Scenario:Catherine - Disappearing Act
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Disappearing Act
Catherine is busy working the tables as "Cathy" for Kitten Cafe's anniversary event. One of Cathy's regulars, Detective Rick, mentions being involved in a messy burglary case before changing the topic back to the cafe's anniversary. Rick proposes celebrating with Cathy again at a later date, to which she gladly accepts. However, he's nowhere to be seen on the day they promised to meet. One of Rick's colleagues shows up and explains that Rick has gone missing. Catherine rides away on her speedship to try and find him.
The Smokin' Cathy speeds through the night.
Catherine grips the handle and accelerates, her face grim.
Catherine: That dumb detective... I swear, this isn't funny anymore.
Catherine: Didn't you always say you were going to come and catch me? What do you think you're doing?
Catherine: Please, don't die on me...
The roar of the engine drowns out her concern-laden voice.
The story begins several days ago.
The real identity of the phantom thief Nightsmoke is none other than Catherine.
She spends her days living as Cathy, the owner of a humble place called the Kitten Cafe.
Although the cafe is merely a front for her other activities, business is thriving.
Detective Rick: Hm-hmm... Isn't it great to help out with the cafe's anniversary event?
Detective Rick: I'm so happy I was asked to be here... Aren't you feeling excited too, my lizard buddy?
Vyrn: I already told ya, I ain't no lizard. How about ya calm down and pay attention to what you're doin' before...
Detective Rick: Whoa!
Cathy: Hey now... Did you break another cup? How many times has it been?
Detective Rick: I'm sorryyy...
Detective Rick is a member of the SBI, an organization that tracks down criminals to keep the skies safe.
While investigating Nightsmoke, he encounters (Captain) and the crew and becomes friendly with them.
Lyria: Um, are you okay, Detective?
Detective Rick: I'm okay, but the customer's cocoa got everywhere... And I broke the cup too...
Vyrn: Man... That's the fourth time today, y'know?
The crew has been asked to help out with the Kitten Cafe's anniversary event.
Unfortunately, Rick's excitement seems to be exacerbating his usual clumsiness.
Regular: My cocoa! Rick, how'd you spill it again? When am I ever gonna get my order?
Detective Rick: I'm so sorry... I'll go make another one right away!
Detective Rick: Where'd the cocoa powder go? Maybe it's in this can... Nope, these are coffee beans... How about this one? Oh, this is just tea...
Detective Rick: Oh crap! The cans are falling!
Both: So clumsy...
Detective Rick: I'm outta luck as usual today...
Cathy: Oh, Rick... Why don't you just sit tight instead? (Captain) and the others are more than enough help.
Cathy: You're kinda making us even busier.
Detective Rick: You're right... I'm sorry...
Cathy: It's okay. I know you're trying your best and that makes me happy.
Cathy: Really.
Cathy: So for now, stay right here. If you really want to celebrate, I'll make some time for you later, okay?
Detective Rick: C-Cathy! You'd do that for me? Okay, I promise I won't move an inch!
Cathy: But please cover the costs of all the cocoa and cups you wasted.
Detective Rick: Haha, o-of course...
Cathy: All right everyone, let's get back to it! The customers are waiting for us!
Lyria: Roger that! I'm ready!
Sundown finally approaches, marking the end to a busy day at Kitten Cafe.
After Cathy finishes sending off her regulars, she flips the store sign around to "closed."
Cathy: Thank you for waiting. I hope you weren't misbehaving.
Detective Rick: Even I can handle just sitting here and not doing anything.
Cathy: I would've given you a perfect score if you were quieter though.
Detective Rick: Wait, was I being loud? I don't remember saying anything though...
Cathy: I heard you playing with that thing the whole time. Were you feeling that lonely?
Cathy gives a sly smile as she points at the cigar case in Rick's hands.
Detective Rick: Huh? Aha, this thing right here? I didn't even notice...
Cathy: I'm glad you're taking good care of it, even though it's already a few years old.
Detective Rick: Of course! You gave me this present. I'll treasure it for the rest of my life.
Cathy: Hehe, I'm glad to hear that. Anyway, do you want the usual?
Detective Rick: Nah, today's a celebration. I'd like to order your finest bottle.
Cathy: Now, now, don't get ahead of yourself. You know you don't have extra rupies lying around.
Detective Rick: Geez, so straightforward. But y'know, technically I am earning more now... even though it's just a little bit...
Cathy: Hehe, well if you insist... I've got a small bottle here, if you don't mind treating me to a drink.
Detective Rick: Please, allow me! I'll pour a glass for you.
Cathy: These are very expensive glasses.
Detective Rick: Ah... Haha... Well, I'll just make myself comfy instead.
Cathy: Hehe... You always amuse me.
As Cathy pours wine with a steady hand, a mellow fragrance begins to spread throughout the room.
The pair pick up their glasses.
Both: Cheers.
Detective Rick: Even though we're supposed to be celebrating, it feels like you're trying to cheer me up instead.
Cathy: Isn't that what you wanted?
Detective Rick: Was I being that obvious? Dang, I'm really no match for you.
Detective Rick: The top brass has been giving me a hard time. They're pressing me about how I haven't caught Nightsmoke yet.
Cathy: But no one else even comes close to how much effort you've put in.
Detective Rick: They wanna see results. But, to be honest, I don't really care what they say.
Detective Rick: I'm going to catch Nightsmoke no matter how long it takes.
Cathy: That's a wonderful goal. I'm sure you'll find him. I bet Nightsmoke will be happy to finally be caught by you.
Detective Rick: Haha, destiny'll bring us together. I just gotta search harder...
Detective Rick: He's out there somewhere...
Cathy: But there's something else that's also bothering you, isn't there? It's not just the issue with Nightsmoke.
Detective Rick: Haha... Yeah, there is... You know me so well.
Rick gives a weak chuckle as he takes a sip of wine.
Detective Rick: Well... I've been wrapped up in a bit of an ugly case. A big robbery happened.
Cathy: Oh no...
Detective Rick: There's even been some casualties... But for some reason, the evidence is...
Cathy: ...?
Detective Rick: Nah, never mind. It's not something you need to hear about anyway. Plus, I'm gonna wrap things up soon.
Detective Rick: By the way, we should go out for drinks later.
Detective Rick: I wanna properly celebrate the cafe's anniversary again with you.
Cathy: What, does today not count?
Detective Rick: Oh no, sure it counts! It's just, I want to celebrate when I'm not having my own pity party.
Cathy: Hehe, alright then. I'll make time for you again. How about next weekend?
Detective Rick: Thank you! I'm really looking forward to it!
Detective Rick: Well then, I better take off. I'll leave the money on the counter.
Cathy: Why so soon?
Detective Rick: Ahaha, sorry. I just remembered I have some unfinished business that I need to take care of pronto...
Cathy: Okay, I'll see you next time. Take care.
Detective Rick: Yup, see you real soon!
Feeling good from the wine and spending time with Cathy, Rick grins and leaves the cafe.
Cathy: How long are you guys going to keep hiding for?
Hearing Cathy's voice, (Captain) and the crew shuffle out of the staff room.
Lyria: W-when did you notice us? We weren't trying to eavesdrop or anything, we promise...
Lyria: We wanted to come out and surprise you, but we couldn't find the right timing...
Cathy: Is that so? You could've come out at anytime. It wouldn't have bothered me at all.
Vyrn: It wouldn't have bothered you exactly, but Detective Bungler would've been super disappointed.
Cathy: Hehe, you're right. It would've been cute to see him being upset though.
Vyrn: Hey now, don'tcha think that's kinda mean?
Cathy: I'm just kidding. But it's not bad seeing that puppy-like face of his.
Cathy: Anyway, let's get the festivities started. Would you all like to order the most expensive tea or coffee?
Vyrn: Do we have to? Well, I guess since it's a party, why not.
Cathy: Don't worry, I'm joking again. It's my treat.
Cathy: Thank you for helping me with the cafe today... And for always being there for me.
Lyria: We should be thanking you as well! You've supported us in many different ways.
Cathy: It's all about give-and-take. And besides, of course I would help out my friends.
Cathy: Lyria, would you like some milk tea and cake? Some cocoa or coffee for the captain? And apple juice for Vyrn, of course.
Lyria: Yes! Oh, could I get it with extra cream too?
Cathy: Hehe, of course you can, cutie. You can ask for anything you want.
Vyrn: Then can I get a slice of apple cake?
Cathy: Coming right up! How about you, (Captain)?
Choose: I'll take the most expensive thing on the menu!
Cathy: Oh my, you're going all out tonight, aren't you? I don't mind. I can bring out the goods.
Cathy: I can offer you some elephant coffee or gold tea. Hehe, which do you prefer?
Cathy: Wow, you're trying to sound so tough... except all you're ordering is water. Hehe, so cute.
Cathy: Hahaha, I can't—you're too funny! Hahaha, oh dear...
Continue 1
Vyrn: Haha, well aren'tcha in a good mood! You must be really lookin' forward to hangin' out with Cigar Guy next time.
Cathy: Huh? You think so?
Cathy: I suppose you're right. I wonder what kind of interesting sides he'll show me.
Lyria: I hope you two have a great time together, Catherine.
Cathy: Hehe... Me too.
Cathy's heart swells with excitement as she thinks about spending time with Rick.
However...
Cathy: ...?
Cathy: Hmph.
Rick doesn't show up for their meeting and is nowhere to be seen the day after either.
Cathy: Sigh... This sucks.
Cathy: He's never broken a promise before...
Vyrn: Aww, cheer up. I'm sure he's just busy.
Cathy: He's the type to skip work and come see me.
Lyria: I wonder if something happened...
Cathy: Hmph, whatever. I don't care anymore...
Lyria: Catherine...
Cathy: ...!
Rick's Colleague: Rick!
Cathy: If you're looking for him, that makes the two of us. I haven't seen him in days.
Rick's Colleague: He hasn't shown up here either? You're kidding me... Dammit.
Cathy: What happened?
Rick's Colleague: Well... I don't know if I should be telling this to you, but...
Rick's Colleague: Rick's... disappeared.
Vyrn: Disappeared? What do you mean?
Rick's Colleague: I don't know what's going on either. I know the guy likes to skip work from time to time, but he's never gone MIA like this before.
Cathy: Are you sure you don't know anything? Try to remember something... anything.
Rick's Colleague: Hmm... He did mention chasing after a different case besides Nightsmoke.
Rick's Colleague: But since he wouldn't talk about the details, I've no idea who he's going after.
Cathy: I see... Sorry, (Captain), but could you look after the cafe for a bit?
Lyria: Wait, Cather—Cathy?
Cathy: I'll leave the key on the table.
Vyrn: Hey, wait up! Where are ya goin'?
Catherine: He mentioned a burglary case with casualties... Did things get messy?
Catherine: Why wouldn't he tell me about it?
Catherine: To think that I'd end up having to chase him!
As the clock counts down, Catherine changes into Nightsmoke and speeds away at full throttle to find Rick.