A Fine Older Sister

...Ilulu?

Phew...

Tough life, huh?

L-Limil!

Don't worry, I'm not here with Ilulu. I only just came to this village to meet up with her. So, what's with all the hiding around?

I'm glad that me and Ilulu have this friendly relationship going and everything, it's just...

Phew! We make a pretty good team, huh?

Teehee. If you wanna get closer, why don't you start calling me "big sis"?

Um, I'm not sure about...

Come on, Alzie! No need to be shy!

Allow me to introduce my li'l bro, Alzie!

Wait no, I'm not...

Okay, I'm gonna ask if I can use the kitchen! I'm gonna make your favorite, the "Big Sis Special"!

But... Uhhh... I've never had your cooking before?

Wait riiiiiight there!

This pond really takes ya back, don't it?

It does?

Remember when you fell in that one time? I was so worried you were gonna die, I thought I was gonna die!

It's weird! She keeps referring to these memories that never happened. It's freaking me out a little.

...Yeah that's weird.

And the whole little brother thing, she does that to you too, right? Is that a normal thing for her?

Nope, you are a special case. Ever since she met you, she's always going on about...

"I've never seen a soulzie so radiant! So hard working!", and so on and so forth. Your soul is the best she's ever seen, and she's a bit obsessed about it. Heh, if I were you I'd just get used to the idea of getting your soul head patted all the time.

How am I supposed to react to that? I can't even tell if you're joking.

By the way, did you ever get to try the food Ilulu made for you?

No, it caught on fire before it ever got to my plate.

That's a relief. At least I didn't have to add another soul to the list. It takes a special kind of clumsy to have your own cooking burst into flames. But that's Ilulu for you.

What's Ilulu for you?

I-Ilulu!

Perfect timing, Ilulu! Aldo here was just telling me he was looking for you.

(Here it comes. Time for another onslaught of sisterly affection.)

Hey, you didn't happen to see a girl and a soulzie wandering through here, did you?

(Huh?)

Um, no. Who's the girl?

Hmm. Where do I begin?

You see, Limmy and I come from another world, different from this one.

As in, you came here from the past? Or the future?

(Wow. This really must be an emergency...)

Anyway, I was chasing after a soulzie from our world, one that had some regrets, you know the type.

I've probably told you this before, but here goes. Limmy and I come from another world, different from this one.

As in, another time layer?

Yes! Exactly! You're SO smart, Alzie! I REALLY wanna give you a head pat here, but with this bein' an emergency 'n all, I'll just put it on your tab, kay?

(Wow. This really must be an emergency...)

Anyway, I was chasing after a soulzie from our time layer, one that had some regrets, you know the type.

And I found a girl. I figured maybe she had somethin' to do with the soulzie, so I tried talking to her...

But then a hole appeared and swallowed 'em both up!

What?!

So, I did what any big sis would do and jumped in after them, and thats when I found myself in the Zol Plains. Except Alzie, it wasn't my Zol Plains! It was yours! On top of that, I couldn't find the girl or the soulzie anywhere.

And that's why you're searching the area?

Alzie, Limmy, you mind helpin' your big sis out a bit? The girl probably has no idea she's wandered into another world... And I'd like to take her back before anything bad happens.

Of course!

Well, if you've already got the town covered, perhaps we should widen our scope?

Sounds like a plan! Let's set off to Vasu Mountains!

Ilulu, look!

Oh! That's the girl!

This is bad. We better do something about those monsters, quick.

Come on, Ilulu!

Okay!

Phew...

You okay, love? Those mean monsters better not have hurt you, eh?

Did I ASK for help?!

Huh?

I didn't want your help! I wanted to die!

...Why?

Hmm... I can't really think of any good reason where it would be better to die personally... But why do you feel that way?

......

You know, you've traveled such a long way from home, you must be starving. Would you like a snack? I happen to have some on me at the moment!

Like it?

Yeah. Thanks...

Brilliant! You feel like talkin', now? Why don't we start with...

Lavie. My name's Lavie.

Lavie?

Ilulu? What is it?

Nothin', it's just...I feel like I've heard that name before...

We ever met before, Lavie?

I...don't think so?

Yeah, probably not, huh...

Well then, Lavie, why is it you wanted us to let you die?

It's just...my little sis was born the other day. Her name's Lamie. Me and Mommy had been looking forward to it for so long...and when it finally happened... We were so happy.

Oh, that's great news! Your little sis must be adorable!

Yeah! She's the cutest!

Or...she was.

(She...was?)

Mommy was always fussin' over Lamie. She never paid me any attention no more. It made me real sad. I said I wished Lamie would just disappear... And then Lamie...

She got sick...and died.

......

It's 'cause of what I said, I just know it.

No, of course it isn't! Wishes don't work like that!

Nope, that's not what Mommy says. She says it's all my fault. Ever since Lamie died, Mommy won't stop crying. An' she's always angry.

It's 'cause I failed as a big sis. It shoulda been me who died, not her!

Hey! Lavie!

Hm? What's that?

A book? No, a diary, maybe? It's got Lavie's name written on it.

We have to find her before she really does end up dead!

Agreed. The soul that went to her must belong to her little sister. And that soul needs reaping. We can't lose sight of them.

Honestly, Limmy! That doesn't matter right now! All that matters is Lavie! We have to hurry!

Oh dear. We've lost sight of her!

Where could she have gotten to?

It'd be best if we could work out where she was headed, right? Where were you when you found her back in our world?

Um...

It was around here, I think.

There's no way she'll realize that she's in a different world. Perhaps she came to the mountains of our world for a particular reason?

A reason... Hmm... We could try reading her journal? There might be some clue as to where she'd go in there.

Alzie, you should know better than to read a girls journal! Buuut... I guess this is a matter of life and death... Let's read it!

She was really looking forward to her sister being born.

She really took the role of bein' a big sis seriously, huh.

She is SO getting a head pat!

Ilulu, I get you like this kind of thing, but this is serious, okay?

But Alzie! She's so young, yet she can already cook? And sew? That's incredible!

Yeah, I could see why the queen of clumsy might think that.

Ugh! You're such a meanie, Limmy.

Both of you, stop. This girl's life is in our hands.

Oh dear...

Oh...

Poor Lavie's mother. She's gone through such a tough time.

She really cared for her little sister.

Shocking as what she said was, I imagine she hasn't processed her sister's death yet.

......

Ilulu, are you okay? You're looking a little pale.

Huh? Oh, am I? I just...

Aha! So I did drop it! Give that back! It's precious!

Lavie, wait! We're sorry for reading your diary. The way you talk about your sister here, it's clear you cared a lot for her. We all see that.

You're wrong, you're wrong! I failed her! It's ALL MY FAULT!

Wait!

Lavie!

We should...ugh...

Ilulu? What's wrong?

I'm...okay. Lavie...we should... find...Lavie...

Ilulu!

It looks like she passed out. I'll take care of her, you go after the girl.

Mmm?

Good, you're awake.

Um...what happened?

That's what I wanted to ask. You collapsed.

Oh. Heh. Maybe I was just tired. Sorry about that...

How long was I out for? What happened with Lavie?

Not long. Aldo's gone after Lavie, but they couldn't have gotten far. We can catch up if we hurry.

Phew. We should follow them. I think I know where she's going.

Ilulu, are you really okay?

Yeah, I'm right as rain! See? Were you worried about your big sis? You're so kind, Limmy! Let me give you a li'l head pat!

That'll be a no. You don't need to force yourself to act like everything's okay.

Force myself? I'm not...

You remembered something about your mortal life, didn't you?

Huh? How did you...

I've seen this happen before, with other purgatorians. When you read that journal...it stirred up some memory in you, didn't it, Ilulu?

Or should I call you Lavie?

You really do read me like a book, don't you, Limmy? But I'm not Lavie anymore. I'm Ilulu, your favorite big sis!

So call me Ilulu.

Sure thing, Ilulu.

Our duty requires us to interact with many different people and places. Sometimes, something may trigger a recollection in us. Though this hardly ever has any real effect... There have been rare cases where a purgatorian's entire existence has destabilized due to their memories.

And you're saying that's what's happening to me?

Well, you did faint, after all... And this isn't your own time layer. We can't say for certain that isn't having an effect. You don't have to force yourself to get involved with that girl. Aldo and I can sort this out.

Thanks for the offer, but I'm gonna see this through. Besides there's something really important I need you to do in the meantime while I'm at the Nadara Volcano.

Very well. To be honest, I didn't expect you to listen to me anyway. So, what's the favor?

Well...

Phew... *pant* Finally... Why did there have to be so many monsters? I thought I'd never catch up!

Hey, La...

Wait!

Ilulu? You sure you should be here?

S'all right Alzie. Doin' much better now! Appreciate you keepin' tabs, but do ya mind leavin' this one to your big sis? There's something I gotta tell her. And it's gotta be from me, yeah?

Okay. I don't want you to push yourself, but if there's something on your mind, then go for it.

Thanks lots, Alzie!

Oh, and keep those bright eyes of yours open, cause big sis is about to go above and beyond!

I will!

Lavie!

You again? What are you doing here?

Oh, right. You must've read it in the journal.

Well, yes and no... I didn't read the page you're talkin' about. But I still know, you know?

Cause that diary wasn't written by you, was it? That's why you got so angry before, tellin' us were were wrong.

Why...

You're right. Mommy's sister wrote it when she was little.

So it wasn't about your little sister at all?!

That's right, it was written before Lavie's mom was born, by HER big sis.

She'd never had a li'l sister before, and she was worried about it. So when she heard about a place in the volcano where a fire spirit grants wishes... ...It says at the end of the journal that she was going to head there to ask for her little sister to be born.

And that's why you came here, isn't it, Lavie?

Wait, at the end of the journal? You mean...

She never came back. That's why the journal's so important to my Mommy.

She never got to meet her big sister? (Then why did the journal have Lavie's name on the cover?)

That journal...I found it after Lamie died. She cared so much for my Mommy... Her little sister... But I said terrible things about mine. I didn't do anything for her. That's why I failed her as a big sis.

Did you fail her, though? You came here to make a wish, just like in the journal, yeah? You knew comin' here could mean certain death. It must have been scary as all get out, and yet you still came. Auntie came here not knowin' the dangers, what you've done is lots more brave.

You think?

Yeah!

You think my wish will come true? Can I bring Lamie back?

Well...

I have some bad news. I don't think you'll be able to bring her back, well not exactly. 'Cause once a soul dies, it can't return to the same body again.

......

But there is something you can do for her.

What? What can I do?

Remember her. You and your mum keep her in your hearts for as long as you live.

Memories never die. And after a while, you may not even understand why you have that memory, but the fact that you have it is what's important.

And that's why you need to go home to your Mum, okay? She needs you, ya know? Make it so she never has a moment to be sad.

What would I even say to her?

That's a tough one now, innit?

I'd start by loadin' her up with compliments, yeah? Tell her she did her best, that she's been through a lot, that kinda thing. And don't forget, lots of head pats.

She's not gonna think that's weird?

It'll be fine! The only one that can cheer your Mum up is you. She doesn't got anyone else, but you.

......

You're right... She needs me.

You got it! Now let's get...

Are you serious?

Lavie, get behind us!

Don't worry, Lavie love! We're real strong, we'll keep you safe. None of this "I shoulda died" stuff this time, okay?

Okay!

Now let's do th...

Ugh... Is this...what Limmy warned me... about? Why...

Ilulu?! What's wrong?

Crap. Well, looks like I gotta do this alone.

Well this is quite the pickle, eh?

Limil! What's wrong with Ilulu?

It's a long story but she's losing hold of her current form. I don't know what happens next, But I get the feeling it won't be good. So we need to reverse it, before it's too late! Aldo, talk to her! If her ability to recognize herself as Ilulu gets stronger, her existence may stabilize!

Got it. Ilulu! Ilulu, can you hear me?

ILULU!

Ugh...

Big sis, don't give up!

Oh!

Teehee. If you wanna get closer, why don't you start calling me "big sis"?

(That's right! Ilulu always likes to act like the big sister.)

(Then this is the only thing that will strengthen her connection to herself!)

Big sis!

Oh, I see what you're doing. Embarrassing as this is, it might just work.

Big sister!

(I-I have to try...) (Now that they're finally calling me big sis...)

Big sis!

Big sister!

(But I...) Ugh...

Ah, there she is! Over here!

Lavie!

(Huh? Is someone calling me?)

Mommy!

(Hah... I forgot. Lavie is her name...) (Wait. Did she just say "Mommy"? Does that mean that woman is...) (I've finally met her. Then I-I...) I will not give in!

Ilulu!

With my two favorite little bros and my lovely little sister... As your big sis...

I have to try harder!

My, my, such a troublesome big sister.

Are you ready, Ilulu?

I am! I'm gonna trash these monsters! And I'm gonna look proper cool doin' it, so keep your eye's peeled, yeah?!

Phew! We did it!

Lavie...and your mother, right? Are you hurt?

Nope! Thanks to my big sis!

Thank you so much for saving my daughter!

How did her mother get here?

Ilulu asked me to bring her here. Said it was important they reconciled their differences as soon as possible.

Mommy, I'm so sorry for worrying you. And for saying all those nasty things.

It's me who should be apologizing, not you. I'm so sorry for what I said... So very, very sorry...

And Mommy...

You did so well giving birth to my sister. It must've been so tough on you. You're amazing, Mommy!

Hm?

Oh Lavie... You're such a sweetheart...

From now on, I'll be the bestest daughter ever. For my part, and for Lamie's, too.

I appreciate that sweetie, but you don't have to fill her shoes. YOU are important to me, Lavie. And I love you because you're you!

Really?

Of course! You are my daughter, and you carry the name of someone else very important to me.

Then I'll be the best Lavie I can be!

......

Glad everything worked out for you, Lavie.

Yeah... Me too!

Looks like that soul finally is able to move on.

Yeah. Then...

Your family's gonna be okay, alright? You don't have to worry about a thing.

See you again some day, niecey.

Did you say something, Ilulu?

Nope, nothin' at all! 'Kay, I better get these two back to their own world, yeah? We better crack on over to that hole in Zol Plains.

You're right. The longer they stay here the more dangerous it gets.

Alright ladies! Let's get you home!

There she is!

That's the thing I got sucked into!

Yes, I passed through it, too. What is it?

Oh nothin' really. Just think of it as a really fancy lookin' cave!

It's gonna be fine! Just trust in your big sis, okay?

*sigh*

How come you went through the hole, Mommy?

Well...that cat lead me through.

Yes, I guided her here.

Thanks Mr. Kitty!

Wait a minute... How come you can talk?

If you wanna know...

Then follow me.

Okay! But I better be allowed to get some pets in! I bet your fur's so soft!

Lavie, wait for me!

Teehee. I didn't expect Limmy to be so good with kids. Well, we should head through to make sure they get over okay.

Wait a minute, Ilulu.

Limil told me on the way over, out of earshot. Lavie's mother was your little sister, wasn't she? From before you became a purgatorian.

Yeah.

Don't you want to talk to her?

It's fine. I'm no longer Lavie, the big sister the girl's named after. I'm Ilulu the purgatorian, admirer of hard-working soulzies. She's trying her hardest with what she's got left. Talkin' to her will only confuse things, yeah? Besides, I got a policy.

Still...

It's fine, honestly! Come on, into the hole with ya!

...But maybe just a little chat... Wouldn't be so bad?

Come on! That was not nearly enough pets!

Maybe for you!

He ran away! Mister, help me catch him!

Heh, I guess we can forget having a leisurely stroll back home. Limil! Wait up!

Heehee...

So, I just wanted to say...

Yes?

Sorry in advance!

And a little head pat for you. It's not much, but it's the best I can do... I wish you all the best...

Huh? What happened?

Oh yeah, sometimes folks just pass out after goin' through portals and such! I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Oh, I see.

Mommy, hurry up! We've got a kitty to catch!

Lavie! Calm down! It's just a cat!

I thought maybe if I gave her soul a pat... Maybe she might feel something...a connection. Guess that would be too good to be true, huh.

Still...

Of course! You are my daughter, and you carry the name of someone else very important to me.

You do not know how happy it made me to hear you say that.

Funny though. It also feels kinda like I had heard it before somewhere?

GET BACK HERE KITTTEEEHH!!

Probably just imagining things!

If you're serious about catching Limmy, leave it to your big sis!