Episode 2: The Situation Between Orihime and Hikoboshi
The next day. To settle the problem between Orihime and Hikoboshi, Yuuki and the others began to move...
Luka
... So we'd like to help however we can. What can we do to learn more about this?
Man
I see. In that case, the best way might be to talk to them directly.
Man
Orihime's shrine lies to the west, and Hikoboshi's is to the east. If you state your business to the priestesses there, I think they should let you meet them.
Nanaka
I see, thank you! I wonder just what kind of trouble has come up.
Luka
It might well be that they've gotten caught up with some monsters who are up to no good.
Stechepalme
Heh, if that's it, then fixing the problem will be simple. With my powers, I will call down the lightning of purification from the heavens!
Luka
Well, we can't say anything for sure until we ask them about it. Let's start by going to Orihime's shrine.
Luka
This should be it... Hey, is anyone here?
Priestess 1
Yes, what can I do for you?
Luka
We heard from the townspeople that there's some sort of problem between Orihime and Hikoboshi. We'd like to help if we can. Would you allow us to hear what's wrong?
Priestess 1
Ah, I see! In fact, we were at a loss ourselves as to what to do...
Priestess 1
Your help would be most welcome. Allow me to show you to Lady Orihime.
Nanaka
So even the priestesses are in trouble... Could this problem really be that bad?
Priestess 1
Lady Orihime, please excuse me. You have guests here to see you.
Orihime
Waaaah...! Waaaahh...!!
Everyone
Huh...?
Priestess 1
These people would like to help resolve your troubles. That being the case, please, stop crying.
Orihime
Sniff... R-Really...?
Priestess 1
Yes. Dear me, your nose is running quite badly -- here, use this tissue.
Orihime
N-No... It's embarrassing... Pshhhh!
Luka
Um... Can we talk now?
Orihime
Y-Yes. I'm very sorry... Um, your names are...?
Yuuki
1. "I'm Yuuki."
Luka
I'm Luka. And these two are Nanaka and Anna. From what we've heard, something seems to have happened between you and Hikoboshi.
Luka
It would be sad for the villagers to have their annual festival cancelled, wouldn't it? So, we'd like to help you out somehow.
Orihime
S-So I see... All because of me, their special festival will be... Sniff...!
Luka
No, no, it's not like it's your fault! That wasn't what I meant, so please don't cry.
Orihime
Sniff, I'm sorry... I've just been so negative lately that I... sniff...
Nanaka
So then, what happened with you and Hikoboshi? Did you say it was embarrassing to have a legend about you two going home together, or something?
Orihime
No, that's not it... It's not anything that I did...
Stechepalme
Then it's on Hikoboshi's end? ... Could his heart have been turned by some evil god!?
Orihime
The truth is, the truth is... Oh, oooh...! Hikoboshi's been cheating on me...!!
Everyone
Cheating!?
Orihime
I was so looking forward to the day when I would be able to see him by the Milky Way... But this year, he cheated on... Ooh, oooh, waaaaah!!
Luka
Hey, calm down! We're going to help you out. Okay?
Orihime
Oh, sniff... D-Do you mean it...?
Nanaka
We're seriously serious -- we won't let evil have its way. Just leave it in the hands of Magical Girl Nanaka, the embodiment of justice!
Stechepalme
That's right, the forces of evil will fall before us. We're not afraid of Hikoboshi -- we'll set him straight!
Luka
Hey, now, let's not resort to violence just yet. ... But as they said, we're on your side.
Orihime
Y-Yes... Thank you very much...
Luka
If anything else comes to mind, then we'll be back to speak with you again. Now, then, please excuse us.
Later.
Luka
You two, what did you make of that conversation?
Yuuki
1. "Sounds sad."
Luka
Well, sure, but that's not what I meant... What I meant was whether you think we can take it at face value.
Stechepalme
It's too early to say. She might have been painting Hikoboshi's actions in an extra negative light.
Nanaka
Well, we'll just have to check with Hikoboshi. We've only heard one side of this showdown, after all.
Luka
I feel the same way. Then, let's go to Hikoboshi's shrine next.
Later.
Luka
Hey, is anyone here?
Priestess 2
Guests...? Um, what can I do for you?
Luka
We heard from the townspeople that there was some kind of problem between Orihime and Hikoboshi. We'd like to help if we can. Would we be able to ask him about this?
Priestess 2
Huh!? Um, I appreciate the thought, but... It might be a little difficult to have you all to help...
Stechepalme
Why are you wording it that way? Do you mean that we wouldn't be able to help?
Priestess 2
No, that's not what I mean... I think the best way to explain would just be to have you see Lord Hikoboshi for yourself...
Luka
I apologize if it's trouble, but that's what we came here to do. If you would.
Later.
Hikoboshi
Ha ha ha, you're also looking sexy today!
Priestess 3
L-Lord Hikoboshi, please stop it!
Hikoboshi
Tell me to stop all you'd like, but it's your fault for being so beautiful...
Priestess 4
Cut that out, Lord Hikoboshi! Do you mean to cause Lady Hikoboshi more grief!?
Hikoboshi
Ha ha, for you to be so concerned about me... Is this what they call a tsundere? Worry not, for I understand!
Everyone
Ah...
Priestess 2
... Like I said. Do you understand now?
Luka
Yeah, I don't like it, but I understand. From the looks of it, Orihime's story was accurate.
Stechepalme
There's no doubt about it.
Nanaka
There's no point in talking to him, then... We've seen it for ourselves, so let's head back.
Hikoboshi
Oh, my! You three over there! Did you come to see me!?
Nanaka
Ugh, he noticed us...
Hikoboshi
Sorry for not calling out to you sooner! Now, come over here. Let's have a nice, leisurely chat.
Luka
No thank you. My apologies, but the three of us must be going right away.
Hikoboshi
Ha ha, I can't resist that cool attitude... And is that one of those legendary school swimsuits? Simply irresistable...!
Stechepalme
E-Ew, don't look at me with that gross expression! Don't come any closer!
Yuuki
1. "Please stop acting weird."
Hikoboshi
Huh? Sorry, but I don't talk to men. I was in the middle of a conversation with those lovely ladies. Shoo now.
Hikoboshi
You, too, that sexy outfit is just calling out to me. Just let me have a piece of...
Nanaka
Anti-harassment Spark!
Hikoboshi
Gyaaaah!?
Nanaka
Touch me out of nowhere, and you'll be in for a shock!
Hikoboshi
O-Ow... Damn, what was that...!
Nanaka
... Huh? Didn't Hikoboshi go weird for a moment there?
Stechepalme
Yeah, I could see it when you attacked, Nanaka. What was that star...?
Priestess 2
Star...? Um, where...?
Nanaka
Oh? Could some people not see it? What's going on, seriously?
Hikoboshi
How rude of you to refuse my invitation! Is it not natural for everyone to cater to the wishes of Lord Hikoboshi!?
Luka
Hmph, who would cater to a skirt-chaser like you? We're not playing along with you any longer -- excuse us!
Later.
Nanaka
... Well, it's good that we understand the reasons behind it all, but what are we supposed to do now?
Stechepalme
What to do about a flirt... Oh, I know. What if we blast him every time he tries to get at a girl?
Luka
You really are far too quick to resort to force... There's a simpler solution here.
Nanaka
Do you know one, Luka!?
Luka
We should have them speak directly. Their relationship will only fray more, the longer they leave things unsaid.
Luka
From the looks of it, Orihime doesn't have much to say to Hikoboshi. On the other hand, that skirt-chaser Hikoboshi has a whole lot he needs to say to Orihime.
Nanaka
Ummm. Maybe it's right for them to talk, but will that really turn out okay? Won't Orihime end up crying again?
Luka
If it was just the two of them, then maybe. That's why we need to be there to act as mediators.
Stechepalme
So we'll be the ones to judge whatever problems exist between them. If that's all we need to do, then leave it to me!
Luka
Just in case, let me stress that we're only there to watch over them. We're there to allow Orihime to speak her mind.
Luka
And, if the talk looks like it's about to fall apart, then we'll have to do something about that as well.
Nanaka
Oooh, nice thinking, Luka sis! Always reliable!
To create the best opportunity for Orihime and Hikoboshi to share their true thoughts, the group began laying the groundwork for a meeting between the two.