Scenario:Erika - You Only Live Once
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You Only Live Once
As much as Erika wishes to go look for Lukav with the crew, she feels it is her responsibility to stay behind to lead Rie Famille. However, Anderson and the Rie Famille soldiers encourage her to follow her heart instead, giving her the push she needs to join the crew on their travels.
With the floating fortress incident resolved, Roanne Island is currently rife with activity. Its people are busy preparing for the presidential election which will help decide the course of the new government.
Erika: Sigh...
Erika stands lost in thought before a gravestone in the quiet ruins of Rire Village.
Erika: Dad will be leaving with (Captain) and the crew tomorrow morning.
She is the very daughter that sent Yngwie a letter ten years ago.
A decade ago, Erika took the guise of Yngwie's daughter in the hopes of saving her mother from a political scandal.
Unfortunately, the letter she sent took an extraordinary amount of time to finally reach him.
She lost her mother in the interim and ended up resenting Yngwie.
Following recent events, however, Erika has learned Yngwie's true feelings and the reason he didn't show up ten years ago.
Though they may not be related by blood, Yngwie has chosen to accept her as his daughter.
Erika: I didn't expect him to stay in Roanne long-term, but...
Erika: I just wish we could've spent more time together... There's so much I wanted to talk to him about, especially concerning Mom...
Erika: (What's more...)
Erika takes a deep breath and recalls an exchange with Anderson and Yngwie from the other day.
Yngwie: We watched the explosion from the floating fortress, but I could still sense Socialis. Same with you, Andy?
Anderson: Yeah... I could tell Socialis was still there. Could feel it through the shield.
Erika: Wait, you mean...
Anderson: Chances are Lukav is still alive.
Vyrn: Wha!
Lyria: Erika...
Erika: ...!
Erika: (Luka's alive... Both Dad and Anderson seem sure of it, so chances are pretty good.)
Erika: (If he's really out there somewhere, then I want to look for him too. But...)
Erika: As Lukav's adjutant, I'm the only one qualified to lead Rie Famille in his absence.
Erika: That's why I have to stay, to fulfill my responsibilities...
Anderson: Responsibilities, huh? A commendable attitude to have, but the expression on your face tells me you aren't exactly convinced.
Erika: ...!
Anderson...
Anderson...
Erika turns to the voice to find Anderson with a stern look in his eyes.
Anderson: A new government, a new leader, a new life... It'll be an era of great transition for Roanne.
Anderson: If those in high positions are so unsure of themselves, the people who look up to them will be filled with confusion and unease.
Erika: ...
Anderson: Just now, you said it is your responsibility to continue leading the members of Rie Famille.
Anderson: But you would know best if you are truly capable of that.
Erika: You're right...
Erika has no choice but to acknowledge Anderson's words.
Erika: I definitely do know best that I could never take Lukav's place as a leader.
Erika: But I have to do it! So that I can take as much pressure as I can off Lukav for when he gets back...
Erika: It's also... to ensure that he has a place to return to...
Anderson: ...
Anderson: Let me be frank. As you are now, you are unqualified to be in the role of leader.
Erika: !
Anderson: And casting away the doubts you have isn't something that can be done on a whim.
Anderson: Anyone harboring doubts about what they're doing while in a position of leadership is bound to go astray at some point—as President Jerome did.
Erika: ...
Anderson: So allow me to say this...
Anderson: If you feel as if you're being compelled to abandon your beliefs, you're better off following your heart instead.
Erika: Hm?
Surprised by the unexpected advice, Erika looks up at Anderson.
Beneath his harsh words are a sparkle of kindness deep in his eyes.
Anderson: You want to go, don't you? With him, in search of Lukav.
Erika: ...!
How do you know...
How do you know...
Anderson: One look at your face says it all. I bet he realizes it too.
Anderson: Erika, you're still young. Take advantage of that; get out there and see the world.
Anderson: The older you get, the more things there are to weigh you down and hinder your freedom.
Erika: But I am the adjutant of Rie Famille...
Erika: It wouldn't be right to toss aside that responsibility just so that I can follow my heart...
Erika: If I did that, I would be turning my back on all the soldiers who've come this far with us... especially the ones who lost their lives along the way!
Anderson: You sure about that?
Erika: Huh?
Famille Soldier: Please do what you have to, Adjutant Erika! Don't mind us!
The patter of countless footsteps accompanies the voice, as if to break up the tense atmosphere.
Erika follows the voice to see her subordinates, their faces brimming with resolve, standing before her.
Erika: Wha... What are you all doing here!
Famille Soldier: We've heard the news that Commander Lukav is still alive out there somewhere!
Famille Soldier: You stuck by him through thick and thin all these years! There isn't anyone more fitting than you to welcome him back, Adjutant!
Famille Soldier: Not to mention you two have helped us out so much over the years.
Famille Soldier: It's our turn to repay the favor!
Famille Soldier: We'll do what we can here while waiting for your return! So please, don't hesitate to go!
Erika: But I...
Despite the warm encouragement, Erika remains uncertain.
Anderson, however, is able to get to the heart of the matter.
Anderson: The government and Rie Famille have been at odds for a long time.
Anderson: The animosity on both sides runs deep and likely won't go away anytime soon.
Anderson: Nonetheless, we all share a common enemy we must battle together.
Erika: A common enemy...
Anderson: Yes, surely you know who I'm referring to—our true enemy is the federation that has oppressed us all along.
Erika: ...
Anderson: In order to stand up against them, every citizen of Roanne must learn to join hands and fight for a common cause.
Anderson: Just as we demonstrated in the battle against Socialis.
Erika: Yes, completely agreed.
Anderson: And what sort of person do we need to get everyone to come together?
Erika: Hm, good question...
Erika: Someone charismatic who draws the attention of others and inspires them, while being able to remain calm under pressure and carry out effective battle strategies.
Erika: Well, I got that from Lukav. He said that's the kind of person you want leading an army.
Anderson: Precisely. And someone who fulfills those qualities was by your side all these years.
Erika: Well...
Anderson: I may have been an enemy, but even I must say it's impressive for someone so young to build up such an impressive force.
Anderson: And on that note...
Anderson bends down a bit to whisper in Erika's ear.
Anderson: As I mentioned before, there's no telling what the Rie Famille soldiers may end up doing if left without proper guidance from their leader.
Erika: ...
Anderson: To allay our fears on that front as well, securing Lukav is of paramount importance.
Done whispering, Anderson takes a step back from Erika.
Anderson: Which is why I would like to request that you, who have long served as Lukav's adjutant, seek out your commander.
Anderson: So that we may one day see true peace restored to Roanne.
Erika: ...
Erika: (Anderson and the other realize how I truly feel. They're doing this for me...)
Erika: (There's only one answer for me then.)
After giving it a bit of thought, Erika takes a deep breath before speaking.
The next morning.
Lyria: Hm, Erika's not here either...
Yngwie: ...
The crew is about to embark on new travels aboard the Grandcypher, but Erika is nowhere to be seen.
Vyrn: Guys, we're lifting off soon! You'd better get ready!
Lyria: Where could Erika be... Could something have happened to her?
???: (Captain)! Wait!
Yngwie: Erika?
All eyes turn to the source of the echoing voice.
There she is, running frantically toward the crew.
Lyria: Erika! Thank goodness. I was afraid we wouldn't get the chance to say goodbye.
Lyria: Um... Erika? What's all the luggage for?
Yngwie: Some kind of farewell gift?
Erika: Nuh-uh. I've decided to come along in search of Luka.
Vyrn: Didn't see that coming!
Erika: He's helped me out so much over the years. It's time I finally repaid the favor.
Erika: We might not be related by blood, but I've always seen him as family.
Erika: I wouldn't be able to stand just waiting quietly for his return. Count me in on the search for Luka.
Yngwie: Coming back to Roanne won't be so easy once you've set out. Are you okay with that?
Erika: Yes, I've thought it through.
Erika: I don't plan on coming back until I've found Lukav.
Erika: But it's okay. We have plenty of reliable people to take care of Roanne in the meanwhile!
Erika gestures at those behind her.
Yngwie: Without a doubt. That couldn't be more true.
Anderson and the Rie Famille soldiers are waving goodbye from a distance.
Erika: (Captain). Please consider me a member of the crew until we've found Luka.
Erika: Of course, that means I'll help out on any of the missions your crew takes on.
Choose: Happy to have you, Erika.
Lyria: Mm-hm! It's going to be so much fun traveling together, Erika!
Vyrn: The more of us lookin' for Commander Dude, the sooner we'll find him!
Choose: The world of skyfaring can be rough.
Erika: Mm... Good thing I'm well prepared for it then!
Erika: I plan on giving it my all, but... please don't go too hard on me.
Vyrn: You'll be just fine, Miss Adjutant. You're a perfect fit, in my book!
Lyria: I think so too! We're going to have so much fun together, Erika!
Continue 1
Erika: Thanks, guys! Really appreciate the warm welcome!
Yngwie: Off we go then. A new adventure awaits.
Erika: Yeah!
With a new ally in tow, the Grandcypher sets out for the skies.
And so begins Erika's long journey in her search for Lukav.