hbisc2

Hibiscus!

Where are you!

My leg... it hurts...

It's ok. Stay still, and let me have a look.

It's just a bruise. No bleeding or fractures. I'll rub some salve on it and you'll be fine.

But it hurts so much when I try to move...

I know how it feels. I hurt my leg once when I was little. It really hurt, and I was bleeding and scared. I couldn't stop crying.

But you're not crying. That means you're a strong boy, aren't you?

(Rubs eyes)

But it's not gonna get better by itself if you sit here like this.

Would you rather sit in the cold and the rain, or go home and get better on your warm and comfy bed?

I, I...

Come, take my hand, and stand up. Good. Can you go home by yourself?

Yes!

Good boy. Now go on home; your mum and dad are waiting.

Thank you!

Hibiscus!

What happened at the concert, Hibiscus? Why are you here by yourself?

Andante... perfect timing.

No time to explain. I just patched up a few injuries here.

But Originium levels are very high around here. Take them to the office for a closer look...

What the heck are you talking about?!

What's with all those wounds on you? You're in no shape to help anybody!

Wounds? What are you—

Young lady, why do you—

I'll hold down the fort here, Ebenholz. Now!

It can't be. I thought I blocked it...

Don't worry, I learned a few things from Lava. I know some Ar—

Hibiscus!

A few days ago...

Hello, this is the medical assistance center. Is this the number of Mr. Darron?

It's you... where's Andante?

Dr. Andante is out visiting patients, so I'm checking on you on her behalf. Don't worry, I received the same professional training.

May I come in to do a few checks? Just some basic tests. No blood will be drawn—

Stay away from my house!

I won't come near without your permission.

But you do not sound well. You should get yourself checked up—

It's none of your business!

I was feeling perfectly fine until you came to the Afterglow, Sarkaz!

The prophecies were right! You Sarkaz have brought calamity upon the Afterglow!

It's a complicated situation, and hard to explain... but you need help, and your health should come first.

Enough! I'm not gonna grovel to a Sarkaz, even on my deathbed.

Very well, I won't force you, if you don't want to get checked up.

Here's some medicine that may help... please don't consider it help from a Sarkaz. I'm simply delivering medicine to those in need, on behalf of Rhodes Island.

I'll leave the medicine at the door. You can pick it up at your convenience.

Go away... or I'll call the guards.

Sorry... I'll be going.

I've gone through the Afterglow. Based on the number of Infected who have recovered abnormally, we don't have enough supplies at the office to deal with a crisis.

Why hasn't the medicine we ordered come in? I hope that patient doesn't waste the doses...

Hibiscus—

...What?

As though hearing a call from afar, Hibiscus turns around, but finds no one there.

Every door and window is closed, as though the scenes of song and dance from a few days ago were merely an illusion.

But the weathered walls and battered tiles look so familiar upon close inspection.

I asked you to carry ingredients for tomorrow into the warehouse, but I didn't expect you to carry enough to last a week. Aren't you tired?

Ha, don't underestimate Sarkaz strength!

Alright... still, you must be tired. Here, have two servings of fins & chips, and share it with your sister.

Thanks, but I think mom has dinner ready. I'll just take one serving and share it with Lava.

See? You shouldn't give a young lady too much fried food.

Here, take this bag of fruit. Guaranteed to be sweet and juicy.

Thanks!

You're welcome. I'm counting on you to tutor that little brat of mine!

Come on, Hibiscus, focus...

I'm back.

Why have you gone out again? Didn't I say I would take care of the investigation for a few days?

Things in the Afterglow are complicated. I can't just leave it all to you.

All I did was deliver some medicine to patients in need. I won't draw any attention.

Did anyone bother you...?

(Shakes head)

Dr. Kal'tsit says a medic's first duty on a field mission is to her own safety.

What happened the other day—it was their fault, but you shouldn't have charged ahead like that. It was dangerous.

Sorry. I realized afterwards that I should have taken another path... I was angry and anxious, and being right was all I could think of.

But thinking back now, there was really no point to an argument like that.

Good that you realize your mistake. Next time you put yourself in danger like that, I'm putting it in my report.

I'm sure they meant nothing by it. They're just scared after all that's happened lately.

I remember being invited to dance my first day in the Afterglow.

They probably just mistook you for a Caprinae...

I don't think so.

I used to think there wasn't much difference between the horn of a Caprinae and that of a Sarkaz, but I recently learned that the Caprinae are able to tell them apart at a glance.

Let me tell you something funny.

I found a Caprinae girl unconscious by the roadside before I arrived in Vyseheim.

I gave her some medicine and water. When she woke up, she recognized me as a Sarkaz and looked scared.

I panicked and said, 'Don't worry, I'm a Caprinae too!'

She didn't believe me and ran away screaming.

It was so funny, now that I think of it. Why would a Sarkaz introduce herself like that?

It's not funny at all.

Hm...

I'll get the door.

It's you...?

You just left my house! Don't you remember?

I'm his son! You sucked my father's blood!

I'm looking for Dr. Andante. Where is she?

(Gestures 'pretend I'm not here')

She's not here right now. I can help, if you need something.

Er, I...

P-Please help my father!

What happened?

He was feeling well a few days ago, but things took a bad turn this morning.

He's running a high fever, and new crystals are appearing on his skin...

Please, help him!