Meaning in Makeup
When praised on her gun handling after a tune-up from Cucouroux, Tien shares that it was her late sister who taught her the basics. Later, her younger sisters surprise her with a Halloween costume and urge her to go outside Stardust Town to buy matching makeup.
Tien: ...
Tien: ...!
The bullets fired from Tien's gun strike true, cleanly piercing an empty bottle in the distance.
Tien: Whew.
Cucouroux: Whoa! Five shots in a flash, and they all hit dead center!
Tien: It's thanks to your expert maintenance.
Cucouroux: No way, it takes more than a tune-up from me to shoot like that!
Cucouroux: I'd heard stories from Silva, but seeing you in action is something else!
Tien previously became acquainted with Silva through Tweyen's introduction at a gathering of the Eternals.
Having come to know Silva's sister Cucouroux as a result, she decided to request her help with gun maintenance.
Tien: The loading is smooth, and the accuracy is flawless.
Tien: Thank you. I made the right choice coming to you, Cucouroux.
Cucouroux: Hehe, you're welcome! Though I didn't really do much, honestly.
Cucouroux: You take such good care of your gun, I only had to make a few adjustments!
Cucouroux: Anybody can see just how much you love it!
Tien: Mm... Being praised like that is a little embarrassing.
Tien: I guess I have my late sister to thank. She's the one who taught me everything I know.
Cucouroux: Your late sister?
Tien: Oh, sorry. I shouldn't have sprung that on you out of nowhere.
Cucouroux: No, it's fine—you can tell me! I wanna know more about you, Tien.
Cucouroux: But only if you're comfortable sharing, of course.
Tien: Mm... Thanks.
Tien: Stardust Town has always been a place plagued by conflict.
Tien: It didn't matter if you were young or old, boy or girl—you needed to know how to handle a weapon to survive.
Tien: My older siblings told me to pick one for myself, and I chose a gun.
Tien: Because... I didn't want to know what it felt like to hurt someone with my own hands.
Tien: It was one of my big sisters who showed me all the basics about firearms and how to take care of them.
Tien: She's gone now... but she still lives on inside me.
Cucouroux: So that's why you learned how to shoot a gun... To protect yourself.
Cucouroux: Does that mean you'll have to teach the little ones someday too?
Tien: In the old days, I probably would have. But things are different now.
Tien: Following certain events, Stardust Town came under the protection of the Suo mafia family.
Tien: Thanks to that, it's become much safer here, so not every kid has to learn how to use a weapon anymore.
Tien: As far as I know, this is the most peaceful this place has ever been.
Tien gazes out fondly over the town, a soft smile on her face.
Cucouroux: You look really happy, Tien.
Tien: Do I?
Cucouroux: Yeah! I can tell how much you care about this town and your siblings.
Cucouroux: The things you learned from your big brothers and sisters kept you safe...
Cucouroux: And that, in turn, allowed the kids to grow up in peace and made the town what it is today.
Tien: Mm... That's true. This peace is all thanks to my older siblings. If I could see them again, that's the first thing I'd tell them.
Cucouroux: Well, it is Halloween, you know. Maybe they're somewhere close by, checking in on the town.
Tien: Mm... I hope so.
Cucouroux: In that case, let's show them how much fun you and all the kiddos are having! In costume, of course!
Tien: Hehe, you read my mind. I already have a few ready to go.
After making a brief stop by her home, Tien returns with several Halloween costumes in hand.
Tien: I made these outfits for the children. They don't look silly, do they?
Cucouroux: No, they're super cute!
Cucouroux: Hold on. Did you say you made these?
Tien: Yes, I enjoy sewing. I often have to patch up tears and holes in my siblings' clothes, so I just picked it up over time.
Cucouroux: Even so, that's incredible! You're really talented to be able to make outfits like these!
Cucouroux: I've got a little sister named Camieux myself, and she's the absolute cutest.
Cucouroux: I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out what to do for her Halloween costume...
Cucouroux: Wait, huh? On second glance, these are all kid-sized outfits. Where's yours, Tien?
Tien: Oh, um... I don't really need one...
Lively Jill: You always say stuff like that!
Mature Mia: Seriously. You're constantly putting yourself after everyone else.
Cucouroux: Oh! Are these the little sisters you mentioned, Tien?
Cucouroux: Nice to meetcha! You can call me Cucouroux!
Mature Mia: It's nice to meet you too. Thank you for being Tien's friend.
Cucouroux: My, aren't you polite! Must be because you've got such a great big sister!
Lively Jill: Ehehe, maybe so!
Lively Jill: On that note... Ta-da! Here's a costume as thanks for everything you do for us, Tien!
Tien: Huh? A... costume?
Cucouroux: Wow, amazing! It looks so professional!
Tien: You made this... for me?
Tien: Mm... Thank you, I'm really touched. I'll absolutely wear it.
Lively Jill: You're welcome!
Mature Mia: Oh, but don't get changed just yet.
Tien: ...?
You mean I should wait until tonight?
Mature Mia: No, not exactly. Since we worked so hard on the costume, we were hoping you could wear makeup to match.
Cucouroux: Makes sense! A special outfit deserves some special makeup to go with it!
Lively Jill: Yeah, exactly!
Tien: Makeup, huh?
Tien: But I don't really have much to work with...
Cucouroux: Where do they sell cosmetics around here? Let's go buy what you need!
Mature Mia: Well... unfortunately, there aren't any shops like that in town, so you'd have to travel elsewhere.
Lively Jill: You should go take a fun trip for once! Enjoy yourself!
Tien: ...
Tien: All right. If you two insist.
Cucouroux: I know just the place! Lemme take you there!
Tien: Then I'll leave it to you. I don't have much experience with those kinds of stores.
Cucouroux: You can count on me! We'll get you all dolled up and knock everybody's socks off!
Encouraged by her little sisters, Tien heads out of town for a shopping trip with Cucouroux.
Changing Together
Having always viewed makeup as a tool to protect her siblings, Tien feels uncertain about enjoying it. But with Cucouroux's encouragement, she asks a cosmetics clerk to help her try different looks for her costume, eventually coming to appreciate makeup on a deeper level.
Tien: ...
Tien: (Wearing makeup for fun, huh? I don't think the thought's ever crossed my mind before.)
Tien: (For me, makeup is...)
Tien: It was one of my late older sisters who showed me how to put on makeup for the first time.
Tien: I remember her saying that makeup is armor to make yourself appear strong.
Tien: I wore it to make myself look older. That's what I had to do to get by in that town.
Tien: (The children told me to enjoy myself, but...)
Cucouroux: What's wrong, Tien? You're awfully fidgety.
Tien: Mm, it's just... I'm not sure how I'm supposed to have fun with this.
Tien opens up to Cucouroux about her first experience putting on makeup.
Tien: I guess you could say it was a means to an end. If I didn't act—and look—like an adult, there was no way I could protect my little siblings.
Cucouroux: That must've been really hard on you.
Cucouroux: I wonder if the kids sensed what you were feeling, and that's why they encouraged you to go today.
Cucouroux: Like... maybe they wanted you to see that makeup is meant to be fun.
Tien: Could be. I must be a pretty lousy big sister to make them worry about me like that.
Cucouroux: No way! If you ask me, I think it just shows how much you all care about each other!
Tien: I see. You may be right.
Cucouroux: Wait, so this is your first time actually doing makeup for yourself, Tien?
Cucouroux: Talk about a big responsibility! I've got to really show you the ropes so you can get the most out of it!
Tien: Mm... I'll be counting on you.
After touching down at their destination, Tien and Cucouroux make their way to a makeup boutique in the bustling shopping district.
Tien: This store is enormous. I can already see a whole array of cosmetics just through the windows.
Cucouroux: Right? And there's even more farther back!
Tien: The customers look like they're having fun. Is it really all right for me to intrude?
Cucouroux: Of course it is! Come on, don't be shy—let's go!
With a gentle nudge from Cucouroux, Tien nervously steps inside the shop.
The interior is packed wall-to-wall with cosmetics, leaving her stunned by the overwhelming selection.
Tien: Wow... I never knew there were so many different kinds of makeup.
Tien: And the prices are pretty steep. I guess that's normal for a specialty store though.
She peeks into her wallet, looking uncertain.
Cucouroux: Are you short on cash? I'd be happy to chip in!
Tien: Mm... No, that's not it.
Tien: I was just thinking this money might be better spent on something tasty for my little siblings.
Cucouroux: Ah, gotcha...
Cucouroux: But Tien, don't you think you ought to treat yourself with at least as much care as you do your gun?
Tien: Treat myself... with care?
Cucouroux: Whenever I hesitate around Silva and Cammy, they just assume the idea's not worth pushing and drop the whole thing.
Cucouroux: But when I let loose and have fun, they smile and have fun right along with me.
Cucouroux: I bet it's the same with your siblings. They want to see you enjoying yourself!
Tien: Enjoying myself...
Vyrn: If you wanna be kind to others, you have to get used to others being kind to you!
Tien: Seeing me enjoying myself helps everyone else have a good time too...
Tien: I see. You might be onto something, Cucouroux.
Tien takes a deep breath and approaches a nearby sales clerk.
Tien: Um, excuse me. I've come here hoping to have some fun with makeup.
Tien: I'd like to experiment with different looks for my Halloween costume. Could you help me?
Clerk: Of course, I'd be happy to. Just putting on a bit of makeup can really boost your mood!
Clerk: Let's start by choosing a foundation. What type do you usually use?
Tien: Um... I'm not really sure.
Clerk: In that case, how about trying this cushion foundation?
Clerk: You just dab the liquid on with a puff, and you'll have radiant skin in no time.
Tien: Dab it on... with a puff?
Clerk: Why don't I show you? We'll try a few shades to see which tone matches your skin.
With smooth, practiced strokes, the clerk expertly applies foundation along Tien's cheek.
Clerk: I think this medium shade suits you best. It's not too light or too bright.
Clerk: Here's a mirror. Go ahead and take a look.
Tien: Mm... Yes, it really does blend well with my skin. It's smooth and has a nice glow.
Cucouroux: That's my pick too! If you're happy, you should totally go with it!
Tien: I'll take this one, then.
Clerk: Thank you very much. Now that we've settled on a foundation, let's move on to your brows and eyes. And after that...
The sales clerk goes on to suggest a range of eye shadows, eyebrow pencils, lipsticks, and more to Tien.
Clerk: So, what do you think? You tried quite a variety of products.
Tien: Mm... There's a surprising amount of depth to makeup. More than I ever imagined.
Clerk: If you were able to discover the joy it can bring, then I've done my job.
Clerk: I believe you mentioned a Halloween costume, yes? Would you like put it on to coordinate your makeup with it now?
Clerk: Sometimes you get all dressed up only to realize your makeup doesn't quite match the image you had in mind.
Cucouroux: Might as well since we're here! That way you won't have any regrets later!
Tien: Good point. I'll go get changed, then.
Cucouroux: Oh, wow! That costume is so cute! And the makeup's gonna make it even better!
Clerk: All right, let's get started. Close your eyes and hold still for me.
As Cucouroux watches with bated breath, the clerk carefully applies Tien's makeup and steps back to admire her work.
Clerk: There, all finished. You can look now.
Tien slowly opens her eyes and gazes at the reflection staring back at her in the mirror.
Tien: Is that... me?
Cucouroux: Oh my gosh! You look amazing, Tien!
Clerk: Yes, truly stunning! Now you'll be able to enjoy your Halloween to the fullest!
Tien: ...
Seeing her transformed self, Tien is overcome with a mixture of delight and bewilderment at her new appearance.
Changing Together: Scene 2
After getting separated from Cucouroux while in costume, Tien is mistaken for a real nun by a woman who asks her to deliver sweets to an elderly man living alone. Tien manages to persuade the wary man to accept the gift, but as she turns to leave, she suddenly falls to her knees.
After leaving the boutique, Tien and Cucouroux stroll happily through the streets adorned with Halloween decorations.
Cucouroux: Everything's decked out for Halloween!
Cucouroux: Man... If I'd known we were gonna be hanging out today, I would've brought a costume too.
Tien: There's always next year.
Tien: Maybe we could even invite Silva and Camieux along and enjoy the festivities together.
Cucouroux: That's the best idea ever! I'll bring it up with them as soon as I get home!
Cucouroux: Oh, that reminds me! Since we're here in the big city, I guess I ought to pick up souvenirs!
Tien: I think I'll do the same. There are a lot of delicious sweets for sale.
Cucouroux: Hmm, which place looks good...
The pair scan the area, taking in all their options. However...
Tien: Mm? Cucouroux?
Tien looks around to discover that she and Cucouroux have gotten separated in the bustling crowd.
Tien: Oh no, what now? I'm sure she couldn't have gotten very far, but still...
Tien: I'd better start looking—
Middle-Aged Woman: Oh, there you are, Sister.
Middle-Aged Woman: You never showed up, so I came looking for you. Such tardiness simply won't do.
Middle-Aged Woman: Now, this way please.
Tien: Um... You were looking for me?
Middle-Aged Woman: Well, yes. You're the nun who was scheduled to come today, aren't you?
Tien: Er... This is actually a Halloween cos—
Middle-Aged Woman: Oh my, look at the time! We need to hurry, Sister!
Before Tien can clear up the misunderstanding, the woman grabs her hand and leads her away from the crowd.
Middle-Aged Woman: So that's what needs to be done. I'm counting on you to handle it.
Middle-Aged Woman: I have other duties to attend to, so when you're finished, come report to the convent over there. Good luck.
After rattling off the job details, the woman hurries away, leaving a baffled Tien behind.
Tien: ...
Tien: (She handed me a job out of nowhere and took off... What do I do now?)
Tien: (I mean, she did seem pretty desperate. And it's just delivering some sweets to an elderly man who lives on his own...)
Tien: Mm... I feel bad for Cucouroux, but I should probably take care of this quickly and catch up with her afterward.
Clutching the basket of treats she'd been given, she makes her way to the address.
Tien: Mm... This should be the place.
Tien: Excuse me, I'm a nun from the local convent. I've come to deliver some sweets.
Elderly Man's Voice: Door's open.
Tien: Pardon the intrusion.
As Tien steps inside, the elderly resident merely looks up at her from his chair, making no move to stand.
Elderly Man: Another one from the convent, eh? I keep tellin' 'em I don't need anybody fussing over me.
Elderly Man: I don't know if this is part of your charity work or what, but you nuns sure have it rough.
Tien: ...
Tien: Um... I have some sweets for you. Here.
Elderly Man: Don't need 'em. Kindness from strangers is nothing but trouble.
Elderly Man: There's always an ulterior motive behind it. That philosophy is what's gotten me this far.
Tien: (I wonder... Did something happen to him in the past to make him feel that way?)
Elderly Man: For all I know, those sweets of yours could be poisoned. I wouldn't be caught dead eating one.
Tien: I can't guarantee the flavor, but I'm sure they don't contain anything unsafe.
Elderly Man: Of course you'd say that. No villain's going to offer somebody food and admit it's dangerous.
Tien: ...
Tien: Would this help?
Tien picks up one of the sweet treats and pops it into her mouth right in front of the man.
Elderly Man: ...
Tien: Now do you believe me?
Elderly Man: Fine, you've made your point. If it'll put an end to this, hand 'em over.
With a heavy sigh, the elderly man accepts the sweets from her.
Elderly Man: Really now. What could you possibly stand to gain from being nice to an old geezer like me?
Tien: Um... You don't seem comfortable accepting kindness from others.
Tien: If there's something weighing on you, I'd be happy to lend an ear...
Elderly Man: That's none of your concern. You've done what you came for, so leave me be.
Tien: Mm... You're right. I'm sorry for overstepping.
Tien: I'll be on my way.
Tien: ...
Huh?
The moment Tien turns to leave, her vision blurs, and she drops to her knees.
Changing Together: Scene 3
It turns out the sweets are infused with alcohol, causing Tien to become tipsy and more honest with her feelings, which endears her to the elderly man. After returning to Stardust Town, Cucouroux remarks on Tien's natural smile, making her realize that she is changing together with the town.
Tien: ...
Tien stares blankly ahead, her face flushed and eyes unfocused.
Elderly Man: What's the matter, young lady? Are you running a fever?
Tien: Maybe so... Everything's starting to spin...
Elderly Man: You don't seem to have any other cold symptoms though. Hrm...
Elderly Man: Wait... Could it be because of these?
The man samples one of the treats, confirming his suspicion.
Elderly Man: I knew it—these contain liquor. You must've gotten drunk off the one you ate.
Elderly Man: But the alcohol should've burned off during production. Even kids are supposed to be able to eat these.
Elderly Man: You must be a real lightweight. Best skip the hard drinks when you're older.
Elderly Man: Anyway, there's nothing to worry about. You're just a bit tipsy, that's all.
Tien: How can I be tipsy? I haven't drunk any alcohol.
Elderly Man: You may not have consumed it intentionally, but you're intoxicated nonetheless. Stay here and rest until you sober up.
Tien: I need to find someone, so I really must be going...
Elderly Man: I can't let you leave in that state. At least have some water first.
The elderly man stands and heads to the kitchen, returning with a glass of water.
Elderly Man: Here, drink this and try to relax.
Tien: Mm... Thank you.
Tien: ...
Elderly Man: What's wrong? Not going to drink?
Tien: You live alone, right, mister? Don't you ever get lonely?
Elderly Man: Not really. Once you get used to the solitude, it's actually quite pleasant.
Tien: I see...
Tien: I've been feeling a bit isolated lately, myself. Even though I know it's silly...
Tien: You see, I live with a number of younger siblings. They're a handful, but I'm proud to be their big sister.
Tien: But with the Suo family coming in and the cafe opening, things are changing, and everyone's finding their own place.
Tien: They're all growing more independent, which should make me really happy.
Tien: It should, but...
Elderly Man: You feel lonely?
After a moment's pause, Tien nods slowly in response.
Tien: The thought that I might not have anything more to offer as their sister just leaves me with this emptiness inside...
Tien: It's pretty childish of me to feel that way, isn't it?
Elderly Man: ...
Elderly Man: I wouldn't say that at all. If anything, it makes me think more highly of you.
Tien: Huh?
Elderly Man: You may act grown-up, but you're still just a child. And what's wrong with a child being childish?
Elderly Man: It's good to be honest with your feelings. I like that. If an old codger like me will do, I'll listen to whatever's troubling you.
Tien: Honest with my feelings...
Tien: Mm... I think I'll take you up on that.
Meanwhile, Cucouroux arrives at a certain residence, following the leads she had gathered.
Cucouroux: The lady said she should be here...
Cucouroux: Tieeen! Where are youuu!
Tien's Voice: Hehe. Hahaha...
Cucouroux: Wait, was that Tien's voice? It sounded like it came from this house.
Cucouroux: Excuse me! Could I have a quick word?
Elderly Man's Voice: Another visitor? Door's open, so let yourself in!
Cucouroux: Really? Well, if you say so...
Cucouroux: Um, I thought I heard my friend Tien in here—
Elderly Man: So I gave those punks a piece of my mind! And they bolted right out of the house all in a tizzy!
Tien: Hehehe. You've got some real guts, mister.
Cucouroux: Tien? I'm glad you seem to be having fun, but... what in the world happened to you?
Tien: Huh? Cucouroux? Why're you here?
Cucouroux: I came looking for you. So... care to explain what's going on?
Tien: Well, there's actually a reason for all this...
Tien: Hmm, what was it again?
Elderly Man: Ah, let me explain. So you see...
Speaking on behalf of the inebriated Tien, the elderly man recounts the story to Cucouroux.
Elderly Man: Next thing I knew, we were talking up a storm. If anything, she ended up even more tipsy.
Elderly Man: With these old bones, I couldn't possibly escort her out myself. I'm grateful you came to collect her.
Cucouroux: Likewise, thanks for looking after her. I hope she didn't cause too much trouble.
Elderly Man: She was a lot to handle, I'll say that. I haven't felt this drained in over a decade.
Elderly Man: Still, I enjoyed myself. I suppose it's not so bad showing kindness and having it returned once in a while.
Elderly Man: Let her know that for me, will you? After she wakes up, that is.
They turn to glance at Tien resting with her head on Cucouroux's shoulder, having dozed off at some point in the conversation.
Cucouroux: Gotcha! I'll make sure to tell her!
Cucouroux: Come on, Tien. Put your arm around my neck...
Cucouroux: Thanks again, mister! We'll be going now!
Expressing her gratitude to the elderly man, Cucouroux departs from the house with Tien in tow.
They head straight for the return ship, making their way back to Stardust Town together.
Tien: Sigh...
Tien: I can't remember anything we talked about. I hope I didn't say anything strange...
Cucouroux: The old man said he had a good time, so I wouldn't worry about it.
Tien: I guess. But I ended up causing a lot of trouble for you too, Cucouroux...
Cucouroux: Don't even mention it! Honestly, it was a treat getting to see a new side of you!
Tien: A new side? What do you mean?
Cucouroux: Well, you seemed really happy! Like you were totally relaxed for once!
Lively Jill: Welcome home, Tien! And hey, you're wearing your costume!
Mature Mia: And matching makeup too. How was the shop?
Tien: Mm... It was a lot of fun. Being surrounded by so many new and different things was a breath of fresh air.
Mature Mia: So are the cosmetics you bought in that bag? Can we see them?
Tien: Mm... Sure, go ahead.
Lively Jill: Wow, you got so much! And ooh, this blush is really cute!
Mature Mia: I guess this makes you a makeup pro now, Tien.
Tien: Hehe. Come on, don't tease me.
Cucouroux: There! That's it!
Tien: Huh?
Cucouroux: That's the expression you had when you were talking with the old man! It was just so... natural!
Tien: Natural, huh...
Tien: (I see. I'm able to smile naturally now.)
Tien: (I stopped smiling as much to look strong... and forgot what a real smile felt like.)
Tien: (But now I'm changing... and I think it's for the better.)
Watching her little sisters fuss over the new cosmetics, Tien's face lights up with another genuine grin.
As Stardust Town continues to change, so too does Tien's heart, quietly undergoing its own transformation.
![Tien [Eternals]](/File:RoB_Tien_1-1.jpg)
