Scenario:Erika - A Melody Doesn't Make a Song
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A Melody Doesn't Make a Song
After some time traveling with the crew, Erika isn't quite sure what to make of Yngwie dating women all over despite their lack of leads on Lukav. She considers the crew's advice about talking to Yngwie, but her emotions explode when she sees him with a woman greatly resembling her mother.
Some time has passed since Erika's induction into the crew.
(Captain), Vyrn, Lyria, and Erika are out in town enjoying lunch at a cafeteria one day.
Vyrn: So what is it you wanted to discuss?
Erika: Oh, right... About that...
Erika: I'll just come right out and say it... What do you think of my dad?
Lyria: Yngwie?
Lyria: He's incredibly reliable!
Vyrn: Sometimes he says stuff that seems way out there, but it all makes sense when you consider he's the stuff of legends.
Erika: Well, he was definitely really cool in battle, but...
Vyrn and Lyria are puzzled by what exactly Erika is trying to get at.
Lyria: Um, did something happen between you and Yngwie?
Erika: Not exactly. It's just...
Heaving a deep sigh, Erika angrily slams the desk as if she's run out of patience.
Erika: He has a different woman in his arms for every town we go to... I can't stand it anymore!
Lyria: Yikes! Please calm down...
Erika: Argh!
Erika: Sorry, I couldn't help myself.
Noticing the curious glances of other patrons, Erika awkwardly shakes her shoulders.
Erika: You remember what he said about Lukav practically being his son and wanting a family reunion?
Erika: Yet as you might've noticed, the only thing on his mind is women, women, and more women!
Erika: It's been some time since I joined the crew, and we haven't found a single lead on Luka.
Erika: Instead of focusing on that, he sees every stop we make as a chance for another date! Like, geez—get a grip, Dad!
(Captain) and the others trade glances, unsure how to respond to Erika's concerns.
Lyria: Um... I guess on the surface, it might not look like he's gathering info, but...
Lyria: In the past, we've had missions we were able to complete only because his lover gave us a hand.
Lyria: And there are some cases where we ask for his lover's help with something...
Vyrn: Hm... I guess havin' a Casanova for a dad is just really weird from a daughter's perspective.
Erika: I do know what you mean, at least from a logical standpoint.
Erika: I already knew from Mom that Dad's someone who loves all the women of the world.
Erika: It's with that in mind that she loved Dad from the bottom of her heart. Said it was part of his charm.
Erika: As the daughter though...
Erika: Seeing Dad make moves on women left and right puts me in a really weird spot, especially when I consider Mom.
Erika: So even though I completely get why things are the way they are, emotionally it just feels so wrong...
Lyria: Erika...
Erika: Truth is... I still don't really know my dad all that well.
Erika: Certainly not as much as you guys, who've seen so much of him in action as a skyfarer.
Erika: Makes it all the more murky for me. My impression of the heroic side he showed in Roanne is still very strong.
Lyria: Come to think of it, I haven't seen you speak to him much ever since we set out together...
Erika: I just don't get the chance to... And it'd be kind of embarrassing to go out of my way to chat with him anyway.
Vyrn: I still think you oughta sit down and have a chat with him sometime. Seems like the only way to really know what he's all about.
Lyria: Yeah! You can ask about all his adventures! There'd be lots to talk about!
Erika: Hm, I guess you're right. My impression of him might change after that.
Erika: I heard this town is home to a famous bakery. Maybe he and I can have a tea party.
Vyrn: Sounds like a good idea to me!
Erika: But it'd be awkward with just the two of us... Any chance you guys can tag along?
Choose: As long as you'll have us...
Erika: Absolutely! Thanks! If it's just me and Dad, I wouldn't know what to say...
Erika: I'd probably be at a loss for words... But not if you're here to help me follow through!
Lyria: Okay! Leave it to us!
Choose: We just have to be there?
Erika: Yeah, that's perfectly fine! If it's just me and Dad, I wouldn't know what to say...
Erika: I'm not sure if we'd even have a conversation! Hate to trouble you, but please!
Vyrn: Well, we're the ones who put the idea in your head, so we're with you every step of the way!
Erika: Appreciate it! Thanks!
Continue 1
Erika: Okay, let's get a move on. The cakes are waiting for us!
Erika: I'll treat you guys too! Consider it thanks for coming with me!
Lyria: Yay! Are you sure though?
Erika: Mm-hm! Anything you want, it's yours!
Feeling much relieved after discussing her concerns with the crew, Erika puts on a sunny smile.
And so the four head out into town for cake.
Erika: Okay, the cakes are secured. All that's left is to wait for my dad.
Lyria: He said he'll be back by sundown, so maybe he's on the ship already.
Vyrn: First thing we do when we get back is look for Yngwie!
With cakes in hand, the crew make their way back to the Grandcypher.
Lyria: Wait, isn't that Yngwie over there?
In a strange turn of events, the person they were just speaking of comes into view.
Lyria is about to call out to him, when—
Erika: Ugh...
Lyria: E-Erika?
Lyria jumps in surprise at the low growl-like voice beside her.
Erika: Ugh, whatever... It's your love life, and I'm not gonna butt in.
Vyrn: Hey, what's wrong now?
Vyrn: This ain't the first time you've seen Yngwie with another woman.
Erika: True... Sorry.
Erika: That woman kind of resembles my mom, and I just can't...
Seeing the seething rage on Erika's face, the others try to get her away from Yngwie.
Yngwie: Oh, hey, guys. Talk about a coincidence.
Vyrn: Sure is! Didn't expect to see you here, Yngwie!
Woman: My, what an adorable group of children. Your friends?
Yngwie: That's the captain and mates of the crew I'm in. And this here's my—
Yngwie: Urk!
Lyria: Ai yai yai! Erika!
(Captain) and company are in shock at what has just occurred. Yngwie's face is covered in cake.
The face of the culprit, Erika, is flush red with anger. She glares at Yngwie.
Erika: You...
Erika: You repulsive flirt-machine of a dad! You're the worst!
Yngwie: Aw, c'mon, Erika. What is this?
Erika: Quiet, you! I've tried to keep it in all along, but I'm at my wits' end! I don't know you anymore!
A disgusted Erika runs off in the direction of the Grandcypher alone.
Everyone else stands frozen in place, flabbergasted at the whole situation.
A Melody Doesn't Make a Song: Scene 2
Erika rejects Yngwie's attempts to talk with her and goes around town alone, hoping to find clues on Lukav's whereabouts. A doctor approaches her, claiming to have a patient who may very well be Lukav. The doctor turns out to be a charlatan who captures Erika.
Days have passed since the unexpected cake-throwing incident in town.
Yngwie: Um... Erika. You got a moment?
Erika: ...
Yngwie: Whoops... Guess she's still in a bad mood.
As Erika is unable to even look at Yngwie anymore, conversation appears to be out of the question.
Vyrn: It's a no-go today too, huh...
Yngwie: Who'd have thought that me of all people would have trouble currying favor with my own daughter...
Vyrn: She doesn't even wanna look at you right now. Though I guess I can understand how she feels...
Lyria: But this is not a good place to leave things. You finally got to meet each other after being apart for so long...
Yngwie: Agreed. I've spent too many years searching for my daughter just for our relationship to sour like this. As much as I want to make things right...
Yngwie: Sigh... I know so many ways to whisper sweet nothings into a girl's ear, but I can't think of a single way to cheer up my daughter.
Yngwie has racked his brain over the past few days trying to mend his relationship with Erika.
None of his ideas have borne any fruit, for Erika only grows colder over time.
Lyria: Yeah, maybe she'll open up a bit if we're the ones to talk to her...
Yngwie: Appreciate the gesture, but this is between me and my daughter.
Yngwie: If I ask you guys to step in this time, the same problem's only going to crop up again in the future.
Yngwie: Not to mention if I had to ask for help every time she was upset with me, I'd have no right to call myself her father.
Lyria: But...
Yngwie: No worries. I love all the women of this world and respect them from the bottom of my heart.
Yngwie: Someone like me unable to get on my daughter's good side? Nope, not likely.
Yngwie: I swear on my pride as a man among men to patch things up with Erika.
Vyrn: Welp. If you put it that way, we'll just have to take your word for it! Best of luck!
Lyria: Feel free to talk to us if anything else comes up!
Yngwie: Appreciate it. Hope you don't mind just watching how this goes down for now.
(Captain) cheers him on in the endeavor.
Erika: Sigh...
Meanwhile...
Erika: (Oh, what do I do... Keeping up the silent treatment is only going to make things worse...)
Erika: (Problem is, I'm immediately taken back to that moment whenever I see his face...)
Erika: Ugh, why do I have so much trouble controlling my emotions...
Feeling awkward staying on the ship, Erika is out in town to clear her head.
Erika: Rather than stay pouting and irritated, I ought to make better use of my time. After all, I left Roanne to look for Luka.
Erika: I suppose I can start by poking around in town! Even the smallest lead can bring me closer to Luka...
Having psyched herself up, Erika approaches nearby residents, hoping to glean any info pertaining to Luka's whereabouts.
Erika wanders around town until dusk, talking to everyone she passes by on the street.
However, the only thing she gains from doing so is a sense of futility.
Erika: Sigh... Luka, where could you possibly be? Are you really still alive?
It was Yngwie and Anderson who stated that Luka is alive somewhere.
But because there is no proof of the fact, negative thoughts begin to take hold in Erika's mind.
Erika: It's getting late... Since I came out without telling anyone, I should probably head back soon.
With a deep sigh, Erika turns around for her trek back to the Grandcypher. Just then...
???: Excuse me there. Are you the young lady going around in search of someone?
A well-dressed man calls out to the disheartened Erika.
Erika: Uh, yes. And you are?
Doctor?: Ah, where are my manners. I'm a doctor who runs a clinic in the outskirts of town.
Doctor?: A young man was just brought into my clinic, and we have no way to identify him...
Doctor?: But because he shares many characteristics with the man you happen to be looking for, I thought maybe, just maybe...
Erika: ...!
Doctor?: Of course, there's no guarantee that he is the man you're looking for. But perhaps you would like to come and take a look?
Erika: ...
Erika: (An unidentified man... What are the chances it's Luka?)
Erika: (Not likely, but I suppose it's worth a shot. And this fellow seems trustworthy enough...)
Erika: Okay. Where is it?
Doctor?: Thank you. Please follow me; the clinic's a bit out of the way.
Feeling a glimmer of hope, Erika goes along with the man.
After a few minutes of walking, they enter an alleyway that gets deeper and deeper.
Doctor?: Okay, we're here at the clinic.
The two stop in front of a dwelling so shabby it hardly seems fitting for a clinic.
Erika: This is... where the patient is?
Doctor?: Uh-huh. It's the first room on your way in. Go right ahead.
Erika: ...
Erika: Luka?
Erika steps into the dimly lit room and addresses what appears to be a person on the bed.
Erika: ...?
There is no response. Erika walks up to the bed for a closer look.
Erika: !
Erika: Ngh!
Before she can turn around to face the approaching footsteps, Erika feels an impact on the back of her head.
Her world becomes a daze, then she crashes to the ground.
Doctor?: Haha. Didn't anyone ever tell not to follow a stranger home?
Erika: Shoot... You fooled me!
Erika: (I can't believe I fell for such a simple trick!)
Biting her lip in regret, Erika's consciousness gradually fades to black before she finally passes out.
A Melody Doesn't Make a Song: Scene 3
Yngwie and the crew come to Erika’s rescue. They were able to find the location so fast because the woman Yngwie was with the other day is an information broker, and Yngwie had sought her out for information on Lukav. Erika realizes the misunderstanding on her part, and the two reconcile.
Erika: (It's so cold...)
Erika: (Huh? I remember going to the clinic, and then...)
Erika: Ngh...
Erika: Where am I?
Erika awakens to find herself on the stone-cold floor of a room resembling a prison cell.
In the corner are a few dark stains, which help Erika recall what happened.
Erika: Now I remember... I've been captured.
Erika: (This is no ordinary jail. I need to get out of here...)
Erika struggles to break free of her restraints but to no avail.
Erika: ...?
Erika: What's that smell...
Shortly after noticing the wafting scent, Erika pauses for breath as her fingertips go slightly numb.
Masked Man: Is the incense not working? How's she still conscious?
Large Man: Can't expect it to take full effect when this shoddy building's got cracks all over.
A heavy door opens up, and a group of men come pouring in.
Erika: (Are they my captors? I don't see the doctor among them...)
Erika: (One, two... five. I think I can manage!)
Erika: Who are you guys? And what are you planning on doing with me?
Masked Man: You really don't know? I'd have figured it was obvious enough.
Large Man: Healthy young'uns like you fetch a good price on any market. That enough info for ya?
Erika: Hm...
Erika: Means I have no reason to comply with anything you say!
Large Man: Grgh!
Masked Man: What the...
The men are taken by surprise as Erika tackles them.
She takes advantage of the confusion and rushes past them through the door leading outside—likely left open for ventilation.
Erika: ...!
Having breathed in plenty of incense earlier, Erika is beset by an intense migraine as she collapses on the ground.
Erika: Damn!
Masked Man: Guess it worked after all, huh.
Large Man: Tch, got me worked up for nothin'! There's nowhere to run now, so you'd best behave yourself, little girl!
Erika: Augh!
Doctor?: Now, now, let's not be too rough. We wouldn't want to spoil such a fine product. That would affect our profits.
Erika: ...
Doctor?: Consider yourself lucky, miss. A high-ranking noble, who happens to be one of our finest clients, will be buying you.
Doctor?: He's got some crazy fetishes for someone of his stature, but hey... You can at least expect your basic standards of living to be met.
Erika: ...!
Doctor?: Haha, you've definitely got spirit. I'm impressed you're still conscious after breathing in all that incense.
Doctor?: But help isn't coming. So you might as well give up and let yourself relax.
Large Man: After all, there's no guarantee you'll be able to relax the next time you're awake! Bwahahaha!
Doctor?: I'll set things up before the incense wears out. Wouldn't want her to create a ruckus after all.
As much as she wishes to escape, the poison in her body prevents her from moving even a fingertip.
Erika: (No, I can't just let it end like this... Not here, not now...)
Erika: (Someone... Anyone... Help!)
Erika: Daddy!
Erika musters what little strength she has left to utter that last word.
Masked Man: Holy hell!
Yngwie: Catch you at a bad time? Good. Heard someone here tried to mess with my daughter.
Erika's eyes open wide at the figure who emerges from the smoke.
Erika: Daddy?
Yngwie: Sorry I'm late, Erika. Everything's gonna be just fine now.
Large Man: Doggone it, how the hell didja find this place!
Masked Man: Hey, settle down, it's not like one old fart can do anything to us! Get him!
Yngwie: Hah, you're about to regret those words so hard.
Masked Man: Gwaaagh!
Large Man: Damn you!
Yngwie: Au revoir, bozo.
Large Man: Gyaaah!
Erika: (Wow... He finished them off in a second... All by himself...)
Without so much as breaking a sweat, Yngwie fends off the goons that rush him from every direction.
Erika can do little more than watch in awe at his father's overwhelming display.
Doctor?: Cripes! We've got an emergency here! Send reinforcements!
Yngwie: I don't think your reinforcements are gonna show. Right, (Captain)?
Vyrn: Heheh! (Captain)'s already taken out your buddies outside!
Doctor?: Ack!
Yngwie: Yep, you heard him. Now be a good loser and give it up. Unless you enjoy pain.
Doctor?: Gah! You're gonna pay for thiiis!
Yngwie: Pain, it is.
Doctor?: Gwah!
Erika: ...
Yngwie: Erika, you all right?
Erika: Yeah... I'm fine.
Yngwie: Glad to hear it. Guess I'd better remove those cuffs off of you.
Yngwie: (Captain)! Any of the guys you took out happen to have the key to these cuffs?
Vyrn: A key? Hrm...
Woman: I think this could be it.
Erika: You... You were with Dad earlier...
Vyrn: Er, just so you know, Erika! She's the one who led us here!
Erika: ...?
What do you mean?
What do you mean?
Yngwie: I'll explain.
Yngwie: The crew noticed you weren't back by nightfall and went out to look for you.
Yngwie: Erika's gone missing?
The crew bumps into Yngwie in town, who happens to be with the woman from the other day.
Lyria: She left us a note in the morning about going out to town, but...
Lyria: It's getting late, and we looked all over but can't find her...
Vyrn: After askin' around a bit though, we spoke to someone who spotted her talkin' to some doctor guy. The two went in the direction of the town's outskirts.
Vyrn: And no one's seen her after that...
Yngwie: For one thing... She clearly went to town to gather info on Lukav.
Yngwie: I'm guessing that doctor—probably a charlatan—got Erika to go with him by claiming to have seen Lukav.
Woman: A charlatan?
That word sparks something in the woman standing next to Yngwie.
Yngwie: Ring a bell, mademoiselle?
Woman: Yes, I've heard of some unsavory rumors in town lately.
Woman: Can you wait a bit for me, Yngwie?
Yngwie: If it pleases you, then most gladly. I'll wait as long as you'd like me to.
Woman: Haha. Ever the smooth talker.
Woman: I won't be long. I'm speaking to you adorable kids too.
Yngwie: And then she brought us all the way here.
Erika: Oh... That explains how you were able to find the place so quickly.
Erika: ...
Who exactly are you?
Who exactly are you?
Woman: Haha... I suppose it's only natural for you to be suspicious. I'm what you might call... an information broker.
Woman: I've known Yngwie for a long time. The day you saw me, he came to me with a request actually.
Erika: A request?
Woman: Yngwie wanted info on his son who's out there somewhere... Sound familiar to you?
Erika: ...!
Erika: B-but no matter how you look at it, you two were waaay too friendly for a simple client-customer relationship!
Woman: Oh, is that what it looked like? I suppose I should consider myself lucky then. Because no matter how hard I try, Yngwie won't give me the attention I crave.
Yngwie: Well, you know what I always say. One town, one girl—that's my rule.
Woman: I know, I know. Anyway, miss, I believe you have the wrong idea about us.
Woman: All I did was accept his request and accompany him for a bit of shopping.
Erika: Shopping?
Woman: That's right. You see, I have a daughter just about your age.
Woman: It's been so long since I last saw Yngwie, yet all he had for me was a job and a more personal request—to pick out a present for his daughter.
Woman: I felt like a fool for thinking that my unrequited love would go unrequited no more.
As the woman heaves a sigh, Erika returns her gaze to Yngwie.
He shrugs his shoulders awkwardly, affirming the veracity of the woman's words.
Yngwie: C'mon now... You didn't have to tell her the whole truth.
Woman: Haha, sorry about that. Think of it as my way of teasing you.
Woman: I'll handle matters here. You guys should head on back.
Woman: Especially since the lady isn't cleared of poison yet. She could use the rest.
Yngwie: Appreciate everything you've done for us. I'll invite you to dinner next time.
Woman: I'll be waiting. And be sure to bring your daughter along, lest we have another misunderstanding.
The woman makes that last remark with a smile. Then the crew returns to the Grandcypher, supporting Erika—who's still immobile from the poison—the entire way.
Erika: Hey, Dad?
Yngwie: Yeah, Erika?
Back in her room aboard the Grandcypher, Erika gingerly broaches a certain topic.
Erika: I'm sorry for giving you the cold shoulder.
Erika: I connected dots that weren't there and drew the wrong conclusions. And throwing cake at you was just awful...
Erika: Lastly, my recklessness got you all involved in a dangerous situation.
Erika: I don't know what to say...
Erika lowers her head in apology, prompting Yngwie to crack a smile and run a soothing hand over her head.
Yngwie: I'm also at fault for not realizing that you were having a hard time.
Yngwie: In fact, I'm the one who should apologize. I'm sorry for making you worry.
Yngwie: Erika. You don't know how glad I am to have you back in one piece.
Erika: Dad...
Erika: ...
Erika: I just thought you should know... You were so cool when you came to save me.
Erika: I kind of get why Mom fell in love with you.
Erika: Thanks for coming to my rescue, Dad.
Yngwie: Heh, no thanks needed. I'm just trying to do right by you as your parent.
Erika: And what a parent you are... Ehehe.
Yngwie returns Erika's bashful smile with one of his own.
It is here that what should have been a quiet moment between father and daughter takes a bit of a turn.
Erika: Well, that aside...
Erika's calm expression turns to that of a fierce glare, directed straight at Yngwie.
Erika: I still don't know how I feel about you flirting with women left and right in front of your daughter.
Yngwie: Huh... Wait, I think we have a misunderstanding. For starters, I have a rule—
Erika: Just shut up and listen, Dad.
Yngwie: O-okay...
Erika: Love can take many forms. I understand that you have your own ideas about love, and your love life is your business.
Erika: But I'll always have my mom to consider. No matter how much time passes, that's not going to change. She's my one and only mom.
Erika: Plus seeing you make out with women before my very eyes is extremely awkward and just not cool.
Erika: So to sum it up: however many women you get friendly with is entirely your choice, and I'll try not to butt in. But could you at least do that stuff away from me?
Erika: Otherwise I'm gonna scream "Daddy" till the cows come home! And then we can see how your date feels about that!
Despite the stringent tone, there is a soft quality to Erika's voice that suggests she is not truly angry.
However, Yngwie realizes she is speaking from the heart and so raises both hands, ready to concede.
Yngwie: Okay, you win. I won't ignore a request from my dearest daughter.
Yngwie: I promise to keep it in mind. After all, I never meant to upset you.
Erika: You said it! No backsies now! It's a promise!
Yngwie shrugs his shoulders as Erika lights up, proud of this little victory.
Though this father and daughter have lived apart for so long, the distance between them is gradually closing.