Scenario:Caro - Song of Celebration

Song of Celebration

After being reunited with the artist and his son, Caro agrees to spend one final evening with them and the crew before resuming his slumber as penance for his past mistakes. However, the next morning, the islanders convince him to forgive himself and set out on a journey, sending him off with a rendition of his song.

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One day, (Captain) and the crew pay a visit to Perfetto Island in order to have Selfira's instrument repaired.

Caro—otherwise known as Arte, the primal beast of the island—had lost control of his power two years prior, causing him to fall into a deep sleep that will last for hundreds of years.

But when Cantate, a resident of the island, laments that no one understands her values and calls out Caro's name...

Lyria: I heard his voice just now! Ngh...

Intent on helping her, Caro awakens by transferring his heart to the copy of himself residing within Lyria.

After joining forces with (Captain) and the crew to save Cantate, he attempts to return to his slumber in secret.

Caro had intended to avoid interaction with the islanders as penance for his failure to protect them in the past.

Artist's Son: Caro!

Artist: You really are awake! I'm so glad to see you, Caro!

Caro: ...!

Caro: Me too... I'm so glad!

However, finding himself interrupted by the arrival of the artist and his son, Caro abandons his attempt and embraces them tightly.

How long had they clung to each other?

Only when the shades of night begin to fall over the forest around them do the three finally loosen their grasp.

Artist: Why didn't you come see us in town? Everyone's been counting down the days until you awaken.

Caro: Sorry...

Artist's Son: You didn't answer the question. Come on, tell us what happened.

Caro: I'd rather not burden you with the details. I'm just glad I got to see your faces again in the end.

Artist's Son: Wait, what do you mean? Don't tell me you're planning to fall back asleep!

Caro: ...
Please keep my awakening a secret between us. No one will be able to find me soon anyway.

Artist's Son: No! Let's go back to town together, Caro!

Lyria: Oh, it's you two!

Artist: I thought we might be seeing you all. Maybe you can explain this to us! Why is Caro trying to go to sleep again?

Cantate: Wait, he is? B-b-but why? This is news to me!

Caro: ...

Elta: Caro... What's all this about?

Caro: ...
What am I even doing?

Caro: (Captain), sorry to be a bother, but would you mind explaining why I woke up in the first place?

Caro: Don't worry, I'm not going to sneak off and disappear or anything. I just need some time to collect myself.

Caro settles himself down on a nearby log and takes a few deep breaths.

Realizing that they can no longer hide Lyria's power, (Captain) and company explain everything to the artist and his son.

Artist: I understand that he can only function around Lyria now, but what's all this talk about him going back to sleep?

Artist's Son: Can't he just tag along when you all leave the island?

Caro: No, that's not possible.

Elta: Why do you say that? I assume it's not because you're against the idea of traveling.

Caro: Honestly, I always wanted to get off the island someday. I don't know anything about the outside world.

Artist's Son: Then this is your chance to go. Why are you saying you can't?

Caro: I thought the reason might make you and your dad uncomfortable, so I was planning to keep it to myself... but I guess that ship has sailed.

Caro: Remember how everyone lost their love for the arts when I went berserk two years ago?

Elta: So that's why you're taking down the paintings...

Ceramic Artist: That's part of it. But ever since all that commotion yesterday, we haven't really been too keen on art as it is...

Vyrn: Come to think of it, everybody was actin' pretty weird that day.

Caro: That's because I stole their love of art from them.

Selfira: What? How did that happen?

Caro: By forming a pact with the island, my heart became connected to the people living here.

Caro: That's why I was continually perceiving their grief following the disaster in the form of pain.

Caro: And when I lost my faith in the arts, my negative feelings affected the islanders as well.

Caro: If it hadn't been for me, none of that would have happened. It was all my fault. I failed as a guardian...

Artist: But you were suffering too! And besides, we're the ones who caused you to lose control in the first place. If anyone should be paying the cost, it's us!

Caro: There's no reason for you to atone for my actions. I've already asked too much of you all.

Artist: In the end, I wasn't able to do a single thing to help you.

Caro: You hung the painting I repaired at the entrance of your new house, didn't you?

Artist: ...!

Caro: You started painting again with me in mind, and you brought joy to the festival. Arte knows all, you know.

Caro: You've done more than enough for me already. I'm the one who has nothing to offer.

Caro: It wouldn't be fair for me to just up and leave on a journey. I'd feel guilty every day. Forever.

Artist: Forever... And I assume you mean that literally.

Caro: Yeah. I am a primal beast, after all.

Gritting his teeth in frustration, the artist falls silent as though realizing his attempts to persuade Caro are futile.

Artist's Son: But why would you feel guilty? That doesn't make sense! No one wants you to punish yourself!

Caro: Hehe. You're just as kind as ever, I see.

Artist's Son: I'm just telling the truth! If our hearts really are connected, you should already know that!

Caro: ...

Cantate: ...!

Cantate: Y-y-you could have just, gone back to sleep, right after the concert ended!

Caro: Well...

Cantate: And yet, here you are going on about, punishment and whatnot... You h-h-hypocrite!

Caro: Ahaha... She doesn't mince words.

Elta: I don't blame her for reacting that way. After all, you do seem to be in a lot of pain.

Caro: There's no need to worry about me, Elta. Anyway, I've said my piece. I hope you'll all understand that this is just how it has to be.

Artist: In that case, couldn't we all spend one final evening together? Parting like this would be too much to bear.

Caro: ...

Artist's Son: Please! I don't want to be depressed for the rest of my life because I didn't get to say a proper goodbye!

Caro: Okay, but just for tonight. Let's have a nice long chat until we can't keep our eyes open any longer.

They all head to Caro's studio, where they spend the remainder of the evening talking about everything and nothing in particular.

Though the others drift off to sleep one by one, Elta and the artist remain awake, wanting to speak with Caro until the last possible moment.

Caro: Say, Andreas. There's something I've been wanting to tell you.

Caro: Thank you for leading the islanders in that song before I fell asleep. It was the greatest gift I could have imagined.

Artist: I see. Did you write it yourself?

Caro: I only came up with the words. Composing music was still beyond me in those days.

Elta: It really is a wonderful song. Hearing it makes me visualize a bright future to come.

Caro: It's actually meant to celebrate the start of a journey. Those were the first lyrics I'd ever written, you know. Boy, that brings back memories...

Caro: I was basically fumbling through the dark in every aspect of my life back then. It took decades to finish them...

Elta: I'd love to hear about your experience.

Caro: And I'd love to tell you. But alas...

Caro turns toward the entrance of the cave, where cruel yet gentle rays of sunlight have begun shining in.

Caro: It's already morning. We're out of time.

Elta: ...

Caro: Well, I should be on my way. Take care, everyone.

Elta: Are you going to sleep now?

Caro: After I make sure you'll be able to get out of the forest safely. There's a swarm of monsters on your route, so I want to handle them first.

Artist: Is this really goodbye?

Caro: I'm afraid so. Look after yourselves, now. I'm sure I'll see you all again in my dreams.

With one sad final wave, Caro departs alone. The artist watches him go, fists clenched tightly.

Artist: Since the moment I was born, I've lived my life with a deep respect for Arte. And yet this is how it ends?

Artist: What can I say to make Caro forgive himself? Is an ordinary mortal like me just powerless to stop him?

Artist: Then turn me into a primal beast right now! Astrals, Otherworlders—I don't care who hears me! Please, I beg you!

Elta: Andreas... I'm right there with you. I've never felt so helpless...

Artist: Come on, isn't there anything we can do? You saw how heartbroken he looked!

Artist: All we want is for Caro to be happy. Everyone on the island feels the same way! How can we convey it to him?

Elta: A way to convey... how you all feel...

Elta: That's it, Andreas!

Artist: Did you think of something?

Elta: I can't say for sure that it will work... but your hearts are connected to Caro's. You can at least get your feelings across!

Artist: I see. Then we'd better gather the rest of the islanders. Let's wake everyone up and ask them to help!

Song of Celebration: Scene 2

After being reunited with the artist and his son, Caro agrees to spend one final evening with them and the crew before resuming his slumber as penance for his past mistakes. However, the next morning, the islanders convince him to forgive himself and set out on a journey, sending him off with a rendition of his song.

---

Caro: (I think that was the last one. The port should be clear now. Time to head back.)

Caro: Huh? What's all that noise?

Islanders: ...!

Sensing the islanders calling out to him in unison from the port, Caro begins to panic.

Caro: Why are the islanders here? Did they find out I was awake?

Suddenly, the feelings of the islanders began to surge within him. He takes a step backward, as though overwhelmed by the force.

"Don't blame yourself."

Caro: ...!

"Forgive yourself."

Caro: I had no idea... they felt so strongly...

"If our hearts are truly connected, please let these feelings reach you."

Caro: I don't believe it. They're... happy to know our hearts are connected? Not disturbed?

Cantate: Of course we're not disturbed!

Caro: Cantate!

Hearing a voice behind him, Caro turns to see Cantate marching toward him.

Cantate: Wh-wh-why did you pick, the name Caro? Because... you wanted to be everyone's friend, right?

Cantate: I want to be, your "Caro" too! S-s-so of course I'm glad we're connected!

Caro: I think it would be "Cara" in your case.

Cantate: Th-th-this, isn't the time for a language lesson! Come on! Everyone's waiting, for you!

Caro: ...
Okay.

Artist's Son: Oh, here he comes!

Accompanied by Cantate, Caro finally reveals himself at the port where the islanders are assembled.

Caro: I'm sorry for trying to hide everything from you. I understand your feelings now.

Caro: But I can't just leave on a joyride through the skies when I haven't been able to do anything for you all...

Musician: That's exactly why you should go! You've always wanted to travel, haven't you?

Ceramic Artist: If there's something you want to do, you should get out there and make your dream come true. That's what's best for everyone.

Instrument Crafter: We'll be tormented forever if we let you sleep looking so gloomy. So give us that friendly smile of yours that we all know and love.

Artist's Son: I want to hear stories of your journey after you become a real traveler! If you won't do it for yourself, do it for me!

Caro: But still...

Cantate: No buts! O-o-otherwise I'll have to, smack some sense into you!

Vyrn: What she said! Hurry and make up your mind, Caro!

Cantate: Y-y-you heard them, didn't you? The best thing you can do right now, is go on a journey!

Caro: You all want me to go out and see the world? And that's what's... best for everyone?

Artist: That's right. There's no reason to think twice about it.

Lyria: Don't worry about the island losing its protection. If it's only a copy of you leaving the island, nothing will change.

Artist: So stop hesitating and go!

Caro: ...

Caro: I'm just so... How can I ever...

Artist: Sounds like you've finally come to a decision.

As though hoping to give Caro a little push, the artist holds something out to him.

Caro: This is... my instrument...

Artist: I retrieved it from the shrine. Gasparo's already finished making the final adjustments. Take it with you.

Caro takes the instrument in hand and gives it a light strum. Sensing just how much time and effort the islanders poured into repairing it, he hugs it tightly.

Caro: Okay... I will!

Caro: I'm leaving on a journey! I'll tell you all about it when I come back someday!

Instrument Crafter: Haha! Well said, Caro!

Ceramic Artist: Enjoy yourself out there! Have so many great adventures that you'll be the envy of the skies!

Caro: Right! I'll do just that!

Elta: Let's go, Caro!

Selfira: Come on, it's time to board!

Caro: Elta... Selfira...

His friends take his hands and pull him onto the ship, their hearts beating out a rhythm in perfect unison.

Caro: ...!
I'm off the island!

Musician: That's our cue, everyone! One, two, three!

Caro: Wait... They're singing my song!

Elta: When we told them it was a celebration of someone embarking on a journey, they were determined to send you off with it.

Selfira: We were worried your senses might tip you off beforehand, but it looks like the surprise was a big success!

Caro: Sniffle... Sob...

Vyrn: Haha. He's so happy he's cryin'.

Caro: Can you blame me? How could anyone not cry at something like this!

Lyria: Everyone's on board! We're ready for takeoff!

1. Time to set sail with our new crewmate!

Choose: Time to set sail with our new crewmate!

At (Captain)'s call, the Grandcypher rises into the air and takes off into the vast blue sky.

Caro: Thank you, everyone! See you again someday!

The islanders' song echoes throughout the skies, celebrating the departure of their precious friend.

They continue to play until the sound no longer reaches Caro's ears and he soars out of sight.