Scenario:Metera - The Shooting Star's Turn

The Shooting Star's Turn

While on vacation, Metera gets word of a problem in her hometown and rushes back, only to find it's a gifted but unruly guardian candidate named Schtel—whom she's asked to mentor.

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Elder: Metera is absent again...

Elder: No matter. Today is not about Metera. Tell me, guardians of the future...

Elder: How has it come to this? In the latest practical exam, only a single candidate passed.

In a sleepy haze, Metera gazes up at the elder's looming shadow.

This is not reality. Rather, it is a memory from long ago, when Metera was still a child.

Metera: (Oh, this dream again...)

Metera: (A dream where I secretly watch from the shadows as the old geezer scolds kids my age.)

Elder: Yes, I'm referring to the very same irresponsible Metera who still fritters her days away.

Elder: Falling behind a problem child who scarcely attends training—do you not find that shameful for guardian candidates?

Metera: (I'm a prodigy. It's only natural they can't keep up.)

Metera: (And while I'm thinking that, one of the scolded kids looks right at me. It always happens.)

Metera: (Then that kid glares at me, like it's all my fault.)

Elder: Redouble your training so you do not fall behind Metera.

Metera: (Humph. If you can't keep up, that's on your ability. Me being a genius has—)

Metera: Nothing... to do with it...

Inside a resort hotel on the island of water, Auguste...

Metera: Mm... Yawn... Mng... That was a good nap.

Metera: Did I fall asleep mid-massage? Vacations really are the best.

Metera: Crummy dream though. Anyway—time to hit the beach.

Just then, a hotel staffer quietly offers a letter addressed to Metera.

Metera: A letter? From... Sutera?

Metera and Sutera are sisters who happen to be opposites in every way.

Their homeland once suffered under a primal beast known as the Forbidding One.

After countless battles, the seal on the primal grew strong enough to be maintained, earning the village lasting peace.

Ever since then, Metera's rocky ties to her home have slowly begun to mend.

Metera: (I've been letting them know where I am these days... so what does she want?)

Sutera's Letter: "Dearest Metera, it has been a while. I hope you are well."

Sutera's Letter: "Everyone in the village is doing fine. I wish I could say all is peaceful, but..."

Sutera's Letter: "A small problem has arisen. It is embarrassing to ask, but I would like your help—"

Metera: A problem? Don't tell me it's more backwater trouble.

Metera: Ugh, sending gloomy news while I'm on vacation? Give me a break...

As Metera moves to toss the letter, a scene from the past flashes through her mind.

Her sister stands, battered and bleeding, still trying to fulfill her duty.

Metera: Fine. It's a pain, but I'll go—just in case it involves the seal.

Metera: Argh, come on! I was nowhere near done enjoying this vacation!

Despite her words, Metera hurriedly packs her bags.

After riding several passenger airships, Metera finally arrives at her village.

Elder: Metera... You have come.

Metera: I came because you called. Where's Sutera? Don't tell me she's hurt again!

Elder: This way. Aster is with her.

Aster, though young, bears a guardian's duty and is like a little sister to Metera and Sutera.

Elder: In here. Please, enter.

Metera: Those two... Just what is going—

Sutera: And that concludes the survey of local flora. I'll be happy to take any questions you might have later.

Aster: For hazardous plants, please confirm on-site and submit a report!

Metera: Huh?

Guardian Instructor: Thank you both for your instruction today!

Guardian Instructor: Guidance from active guardians inspires the candidates like nothing else!

Aster: Ehehe, happy to help! Call on us anytime!

Metera: What? Why is the atmosphere so cozy?

Sutera: Ah... Metera! You came back!

Metera: Yeah, 'cause you said there was a problem! I thought—

Metera: I figured it was something about the seal—ugh, forget it. I'm leaving.

Elder: Wait. You read Sutera's letter, did you not?

Elder: There is, in fact, a "problem." It may be best if you see it yourself.

Guardian Instructor: This is Schtel, a guardian candidate. Go on, Schtel—greet Metera.

Schtel: Um...

Metera: (This little brat is the problem?)

Metera: So there's a problem child among the candidates?

Sutera: Yes. He's an excellent candidate, but... rather undisciplined.

Aster: Our training sessions keep falling behind, and lately the others have started picking up his bad habits.

Elder: That's why, Metera, we would like you to supervise him.

Metera: Wait, why me!

Metera: Seriously? Of all people, you want me to babysit the slacker?

Elder: I agree with the sentiment.

Metera: Somehow that annoys me even more...

Elder: However, this is Sutera's earnest wish. She believes you are the most suitable.

Elder: Given how closely she watches the children, I'm willing to go with her gut on this.

Metera: Humph...

Metera: I can keep an eye on him a bit. Just don't expect me to run boot camp.

Schtel: ...

Metera: You? A scaredy-cat like you is the problem child?

Schtel: U-um... This is for you.

The boy called Schtel shyly offers his cupped hands to Metera.

Metera: Hm? What is—

The moment Metera bends down to look...

Metera: Whoa!

A frog leaps from Schtel's hands, making Metera yelp and recoil.

Schtel: Pfft... Ahahaha! Lame!

Guardian Instructor: Schtel! Hey! Apologize!

Schtel: How about no!

Schtel slips past the instructor and nimbly bounds up a tree.

Schtel: Is this old lady really one of the heroes who saved the village? But she's such a klutz!

Metera: Old?

Aster: Schtel calls anyone older than himself "old"... Even me...

Metera: You little brat!

Schtel: Haha. You got pranked by a brat! See ya later!

Metera: ...

Sutera: He reminds me of you when you were little.

Metera: In what world!

Elder: Indeed. Sutera speaks true.

Metera: Excuse me?

Sutera: You had that same free spirit as a child... which is why I thought you might be the one to show him the way.

Metera: Honestly, I was just going to say hi, make small talk, and leave.

Metera: But that cheeky pest's got some nerve.

Sutera: Then...

Metera: Leave him to me. I'll make him regret underestimating me.

Cracking her knuckles, Metera looks more than ready.

And so, Metera—if only for a short while—takes on a disciple named Schtel.