Scenario:Eustace - Light of Valor

Light of Valor

(Captain) and company watch the first event of the competition—the treasure hunt—where teams must locate plates hidden in a forest. After learning more about the rules of the tournament from a seasoned spectator, they relocate to the plaza for the next event—the footrace.

---

Eustace has come with (Captain) and company to watch a contest where dogs and their owners compete in pairs.

Lyria: Oh my!

Lyria: Thanks, Eustace. I almost got swept away.

Eustace: Are you okay?

Lyria: Yeah, I'm fine. But wow, there sure are a lot more people than there were earlier.

Vyrn: Looks like the competition's already started. The first event is, let's see...

Vyrn: Apparently it's called a "treasure hunt."

Lyria: A hunt... So they're searching for something?

Eustace: Here comes a dog.

Participant 1: Did you find one?

Dog 1: Ruff!

Participant 1: Over there? Got it!

Vyrn: Oh, there was somethin' hidden by the root of that tree. Looks like some kinda flat sheet.

Participant 1: Nice work! Who's a good boy!

Dog 1: Aroo!

Lyria: Does that mean that metal plate is the thing they were looking for?

Vyrn: Probably. What do you think, Sourpuss?

Eustace: I think... that dog did a great job.

Vyrn: Not what I meant, but sure...

Lyria: We'd probably enjoy it more if we understood the rules a little better.

Seasoned Spectator: Oho? Is this perhaps your first time here?

Lyria: Yes, it is!

Vyrn: Sounds like you're in the know.

Seasoned Spectator: I am, in fact. This is the sixth year of the competition, and I've been attending since the very first one.

Seasoned Spectator: The treasure hunt currently underway is the first event of the tournament.

Seasoned Spectator: The objective is to locate the plates hidden within this vast forest.

Lyria: Oh, like the one that doggy just found.

Vyrn: Dogs are supposed to have a crazy good sense of smell. Guess they use it to track 'em down, huh?

Seasoned Spectator: Correct. But this event features a unique rule. Participants are not allowed to let go of their dogs at any point.

Lyria: Does that mean the owner has to hold the rope—um, the leash the whole time?

Eustace: In other words, the handler must be able to match the dog's movements.

Seasoned Spectator: Exactly. You're pretty sharp.

Seasoned Spectator: And since this event takes place in a forest, it's quite strenuous for the owner as well.

Eustace: How many plates are there?

Seasoned Spectator: An excellent question.

Seasoned Spectator: There are actually fewer plates hidden than there are competing pairs.

Vyrn: So... basically the early dog catches the bird?

Seasoned Spectator: That's right. In short, the treasure hunt functions as a qualifying round for the competition.

Seasoned Spectator: Unfortunately, it's rather difficult for spectators to watch, since the playing field is scattered throughout the forest.

Vyrn: Huh, makes sense. Thanks for catching us up to speed!

Seasoned Spectator: Well, understanding the rules makes it all the more fun to watch...

Seasoned Spectator: But the beauty of this competition is that you don't have to know the rules to enjoy it.

Seasoned Spectator: Even if you merely appreciate the cute dogs trying their best, that's enough to make it worth watching.

Seasoned Spectator: Just like your handsome friend here has discovered.

Eustace: ...

Lyria: Hehe. Yeah.

Seasoned Spectator: Oh, looks like the event is almost over.

Announcer: May I have your attention please. Our first event, the treasure hunt, has ended.

Announcer: Our second event, the footrace, will be taking place in the plaza shortly.

Eustace: A footrace... I take it they'll be running?

Seasoned Spectator: Yes. Both the dogs and their two-legged companions, actually.

Lyria: So the owners will have to run again too.

Seasoned Spectator: The remaining events will be much easier to spectate. I highly recommend going to see everyone in action.

Vyrn: All right! Then let's relocate to the plaza!

Lyria: Wow! The crowd's even bigger than before!

Vyrn: At this rate, we'll have to get closer if we wanna see anything.

Lyria: Yeah. Let's see if we can move a little more toward the front.

Eustace: Wait.

Lyria: Eustace?

Eustace: You three go. I'll head elsewhere.

Vyrn: What! But why! You don't wanna see the competition?

Eustace: No, I still plan on watching.

Eustace: But I probably shouldn't get any closer than this.

Vyrn: True. With your height, if you stand in front, the people behind you won't be able to see a thing.

Lyria: Then we'll go with you...

Eustace: There's no need for that. If you stay with me, your view will be completely blocked.

Eustace: You should go watch from up close. I can see just fine from the back.

Lyria: Huh? But then we'll be leaving you all alone...

Vyrn: I'll hang back with Sourpuss.

Vyrn: You and (Captain) go to the front and watch.

(Captain) nods in response to Vyrn's proposal and takes Lyria by the hand.

Lyria: Okay. Then we'll make our way there now.

Eustace: Right. Be careful.

Light of Valor: Scene 2

While Eustace is watching the second event, a black dog seems to take a liking to him, even following him to the lake for the third event—the freestyle. When an eal appears amidst the competing swimmers, the dog dives into the water as Eustace and (Captain) draw their weapons.

---

Eustace and Vyrn have found a spot in the back to watch the competition, a short distance away from Lyria and (Captain).

Vyrn: Are you sure you're cool with bein' so far away? Can you actually see anything?

Eustace: Yeah, this is fine. I don't want to interrupt the participants' concentration.

Vyrn: That's nice of you and all... but with this many people around, would one or two more really make a difference?

Eustace: That's not it...

Eustace: Remember, dogs hate me.

Vyrn: Sheesh. You're still sayin' stuff like that?

Vyrn: That's not even true anymore these days. You get along pretty well with the dogs on the ship, right?

Eustace: Well...

Eustace: That's because they're especially good-natured.

Vyrn: I can't exactly deny that, but still...

Vyrn: Anyway, let's just watch the race!

Eustace: Yeah.

Vyrn: Let's see... What're the rules for this event...

Vyrn: Looks like the members of each pair start out side by side. And then...

Participant 1: Stay!

Dog 1: ...

Vyrn: The owners take off runnin' while the dogs stay behind...

Participant 1: Huff... Puff...

Vyrn: Then they grab one of the balls on the table ahead and throw it to their dog!

Dog 1: Woof!

Participant 1: Nice catch! Now bring it here!

Dog 1: ...!

Vyrn: The time's based on how long it takes for the ball, owner, and dog to all reach the goal.

Eustace: Taking their own arm strength into consideration along with the catching ability of the dog...

Eustace: Once they've picked up their ball, the owner can decide what distance to throw it to their partner from.

Eustace: There are any number of possible strategies.

Vyrn: Yup. Technically you could even go all the way back to the dog and hand the ball over.

Eustace: But in that case, you'd have to cover triple the distance to the goal.

Vyrn: Since the dog and owner both have to reach the goal for it to count...

Vyrn: By the way, I've been wondering this for a while...

Black Dog: ...

Vyrn: What's up with that black dog?

Eustace: ...

Black Dog: ...

Eustace: Beats me.

Black Dog: ...

During their conversation, a dog had wandered over to sit silently next to Eustace.

Vyrn: He's really well-behaved. Think he's one of the dogs from the competition?

Eustace: No... A participating dog should have a tag with a number attached to its collar or harness.

Eustace: But he doesn't have one.

Vyrn: So somebody in the crowd lost it, then?

Eustace: I'm not sure...

Black Dog: ...

Eustace: ...

Vyrn: You look kinda nervous.

Eustace: It's rare for an unknown dog to approach me without so much as a growl.

Vyrn: Well, good for you. It definitely doesn't seem to hate you in the slightest.

Eustace: ...

Eustace: I'm sure his owner will come looking for him soon.

Black Dog: ...

Eustace's expression softens as he gazes into the large, round eyes locked on his own.

Announcer: Our final event, the freestyle, will be starting momentarily.

After moving to the lake, the participants prepare for the third event to begin.

Lyria: So this black doggy has been following you the whole time?

Black Dog: ...

Vyrn: He seems to have taken a liking to Sourpuss here.

Eustace: Once the competition is over and the crowds have thinned, I'll go search for his owner.

Vyrn: Good idea. It'd be a pain to drag him around with all these people everywhere.

Lyria: Yeah. And the last event's about to start, so it would be hard to get anyone's attention anyway.

Though concerned about reuniting the black dog with its owner, (Captain) and company turn their attention to the lake.

Vyrn: The last event is the freestyle... so it's a swimming contest, huh?

Lyria: The owners and their doggies swim together.

Vyrn: And the time is recorded when both of 'em reach the goal.

Lyria: The rules for all the events really do require every person and doggy to do their very best.

Vyrn: I gotta say, it's kinda different from what I expected.

Vyrn: I thought the owners would have an easier time, but it turns out they've got to have a lot of stamina.

Lyria: O-oh no... That dog doesn't seem to be a very good swimmer!

Dog 2: ...!

Participant 2: Hang in there! There's not much left now! You're already halfway!

Dog 2: ...!

Lyria: You can do it!

Eustace: ...

(Captain) and company watch with bated breath as the dog continues paddling furiously.

Participant 2: Just like that! Keep it up!

Eustace: ...!
There's something in the water!

Black Dog: ...

Dog 2: ...!

Participant 2: Wh-what the!

Lyria: Aah!

Vyrn: It's an eal!

Eustace: ...!

As Eustace draws his weapon, a shadow shoots out from beside him like a black arrow.

Eustace: Hey!

Lyria: Did that black doggy just jump into the water?

Eal: ...!

Announcer: All participants, please exit the lake and evacuate to shore immediately!

Participant 2: Aaahh!

Dog 2: ...!

Vyrn: This ain't good! They can't get away!

Black Dog: ...!

Eustace: (Captain), let's fight it off!

Eustace: Lyria, Vyrn—you two go help everyone trying to get to shore!

Lyria: Okay!

Light of Valor: Scene 3

With the eal defeated, the dog's trainer locates him after spotting him rescuing a pair of swimmers. Sensing that the dog is opening up, the trainer asks Eustace to be his new partner. Eustace hesitates, remembering the wolf cub that once died to save his life, but his heart is won over by the black dog he decides to name Valo.

---

Eal: ...

Thanks to the valiant efforts of Eustace and (Captain), peace returns to the lake.

Lyria: (Captain)! Eustace!

Vyrn: You guys okay?

Eustace: Yeah, we're fine. What about everyone else?

Lyria: They all made it out of the water safely.

Vyrn: According to the staff, that eal came through an underground waterway connected to the lake.

Lyria: Apparently there wasn't much rain in this area before summer came around...

Lyria: So they think the water level in its habitat dropped, and that's why it came here.

Vyrn: Oh, and those guys who were havin' trouble are okay too. That black dog dove in and pulled 'em to safety.

Lyria: I think he must have sensed they were struggling and jumped in to rescue them from drowning.

Eustace: I see...

Black Dog: ...

Eustace: Well done.

The black dog's tail wags excitedly as Eustace gently strokes the back of its neck.

Lyria: Hehe. He seems happy that you praised him.

Eustace: Now we just need to find his owner.

???: There you are! Thank goodness!

Woman: I've been looking all over for you.

Vyrn: Huh? Who're you?

Lyria: Oh, is this your doggy?

Woman: I'm so sorry for the trouble. Yes, this dog came here with me.

Lyria: Yay! I'm glad you two could be reunited.

Trainer: I'm a dog trainer, and one of the other dogs I work with was participating in the competition, you see...

Trainer: I made the mistake of letting this fellow out of my sight, and we ended up getting separated.

Trainer: I wasn't terribly concerned since he's so well-behaved, but still...

Trainer: I'm so relieved I found him. Thank you for looking after him in the meantime.

Vyrn: That pup seriously went above and beyond earlier. He deserves a treat.

Trainer: Yes, I saw what happened. That's how I was able to find him actually.

Black Dog: ...

Even as the trainer pets him, the black dog refuses to leave Eustace's side.

Trainer: Um, forgive me for prying, but... you weren't competing today, correct?

Lyria: That's right. We just happened to learn about the contest and decided to watch.

Vyrn: We're actually skyfarers.

Trainer: Skyfarers...

The trainer kneels beside the black dog with a conflicted expression on her face.

Trainer: I must admit, this fellow really surprised me earlier.

Trainer: You see, I actually sent him to what was supposed to be his forever home in the past.

Trainer: However, the individual who was his owner and partner passed away in an accident... so he was sent back to me.

Lyria: Oh no. Poor thing...

Trainer: Ever since then, he's closed himself off from everyone, myself included.

Trainer: He has a quiet nature to begin with, but he basically stopped responding to anything.

Black Dog: ...

Trainer: I brought him here to see if I could bring him out of his shell somehow...

Trainer: And it seems to have worked even better than I'd hoped.

She stands and turns to Eustace.

Trainer: If you're interested, would you be willing to be his new partner?

Eustace: Me?

Trainer: Earlier he looked you in the eyes and wagged his tail. He's starting to open up to you.

Trainer: This is the first time anything like that has happened since he came back to me.

Trainer: Something about you was able to stir his heart. I'm sure of it.

Eustace: ...

Trainer: I think he'd be happy to stay by your side...

Lyria: That's a great idea!

Eustace: Er, but...

Vyrn: You're seriously not on board? What's holdin' you back? I thought you were a huge dog lover.

Vyrn: He'd be right at home on the ship. Don'tcha think, (Captain)?

(Captain) nods in response.

Eustace: But I...

For once there is a hint of hesitation in Eustace's eyes.

Memories come rushing back of the furry, white partner he had lost when he was young.

Young Eustace: I'm so sorry, Vitty... This is all my fault... I...

Young Eustace: Stay with me! If you die too, I'll be all alone!

A childhood memory obscured by white snow plays in Eustace's mind.

When he was young, he once took care of a white wolf cub he had found in the forest.

But on the day his village was destroyed, the wolf cub—Vitty—was gravely injured protecting him.

Eventually the wolf succumbed to its wounds.

Eustace: (Dogs and wolves won't hesitate to throw themselves into harm's way for the sake of their chosen master.)

Eustace: (It's all thanks to Vitty's actions that I'm alive today.)

Eustace: (That selfless, brave devotion is an amazing thing... But at the same time...)

Eustace: (It frightens me.)

Eustace: I appreciate the offer. But I just—

Eustace: ...

Black Dog: ...

The black dog presses the tip of its nose against Eustace's hand and looks straight up into his eyes.

Eustace: You...

Black Dog: ...

Eustace stares into those clear, black eyes, feeling the cool, wet nose on his skin.

As he does so, a mysterious warmth spreads through his chest.

Eustace: Understood.

Lyria: Oh!

Vyrn: Then that means...

Eustace: I'll take responsibility for him.

Trainer: I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you so much!

Trainer: Isn't that wonderful news, boy?

The trainer affectionately ruffles the black dog's fur.

Trainer: He's going to need a new name. I hope you'll give him a very special one.

Trainer: I wish you many long years of happiness together.

Bowing deeply, the trainer hurries off, leaving the black dog in Eustace's care.

Vyrn: So what're you gonna name him?

Eustace: Hmm...

Eustace takes the black dog's face in his hands and peers into its dark eyes.

Black Dog: ...

Eustace: ...
Valo.

Eustace: Good to have you along, Valo.

Valo: Woof!

Seemingly pleased with his name, Eustace's new companion breaks his silence with a joyful bark.