Guest Teachers for Today
Say ahh.
...Do I really have to?
The children are watching, Captain.
Say ahh, okay?
...Ahh.
Fufu, good job. Pat, pat.
Everyone, as you can see, broccoli is good for you and tasty too.
If you want to grow up big and strong, you need to eat a little of everything, okay?
You're lying, it tastes gross!
Yeah! If it was really tasty, the teachers would've eaten it all!
You're trying to trick us...! Take this, evil broccoli monster! Savior Punch of Justice!
Twinkle Water Splash!
Kids, calm down...! No splashing water!
The children are so full of energy.
They remind me of the children I used to teach... I miss them.
Don't just stand there daydreaming... Help me...!
How did it come to this? I thought back to what happened earlier this morning.
Volunteer work?
Yes! It's an assignment from the Observation Council, [Polaris]!
Because!
Because?
...Wait, what was it again?
Hehe! Just a moment, I'll go ask again!
...Off she goes, swift as the wind.
Hehe, such a lively one. She reminds me of my junior sister back in the East.
Really?
I could hear someone getting scolded in the distance.
Sorry for making you wait! I just got an earful!
But it's fine! I'll just do better next time.
You're strong-hearted.
Fufu, you really are like my junior sister.
...Really?
The goal of the Journey is to find the true Savior.
And Polaris says true Saviors are those who save people.
...So they mean mindset comes before skill.
So that's why you're volunteering? To gain experience helping others?
Hehe, that's right!
No objections here. It's a wonderful idea.
What do you think, Captain?
I feel the same.
Fufu, so where are we going?
And that's how I ended up spending the day as a teacher at a kindergarten.
Take this! Savior Kick of Justice!
Pretty Water Splash!
Can we please stop splashing water now?
Attention, everyone!
As Lyn clapped her hands, all the children looked at her.
Huh?
What is it?
Everyone, the teachers prepared a surprise for you.
A surprise...?
A present?! What is it? Is it a snack? Or something pretty?
If I told you now, it wouldn't be a surprise.
There's enough for everyone. You'll each get one when you head home.
But first!
But first?
Why don't we thank the cook who made all this tasty food for us?
Now, all together. What do we say?
Thank you for the meal!
Okay, everyone. Let's eat!
Yay!
With that, the children started eating.
Captain, could you come closer?
Good thing I brought my handkerchief. Let me wipe that off for you.
...Huh? You're saying I'm good at taking care of children?
Fufu, I am a children's instructor, after all. I can't very well be bad at it.
You can leave this to me without worry.
And just like she said, Lyn handled the children with ease.
Ow...! I scraped my knee...
Hold on, I'll put on some ointment and a bandage.
And now... Pain, pain, go away!
How's that? Better?
Pfft! What was that?
...But it does feel better. Thanks!
When nap time came...
Ugh... Ms. Lyn...
What's wrong? Can't fall asleep?
Want me to sing you a lullaby?
It's just... Hngh! *Sniffle*
...Shall we go talk somewhere else?
Ms. Lyn... *Sniffle* *Sob*
It's all right. There's nothing to be embarrassed about.
Even I used to have bedtime accidents sometimes when I was little.
...Really? You did too?
Of course. So dry those tears. We can't let that pretty face get all messy, can we?
Let's get you changed into these clothes.
Where did you get those?
They used to belong to my junior sister.
She was going to throw them out since they'd gotten too small, but I held onto them. Good thing I did.
Captain, could you watch the other children while I take care of the little princess right here?
Sure thing.
When it was time to go home, Lyn gave each child a handmade doll.
One by one, the kids left hand in hand with their guardians.
...
Looks like your parents are running a bit late, princess.
Shall we wait inside together?
...They're not coming.
Hmm?
They're not coming. Just like yesterday. And the day before. And even the day before that.
I've never seen my mommy or daddy, not even once.
...
...
...Ms. Lyn, will you come again tomorrow?
You'll come tomorrow and play with me, right?
That's...
I'll be good and eat my broccoli, I promise! And you don't have to bring me presents or anything.
So, please...?
...I'm taking part in the Journey, so I can't come tomorrow.
But I'll come again next time, princess. I promise.
...You're lying.
The other teacher said the same thing. Said my mommy and daddy would come get me.
But look. I've grown this tall, all my teeth are in... and they still haven't come...
You're lying too, aren't you? You're not coming back, right?! I'm right, aren't I?!
Just as the child was about to burst into tears, Lyn pulled her close and whispered something.
...Really?
You promise?
Of course. I would never lie to you.
My little princess.
I know it might feel like a long, endless night.
But the morning light always finds its way.
Always.
That's why I'm taking on the Journey.
For a happier world, for the future...
For you, my princess here, and all the other children.
I will make it through.
Fufu, and I'll be back before you know it.
So no more tears. Pinky promise?
...Hehe. Okay!
Mm...!
I had so much fun playing with the kids today.
...Huh?
You want to know what I said to the girl earlier?
Was it something you can't tell me?
...No, it's not that.
I told her I don't know what my parents look like either.
The truth is, I was abandoned at the gates of the Wind Moon Sect when I was a baby.
Oh... I, uh...
It's fine. It's all in the past.
Although I never knew what they were like, the Sect Master took me in as a foster child.
And I grew up with my fellow disciples without lacking for anything.
I'm happy. Really.
So now, I want to pass that kindness on.
Pass it on?
Yes. I'm an adult now.
It's my turn now to pass on to the children what I once received from my Sect Master.
A happier day-to-day life. A better future.
And for that, no matter the cost...
As Lyn's words trailed off, I turned to look at her.
Huh?
Captain, watch out! There's a rock right there...!
I tripped over the rock and fell.
Captain? Are you okay?!
Hold on, I've got a bandage right here.
For you, a special star-patterned one! It's the only one I have, you know?
And now... Pain, pain, go away!
Fufu, feeling better?
I told Lyn I was fine when she tried to help me up, and we headed back to the quarters together.
I understood why Lyn joined the Journey for the sake of the children.
And what she meant when she spoke of the responsibility of an adult.