Another Story Arc2 Ch5

Thanks Vivi for reviewing!
===============

Tokime Clan
The girl wavers, perplexed by the words that linger in her mind, that won't leave...

===============
===Episode 1===
Patronage or Pride?

Chiharu
Ahh~, damn...! I don't get it...

=====1=====

Chiharu
...Haa...

Shizuka
...Mm?

-Flashback (Village, Night)-

Chiharu
I wasn't able to get the Kimochi stone back...

Shizuka
We were searching for the base, but had no such luck.

Chiharu
And we even checked out Himena's school! I'm so frustrated...!

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
(...She could not get the stone back.)
(I wonder if her spirits are low...)
Charu.

Chiharu
Shizuka-chan...

Shizuka
Don't worry so much about the Kimochi stone.
Nothing good will come from impatience.

Chiharu
...Yeah.
But I also...
Can't forgive Himena for what she said...!

-Flashback (Rooftop)-

Himena
[If mahou shoujo are the ones protecting people, if we're the ones fighting witches, and if we're the ones that make wishes that have advanced humanity, does that not prove that mahou shoujo exist as "beings superior to humans?"]
[Right now we exist in such a shitty little condition that we all end in despair. But once we surpass that, us cuties will be the "top of the food chain" and have nothing left to fear.]
[Entertainers - athletes - cultural icons - we deserve to be bowed to more than any of these adored people.]
[Because we are the "new generation of humans."]

-End Flashback-

Chiharu
...Or some nonsense like that!
Does that mean we, the Tokime clan, also look down on people?
We don't think like that at all, ever!

Shizuka
.....

-Flashback (Container Terminal)-

Himena
Tokime's people think mahou shoujo are special, right?
It's the same as us cuties. We believe we're better than people.
Doesn't that make loads of sense?

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
...Maybe that is what she meant back then?
We are proud to protect the land of the rising sun and its people,
so she had meant that this pride makes us look down on people...?

-Flashback (Container Terminal)-

Himena
Us cuties hold on to the ideal of mahou shoujo supremacy.
We just want everyone to admit that mahou shoujo are superior
and be able to exist without anyone objecting to us.

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
But she wants us to admit superiority.
Not only that, we have no intentions of making others yield to us...

Chiharu
Damn right...!
Unlike Himena, we don't look down on people.
The idea to make everyone bow their heads to us has never crossed my mind.
It's disrespectful to even think we're the same...!

Shizuka
...Yes, you're right.
.....

Sunao
Charu, the bath is hot now. Please get in before it gets cold.

Chiharu
Ah, okay... I will.
I'm gonna take my bath.

Shizuka
Of course, until next time...
.....
(We take pride in being the best diviners we can be...)
(From the eyes of those outside the clan,)
(we appear to look down upon those that are not diviners...?)

Sunao
...Is something bothering you?

Shizuka
Eh...?

Sunao
You have a worrisome look on your face...

Shizuka
.....
Though we take pride in being diviners,
we do not look down upon people, right?

Sunao
Is that not obvious?
What has gotten into you suddenly...?

Shizuka
...It is nothing.
(At least... We do not intend to.)
(And yet, that is how we are seen from the outside...?)

=====2=====

-Flashback-

Shizuka
(We take pride in being the best diviners we can be...)
(From the eyes of those outside the clan,)
(we appear to look down upon those that are not diviners...?)

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
Huwaaah... I could not sleep well at all...
(I couldn't help but think about yesterday...)
(A while ago I may have been able to consult Tamaki-san and her friends, but...)
(...Now...)
.....
(If there is any difference between Tamaki-san and us,)
(it would be that she does not view being a diviner as something special...)
(...If being viewed as special means looking down upon others,)
(then perhaps even from the eyes of Tamaki-san's group,)
(we, the Tokime clan, do look down upon people...)
(However... The clan's pride cannot be given up...)
...Haa...
(Instead of letting my imagination worry me, perhaps I should accept the shame and seek help...)

Felicia's Voice
HAAA!? THE HELL'S THAT!?

Shizuka
...Mm?

-Outside-

Sana
...You ended up being a bother after all, didn't you?

Felicia
Can't ya just come over and play? We were just talkin' about anime and everything.

Sunao
I appreciate the thought, but...
We just broke off our partnership, so to meet in person is...

Felicia
...So, I gotta call then.

Sunao
...That would be for the better.
We shouldn't meet out in the open, but...
If you would like to message or call... Or even video chat...

Felicia
...Hummm.

Sana
...I'm very sorry, we came in uninvited.

Sunao
No, I am as well. I apologize for making you come out here...

Sana
...Then we are off.

Felicia
See yaa...

Sunao
...Huu...

-Inside-

Shizuka
.....
That's right...
There is no relying on them now that our alliance is broken...
I'm thinking too softly.
(I have to think for myself...)

=====3=====

Priest of Suitoku Temple
Going out?

Shizuka
...Yes, for a little walk.

Priest of Suitoku Temple
...Mm, refreshing your mind's important. Have safe travels.

-City Street-

Shizuka
(...For us, the Tokime clan, we carry pride in being diviners.)
(Not because we are superior, but because we are the blades that protect the land of the rising sun...)
(Even if they say I look down on others for seeing my power as special,)
(I don't think as they do...)
(If only I could put the why into words...)

[*Toss*]

Shizuka
Littering...
Hold it...! Empty cans go in the trash bin...!
.....
(He's gone...)
(Some people can be so awful...)
...Ah - this place is...
(The park Natsuki-san taught me about...)
(...I can rest easy and think here.)

-Park-

Shizuka
...Huu, nothing calms me more than being within nature...
(Heeh... So city children also play with kendama.) ¹
(When I was little, Mother taught me how to play that...)

Just 'cause you're better doesn't mean you gotta make fun of me...!

Shizuka
――っ!?

Older Brother
I'm not making fun of you.
I just wanted to show ya how it's done so you'd get it right, Nii-chan.

Shizuka
(Brotherly quarrelling...?)

Younger Brother
You're just tryina tell me that you're better. I knew you're makin' fun of me!

Older Brother
I am not...! I just wanted to teach you...

Younger Brother
Shut up! I can do it myself!

Shizuka
(That older brother... He's not making fun of him at all, is he?)
(He is only trying to show him what he can do...)
(But, from the eyes of a child incapable,)
(he feels he is being looked down upon...?)
(...Do we look the same as this to those outside of the clan...?)
(Is this what Aika Himena was speaking of?)

Older Brother
If you swing it around like that, you're gonna hit your head and get hurt.

Younger Brother
Am not!

[*Thunk*]

Younger Brother
...Ow!

Older Brother
That's what I was tryin' to tell you... You do it like this.

[*Catch* *Clack, clack, clack...*]

Shizuka
(Ah, he's skilled...)
(See, young brother, he only wanted to set an example...)
(And yet...)

Older Brother
You don't gotta swing it, just keep it level and then lift it up...

Younger Brother
I get it! I don't need you telling me...!

[*Catch...!*]

Older Brother
Hey, don't throw it away!
Ah - don't start runnin' out...! What if a car comes!?

Shizuka
.....

=====4=====

Shizuka
.....
(The older brother was only worried for the young brother...)
(It is only natural for elders to be concerned about safety...)
(Trying to teach you what you can do is also an act of kindness...)
(And yet, the young brother misunderstood that he was "being looked down upon...")
.....

-Flashback (Container Terminal)-

Himena
Tokime's people think mahou shoujo are special, right?
It's the same as us cuties. We believe we're better than people.
Doesn't that make loads of sense?

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
(Ah - that's it! A misunderstanding...!)
(Though I am not "looking down upon" others, that is how they see me,)
(because of misunderstanding...!)
(And to clear a misunderstanding, you have to explain!)
.....
..... .....
(But how...?)
(...After all, I don't know the right way to.)
(Then Tamaki-san...)
(...I can't. I'm trying to rely on others again...)
(Maybe I should just return home for today. I can't help but worry...)
.....Mm?
(Right...the empty can...I need to discard it in the trash bin...)

[*Rustle...*]

Shizuka
(...Ah, the kendama from earlier.)
(It got a little dirty after being thrown out...)
(If he could just understand his older brother feels worried,)
(I wonder if his misunderstanding of feeling looked down upon would be solved...)
(If they took this home to clean it, they would be able to make peace...)
...Haa, I should not be so worried for other people...

Natsuki's Voice
Shizuka-san...?

Shizuka
Eh...?

Natsuki
So it is you, Shizuka-san...! I'm glad to see you after such a long while.

Shizuka
.....
...As the head of the Tokime family,
it is not good for me to be seen meeting with a Union girl.
...Sorry, but you should not talk to me outside now...

Natsuki
Ah...guess you're right...

Shizuka
(I did such an awful thing... Even though she came out to talk to me.)

Natsuki
~ ...It's pretty calming sitting under a tree, don't you think? ~

Shizuka
~ Eh - Natsuki-san...? Where are you...? ~

Natsuki
~ Behind a tree nearby. ~
~ Just thought I'd come take a break in the shade under a tree. ~
~ And like this no one's going to know, right? ~

Shizuka
~ ...Why...are you doing this...? ~

Natsuki
~ You didn't look too well, so I wanted to come talk for a bit... ~
~ Of course, I'll go home if I'm bothering you, though... ~

Shizuka
~ You're not bothering me...! ~
~ ..... ~
~ (...I am becoming dependent again, but...) ~

[*Plop...*]

Shizuka
~ ...It really is quite relaxing under a tree. ~

Natsuki
~ Yeah... ~

Shizuka
~ I am sorry about before. ...Could you listen to me? ~

Natsuki
~ Of course I will...! ~


===============
===Episode 2===
The Answer to Good

Shizuka
Thank you, Natsuki-san. I am always supported by so many people...

=====1=====

Shizuka
~ Aika Himena ~
~ had said that we and Neo Magius were "alike," ~
~ but I think she said that because of a misunderstanding... ~

Natsuki
~ Misunderstanding...? ~

Shizuka
~ We, the diviners... Are proud to be mahou shoujo, ~
~ but we are not superior, nor do we want anyone to bow to us. ~
~ What's more, we do not look down upon others, ~
~ unlike Neo Magius. ~

Natsuki
~ Ahh, I get it... ~

Shizuka
~ ...When I thought about  ~
~ how others outside of the clan view us, ~
~ the first person that came to mind was Tamaki-san, ~
~ the head of Union who doesn't see mahou shoujo as anything special... ~
~ Tamaki-san's manner of always trying to discuss things first is true equality... ~
~ because she tries to be respectful and fair to those she speaks to. ~

Natsuki
~ ...Have you talked to her? ~

Shizuka
~ I couldn't go... ~
~ because we had just broken our alliance. ~

Natsuki
~ ..... ~

Shizuka
~ I've been thinking on it alone, but I cannot find an answer... ~

Natsuki
~ So that's why you're not feeling well... ~

Shizuka
~ ...Yeah. ~
~ ..... ~
~ Hey... ~
~ Natsuki-san, from your view, do we look down upon humans? ~

Natsuki
~ Doesn't look that way to me at all. ~

Shizuka
~ ...Really? ~

Natsuki
~ Do you remember the first time we met? ~

-Flashback-

Shizuka
Kamihama just suffered from disaster, yet everyone still lives here cherishing every day.
These modest daily lives are what we should strive to protect as diviners...
Don't you think so as a mahou shoujo?

-End Flashback-

Natsuki
~ I think Iroha-san also wants to protect ~
~ your daily life, Shizuka-san. ~
~ And there's the fact that she doesn't hurt people for her ideals. ~

Shizuka
~ ..... ~

Natsuki
~ You two just go about it in different ways and have different values.  ~
~ Makes me wonder if you both are always thinking how to make everyone happy... ~

Shizuka
~ ...Well, I certainly think so, and I'm sure Tamaki-san does, too... ~

Natsuki
~ ...Thinking like that, ~
~ isn't it because you "love humans," Shizuka-san? ~

Shizuka
~ ...Eh? ~

Natsuki
~ Huh, am I wrong...? ~

Shizuka
~ ...No, it's just I have never really thought of it... ~
~ But, you're right... ~
~ ...Yes, I do love humans. ~
~ But...how did you know that? I did not even know that myself... ~

Natsuki
~ Umm, well... ~
~ Because you think all people are good, and it shows in your actions, I guess?  ~

Shizuka
~ ..... ~
~ I see...you're right...yeah... It's not easy to say, but... ~
~ I...do not think there are any bad people in this world... There are only good people... ~
~ And that is what I want to protect... ~

Natsuki
~ I don't think someone like that would look down on anyone. ~

Shizuka
~ ...Natsuki-san. ~

Natsuki
~ Listen to me...I sound like I'm repeating sermon time to you here. ~

Shizuka
~ Sermon...? ~

Natsuki
~ My school's Buddhist, so we have sermon time in the mornings. ~
~ The way we think about things, life lessons, we listen to all sorts of things like that... ~

Shizuka
~ Hehh... ~
~ ...Thank you. My spirit is lifted. ~

Natsuki
~ Ehehe. Well, that's great...! ~
~ Ah, right, if you live in a temple, ~
~ I think it would be a good idea to talk to the priest. ~

Shizuka
~ The priest...? ~

Natsuki
~ For good and evil, and how to perceive it, ~
~ I think he would be able to tell you in a way that's more understandable. ~

Shizuka
~ I'm sure. I will do that.  ~
~ ..... ~
~ Natsuki-san, did something also happen to you...? ~

Natsuki
~ Eh...? ~

=====2=====

~ Natsuki-san, did something also happen to you...? ~

Natsuki
~ Eh...? ~

Shizuka
~ You usually cheer me on, don't you? ~
~ But today you didn't do that, so I was thinking you must not be feeling well... ~

Natsuki
~ ..... ~
~ Ehehe... You figured me out...? ~

Shizuka
~ (Natsuki-san has her own troubles, yet she is caring for me.) ~
~ If you would like to talk about it, I may be able to help... ~

Natsuki
~ ...It's about Ryou-san. ~

Shizuka
~ ..... ~
~ ...Were you two close...? ~

Natsuki
~ ...I'd come talk to her sometimes and she'd take my picture, ~
~ but I don't think we were really close or anything... ~
~ Just two members in the same union, I guess... ~

Shizuka
~ ..... ~

Natsuki
~ But I...this is the first time I've lost someone close to me... ~
~ So I don't really know what to do... ~

Shizuka
~ Yes, I get that... ~
~ Even for diviners...mahou shoujo, "death" is not something we grow accustomed to... ~

Natsuki
~ ...Yes. ~
~ Even though I knew the possibility was there because we're mahou shoujo... ~
~ When you have to come face to face with it, it's just... ~
~ ...With Ryou-san being a mahou shoujo... ~
~ We're supposed to protect everyone, but this is happening between mahou shoujo... ~
~ ..... ~

Shizuka
~ (Natsuki-san believes diviners to be "good" as well...) ~
~ (Which is why...she is troubled by diviners killing diviners...) ~

Natsuki
~ And...I hate myself a little because of it... ~

Shizuka
~ Eh...? ~

Natsuki
~ I'm more scared... Than sad... ~
~ Because I realized it's not just someone else's problem... ~
~ That's just... So horrible of me... ~

Shizuka
~ That is... ~
~ (That is not true.) ~
~ (But Natsuki-san probably doesn't want me to say that.) ~

Natsuki
~ Shizuka-san. ~

Shizuka
~ ...Mm. ~

Natsuki
~ Thank you so much for listening to me. ~
~ I wasn't able to talk to the Union girls... ~
~ I feel a little better now. ~

Shizuka
~ ...But all I did was listen. ~

Natsuki
~ Yes. ~
~ But thank you for that. ~

Shizuka
~ ...Sure. ~

Natsuki
~ Ehehe...Shizuka-san's a nice person after all. ~

Shizuka
~ What is this, suddenly... ~

Natsuki
~ Even though you're going through a hard time yourself, you're caring for me.  ~
~ So please quit thinking that you look down on people, okay? ~

Shizuka
~ ..... ~

Natsuki
~ GO-! FIGHT! WIN! ~
~ ...Right!? ~

Shizuka
~ ...Yeah. ~
~ Go-! Fait! Ween! ~
~ Thank you, Natsuki-san. It was a blessing we met today. ~
(Natsuki-san...)
(I was able to tell her why we are proud to be diviners)
(without her misunderstanding...)
(And not only that...)
(I was able to find my feelings.)
(...My desire to protect the goodness within every person...)
[If...only everyone could understand that it is human nature to be good, and that it is only natural to protect those that are good.]
(Like Natsuki-san,)
(can others judge us, the Tokime clan, without misunderstanding?)

=====3=====

-Suitoku Temple-

Shizuka
I have returned.

Priest of Suitoku Temple 		(*Shortening to Priest)
Welcome back.
...Mm.

Shizuka
Chief priest...? Is something wrong?

Priest
...Your face glows happier more than before your departure.

Shizuka
Eh...? ...You were able to tell?
(Am I that easy to read...?)

Priest
I thought asking
would be intruding, so I kept my silence.
...Can you yourself give the answer?

Shizuka
.....

-Flashback-

Natsuki
For good and evil, and how to perceive it,
I think he would be able to tell you in a way that's more understandable.

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
Um...
I believe that no people can be superior or inferior, and that people are "good" by their very nature.
But I'm struggling to convince myself of it...
...Chief priest, what do you think...?

Priest
Hm... "Theory of Innate Goodness," eh...

Shizuka
Theory of Innate Goodness...?

Priest
The idea that humans are "good" to their very core...
A follower of Confucianism called Mencius once preached it.

Shizuka
Please excuse me... I am not familiar with Confucianism...
What is it?

Priest
Well, let's see...
Suppose a child is about to fall into a well.
What do you do?

Shizuka
Naturally, I would help.

Priest
But why? They're nothing to you but a stranger.

Shizuka
Because...it's normal to. They would be in danger if they fell...

Priest
With no reward from the child's parents, nor worry of the public eye.

Shizuka
...?
Of course.

Priest
Mm, that is proof of Mencius' belief that humans are "good" inherently.

Shizuka
Eh...?

Priest
All people have what is called shitan (four sprouts) - moral feelings.
It is what gives you your reason to help the child without any stake,
because one of the four - sokuin (compassion) - drives you to sympathize with others.
That there is Mencius' claim.

Shizuka
...Everyone -
but some people do bad things.

Priest
That is because they neglected to grow their shitan.
Without putting forth effort,
it is said that people cannot demonstrate their inherent goodness.

Shizuka
...Then those who resort to evil now can still become good if they put effort towards it...

Priest
According to the Theory of Innate Goodness,
"restoring one's goodness" may be a better way to say it.

Shizuka
(So there truly are no evil people...)
(Everyone can become "good" if they make the effort...)
(If this philosophy is right,)
(then we shouldn't be misunderstood...)
It's a beautiful idea. I'm so glad I got to hear of it...!

Priest
...Mm.

Shizuka
To prove that everyone can become good,
that humans are naturally good,
I will try even harder to do good things...!

Priest
.....

Shizuka
...Um, what's wrong?

Priest
"Good people long for salvation, how much so evil people attain it." ²

Shizuka
Eh...? Good people are...? That's...
If good people can be saved, then surely bad people can as well.
Is that the meaning...?

Priest
Correct.

Shizuka
Isn't that the opposite...?
"Evil people long for salvation, how much so good people attain it."
...That is how I understand it,
but it is evil people that need saving...

Priest
Mm, at that age it can be a difficult concept to grasp...

Shizuka
.....

Priest
However, there will be a day when you may come to realize the true meaning of these words.
For now you should be thinking for yourself. That is more important.

Shizuka
Yes.

Priest
...Mm?
...By the way, what is that kendama for? It looks quite dirty...

Shizuka
Ah, this.
Something I spontaneously grabbed that proves my innate goodness...perhaps.
(I would like this to be an opportunity for them to clean it and reconcile...)
(I will be happy if this is the first step towards a good deed.)

=====4=====

<The Next Day>

Shizuka
(The brothers from yesterday should understand if they talk.)
(The older brother was worried for his younger brother.)
(The young one didn't seem like a bad child, either.)
And so, you two shall play with this kendama again,
but this time you will make up.
(...That's what I was thinking subconsciously back then, wasn't it?)
(...This must also be innate goodness within people...)
(Dedication without seeking reward...perhaps.)
(So, I need...to make sure this works out.)
I wish I could simply hand it back to them after cleaning it so well,
but if I leave it in the park, will they find it themselves?
(...Ah - but they could be looking for it...)
(It may be better if I make haste...!)

Older Boy
.....

[*Toss*]

Shizuka
It's that person from yesterday...! Littering again...!
(I need to make sure it's disposed of in the trash bin...)
(It's important to do good even through small things.)
You there! Wait a minute...

[*HonkHooonk!!*]

Shizuka
――っ!?
Look out! You'll be run over...!
(I won't be able to make it in time...!)
Ah...
(The litterbug saved him...)
(And the boy that was nearly run over, that was the young brother from yesterday, wasn't it...?)

Older Boy
That's dangerous, dumbass brat! Don't be jumpin' in the road like that!!

Shizuka
Eh, ehh...? W-wait...!

Older Boy
Cars ain't gonna stop on a dime for ya! You tryin' to get yourself killed!!?

Boy
I-I'm sorry...

Older Boy
Don't ever be doin' that again!

Shizuka
Um... Why did you save him...?

Older Boy
Why...?

Shizuka
You are always yelling at him...

Older Boy
If a kid's about to be run over, it's only natural to help 'em.

Shizuka
.....

-Flashback-

Priest
Suppose a child is about to fall into a well.
What do you do?

Shizuka
Naturally, I would help.

Priest
But why? They're nothing to you but a stranger.

Shizuka
Because...it's normal to. They would be in danger if they fell...

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
(This guy...he may have a bad attitude, but he is a "good person" after all...)
(However...)
You cannot litter. Here, put this in the trash bin properly.

Older Boy
Why?

Shizuka
Because you really are a good person.

Older Boy
...Damn, in front of the kid, huh...

Shizuka
(...He says that, but he put it away properly...)
(He is a "good person" deep down...)

-Flashback-

Shizuka
To prove that everyone can become good,
that humans are naturally good,
I will try even harder to do good things...!

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
(To prove it...)
(If the Theory of Innate Goodness is true, then all people have good within them from the beginning.)
(And I was just unable to see that... How embarrassing...)

=====5=====

Boy
.....

Shizuka
Are you okay?

Boy
...Yeah.

Shizuka
Why did you run out into the road?

Boy
...I wanted to get my kendama back.

Shizuka
Eh - kendama?

Boy
Yeah...I did something bad to my brother yesterday,
so I wanted to find the kendama and tell him sorry...

Shizuka
(This boy, he was reflecting on his own...)

Boy
But it's gone now...
The garbage truck stopped by, so it made me wonder if they took it...
Then I tried chasing after it.
But it's...already gone.

Shizuka
――っ!?
I'm sorry...
I was the one that took your kendama...
It was filthy so I wanted to clean it...

Boy
Ah...the kendama! It's so sparkly...!
But why did you clean it...?

Shizuka
Yesterday, I had just happened to see you two fight...
I thought that if I cleaned it, it would help you two make up.

Boy
Why just for me...? You don't even know me, do you?

Shizuka
Well, you would be sad if you kept fighting, wouldn't you?

Boy
...Yeah, thank you, kind onee-san!

Shizuka
...Huhu, you are welcome.

Boy
See you!

Shizuka
Sure, be careful going home now.
(He wasn't a bad child after all...)
.....
[Theory of Innate Goodness. Everyone really is good inside.]

-Flashback-

Natsuki
Ehehe...Shizuka-san's a nice person after all.

Shizuka
What is this, suddenly...

Natsuki
Even though you're going through a hard time yourself, you're caring for me.
So please quit thinking that you look down on people, okay?

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
[Even though she herself was going through hardship, I was cheered on by Natsuki-san.]

-Flashback-

Older Brother
If you swing it around like that, you're gonna hit your head and get hurt.

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
[The older brother cared for his younger brother.]

-Flashback-

Older Boy
If a kid's about to be run over, it's only natural to help 'em.

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
[He had a bad attitude, but that guy saved a child like it was normal to.]

-Flashback-

Boy
Yeah...I did something bad to my brother yesterday,
so I wanted to find the kendama and tell him sorry...

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
[And the younger brother who reflected on his wrongful actions and wanted to apologize.]
[Everyone is full of kindness... All of us unconsciously hold onto good will.]

Shizuka
(That is why...)

-Flashback-

Himena
Tokime's people think mahou shoujo are special, right?
It's the same as us cuties. We believe we're better than people.
Doesn't that make loads of sense?

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
I will not be fooled by such words again.
Because I believe humans have innate goodness. I think each and every one is precious...
(Tamaki-san and I may be proud in our own ways, and try to realize our ideals differently...)
(However...)
(It is not something to feel inferior about.)
I will continue to believe in the goodness of people, and will protect them.
That's all.
[And now I can say it with pride.]
[Even if I am misunderstood... My desire to protect people is "not the same as looking down upon them!"]


===============
===Episode 3===
Is Breaking Evil Good?

Shizuka
Carry them quickly, but carefully... We need to hurry and let these two rest...

=====1=====

-Flashback-

Himena
Absolute altruism may seem pretty, but on the inside it's hollow.

Shizuka
People will never find happiness with someone like you alive!

Alexandra
HIME-CHAN!

Chiharu
SHIZUKA-CHAN!

[*Baaaang...*]

Shizuka
Eh-...

Himena
.....

Asahi
There is no need for Shizuka-dono to become sullied.

Shizuka
Asahi...

Alexandra
HIME-CHAAAAAN!!

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
Even though the adjuster looked them over, they're still serious wounds.
Carry Sunao and Chika carefully,
and keep someone by their side until they have regained consciousness.

Tokime Girls
Yes.

Tokime Girl
...Head of the family, I have no excuse for my disgraceful actions...
I will accept any punishment.

Shizuka
.....
Though we carry the same pride, there are small differences in the thoughts we carry...
As head of the Tokime clan,
it is also my fault for not considering that.

Tokime Girl
You can't say such a thing...

Shizuka
I told you what I wanted to say on that stage earlier.
Remember?

-Flashback-

Shizuka
["Listen to me, everyone! You must remember!"]
["We are the Tokime clan. We do not wield our blades to stand above others!"]
["We stand side by side with humanity. We swing our blades to protect the land of the rising sun and those that live upon it!"]
["Of course we are better than normal people, as some of the branch families may think."]
["But do you want to look big to them? Do you wish to give in to feelings of superiority and laugh at them?"]
["No, right?"]
["What we want is to see the smiles of the people around us that we protect, not our own!"]
["Reclaim it once again, Tokime clan! Reclaim your duty and the pride you have given yourselves!"]

-End Flashback-

Tokime Girl
...Yes, I remember it well.

Shizuka
Then from now on, do not forget your mission or the pride you've given yourself.

Tokime Girl
...Yes.
I will not forget my mission or my pride. I will put forth all my effort as a diviner of the Tokime clan.

Shizuka
Good, I look forward to it.

Chiharu
Shizuka-chan.

Shizuka
Charu...
Where is Asahi...? Did you tell her I wish to speak to her?

Asahi
She's washing her hands...

Shizuka
...Right.
Can you tell her I'll wait for her in the garden?

Chiharu
...Yeah, I will.
.....
...Are you okay?

Shizuka
I'm fine.
Go tell Asahi and then get some rest, Charu.

Chiharu
...Okay.

-Garden-

Shizuka
.....Huu...
(We were able to defeat Neo Magius...)
(But... I'm not happy about it.)

-Flashback-

Himena
Going by Tokime's logic, we'd have to help dirty humans, too.
Evil hides throughout the entire world because it's full of shitty people.

---

Himena
Even in humans there's all kinds of evil, and you help them equally.

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
(My mind is racing again...)
(I cannot be faltering as the head of Tokime right now,)
(yet her words lead me astray again...)

Asahi
...Shizuka-dono.

Shizuka
Sorry for calling you out here.

Asahi
...No.
I am fully aware of what this is about. My shooting of Aika Himena.

Shizuka
...That's right.

=====2=====

Asahi
I am fully aware of what this is about. My shooting of Aika Himena.

Shizuka
...That's right.
(Asahi... She's calmer than I expected...)
During the battle, you fired with the intent to kill her.


Asahi
...It is as you say, Shizuka-dono. I was aiming for her soul gem.
In that situation, I made the judgment call that it was the "best" thing to do.

Shizuka
...You really thought that?

Asahi
That was what I was thinking.

Shizuka
Aika Himena is an evil person... And, she was our enemy.
...But I think taking her life was too far.
Do you still believe it was the "best" thing to do...?

Asahi
.....
Taking a life is...
Certainly it was not a good action to take.
Even so, at that time...
"Me" taking the shot was the "best" course.

Shizuka
.....

-Flashback-

Asahi
There is no need for Shizuka-dono to become sullied.

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
(...Then I didn't mishear her.)
(During then...)

-Flashback-

Himena
Absolute altruism may seem pretty, but on the inside it's hollow.

Shizuka
People will never find happiness with someone like you alive!

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
[I had the will to kill Aika Himena...]
[And Asahi knew that.]
[She understood more than I did... The killing intent I held.]
[So she took my place...]
.....
..... .....

Asahi
...Shizuka-dono, this was the "best" that could have happened.
I do not carry any regrets.

Shizuka
...I am not challenging you.
But...
.....But...
(Sorry and thank you are different...)
(...What do I want to tell you... What should I convey to you...)

Asahi
.....

Shizuka
.....
...It's nothing.
I merely thought we should discuss it is all...
You should also retire for the night, Asahi...

Asahi
...Yes.

Shizuka
.....

-Flashback-

Natsuki
And there's the fact that she doesn't hurt people for her ideals.

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
.....
I...was not like that...

=====3=====

Shizuka
.....

-Flashback-

Himena
Going by Tokime's logic, we'd have to help dirty humans, too.
Evil hides throughout the entire world because it's full of shitty people.

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
You're wrong...

-Flashback-

Himena
At least this cutie gets to be a part of the dirty scum.
If it's for Hiko-kun, I'll do any bad deed.
It will never change.
Even in humans there's all kinds of evil, and you help them equally.

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
That is not true...

-Flashback-

Himena
I really hate those pure eyes of yours.
I don't need someone like you that's never gotten dirty before telling me how to be clean.
Absolute altruism may seem pretty, but on the inside it's hollow.

Shizuka
People will never find happiness with someone like you alive!

Alexandra
HIME-CHAN!

Chiharu
SHIZUKA-CHAN!

[*Baaaang...*]

Asahi
There is no need for Shizuka-dono to become sullied.

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
.....
(Back then, I was rejecting a person who thought differently...)
(I tried to kill and erase a person that insulted my way of thinking...)
(But...Tamaki-san would not have done such a thing...)
(And she would not have let a friend get their hands dirty...)
(Humans are all equal, they are neither inferior nor superior. Inside, all people are good...)
(Even if we become evil, we can return to our true nature, to good... )
(Yes, I want to believe...)
(...Yet-)

Chiharu
Shizuka-chan!

Shizuka
...Charu. What is it?

Chiharu
I was thinking of getting a get-well gift for Sunao-chan and Chika-chan,
but would you like to come shop with me?

Shizuka
A get-well gift...
That sounds nice.

Chiharu
Doesn't it...!? Plus we can change the mood here.

Shizuka
Yeah...

-Street-

Chiharu
And then Ryouko-chan was like "meat is the best,"
but I like fruit way more. I think it's more of a staple.

Shizuka
You could say that...
.....
[Theory of Innate Goodness. Humans are "good" by their very nature. So long as one does not cease giving effort, even those who have become evil can return to "good" again...]
[...My support, they show me that humans are worth protecting and saving.]
[And yet...]

-Flashback-

Himena
At least this cutie gets to be a part of the dirty scum.
If it's for Hiko-kun, I'll do any bad deed.
It will never change.
Even in humans there's all kinds of evil, and you help them equally.

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
(You're wrong...people change... For the better eventually...)
(So saving everyone is the right thing to do. There is no mistake...)
(I do not want to separate from humans... I want to believe humans can be good...)

Shizuka
[Yet the words of Aika Himena won't disappear...]
[Her argument is wrong, I know it is...]
[But they just won't disappear.]


=================
¹ Toy common throughout many parts of the world, also called cup-and-ball, baleros, bilboquet, etc.

² Alternate takes on this quote:
"Good people are far from salvation, bad people are not." - first attempt
"Even the good person attains birth in the Pure Land, how much more so the evil person." - from a translation of Tannisho at livingdharma dot org

Meaning that good people already earned their salvation, but bad people have no choice but to do bad things and suffer from their results, so Buddha must save them first.

Shizuka only thinks of the surface meaning, thinking that the opposite - "good people attain salvation quickly and easily, while evil people have to work towards it" - is true.