based upon some formulas that Professor Rayne created... Erenfried [thinking]: _Again_ with Professor Rayne? Erenfried: Are you two telling me that you're _incompetent?_ Grasp the formulas as best you can. Voice: As if that brat understands them any better! ......I mean, am I right? Voice: Shh! He'll hear! Erenfried: ...I don't want to hear that name again. Erenfried [thinking]: Always thrown in my face, that man's name - overshadowing me wherever I go. pg. 10 [image 5] Erenfried: Professor Rayne is a traitor who wrecked our research. Erenfried [flashback]: Have you wiped your memory banks, Professor Rayne!? What...what are you _doing?_ Rayne [flashback]: Erenfried...I'm leaving the organization. You can't rely just on the abstract - on logic and data! Look at _reality_, Erenfried! Erenfried: I know _all too well_ about reality - so much so it _hurts._ Even without your help, I'll develop the perfect weapon! You'll see... Professor Rayne! GENIUS'S MIRAGE *END* pg. 11 LOVE & MONEY Caption: Walden, Arcadia's capital Little Girl: IT'S ROCHE!-- Woman: My, aren't you in a good mood! You seem a little more manly than usual today, don't you? Roche: Selling the right material for the right price will do that to you. Hey - I'll take one! Caption: Roche (17) Back Alley Information Monger Miihaa & Father: ROCHE!!! pg. 12 [image 6] Father: I heard what you said just now...that you've come into some money? SO HOW ABOUT FINALLY PAYING YOUR TAB AT MY BAR TODAY!? SFX: ::BANG BANG:: Miihaa: ~*You promised me a date, remember?*~ ~*Come on...! The last time you visited our shop?*~ Father & Miihaa: WELL!!! SFX: WHAM--!! Roche: Hmmm--.... for you? pg. 13 SFX for father: ::blush:: Father: ...... Roche: Better get those back to the shop before they wilt! I'll be in then to pay my tab! Miihaa [thinking]: (He has the money _now_, doesn't he?) Miihaa: Now, Roche, it's naughty not to pay your bills! Roche: (Hey--) Keep cool, keep cool! I'm always sending customers your old man's way - isn't that enough?! ......Today, I wanna be *all* *yours*, cutie pie. Miihaa 2: _Roche..._ pg. 14 [image 7] Miihaa 2: WHO IS _SHE!?_ WOULD YOU MIND _EXPLAINING_ THAT TO _YOUR LOVER?_ Roche: HUH--? (Gaah--) WHAT IS _SHE_ DOING DOWNTOWN?... Miihaa 1: ~*Why can't you look at us, Roche?*~ ~*You're _mine_ today, aren't you, Roche?*~ Miihaa 2: _KINDLY UNHAND HIM, *WON'T* YOU?!_ Roche: HYAH HYAH! Miihaa 1 & 2: *Hey!* RUNNING AWAY!? YOU _TWO-TIMER_--!!! SFX: ::clomp clomp clomp clomp clomp clomp clomp:: Roche: ::whew:: Hey, flower lady! (Quick!) The bouquets - gimme one each of the roses and lilies! Flower Lady: Yep! pg. 15 Roche: EVERY GIRL HAS HER OWN CHARMS! ...AND I LOVE YOU _BOTH_ EQUALLY! (*heart*) Lily SFX: *smack* Rose SFX: *smack* Roche: Oops - sorry! Just remembered - I got a job! I have some business here; see you two later! ::hums:: Caption: Newspaper Publisher The Walden Times Miihaa 2: ...I'll overlook this _one_ time, Roche. Miihaa 1: Ohhhh-h! The next time, I WON'T!~~ pg. 16 [image 8] Bernard: ...Yeah, I get it - Roche, enemy of womankind. You're a natural at what you do, I'll give you that, but you need to watch your deceitful behavior toward women. Caption: Bernard Newspaper Reporter Roche: Better hope I do, or else all the other guys are gonna be out of luck! Caption: Even the receptionists are swooning. Roche: (Hey - I poured you a cup.) Bernard: _It'd be good for you if you *did* catch a little hell._ Roche: By the way, Bernard - who's the girl with you in that photo on your desk? She's cu-- SFX: ::SNATCH:: Bernard: _Shall we discuss your job, Roche?_ pg. 17 Roche: My job? Bernard: I'd like to keep this under the table. I have information for you. Roche: *Really?* Well, I'll take what I can get! Bernard: The details are in the note... This is an advance. Note: Top officials F and K suspected of corruption...also, one unrelated request. Roche: "Get a photo of the Head of the Order of Celestia, Mathias?" Why *that* jackass? SFX: ::clatter:: Bernard: Because you're good at taking photos, Roche! That boy scientist from Artefact, Professor Erenfried - only you would've come in with a photo like that of him to sell! Such a smile... Roche: It was a easy shot! ...OK, I'll do it. pg. 18 [image 9] Roche [thinking]: This's my daily grind...but it suits me, and I'm good at it, gathering dirt. My two favorite things in life are money and cute chicks. Town Crier: Thanatos have appeared in the town square! Flee quickly! The weak - the aged and infirm, the children - will die if drained of life force! City SFX: ::hustle hustle hustle:: Roche [thinking]: Yeah... but _she's_ the only exception. Roche: Hey--! Your Royal Holiness! If you really *do* exist, you'd better hurry up and do something about your world! LOVE AND MONEY *END* pg. 19 PERSONA OF THE KYOUDANCHOU Caption: Celestizam, the Holy City Mathias: Her Majesty the Queen in the heavens above is always watching over those on earth. May her blessing be upon thee. Caption: Mathias (28) Member of the Order of Celestia (Head of the Order) Roche: AND SO AM I, YOU KNOW! ALWAYS ABOVE YOUR HEAD, WATCHING WHAT YA DO~~ pg. 20 [image 10] Roche [thinking]: Snapped a few of the head of the order, too - even if it meant coming all the way to an icebox like this! SFX of camera: *snap* Roche [thinking]: Now...gotta beat it - before the Knights find me and raise hell!! ::low whistle:: SFX of Roche fleeing: ::whoosh whoosh whoosh:: ::BAM:: Mathias [thinking]: Your Majesty... pg. 21 Cultists: Mathias-sama. why would a gentleman as exalted as yourself go out of his way to grant an audience to a mere pilgrim - even going so far as to show him an image of the Queen?... Mathias: ...I hear that pilgrim is gathering together the children who have lost their parents to the Thanatos and taking them in himself. If to treat such a person with compassion is a crime, then so be it. Walking SFX: ::clomp clomp:: Rene's foot SFX: *tap* Collision SFX: ::WHAM:: Rene: MATHIAS! pg. 22 [image 11] Mathias: Rene...! Rene: C'mon, what's done is done - you have to let it go! "The Queen extends her blessing to all the world's people" - "*Patronage* brings about no good." Isn't that what you taught me? Mathias: That's right! *hmhm* Mathias [thinking]: Rene... your mind absorbs every single thing I say like a sponge, doesn't it? Mathias: Rene...what're those? Rene: Ohhh...! The "Walden Times" and the "Farian Post"! I enjoy the columns they run, and it's fun to see what's in fashion! pg. 23 Rene: I went to town and bought them! SFX: *GASP* Rene: I CAN DO WHAT I WANT WHEN I'M OFF-DUTY! You wanna try sneaking out to the village too, Mathias? Mathias: I can't conduct myself like you do. Mathias: He's a curious boy, but his boundless enthusiasm can be a problem. Mathias: Rene, there's a boy your age among Artefact's researchers... Rene: Age is irrelevant to duty! Like me, whenever I hear the Voice, I have to come flying back, no matter where I am in the Holy City. Mathias: You heard the Voice again today...? pg. 24 [image 12] Rene: Yeah. So I'm gonna go back and listen to what the Silver Tree has to say. The Holy Tree's been acting up lately; something's going to happen soon. ...I'm sure it's not in any newspaper. This is a Special Report, you know! Mathias: Indeed. If something does come to pass, I hope it's an event that unites the people in joy. Mathias [thinking]: The rustlings of the Silver Tree... I wonder what they sound like? pg. 25 SFX: ::roar of crowd:: Crowd: Kyoudanchou-sama! Kyoudanchou-sama! Please, save us! pg. 26 [image 13] Mathias [thinking]: Rene... No matter how receptive I am to the voices of the people... no matter how often I pray to Her Majesty... I don't...... The Holy Tree that watches over this city - what has it been telling you of late? I... I don't hear a thing. MASK OF THE KYOUDANCHOU *END* pg. 27 ICE-COLD MARIONETTE Caption: Merchant City of Farian, Artefact Headquarters Jorgo: Both the Walden Times and the Farian Post are raving over your work as an Artefact researcher. However...you _do_ understand what this means for you, Erenfried? Erenfried: Of course, Director Jorgo! The true test of my research begins now. Jorgo: We fight to bring peace to Arcadia... agreed? Erenfried: Yes. pg. 28 [image 14] Erenfried: We will annihilate the Thanatos who threaten the lives of the populace and feed upon their souls. And *he* will be the proof that the correct path lies with my research. Caption: Jet (20) Member of Artefact Thanatos: OOOOOoooohh... pg. 29 SFX: ::GRAB:: Thanatos: GHIIII!? Man: That man...who _is_ he? Touching a Thanatos with his bare hands - he shouldn't be alive! Older Girl: He appeared out of nowhere... Younger Girl: !! pg. 30 [image 15] SFX: ::foom:: Running SFX: ::dash dash dash:: Man: What a man... pg. 31 Man: To take out three Thanatos all by himself... SFX: ::beeeep beeeep:: Jet: --...Mission complete. Erenfried: Good work. ...Now, proceed on foot to the next objective at point 498. Jet: Understood. Proceeding as instructed, Erenfried. Researcher: General Manager, sir, shouldn't we give Jet a little rest? Erenfried: Please. He's not so shoddily constructed as that. Voice Off-Panel: _Did you say that Thanatos have appeared?_ pg. 32 [image 16] Villager: They're gone now! It's all thanks to that guy in black! Who're _you?_ J.D.: Me? I'm J.D. Villager: Those tonfas...were you planning on fighting the Thanatos, too? J.D.: Yeah. I travel around and fight them. Jet: ......... pg. 33 J.D.: To protect people's...to protect _real_ people's smiles. Jet: Comprehension failure. pg. 34 [image 17] Caption: The Walden Times Newspaper Publishers Bernard: _I CAN'T USE THESE PHOTOS OF THE HEAD OF THE ORDER, ROCHE...!_ Roche: BUT AREN'T THEY _PRICELESS_? BWAA HA HA! Where'm I headed next, Bernard? Bernard: .........A little village west of Walden. I want some information on a member of Artefact - he headed there to exterminate some Thanatos. They say he fights the Thanatos without a trace of emotion...just like - - just like a machine. Caption: THIS IS THEIR STORY, BEFORE THEY MET THE UNHATCHED QUEEN - THE GIRL WHO WOULD SAVE THE WORLD Caption: ICE-COLD MARIONETTE *END* pg. 35 LET'S MEET AT HIDAMARI Angelique [in letter]: How are you doing these days? Guard: Even if there are no more Thanatos at large, it's dangerous on the roads, milady! Guard: Please take the utmost care of yourself, Your Highness! Angelique [in letter]: Ever since the purification of Erebus, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call our world an earthly paradise! It's been some time since I took up residence within the Celestizam... Rene: After your tour of the continent, the Aube Hunters will all be gathering together at Hidamari Manor, won't they? If things get tense, just keep calm and think of the good times...of the times we shared. Angelique: Sure, Rene! Angelique [in letter]: I still haven't gotten used to the idea of being worshipped by so many people. Angelique: Elvin! Elvin: Meow! Rene: If something happens, Angelique, send me a call for help through the Silver Tree! SFX: ::rustle:: Voice: No need to worry. pg. 36 [image 18] Angelique: Hyuga! Hyuga: I won't let a soul harm a single hair on her head. May you persevere in your duties as Head of the Order, Sir. Pray spare the High Priest and the Captain of the Knights some trouble. Angelique: D, do you suppose I'll be all right riding outside the carriage...!? Hyuga: Ah, but until you gave the word to put you down, my Queen, I had intended for us to ride _just like this._ pg. 37 Erenfried: It says here that the Queen and her attendants set off on a tour of the continent, Rayne. Rayne: Yeah, I have to make preparations to return to Hidamari myself. Caption: Merchant City of Farian Erenfried: ...By the way, what _is_ it that you've been making on your breaks? Rayne: These ring-like artifacts. If something happens to you while you're wearing one, it lets whoever's wearing its mate know. I figure she's already got a lot of jewelry that's just eye candy, don't you? Don't you think it might be nice for a Queen to have a ring that's unusual like this instead? Erenfried: _Just as long as you make sure YOU have the other - *right*, Rayne?_ Voice: Rayne. pg. 38 [image 19] Rayne: Jorgo... Jorgo: I'll be leaving Farian for a while. I think I'll go around to the towns and villages destroyed by the organization's weapons and make a few apologies. I'm leaving chairmanship to you. You've been so inspired by machines, I thought it only right. ...First, I intend to go to Kozu and visit Garnet. I'd like to extend my gratitude to the villagers who took her and the Jinx in. Erenfried: ...Shall we head back to the laboratory, Rayne? Rayne: Yeah... pg. 39 Rayne: Before I return to Hidamari, I've got one more job to do! Caption: Kozu, the Sea of Sunlight J.D.: C'mon, Garnet, can't I have a smile? J.D.'s father: Whew... She's a pretty tough young lady for someone possessed by a Thanatos, J.D.! Garnet: (ah...) pg. 40 [image 20] Jorgo: Garnet! Garnet: ...Director Jorgo? Jorgo: It makes me glad to see you safe. Garnet: To think that you would come all this way to see me... I'm so sorry...! All I did was to wreck our weapons... Jorgo: Would you like to travel with me to make amends for our crimes? pg. 41 J.D.: I can't wait for the party at Hidamari! I think I'll get my own travel preparations underway. All of a sudden, I feel the need to see Angelique! Caption: Hidamari Manor Nyx: I commissioned a new portrait of the Queen to adorn the manor. It truly conveys her warmth and charm, don't you think, Auguste? Auguste: Yes...the cat is a nice touch. Nyx: To tell the truth, I was thinking eventually of adding another painting to the manor. Auguste: Nyx? pg. 42 [image 21] Nyx: _A portrait of the Queen and I together...what do you think?_ Bernard: *Ahem.* The tea that you're always drinking in this mansion really is exceptional! Angelique [in letter]: And when my tour of the towns and villages on the continent ends, we're all gathering together at Hidamari for a party! Bernard: I got an invitation from Ange. Angelique [in letter]: So many wonderful things have happened since I became Queen - I just can't wait to tell everyone...! Won't you come too, big brother Bernard? Nyx: Well, since you like it so much, I'm glad I decided to put on some extra tea! Caption: LET'S MEET AT HIDAMARI *END* pg. 43 Caption: ~TO THE FUTURE~ Researcher: We've made fantastic progress on our research into spatiotemporal travel! It's all thanks to that spacefaring "Ship of Stars" artifact which brought the Queen back from that "Holy Land" dimension! SFX: ::WHIRRRR:: SFX: ::HUMMM:: Erenfried: Jet should be returning from the Holy Land any minute now. ......Providing Director Rayne's theories are correct, of course. pg. 44 [image 22] Erenfried: Jet... Jet: Mobility and cognition intact. Return successful and without incident, Erenfried. Erenfried: ...So I see. So, for the time being, we can count our first stage of experiments in the dimensional corridor...a success. Director Jorgo. I will never forget your words to me. Erenfried [in flashback]: Director Jorgo, I'll be leaving the organization with you. pg. 45 Erenfried [in flashback, thinking]: In the end, I couldn't win out against either Professor Rayne or the Queen's power... Jorgo [in flashback]: Erenfried. Stay here. You have to rebuild Artefact together with Rayne - so that it is once again an organization capable of lighting the way for our world. Erenfried: Jet, what is this apple? Jet: Research material collected from the Holy Land. pg. 46 [image 23] Erenfried: Then we in Artefact shall plant this apple and analyze it together as a team. Jet, the Holy Land where this apple grew - what kind of place was it? Jet: Temperature, climate, atmosphere - all elements at levels optimum for the support of human life. At the very least, a far more hospitable place than this demolished city. Erenfried [recalling]: You have to rebuild Artefact together with Rayne-- Erenfried: We _will_ restore the surface - make it no less dazzling than the Holy Land! Jet: Erenfried. pg. 47 J.D. [in flashback]: I travel around and fight them. To protect people's...to protect _real_ people's smiles. Jet: If you are able to smile again one day, will I understand the meaning of his words? Rene: Oh, Mathias... you feel it too, don't you? Ever since the Thanatos disappeared and peace returned to the world, the Silver Tree has been getting happier and happier every day! Mathias: Rene... pg. 48 [image 24] Mathias: I have no special powers. I can't hear the voice of the Tree. Now that I've been fortunate enough to witness the birth of Her Majesty the Queen who watches over our world entire... I have no regrets. Rene: MATHIAS! What do you _mean_ by "I have no regrets"?! Wasn't it _you_ who taught me the pride of being the Head of the Order? You, who served as kyoudanchou in my stead... pg. 49 Rene: Because of that, I was able to wander the Holy City in secret - and tell Angelique some things I'd wanted to say outside my role as Head of the Order. Rene [thinking]: I wonder what the world will look like under a new Queen who's not a bird in a cage. Rene: So let's watch over her together! Roche: Great expression! Now gimme a shot of the Queen in her everyday life... pg. 50 [image 25] Bernard: AND HOLD THAT CUTE POSE FOR ME - RIGHT, ROCHE?! Roche: BERNARD! WHAT'RE _YOU_ DOING HERE!? ...Um, I was called to the party at Hidamari too. Bernard: C'mon, Roche, don't try to kid a reporter! I _know_ you followed me here! Angelique: So what're you _doing_ here - with my _big brother Bernard...?_ Roche [thinking]: _Oh,_ NO... Roche [thinking]: And so our future begins - the new future that Ange and all the rest of us will create. One I'm sure will be filled with hope - and big scoops! Caption: *END* pg. 51 THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING Hello! Mika Kajiyama here! Doing this bonus little all-chara booklet became a goal of mine in my Neo Ange work. When I started, I was a complete newcomer to serialized work, but it's thanks to the loving support of those around me and the friendly - and sometimes vehement! - opinions of all you readers that I was able to draw this much of the Neo Ange manga. There were many times that I got lost and many new new things that I had to learn. I'll keep on giving it my all! The finale of the manga gave the sense of the beginning of a new story...that was my intention, anyway. With which of our lovely male characters will Ange fall in love, and how? The answer lies in your own heart. ......Sorry! Well, see you later! Let's meet up again someday!