Scenario:Cain - The Greatest Gift

The Greatest Gift

Bai Ze and Pholia are in charge of organizing a charity party for an impoverished village, but (Captain) also needs their help with another mission. Since Cain is free, he is recruited to oversee preparations for the party alongside Mariah and Spinnah.

---

Bai Ze: Hm, yes. Where do I begin...

At the heart of Cain's confusion is what Pholia meant when she said she and Cain will "grant the wishes of everyone."

Bai Ze tries to give him some context.

Bai Ze: Recently Pholia and I have been receiving assistance from (Captain)'s crew—

Mariah: Ah, there they are.
Yo! Pholia! Bai Ze!

Spinnah: And who's that with them? Oh, isn't that Cain?

Cain: Mariah! Spinnah! I haven't seen you guys since the crew's last mission in Nalhegrande. Wow, that was a while ago.

Bai Ze's explanation is put on hold as two familiar faces crash the conversation.

Spinnah: Yeah, time flies. So you're the backup Pholia said she called in, huh?

Mariah: I heard Idelva is still in a bad way. Are you sure it's okay to be here right now?

Cain: Well, I would be in Idelva right now if I could, but I can't. Leo and Reinhardtzar forced me to go on leave.

Cain: I'm guessing you called me in to help with a crew mission?

Pholia: Wrong. Your task is to organize a charity party for the local village!

Cain: A charity party?

Spinnah: Originally it was just the three of us running the show: me, Mariah, and Pholia.

After completing a mission they had accepted from a village on this island, the crew learned of another issue facing the residents.

Spinnah: The island's soil isn't great for raising crops, and the area's never been particularly wealthy. It's only gotten worse over the years.

Spinnah: Forget big winter banquets—not a single child here has ever had their own birthday party.

The village children don't get to see their parents, who are busy working abroad. And they are deprived of even the smallest pleasures.

Feeling sorry for the kids, the village elders saved up money for years in order to finally throw a grand holiday party.

Mariah: A bunch of riffraff settled on the island not too long ago, so everyone's been feeling unsafe since they moved in.

Mariah: Food meant for the party kept getting stolen.

Mariah: Of course the elders can't afford to buy more. Some organizers were even talking about canceling the whole shebang...

Pholia: In the eyes of these impoverished boys and girls, a grand feast of ham and cake may as well only exist in fairy tales.

Pholia: You should have seen how excited they were to attend their first-ever winter party.

Pholia: We couldn't bear to see those innocent eyes well up with tears.

Pholia: Therefore we decided to sponsor the party ourselves. Come hell or high water, we're going to put on the grandest feast ever!

Spinnah: And while I do have enough spin blades for everyone, I feel like they deserve a little more than that, you know?

Cain: Ah, that's quite the story.

Cain: Since you were shorthanded, my name came up.

Pholia: Exactly. Leona and Reinhardtzar filled me in about your newly acquired freedom.

Pholia: I thought to myself, "What would Cain do if he had nothing but time on his hands?" Help (Captain)'s crew of course! Which is why I sent you the letter.

Cain: Haha... Am I that predictable?

Cain: All right. You got me. Happy to be part of the team!

Mariah: You're a lifesaver. (Captain)'s been pulled away on a difficult mission, so we'll probably have to make do without the captain.

Cain: Is that so?

Cain: Now that you mention it, I was wondering why Vyrn and Lyria weren't here.

Bai Ze: Those three aren't the only ones absent. The majority of the crew is off assisting (Captain) with that mission.

Bai Ze: It is an urgent request that requires the full manpower of the entire crew.

Bai Ze: In fact, even though we are assigned to party preparations, we will be rotating onto other duties based on which members are available.

Cain: Ouch. Sounds like a whopper of a mission.

Pholia: With that being said, I hereby appoint Cain as the party's director.

Cain: Me?

Pholia: Somebody has to stay here full-time and lead with (Captain) gone.

Pholia: Remember how the decline of public safety on the island was brought up earlier? That might bleed into our party plans.

Pholia: You have a good rapport with other crew members, so if any violence breaks out, you'll know how to mobilize people accordingly.

Pholia: I can't think of a more qualified leader. Are you up to the task, Cain?

Cain: Sure. I wasn't trying to weasel out of responsibility or anything.

Cain: To tell you the truth, I was sort of hoping I could lend a hand with that tough mission everyone's on right now...

Cain: But like you said, someone has to stay here and make decisions. Leave everything to me!

Pholia and the others look relieved.

Mariah: Awesome! Well, let's roll up our sleeves and do this right! The night of the party will be here before we know it!

Spinnah: Right. The crew's reputation is riding on the success of this shindig. Let's not be the ones to tarnish it.

Pholia & Cain: Yeah!

The smiles of the village children rest in the hands of Cain and company. They'll do everything they can to not disappoint.

The Greatest Gift: Scene 2

Cain spots a thief and chases him into the forest outside the village. There he is surrounded by a group of bandits. Learning that the bandits only steal food in order to survive, Cain makes them an offer.

---

Two days have passed since Pholia contacted Cain.

Villager: Hey there, son! Another big box of stuff just came in. Where do you want it?

Cain: Could you take it to tent four? I'll check what's inside later. Thanks!

Cain: Whoa, whoa! You shouldn't be doing any heavy lifting in your condition, Granny! But we could sure use your expertise in the kitchen!

Child: Mr. Cain! Mr. Cain! We're done making decorations!

Cain: Nice! Everyone's so artistic! Can you do me a favor? Take those decorations and go spruce up that tent over there.

Cain: Once you're done with that, I think I'll have you guys make ornaments for the tree next.

With Cain in command, he deftly delegates duties to the villagers.

This lifeless, run-down community has come alive with color and activity in only a matter of days.

Spinnah: Way to supervise, Cain.

Cain: Oh, hey! Welcome back, you two! Finished with the other mission already?

Spinnah: Getting there. One of our tasks has us exterminating monsters in the area just outside the village.

Mariah: A few more crew members are planning to meet up with us tomorrow.

Cain: I see. Good. Sounds like things are proceeding smoothly on your end too.

Mariah: Seeing as how no major hiccups have cropped up—knock on wood—I think this party is going to rock.

Mariah: We really can't thank you enough for stepping up to the occasion, Cain.

Cain: Aw, don't worry about it! Pals always help each other out when times get tough.

Cain: Besides, I've been bailed out so many times before by the crew. It feels good to finally get payback.

Cain jokingly chuckles. He then remembers something that has been bothering him all morning.

Cain: By the way, have you seen the sovereign and Bai Ze?

Cain: They were supposed to return from their mission yesterday, but I haven't seen them since they left.

Mariah: Oh yeah, they're—

Suddenly Mariah stops.

Mariah: Erm... They're, um... shopping! Yeah, yeah. That's what they said.

Mariah: Not entirely sure what they're buying, but it sounded necessary for the party.

Cain: Huh... I see.

Cain: (Well, I won't pry. Considering this is that person we're talking about, that she's planning a surprise should come as no surprise.)

Cain notices that Mariah is fidgeting, but he decides not to follow up.

Spinnah: So what party stuff do you need us to help with?

Cain: Hm... Right now we're shorthanded on—

Cain: What was that?

???: ...!

Turning his attention to a loud bang, Cain catches sight of a suspicious man fleeing from the village.

Mariah: What is it, Cain?

Cain: That man is bolting off as if... Oh, crap!

Cain is reminded of reports from the villagers about thieves stealing goods. He quickly checks the inventory.

Cain: I knew it. Although nothing was stolen, someone was definitely rooting through our stuff. This wouldn't be the first time.

Cain: (I don't get it. Why aren't they targeting items that have actual monetary value?)

Spinnah: So the guy that ran off was trying to steal from the village?

Cain: Maybe. Hey, could you two hold the fort here for a bit?

Mariah: You're going after him by yourself? What if something goes wrong?

Cain: Don't worry. I won't chase him too far. I just want to do a quick sweep outside the village.

Mariah and Spinnah agree to stay behind, and Cain takes off after the mystery man.

Cain: (Hm. Looks like he escaped deep into the forest.)

Cain enters the forest on the outskirts of the village and then stops after a short distance. He stares at the footprints leading farther into the trees, contemplating his next move.

Cain: (Actually, this has trap written all over it.)

Cain: It's too risky to keep chasing him. I should cut bait and head back...

Muttering to himself, Cain turns around, intent on returning to the village.

Big Bulk: Freeze. Yer the new guy runnin' the show in the village, yeah?

Big Bulk: I don't wanna hurt ya, so just come quietly with us. We ain't in the business of roughin' people up.

Several bandits brandishing their weapons emerge from the brush and surround Cain.

Cain remains calm as he carefully regards his assailants.

Cain: Gosh, now isn't this a bit of a pickle. Okay, okay. I won't resist.

Cain: Will you at least tell me what you plan on doing with me? I'm just a humble volunteer, you know.

Shady Slim: You don't gotta know that. Someone tie this guy up! I don't want any surprises!

Cain: (So much for talking my way out of this one, though it's my fault for walking into what I figured was a trap.)

Cain: (Guess my only option is do what they say and see if I can figure out their plans in the meantime.)

The bandits move in to restrain Cain when suddenly...

Shady Slim: Ack!

Spinnah: Cain! Are you all right!

Cain: Spinnah? What are you doing here?

Spinnah: I saw another suspicious character lurking around the village, so I tailed him.

Big Bulk: Tch, he's got backup! Cheese it, boys!

Spinnah: Hahaha. You're joking if you think I'd let you punks slip from under my nose.

Spinnah: Spin up!

Spinnah hurls a spin blade that arcs around the bandits and cuts down a tree up ahead.

Shady Slim: Damn it! This tree's in the way!

Big Bulk: Fine! If it's a war they want—

Cain: Stop! Let's not get desperate here. I just want to talk.

Cain raises both of his hands into the air and takes a step toward the armed bandits.

Spinnah: Are you nuts, Cain?

Cain: Stay cool. Let me handle this.

Spinnah doesn't seem convinced but stands down. Cain takes a deep breath, psyching himself up for the coming negotiation.

Cain: It seems to me that you guys are stooping to thievery for a reason.

Big Bulk: ...

Cain: I thought it was strange for thieves to only target food and leave untouched mountains of valuables that can be fenced.

Cain: Which leads me to believe you're stealing out of necessity from extenuating circumstances.

Big Bulk: ...

As Cain speaks, the bandits slowly lower their weapons and look away.

Finally, one of them breaks the long silence.

Big Bulk: Yer lookin' at a motley crew of vagrants who're down on their luck. Banished street urchins, orphans... We live as a tight-knit brotherhood in this forest.

Big Bulk: Obviously no one wants to hire ne'er-do-wells, and we ain't got the cash to leave this island to look for work elsewhere neither.

Shady Slim: The dirt here sucks for growing stuff. We're gonna run out of grub eventually, so...

Spinnah: So you keep trying to rob the village of their food.

Big Bulk: Yeah. We saw the stack of boxes that rolled in once you newcomers showed up.

Big Bulk: The only people in the village are kids and geezers. Even if we were half dead from starvation, we could take 'em all on.

Big Bulk: Ever since ya showed up a few days ago, you've been actin' like the de facto leader.

Big Bulk: When we realized you were chasing us, we thought if we took ya hostage, we could trade ya for food without anyone gettin' hurt.

Cain: That's one way of doing it, I suppose.

Cain nods, now understanding why the bandits were trying to capture him.

Spinnah: Decision time, Cain. What do we do with these thugs?

Cain: Good question. If only they had honest work, everything might work itself out...

As Cain looks around in thought, he notices a pile of monster bones strewn about in the corner of a dilapidated building.

Cain: Say, Spinnah. You mentioned something about a monster extermination job, didn't you? Was it a request from the village?

Spinnah: As a matter of fact, yes. The nearby mountain is a hotbed of monster activity. They like to climb down from time to time.

Spinnah: The village has to save up enough funds every few years in order to afford a team to cull the monsters.

Cain: Gotcha.
As for the rest of you, I've got a proposition if you're willing to listen.

Cain proceeds to outline his idea.

The bandits can't believe their ears when they hear Cain's proposal, but in the end, every single one consents.

The Greatest Gift: Scene 3

With Cain's help, the bandits become monster hunters for the village. In the end, the charity party is a big success. Later that night, Cain is told to meet Pholia at a hill for a special surprise. When Cain arrives at the hill, who should be there but (Captain). Cain hands over his gift, promising to rejoin the captain on the Grandcypher one day.

---

A few days have passed since Cain's run-in with the bandits. Today is finally the main event.

The entire village is abuzz with excitement. Reds, greens, and many other colors grace the walls of homes, and all the while a wonderful aroma hangs in the air.

Cain: Phew... I was a bit worried back there, but it looks like the party came together.

Rather than being at the center of the festivities, the skyfaring organizers opt to watch the happy villagers from the sidelines.

Bai Ze: By the way, I heard from Spinnah that a complication arose in our absence.

Cain: Yeah... It really wasn't that bad though.

As he says this, Cain looks toward a corner of the village.

A group of villagers and bandits have formed a circle and are engaging in a round of hearty conversation.

Everywhere Cain looks, the same merry scenes can be seen.

Mariah: When you strolled up to the gate with a large group of hooligans behind you, do you know how freaked people were?

Spinnah: I was on edge the entire time, but thankfully things turned out okay.

Spinnah can't help but think back to the tense standoff in the forest with the bandits.

Cain: First things first. How would everyone rate their monster hunting skills? Excellent?

This seemingly random question throws the bandits for a loop.

Big Bulk: Sure. Some of 'em are edible, so we take 'em out. Not a lotta variety, but meat is meat.

Big Bulk: Problem is most monsters on this island are poisonous. That's how they protect themselves and their own kind.

Cain: Sounds like you know a lot about the critters that live here.

Cain: It turns out those monsters are harming the same village your group is stealing from.

Cain: Now, if you're up for some culling work, I can put in a good word for you with the village.

Big Bulk: Seriously?

Cain: Don't get me wrong; each of you owes the residents a sincere apology.

Cain: Still, I think everyone benefits this way. You're strong, capable hunters with the right know-how.

Cain: Having more able-bodied adults helps the village, even more so if they're good fighters to boot.

Cain: Are you ready to get your lives back on track and never steal again?

Cain: If so, then I'll do everything in my power to push you in the right direction. It's your choice.

The bandits turn to each other, considering Cain's proposal.

Big Bulk: Fine. We've got nothin' to lose.

Cain: Great. Then it's a deal.

Having reached an agreement, Cain escorts the bandits back to the village.

Spinnah: The villagers had mixed feelings at first, which I can't blame them for. I was worried the deal would fall apart.

Mariah: But Cain's silver tongue did a great job of getting everyone on the bandits' side.

Spinnah: Not really all that surprising considering the number of embellishments Cain made.

Cain: Hey, not once did I lie, okay? I merely exercised my right to a few creative liberties.

Cain: In any case, all I did was get their feet in the door. They're the ones who earned their keep.

Given a second chance and roofs over their heads by the villagers, the former bandits worked their tails off to bring the party together.

Though the residents had been skeptical, as they spent more time with the gang, their suspicions quickly gave way to friendship.

Bai Ze: Perhaps the reason why this situation had a positive outcome is because those bandits weren't driven primarily by greed.

Cain: Theft is an inexcusable crime. However, for those guys, they were convinced it was the only way to survive.

Cain: Even so, they only stole enough to get by. I saw that as a sign that they could still change their ways.

Cain: And what's more, it's the eve of one of the biggest holidays. If we can spread cheer to even one more person, isn't it worth it to try?

Pholia: Yes, well put. The villagers no longer have to cower in fear of monsters, and the bandits don't have to resort to petty larceny.

Pholia: This injection of fresh blood ought to strengthen the community as a whole and help them overcome future difficulties.

Seeing the people's joyous expressions brings a smile to Pholia's face, the same one she once wore while watching over her own subjects as their sovereign.

Pholia: Moving on! I'm glad the party started without a hitch, but...

Pholia: This is where our real work begins! Here, Cain! Put this on!

Seeing the mood has grown somber, Pholia tries to lighten things up again. She hands Cain a bag.

Pholia: I had this special outfit tailored just for today's festivities! There's one last important task left on your list.

Spinnah: We'll go grab the rest of the stuff while Cain gets changed. Give me hand, Mariah?

Mariah: Sure. Cain, no one's using that tent over there.

As Spinnah and Mariah walk off, Pholia pushes Cain toward the empty tent.

Pholia: Oooh! That garb oozes sophistication! Do I have a good eye or what!

Cain: It feels refreshing to step out of my standard military issues and into something casual.

Bai Ze: Size-wise, it appears to fit perfectly. We have Leona to thank for that.

Cain: Ah, no wonder it's sized so well. That's Leo for you.

Spinnah: We're all set. Looks like you are too.

Mariah: Yowza. Nice duds.

Spinnah and Mariah return lugging several large white sacks.

Cain: I take it the last leg of our tour of duty is to deliver presents?

Pholia: Indeed! We can all agree that waking up to presents after the eve is the most anticipated part of this holiday!

Pholia: You, Spinnah, and I shall play the role of Santa and deliver gifts to all.

Pholia: Remember, Cain! Do not under any circumstances leave anything behind in your bag! Watch out for the smaller gifts.

Cain is baffled by Pholia's emphatic warning, but he nods and takes his sack.

Cain: Whew... I think I'm done.

It's now sunset, and the party is also wrapping up.

Glancing over at the deflated sack, Cain breathes a deep sigh of relief.

Cain: I can't believe the holiday is almost over. This week went by so quickly.

Cain: (This turned out to be a great way to recharge. I need to thank Leo and Reinhardtzar for kicking me out of Idelva.)

As he contorts his body in a stretch, a small box tumbles out from his pocket.

Cain: Whoops. I totally forgot about this.

Cain had brought along his present for (Captain) in case he got to see the captain.

He had hoped to have gotten a chance to at least say hi.

Unfortunately, it seems the captain is still wrapped up in the mission from days earlier.

Cain: (I knew it was a long shot.)

Cain: (Oh well. There's always plan B. I'll ask Spinnah or Mariah to deliver it to (Captain) for me.)

Cain busies himself in an attempt to avoid wallowing in disappointment.

He checks the sack one more time to confirm he didn't miss anything.

Cain: Hm? What's this? A letter?

He pulls out an envelope festooned with drawings of candy canes and holly.

His eyes bulge when he sees the words "To Cain" scrawled on the front.

Neat Handwriting: Hohoho! Meet me at the hill outside the village to receive your special gift from Santa!

Cain: Ah, now I see why she was so adamant that I not miss anything.

Cain: Guess I oughta head over there and see what's waiting for me.

With a mix of apprehension and anticipation, Cain sets off at a brisk pace toward the hill.

Cain: Hm... Did she hide the present somewhere? I really hope she didn't bury it...

Cain scans the area and spots a silhouette nearby.

Assuming the silhouette to be Pholia, he approaches the figure.

There's no way Cain can foresee the surprise he's about to receive.

Bai Ze: Please wait here, (Captain).

It turns out that while Cain was delivering the last of his presents, (Captain), now done with the mission, had arrived on the island.

Having been brought to the hill and asked to wait there by Bai Ze without further details, the captain does as told, staring off into the distance out of boredom.

Cain: Huh? (Captain)? Is that you?

(Captain) turns around to face a shocked Cain.

Cain: I thought someone said you were still busy with the mission...

Understanding Cain's confusion, the captain explains what took place a few days before.

Pholia had brought Leona and Reinhardtzar with her to help with (Captain)'s mission.

Thanks to the additional support of those three, the mission wrapped up ahead of schedule, allowing the captain to stop by.

Bai Ze intercepted (Captain) at the village gate and escorted the captain to this spot.

Cain: Well... Talk about a pleasant surprise.

Cain realizes this must be the "special gift from Santa" that Pholia mentioned in her letter.

Cain: (So that's why Bai Ze and the sovereign were missing for the better part of the week. They were assisting (Captain)...)

Cain: Er, hold on.

Cain: Did you say Leo and Reinhardtzar helped you too?

(Captain) nods, and it all comes together.

Cain: (Don't tell me the whole forced vacation business was an elaborate setup for this meeting?)

Cain: (But wouldn't that mean they knew about the present I was trying to keep secret? Ugh, how embarrassing.)

1. Are you okay?

Choose: Are you okay?

Even in the darkness, (Captain) sees how pale Cain has become.

(Captain)'s voice snaps Cain out of his thoughts, and he immediately changes his demeanor.

Cain: Y-yeah. Fit as a fiddle.

Cain: Anyway, 'tis the season for giving, right? As luck would have it, I happen to have a present with your name on it.

Cain fishes out the small box he'd been hiding and hands it to (Captain). The captain asks if it's okay to open it.

Cain: Go for it. I really hope you like it.

Inside the box is a bangle of beautiful stones strung together with exquisite silk.

Cain: It's a bracelet imbued with prayers and said to protect the wearer from evil. The shopkeeper said it's a popular gift for travelers.

Cain: Considering the kind of journey you've embarked on, disasters like falling to the bottom of the sky are sort of commonplace, aren't they?

Cain: The thing is, I never want you to have to go through such worst-case scenarios.

Cain: It's my dream to get back on the ship and rejoin you on your adventure.

Cain: After all the things you've done for me, I... No. Let me rephrase that. This isn't about repaying debts. I genuinely want to be there for you through thick and thin.

Cain: So until that day comes, I want you to have a good-luck charm, (Captain).

Cain: That's where this bracelet comes in. Please take it with you and know that I'll catch up someday.

(Captain) smiles and nods.

The captain takes Cain's hand and wraps a pinky around his.

1. Pinky swear?

Choose: Pinky swear?

Cain: ...!

Cain: Right! Pinky swear!

The two laugh to seal their special promise.

Snowflakes, like the petals of white magnolias, dance softly around them as if blessing the future to come.