The Dependable Big Brother

Waaah!

Hmm? What was that? Did you hear something just now?

Hear something? Like what?

It sounded like a child crying. Didn't you hear it?

Someone! Anyone! Help my brother!

You're right! I can hear a girl crying!

Something bad has happened! Oh no!

Where was the voice coming from?

Erm... Ah! Over there!

*sob* WAAAH!

Okay! Let's go!

Waaah... Waaah!

Is something wrong? Did something happen?

My brother and his friends, they've not come back from adventuring! The monsters are gonna gobble them up!

They went out into monster territory?

Yeah, they were daring each other to go out there. And my brother being the leader, he couldn't say no! And now they're all lost! I don't know what to do!

Calm down now. Do you know which way they went?

*sniff* Erm... They went to...the...rew...something...

You mean the Industrial Ruins? This is bad. It's dangerous out there.

I can't believe a bunch of kids would go out there alone. I have a sister too, so I feel for you, little one.

Aldo! We have to save them!

You'll help?! You'll go get my brother back?!

Just leave it to me! I'll find them, for sure!

Aldo, over there!

I'm scared... Mommy...

Hey, don't cry! What if the monsters hear you?!

*sob sob* I wanna go home...

Are you all right?!

Waaagh! They found us!

S-Stay back, Synth Humans! Bring back our leader!

Just calm down, will ya? We're not gonna hurt you! We're here to help you!

What? Really? You're human?!

Oh thank goodness! I was so scared!

I'm glad to see you're all safe. Wait, you're one person short...

Our leader, he... They took him!

Yeah! We tried to run, but they got him!

You're saying he got caught by the Synth Humans?

Don't worry! We'll find him! You all just head back to town, and let your families know you're safe, okay?

Thank you so much!

I never thought the Synth Humans would sink so low...

Ah, this is bad! Ciel, we have to hurry!

H-Hey! Let me gooo!

Silence! You little brat!

Stop! Let that child go!

Hmm? You're here for the child? The humans have come to save one of their own?

You're gaining energy by running amok?!

What is this power?! Ciel, I'll keep them busy, and you come in from the side!

Okay Aldo! I'll do my best!

Stupid humans! I'll turn you all to dust!

Th-Thank you! I-I was so scared...

You were very brave. It's okay, we're safe now.

What were you doing coming out here alone?

I-I wanted to show my sis how brave I was... If I could go somewhere even grownups were scared to go and come back, she'd see how cool I am.

I see. But you know how silly that is, right? A good big brother never does anything to make his little sister worry.

I'm sorry.

Let's get back and you can tell your sis you're safe and sound.

Okay!

Brother! You're back!

You're such an idiot! I was so so so so sooo worried about you!

I-I'm sorry... Don't worry, I won't do anything like that again.

Good. I'm glad you're safe.

Thank you so much! I owe you one, miss! And mister!

Miss?

But I'm a guy! Heehee...

What?! Y-You're a, ?! I totally thought...

Oh no, not you too, Aldo?

You never mentioned!

You never asked, did you? Heehee. But does it really matter if I'm a boy?

Anyway, Aldo, you were so cool back there. You're a brother anyone can depend on!

Y-You think? Stop, you're making me blush. I guess because I have a sister too, I just slip into the role.

What? You think of me as a sister?

Haha! When I was younger, I was as reckless as that kid.

Ah! Right! Y-Yeah! How embarrassing...

Hmm... Still, it's not such a bad idea... Erm, Aldo?

Aldo, would it be okay if I called you "brother" too?

What? I guess. I don't mind.

Yay! I've always wanted a big brother to look up to! Heehee, a big brother! This is awesome!