hbisc2

Not exactly with logic and reason, I guess.

Anyway, it's good that things have calmed down. The temporary quarantine zone should be lifted tomorrow.

Dr. Hibiscus... I have a question.

You're new here in the Afterglow. It's not like you had time to make friends, and some folk have even treated you terribly. Why are you still willing to...

I think this is the first time I've been treated like a doctor.

What?

I mostly do the work of a nurse back at HQ, caring for patients and assisting doctors. This is the first time I've been put in charge of things.

You call me doctor, so I had better do my job.

You... you'll forgive what I said to you?

What if I say no?

I'm sorry! I'm really sorry!

You can hit me with that flute if you want!

I'm just joking. No need to slap yourself.

I'm not going to pretend that it didn't bother me at all, but it's understandable.

In the face of terrible danger and an unknown threat, it's natural for people to become wary of outsiders.

Do you really think so?

And if I just packed up and left, I would really become the prophesied devil who brought disaster to the Afterglow and then disappeared, wouldn't I?

Hate leads only to hate, never to understanding.

I just hope I can fix people's prejudices with my actions, even just a little bit...

Sorry, I wandered off there.

You should get some rest. I'll be over there, and you can call me if you need anything.

Whew... things are finally settling down.

I should have a sip of water and take a break—

Cough... cough...

Water... I'm thirsty... water...

Oh, here's some water for you!

Cough... cough... whew...

Feeling better?

A-Are you a Sarkaz?

Er... maybe you could treat me as a Caprinae?

Pah, I can tell the horns of a Sarkaz from those of a Caprinae at a sight.

Ah, so it's true.

Seeing a Sarkaz under a full moon... am I going to die?

I've never heard that legend before.

Ouch, my head hurts. Guess I'm starting to ramble.

Thank you for the care... let's sing a song, whether you're Sarkaz or Caprinae.

A song? You should rest up. Your condition has just stabilized.

It's too quiet... we need some music tonight, even if I die tomorrow.

I'll sing. Accompany me with your flute.

Very well, if it makes you feel better...

But I'm not great at the flute.

It's easy. Just follow my melody.

I'll start. One, two—

The Sky is blue and fine, the Breeze lilts by in Song♪

The River murmurs clear, my Heart is filled with Hope♪...

The alley is quiet, cleared to accommodate the overflow of patients.

The intermittent sounds of flute and singing echo under the moon, a lullaby for a city just emerging from chaos.