Episode 5: Resonant Hearts
Scene: A village in the countryside.
Yuuki and the others have chased the monsters that appeared from the book to a village near Elizabeth Park.
Hatsune
... Zzz... zzz...
Shiori
I'm sorry, Yuuki. Making you carry my sister like this... I think the escaped monsters are most likely near here...
Shiori
It's strange... All the houses' doors are shut, and there's not a trace of anyone here. This village is normally so lively, too... Could it be that everyone has been...
Man
H-Hey, is someone there?
Shiori
A voice? Coming from inside the house? Um, there's nothing to be afraid of, so would you mind coming out to talk?
Man
Oh... You must be from Elizabeth Park...
Shiori
Yes... What exactly has happened here? Everyone else is unusually quiet.
Man
Everyone in the village has locked themselves inside their homes... Somehow, monsters appeared inside of our monster-repelling zone... It's a serious problem.
Shiori
So monster repellant doesn't work... These monsters must have come from the book. They must have be an irregular variety...
Yuuki
1. "We need to seal them."
2. "Let's help the people of the village."
Option 1.
Shiori
Yes... I bear the blame for placing the people of this village in danger, so... It's my responsibility.
Option 2.
Shiori
Of course... I was the one who undid the seal... I have to take responsibility for the situation I caused.
End of branches.
Shiori
Yuuki. Please lend me your power for a little longer.
Man
You all should escape quickly, too... Those monsters will surely leave eventually...
Shiori
Please, take cover inside your home. We'll do something about the monsters.
Man
S-Seriously... W-Well, don't try to do too much, all right?
Shiori
... I wonder why it is... These monsters are far too quiet... They leave no traces, and make no sounds...
Shiori
Even my heightened beastperson senses... can't pick up any trace of them...
Shiori
(If we were to suffer a surprise attack, we would be done in without a doubt... I have to protect Hatsune and Yuuki, however I can.)
Shiori
(Where are they going to come from? Where...)
Hatsune
Zzz...
Hatsune
Ah! Shiori, above you!
Shiori
Above!? Ah!
A monster strikes from above.
Monster 1
Roaaaar!
Shiori
It was hiding its tracks by lurking on the rooftops... Big sister, if you hadn't warned me, I'd be...
Hatsune
Hee hee, you were in danger, after all! I snapped awake right away!
Shiori
Thank you, big sister. I'll attach the bookmark to this arrow, and... Here I go!
Monster 1
Roaaaar!
Shiori
(Ah, it's too fast! I won't be able to steady my aim like this!)
Shiori
Hatsune, Yuuki! Take cover in the buildings! If we're all grouped up, it'll take us out all at once!
Hatsune
Ah! Shiori!
Shiori runs off.
Shiori
Is the monster... still on the rooftops?
Shiori
(That monster can read my movements from my gaze and my footwork... And on top of that, the intimidation factor... If I get careless, I'm finished!)
Hatsune
I see... So it can predict Shiori's movements... That's right, I can tell what Shiori's thinking.
Hatsune
That monster must have really sharp eyes and ears! What do we do? That thing might take out Shiori!
Yuuki
1. "Block its eyes and ears with your magic."
Hatsune
But magic doesn't work on that monster... Hmm... Oh, now I get it! Good idea, Yuuki! We'll be able to help Shiori this way!
Hatsune
All right! I'm all charged up from sleeping on your back! I'll do everything I can!
Yuuki
1. "How do we tell her about our plan?"
Hatsune
Heh heh heh! You saw it earlier, right? Shiori and I don't need words to communicate! Kiraaa-n!
Hatsune
Now, shall we? Here comes my full power!
Shiori
The more tired I get, the more of a target I'll be... What do I do...
Hatsune
Shiori! Close your eyes!
Shiori
Big sister... Ah!
Hatsune casts a spell.
Monster 1
Roaaaar!
Shiori
(My big sister's magic! I see, she's dulled the monster's senses with this!)
Hatsune
(Even if my attacks don't hurt it, I can still keep it from sensing Shiori's movements! Shiori! Go get that monster!)
Shiori
I can't waste the opening that my sister's created...!
Shiori shoots.
Monster 1
Roaaaar!
The monster is sealed.
Hatsune
Yes! You sealed it away!
Shiori
Mmf... I-It's all thanks to you, big sister... I felt like I was hearing your voice...
Hatsune
Hee hee, because nothing can beat the bond between us! Not even that strong monster!
Shiori
What did the book have to say about this one... Um... It has exceptional vision, hearing, and smell...
Hatsune
It had a good nose, too, huh... W-Well, that sure was dangerous! Ahahaha...!
Shiori
There's only one monster left... The one that you saw, the Jizu... We can't get complacent...
Jizu
Roaaaar!
Shiori
Ah! The Jizu! Its gaze... It's coming for the book...!
Hatsune
Shiori, Yuuki, are you all right!?
Shiori
Yes. Yuuki's fine, too... But if we fight here again, the village will suffer serious damage...
Hatsune
Let's lure the Jizu outside of the village and fight it there! Come on, both of you!
A great roar alerts the three of them to the approaching Jizu. In order to keep damage to the village to a minimum, Yuuki and the others turn their backs and run.