story_bena_1_1

Bena's room, Rhodes Island Landship

Hmm-hmm-hmm... ♪

The children have been safekeeping quite the nouveau things as of late.

A model of Rhodes Island—a camera—

And this rather valuable-seeming gold coin.

You just don't see sweeties and milk teeth as often these days.

Hmm...

But new things might need to be handled a little differently compared to the old. Will it make any trouble if we don't go by the books, I wonder...?

When I can, I should drop back in on Grandmother sometime. And ask her if she's got any idea while I'm there.

Bena.

What is it, Annie? I'm occupied.

Castle of Dreams delivery fairy.

Delivery fairy? Is it time we made good on some Rhodes Island grown-up's childhood wish?

Not a grown-up's.

Then whose?

Bena.

Oh, a child called Bena's... I thought I was familiar with every child aboard, but I don't think any of them were named Bena.

Yours, Bena.

Huh? Mine?

I certainly don't remember entrusting any safekeepings to Granny.

You did.

I just told you I didn't.

Harrumph... Let me take a look, then.

Alright.

What have we here... a letter?

(Tears open envelope)

Seemingly not... all these boxes... and Grandmother's signature.

This is a check.

A check? What's that?

You make a wish with it.

Fill in a number, and you get money.

Sounds like the sort of thing grown-ups would be fond of.

But what's Grandmother sent <i>me</i> this for?

To make a wish.

No, that can't be right...

Oh, I know!

She must've found that fruit pit I hid under her pillow last time I went to the Castle!

Oh-hoh-hoh, trust Granny to send this sort of nonsense as a practical joke.

(Sets check aside)

Well, she certainly succeeded with flying colors this time.

Hmm. Now, where was I?

Bena, give Grandmother your reply.

A gold coin... hmm, how did we handle gold coins again...?

Bena, I'm off to fetch the lucky doll.

Yes, yes, be careful out of doors, don't get lost.

Hrmm. What does the manual say—

I think that should do it.

Annie, my work is done! Let's go out and play!

Come on, chop-chop while we can! There'll be evening classes soon!

Annie?

The silly girl's ditched me to have her own fun again.

Hupsie-daisy.

Well, after spending so long sat on my bottom, a little exercise is in order.

Let's see where we'll be tagging Annie today.

Hmm... another fork in the road.

Time I asked Sir Barkel—mm, actually, let's shake it up for today.

(Digs out protractor)

Bena, Bena, oh lost Miss Prim♪ Where to go? Just listen to ♪ her ♪

Here comes Dame Ingres♪ The way she'll confer♪

Here!

(Tosses protractor)

Hm-hm, this way it is.

(Picks up protractor)

I just knew you'd be here. Have you been filching toys from Kirara's again?

The nerve of sneaking out to play here without telling me... hmm?

Well, well... a child's doll? Whose is it?

I don't know. It was in the playmate pile.

It does seem a little uncanny, I'll say...

It's fine.

Want to play?

Gladly.

But you have class, Bena.

Ah!

If you're late, you have to give a presentation to everyone.

Urk... You should be coming to class with me! That way we'd have a trick for any nag.

Annie is a puppet.

Puppets don't go to class.

Harrumph...

The teacher tonight has a sense of humor, so a quick prank should fly. It won't be totally boring.

I'll be off, then. Remember to return soon; I want to see you waiting in our room tonight.

Mhm.

Hmm... what was the way to evening class again...?

Exit, turn right, go straight.

And you're there.

Ah, oh-ho, thank you, Annie.

Happy classes.

Yes, happy as can be~

The wish?

An apple.

(Nods)

Not now.

Tomorrow. Bena's wish.

(Scratches head with knife)

My wish.

Can I make her remember this?

(Takes out check)

She promised Granny. She needs to remember.

(Looks at check, then at Annie)

Will it be challenging?

Negative feelings? Nightmares?

(Nods)

Bena will be fine.

I'm by her side.

Huff... Well, today's class was interesting.

The teacher asked us what wishes we have, and the things started pouring out of everyone's mouths. Then we all wrote them down onto letters and handed them to the teacher, who arranged that we could come and fetch them in ten years' time.

My, my, that's our job to the T.

I collected plenty of articles as we went along, so Grandmother's sure to be pleased.

Bena, bad girl.

What? If Iris were attending that class, she'd have done the same thing.

I just saw a move or two ahead, you see? Haha!

Mmf. Still, as voluntary as it is... I can't argue taking classes in the evening is a little...

*yawn*...

Let's go to bed, Annie...

Alright.

Would you like a lullaby?

No thank you. I'm no child, you know.

Alright.

Good night, Bena.

Good night, Annie.

Zzzzz...

Darling, how are you...?

*cough*, *cough* *cough*...

She's asleep.

I... I feel so sorry for her...

Us both, darling, us both...

We can only hope to keep the malady from reaching her too...

We'll be in Victoria soon, and then...

Our... little ■■... won't be... infected...

Daddy! Daddy!

Is this, um... a fountain?

■■, Daddy and Mummy are going to buy some food from a shop over there. Just sit here and rest yourself for now.

No... don't go...

Be good... here, an apple...

I don't want it. I just want Mummy and Daddy to stay.

We'll come right back...

Daddy? Mummy?!

No... don't...

Don't... leave me...

I don't care about Oripathy!

I just want... just want to be with Mummy and Daddy...

Don't go...

*sniffle*... *sob*...

Your eyes are wet.

Do you feel bad?

Yes...

Would you like a lullaby?

No...

Alright.

Annie...

Yes?

Hug...

Alright.

You're all the family I have...

You have Granny too.

Granny's... Granny's too wicked...

And Iris.

Nngh... Iris is too nice.

And I thought we were clear we didn't have anything to do with each other.

Iris bakes you custard tarts.

Mgh... Iris does make delicious tarts.

She can technically count, then.

And now you're not alone.

Be honest. Where did you learn all that babying talk?

Kirara's game discs.

Isn't she more fond of those action games?

Kirara plays anything.

Really?

Yes.

I'll have to take a peek at her collection next time.

Alright.

For now, let's get some sleep. Proper sleep.

Alright.

Remember to give Grandmother your reply tomorrow.

Rock-a-bye~♪ Rock-a-bye~♪ There's a moon round and bright~♪

(Hums lullaby)

Zzzz...

Mmm...

*yawn*...

Good morning, Bena.

Nmgh... morning...

Are we going out to play?

Play? Oh, of course...

I found the lucky doll for us.

Oh...

Lucky doll... That latest fad?

Pink, with two little knives, stitches and patches all over, who you can make a wish to if you happen to meet? And then your next few days are awfully lucky, was it?

Alright.

Sounds like the perfect wool to pull over children's eyes.

It's real.

And you don't suppose the doll has a Castle of Dreams-type place trailing it about, too...

Pink... knives... stitches all over...

Ah!

Wasn't that the one yesterday?!

Yes.

Does it really work?

Yes.

So you found it yesterday. Has your wish come true?

Mm.

Has it, or has it not?

Mm.

Oh, don't learn to keep mum as well, Annie, that won't do!

*sigh* Come on, we're going to find that doll together.

Alright.

But from what I heard, it was awfully hard to find it. Sometimes it even runs away when it's seen. Do you really think you can fetch it again?

Yes.

We're friends.

Hmph... So you've started making friends behind my back to boot. Naughty.

Follow me.

Right, let's be going.

Erm... why are we here again?

This is the dolls' nest.

Ah-ha, so it is!

What a mountainous pile of playmates.

Let me see where that little rapscallion is hidden.

Hm...

Not this one.

Nor this one, I don't think.

Beehhh~

This one's woolly!

Hum. So there are sound-making dolls nowadays?

Err... the color's right, but it hasn't any knives, and it's not shabby, so I wouldn't think so...

Ah, you're the one!

This is Morte, Bena.

There's a hint of evil about it...

Still...

(Lifts up Morte)

What exquisite needlework. And sewn with some marvelous cloth, too.

Its owner must care for it very much.

Morte says you can make your wish.

A wish... Ooh, let me think.

We'll come right back...

Get out of my sight and never come back!

Let this be your home from now on, little lamb.

Hello, I'm Iris. We'll be friends from now on.

There's oodles of toys in the playroom, and plenty of people to play with them together, so what's the harm in staying a little longer?

Well, then—

I'll have an apple.

There you are, Morte.

An apple?

(Ah, I remember her. Shamare, I think? Hilariously difficult to get along with.)

(She just doesn't like to talk.)

(Last time I asked if she wanted to safekeep anything, she put a curse on me!)

(Because you kept pestering her. It was very annoying.)

(It's called affection!)

Your apple.

Th—Thank you...

Come on, Morte.

(Falls limply into Bena's arms)

Hmm.

I—I didn't do anything.

I know.

(Takes Morte)

It's Morte. I can only patch it up. It'll always fall apart.

(Takes out sewing kit and book)

Bena.

I know, I'm thinking too.

Alright, alright, I'll go and do it.

Shamare, preparing your symbols <i>and</i> doing this patchwork must be a terrible burden.

I can handle the patchwork half for you. Think of it as thanks for the apple.

How did you know...?

Morte...

(Plays dead)

I guessed.

Because someone made me too.

Then you take Morte. I'll draw my symbols.

(Hands over sewing kit)

Good, a complete set of tools. Looks like it gets damaged quite often.

Speaking of which, Annie.

Mm?

Does needlework like this hurt it?

Does it hurt me?

Hmm... I'm fairly sure it does. I can feel it.

But that's alright. I'm still here.

You're still here, Bena.

Annie...

Mm?

Next time, could you just ask Kirara to lend me that adventure game for a few days?

Look at you. Your mouth is covered in honey.

Mm.

*sigh* Let's get started. I'd feel bad about eating her apples before I finish darning, after all.

Mm.

Finally, imprint the symbol...

We're done.

It says you sewed it very well.

Thank you.

No, no, it's nothing. I'm a dab hand when it comes to handiwork, you know.

Let's go home, Morte.

Bye, Morte.

(Brandishes a miniature knife at Bena)

What's that supposed to mean?

Thumbs up.

I still get that uncanny feeling...

*sigh* Who knew wishes could come real so fast?

Oh, the apple.

How sweet.

I'm surprised she likes her apples this sweet. You'd never guess from how unapproachable she is.

Bena, no judging books by their covers.

Fair enough.

*crunch*.

Do you think it's sweet?

Yes. Very sweet.

That's good.

Let's sit here a little while longer, and then we're off to Rhodes Island for a grand adventure, okay?

Alright.

But before that, there's something you need to do, Bena.

(Takes out check)

That's the... check, that... Grandmother sent me.

Yes.

Give Grandmother your reply.

Are pranks the sort of thing you reply to, now...?

Yes.

Fine, then, let's—

I forgot to ask. Little lamb, what's your name?

I—I don't know... they call me things like little wretch, or bastard girl, or Caprinae imp...

Those aren't names. Forget about those.

From now on, if anyone dares bully you again, use the Arts and the self-defense Granny's taught you to sort them out.

But, Granny, you haven't... taught me yet...

Ho-ho-ho, all in due time, little lamb, all in due time. Granny will teach you everything.

For now, let's give you a name.

Hm... how about... we call you 'Bena'?

Be... na. Bena. It sounds pretty. And... rings a bell.

There was once a pair of dearly close children who were soon to part, who entrusted to Granny a letter to safekeep.

Should they be wed, their letter would be returned to them on the day their child was born, care of the Castle of Dreams.

It was the most complicated request I'd taken in a long while.

So, did they marry each other?

They did, little lamb, and they gave birth to an adorable little girl, and on that letter was written this girl's name.

'Bena'.

But—they wouldn't know how many children they were going to have. What if they were twins?

There were a great many names on that letter, little lamb.

So if—if they had a second girl, what would she be named?

'Annie'.

You see, little lamb? This is the work Granny does.

Someone has to be watching. Someone has to make good.

But Granny's old, now, and can't keep up with it anymore.

Little lamb, would you like to learn? To take on a little of Granny's work for her?

Of course, Granny. Am I learning to post letters?

No, little lamb, that you needn't learn.

'The art of safekeeping'. That's what I'd like you to learn.

'The art of safekeeping'?

To preserve an item untouched, unchanging over decades and centuries, to be returned to one's hands just the same as when it had left.

Would you like to learn it?

Yes, Granny.

Wonderful, my studious little lamb.

Then allow me to commence the first lesson.

Everything, with no exception, has to begin from a wish.

Come make a wish, little lamb. Preserve a thing for future you.

What would you like to leave, to your future self?

I... I want...

I want money. Lots and lots of money.

Then I can search for my mummy and daddy, and I can have an even nicer life.

A fine wish, little lamb. Truly, a fine one.

Granny will gladly fulfill this wish of yours.

Will you? Thank you, Granny!

But Granny would like to wager with you, too.

To wager whether, on the day you get it, you'll wish it was something different, something even more precious.

What's more precious than lots and lots of money?

Something or other, little lamb.

(Takes out check)

This is a check.

Granny will sign it now.

When the day comes, hmm... how long away do you want it?

Umm... five years?

Very well, five years.

Five years from now, the moment it reaches you, you write on it however much money it is you want, then take it to a bank, and the money will be yours.

I'll be looking forward to your answer.

Harrumph...

Do you remember now?

Yes...

Ah! You did this, didn't you!

Annie's done a lot of things.

That funny lucky doll business with Morte, that was you!

No.

Shamare's trying hard to turn her curses into blessings.

Annie borrowed it for a bit.

So you wished to have me remember to reply to Grandmother?

Yes. But it didn't work very well.

The wish became something else.

The apple, I imagine...

It was Annie's fault.

Mnnn... never mind. It didn't matter too much anyhow. I forgive you.

Thank you, Bena.

Now, let's put our heads together and think up our response to Granny.

Alright...

How much money do you want, Bena?

Money...?

Annie, is money very useful?

It's useful, and useless.

Even if we were able to buy up all of Rhodes Island, or the entire Castle of Dreams, or the whole of Victoria, I feel like what's bound to happen would happen anyway. Especially the bad things.

Mm.

Ah! I know!

Seeing as I thought it was a prank in the first place, we'll prank her right back!

Fetch me a pen, Annie.

I have it right here.

Now get some apple juice. I hear apple juice can write invisible letters. This way, I can really play a joke on Granny.

I just squeezed some from the leftover core.

You <i>do</i> understand me.

Hmm... what do we write in this box, now?

Numbers?

Let's go with this—

Eat apples... smile everyday... fool about...

Perfect!

Shall we post it back?

Post it back? This is the most marvelous practical joke ever. How could we post it back?

Iris was wanting to go back and see Granny soon, wasn't she?

I'll return with her.

And I'll hand it back to Granny in person, and see how she reacts. <i>That'll</i> be interesting.

What do you think, Annie?

You'll have to pretend you completely forgot about it, too.

Put on a little 'act.'

Grandmother will be sure to furrow her brows.

Oh, you're right! Now THAT'S a worthy spectacle!

I'm already dying to see the confusion on her face!

Hee-hee-hee, how fun.

The plan is set!