Another Eden story · Side stories, Wanderer in the Vortex
The Best Medicine
Aldo and friends spot a woman leaving the Palace to the Unclean Lands.
5 scenes, 45 lines
1. Scene 1
5 lines2. Scene 2
12 linesWithout Nona, you can't advance "The Best Medicine."
Are you quite well, madam? You shouldn't be outside in your condition.
You... What are you doing here?
We could ask you the same thing. Isn't it safer to stay indoors? The pollution's really bad out here.
...I'm waiting for my son.
A while back, he went to buy medicine from the neighboring country. And he hasn't returned yet.
He said he would be back before the Rising, but...
And so, worried for him, you decided to search for him?
You rest. Let us search for your son. We still owe you greatly for the purifier you granted us, after all.
Thank you... My son is carrying a big green bag. He should be easy to spot.
3. Scene 3
7 linesWithout Nona, you can't advance "The Best Medicine."
......
What is it?
I could hardly say this in front of the good lady, but it seems likely her son has met with misfortune. This area is heavily polluted, and there are many monsters. It is a dangerous place to travel alone.
Well...
Look! Look there! There's a pack of monsters swarming something.
It couldn't be...! Let's clear them out!
4. Scene 4
3 lines5. Scene 5
18 linesWithout Nona, you can't advance "The Best Medicine."
What should we tell her?
We can only tell her the truth. There are times when cold truth is kinder than a gentle falsehood.
Hm? Hey...
I'm sorry, Ma. These are all the herbs I could bring back with me.
"Ma"?! Then...!
Oh, you all. Thank you for looking for my son.
You went out to the Unclean Lands looking for me? Sorry for the trouble.
You mean, you're okay? We found your bag abandoned, so we assumed...
Bag?
...Aaaaah! My bag! The monsters ripped it off my shoulder while I ran! I can't believe you found it! Thank you so much!
No need for thanks. Especially since the contents were rather thoroughly devoured, I'm afraid.
Those herbs are really pungent. I can't imagine why they were attracted to them at all. Anyway, it's not your fault they got the herbs. It's my own, for running away like a coward.
Nonsense! You did well, running from monsters like that.
I'm much happier to see you healthy and whole than with a few more herbs for my cough.
Ma...
It seems you've found the best medicine you could hope for.
There's no replacement for having the ones you love close with you.