Character Story 4: My Dearest Big Sister
Scene: At Elizabeth Park.
Shiori
Please do not move. I will proceed to shoot if you move.
Shiori
... Hm, eh? Yuuki?
Shiori
Hello. I'm really sorry for aiming my bow at you.
Shiori
There have been people with unfamiliar appearances lurking around the hills lately. So we've been increasing our security.
Shiori
Indeed. I'm in charge of security at Elizabeth Park.
Shiori
I was supposed to be rehabilitating here, but it was dull having nothing much to do. Plus, everyone here has taken care of me, and I wanted to repay that kindness.
Shiori
In any case. May I ask why you came to Elizabeth Park?
Shiori
Hmm. You said you were on a walk, and you ended up here... by coincidence?
Shiori
Is that so. Then, uhm, you've come a long way.
Shiori
Next time, please use the main entrance when entering, if you can. I'll mistake you for a monster or a thief if you enter the farm by leaping over the fence.
Shiori
And also, it's better if you walk on paved roads. The roads here are uneven, and you will end up rolling down the hills if you fall.
Shiori
You'll be injured severely if that happens. Though, since there's a medical centre at the farm, we can save you as long as you're still alive.
Shiori
Nevertheless, please be careful.
Shiori
Ah, I'm sorry. I'm younger than you, but I've been putting on airs... But, I'm really worried for you.
Shiori
Huuh? Please don't pat my h-head... It's not that I dislike it, but I just feel ticklish.
Shiori
You must think my ears are special. Even my sister would tell me, "I like your fluffy look very much!" as she pet my ears and tail.
Shiori
Yes. I have a sister. She lives in a elven settlement in the nearby forest.
Shiori
Indeed. My father is a beastperson, and my mother is an elf. Due to inheritance, although we are sisters, we were born as different races. I'm a beastperson, and my sister is an elf.
Shiori
So people often question whether we're really biologically related... Things like that. I've worried about it since I was young.
Shiori
Even if we really are not biologically related, even if we're of different races... I still love my sister. No matter what happens, that'll always be true.
A light shines from above all in a sudden.
Shiori
Ah... Is something glowing? What is this, it's blinding!
Scene: A dream. In a hospital in Japan.
Shiori covers Yuuki's eyes.
Shiori
Guess who...?
Shiori then stops covering Yuuki's eyes
Shiori
Hee hee. Yup, it's me. Hello.
Shiori
Indeed, I'm Shiori Kashiwazaki. Didn't you know? I'm a patient here.
Shiori
How rare it is to see you in the hospital. What's wrong, are you feeling ill? How worrying.
Shiori
Hmm. You felt like you had some kind of flu, so you decided to come to see a doctor just to be safe.
Shiori
Good idea. Preventative care is very important. I'm happy that you're taking care of your body...
Shiori
Huh, hmm? Why did you flinch...? Sorry, was I being too close?
Shiori
Ah... you say it would be big trouble if you infected me with your flu? Since my immune system is weak, right. Thanks for your concern, but I would feel a bit lonely without you.
Shiori
Hee hee. You said I look stronger than usual? Yes, indeed.
Shiori
I'm in a good mood today. What do you think could be the reason for it?
Yuuki
1. It's your birthday or sort?
2. Did something good happen?
Option 1.
Shiori
Buu buu... Wrong answer. My birthday is in November, so it's not for a while.
Shiori
Eh, you said you wanted to host a birthday party for me...? No, uhm, I'm happy to hear it.
Shiori
But I might still be hospitalized by then. It would cause trouble for the hospital if we make a lot of noise.
Shiori
As long as I get the chance to talk to you sometimes... I'm happy enough already.
Option 2.
Shiori
Yup, that's very close to the actual answer. Something good is about to happen.
End of branches.
Shiori
Hee hee. Actually, my sister is going to visit me soon.
Shiori
As I recall, you seem to know my sister too, right?
Shiori
Because I'm a long-term patient here, my sister occasionally brings over changes of clothes and other daily essential items.
Shiori
My sister also takes those visits as an opportunity to chat with me.
Shiori
I've been looking forward to it very much...
Shiori
I don't go to school much, and I don't have many friends. I rely on my sister to connect me with the world outside.
Shiori
It's like the world outside the hospital is an alternate world, and my sister is the one who opens the doors for me. To me, she's the best magician in the world.
Shiori
Although, my sister has her own life to live, so I feel bad that she has to spend so much time visiting me. But I still feel very happy each time.
Shiori
Hee hee. If you can, would you like to join us? Let's share this happiness together...
Shiori
Hmm? You said you wouldn't want to disturb our gathering, and it would be big trouble if you infected us with your flu...? You don't have to worry that much.
Hatsune shows up with her eyes closed.
Shiori
Ahh, my sister is here. Seems like she's sleep walking with her eyes closed. Is she actually awake or not...?
Shiori
Honestly, my sister is someone you can't leave on her own for too long.
Hatsune walks away with her eyes closed.
Shiori
Anyway, Yuuki, please say hello to my sister.
Shiori
She'd surely feel very happy about it. She's the type of person who's very direct with her affection.
Shiori
Oii, sister! Right here, I'm right here!
End of dream.
Beginning of Ames conversation.
Ames
Speaking of Shiori's sister, that's referring to Hatsune, right...
Ames
Although their parents' racial differences could be a way to explain the sisters' racial differences, it still feels a little convoluted.
Ames
But, happily, their sisterly relationship is a fact no matter what. They really are a close pair of sisters.
Ames
Eh, my bad. I was just talking to myself...
Ames
The same kind of things keep happening, and they're really starting to weigh on me. But, I suppose this is my duty.
Ames
What you saw earlier was something similar to a dream. Don't mind it too much, because I think you'll forget most of it once you wake up anyway.
Ames
I expect that you'll be seeing many more mysterious dreams like this one in the future... There's no point in talking more about it now, but just be prepared.
Ames
Anyway, that's all for now. Bye bye!
End of Ames conversation.
Scene: Back at Elizabeth Park.
Shiori
... Ah, you're awake. Good morning, Yuuki.
Yuuki opens his eyes.
Shiori
You scared me by falling asleep all of a sudden.
Shiori
You must have been extremely exhausted from working everyday. If there's nothing urgent going on, please continue to rest. Just keep resting, peacefully.
Shiori
Ah, yes. I will lend you my lap for you to rest on.
Shiori
I can't let you sleep out here, and it'd be hard for me to carry you with my own strength.
Shiori
Hee hee, do you feel comfortable? My sister enjoys resting my lap, as well.
Yuuki closes his eyes.
Shiori
Hmm? Don't tell me you fall asleep again?
Shiori
There, there... Just keep sleeping peacefully.
Shiori
Ah, it feels peaceful here... Perhaps saying this is a bad omen, but this feels like heaven.