Scenario:Fiorito - Tree of Gains

Tree of Gains

Feena teaches Fiorito that as long as she's having a good time, the audience should follow suit. While preparing her act, a stranger by the name of Morilynn appears before her to praise her performance. Despite the bizarre nature of the encounter, Fiorito's confidence is restored.

---

In order to win Machomania, Fiorito has agreed to team up with Feena and learn under her tutelage.

Only three days remain until the big event.

Feena: Just follow my lead! Ready?

Feena: Power!

Fiorito: Power!

Feena: That's the ticket, girl! A big, booming voice to go with your big, booming persona!

Rosa: ...!

Fiorito: Rosa's feeling the burn too! I can hear it... the petals are blooming!

Feena: Rosa? You... you've given your abs a name?

Feena: I've got it! How about this—a double act with you and Rosa!

Fiorito: A double act?

Feena: Yeah, you could do a whole bit with her while working out! It'll be a riot! Really get the people going, you know?

Fiorito: Beautiful, Rosa! The soil makes all the difference! Come on, you can do it, Rosaaa!

Fiorito: Well, I mean... I guess that wouldn't be too different from my usual workouts.

Feena: You mean you always talk with them?

Fiorito: When Rosa's blooming, that's when I'm the most fired up.

Fiorito: I kinda just get lost in my own world, you know?

Young Fiorito: Muscles don't lie! I'm gonna get stronger and avenge my father!

Fiorito: ...

Young Fiorito: You know why you trained those muscles in the first place, right?

Fiorito: (These muscles were forged for revenge.)

Fiorito: (They weren't meant to serve anyone but myself...)

Feena: Fioriiito? Anybody hooome?

Fiorito: Oh, sorry! The double act, right?

Feena: No, it's not that...

Feena: I have nothing left to teach you!

Fiorito: Really? Just like that, I'm ready?

Feena: Yup! I mean, you've already got the muscle part down pat. And your act is like nothing I've ever heard of before!

Feena: Take it from me, champ. You've already got what it takes to bring home the grand prize!

Fiorito: You're kidding me, right? I still have no idea how to play the crowd!

Feena: You've already got it in the bag—just don't think too hard about it!

Feena: The secret is to have a good time. If you're having a good time, they're having a good time!

Fiorito: Have a... good time?

Feena: When you're with others having a good time, doesn't that put a smile on your face too?

Fiorito: I guess... I don't know if that'll work for me though...

Feena: Of course it will! And if anyone tells you otherwise, I'll give 'em a good stomp on the pinky toe!

Fiorito: Oof. Yeah, I wouldn't want one of those.

Feena: Right? The holidays are all about friendship and family, right?

Fiorito: And I guess that includes me.

Feena: That goes without saying! I mean, you're part of the crew, aren'tcha?

Fiorito: Yeah...

Feena: Anyway, it looks like the student has surpassed the master, so now it's time to think about material!

Fiorito: Okay! Thanks, Feena.

Despite her initial concerns, Fiorito can feel some excitement beginning to stir within.

Two days later.

Rosa: ...

Fiorito: Broccoli again? Cut a girl some slack!

Feena: Ahahaha! You're a natural at this!

Fiorito: Thanks, Feena!

Fiorito: But still...

Fiorito: (Is this actually funny? I kinda just went with the flow of things, but I can't help but feel uneasy...)

???: Bra... and... vo. That was quite the performance.

Fiorito: Huh? Are you talking to me?

Feena: Were you watching our little show? What'd ya think?

???: Indeed I was. From those bushes over there I peered.

???: It was quite exhilarating to see muscles compared to roses. It was doubly exhilarating for me.

Fiorito: You don't know how glad I am to hear that!

???: I am quite a flower aficionado myself, milady. Is it all right if I call you that? Or perhaps we can just be "blossom buddies" if you prefer.

Fiorito: I don't think I know you like that, but, uh... Sorry, what did you say your name was?

Morilynn: If you are referring to my designated title, there are some who know me as Morilynn. I haven't decided on a second one yet.

Feena: So do you go by Morry for short? Or do you prefer Lynn?

Morilynn: Whichever one is fine. I do find myself rather fluid nowadays.

Morilynn: I am no more than Morry.

Yet I am no less than Lynn.

By Morilynn.

Fiorito: So, uh, which one is it?

Morilynn: Oh, a moth.

Fiorito: A moth?

Morilynn: And there it goes. I do think I'll follow it for a while.

Morilynn: Until next time.

Morilynn bows their head before running off in pursuit of the moth.

Feena: Huh, I thought it was a butterfly. How're they supposed to keep up in those shoes anyway?

Fiorito: Yeah, those heels were pretty high... what a mysterious person.

Feena: But! They thought you were funny! Doubly excruciating or whatever!

Fiorito: I was just thinking about that! I never knew my muscles could make someone happy like that.

Fiorito: All right! The whole venue's gonna be a muscle flower garden by the time my act is over!

Fiorito is relieved to see that her material was well-received by a passing stranger. However...

Manamel: You guys, it's awful!

While stumbling over her own shoes multiple times, Manamel comes running up to them.

Tree of Gains: Scene 2

Brohnny Biggs stuns the crowd at Machomania by lifting the massive ornamental tree and throwing it into the skies above. In response, Fiorito scraps her original act and creates an ornamental "tree" of her own with her back and bicep muscles, winning the audience's favor as well as the tournament.

---

Manamel: Pant, wheeze...

Feena: What's the matter, Manamel?

Fiorito: Didn't you say you were gonna dig up some intel on the competition?

Manamel: It's bad, you guys! That Biggs is, like, real big bad news!

Manamel finds Brohnny Biggs training alone in the wilderness and finds a place to watch him from behind a rock.

Brohnny Biggs: Ngroaaaaugh!

Manamel: H-he's holding a monster... and doing squats with it!

Brohnny Biggs: Nuuurgh!

Manamel: He's standing on one finger... all while balancing a monster on his feet!

Manamel: He's still going at it?

Brohnny Biggs: You there, with the pink hair.

Manamel: Eep! He saw me!

Brohnny Biggs: You can spy on me all you want, but it's not gonna make a difference.

Brohnny Biggs: Even if it is just a silly holiday show, I'll be the one to grasp victory... with these muscles.

Brohnny Biggs: The sun's already set. Be safe on your way home.

Manamel: H-he...

Manamel: He's totally the opposite of a meathead!

Despite his name, it turns out that Brohnny Biggs has a surprisingly coolheaded persona.

Fiorito: Brohnny isn't pulling any punches huh? Well I'm not either!

Manamel: You're not... worried?

Fiorito: What difference does it make? I'm just gonna put my everything into it.

Fiorito: (And then, I'll finally...)

The day of the big event finally arrives.

On stage, various performers are putting their best bicep forward to the crowd's oohs and ahs.

Although the show has only just begun, the venue has been captivated by muscle fever.

Fiorito: Listen to those cheers... I hope I can bloom out there.

Feena: Remember what I told you—big attitude to go with those big muscles!

Feena: You've already trained and made it this far, so it's time to go all in!

Fiorito: You know what? You're right—it's now or never!

As Fiorito's turn approaches, the crowd suddenly roars with excitement.

Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen... It's the moment you've all been waiting for! Presentiiing... the macro master himself, Brohnny Biiiiigs!

Brohnny Biggs: ...

Spectator 1: Whoooo! Look at those muscles!

Brohnny Biggs: Hah!

Brohnny Biggs: Hngh!

Spectator 2: Look at that—he's about to burst at the seams!

Vyrn: Gulp... I can't move... Even though he's just standing there!

Lyria: How many sleepless nights did he dedicate to working out those muscles?

Brohnny Biggs: (Not bad, but not enough to guarantee victory. And Brohnny Biggs doesn't settle for second.)

Announcer: By Bahamut, his brawniness just walked off the stage!

Announcer: And he's... stopped in front of the ornamental tree! Just what in the world is he scheming?

Brohnny Biggs: Graaah!

In an instant, Biggs lifts the massive tree before hurling it into the sky.

Feena: He just uprooted the entire tree! Are you even allowed to do that?

Spectator 1: I've never seen such a marvelous display of muscles before... I'm speechless!

Brohnny Biggs: ...

Brohnny resumes posing again, now standing in the crater where the tree was just mere moments ago.

Spectator 2: There it is! Brohnny's demonic back muscles! What a beast!

The crowd is entranced by the mere sight of his muscular backside.

Announcer: Oh, right. Uh... next up, we have... Fiorito. Please come up to the stage.

Manamel: Total yikes! Why'd we get picked to go right after Brohnny of all people?

Fiorito gets up on stage to face a completely indifferent audience.

Fiorito: Happy holidays, folks! How's everyone enjoying the festivities?

Spectator 2: Man, that Brohnny was the real deal, wasn't he? My body's still shaking!

Spectator 1: I've seen the god of the gains in the flesh... Hallowed be thy name. Wheymen.

Vyrn: Geez, nobody's even paying attention to the stage anymore!

Rosa: ...

Fiorito: (You're right. Our double act won't cut it with this audience.)

Fiorito: (In that case...)

With newfound resolve, Fiorito faces the impassive onlookers.

Fiorito: It's nights like these where miracles are born.

Fiorito: But if we're being honest with ourselves, I think that's a load of crap. I'd rather believe in muscles than miracles.

Fiorito: Or at least, I thought I did.

Spectators: ...

Fiorito: Looks like words alone won't cut it, so just take a look and see for yourselves!

Fiorito turns her back to the audience, lifting her arms and flexing with all her might.

Fiorito: Gaze upon my back! It's a holiday tree!

As if awakening from a trance, the crowd takes notice of Fiorito for the first time.

Spectator 1: What the... Look at that festive figure! I've never seen such a joyous double biceps pose!

Spectator 2: There it is... I can see it! The ornamental tree. It's back... on her back!

Fiorito: A festive night without a tree is like eating chicken breast without protein!

Fiorito: This is supposed to be a celebration, remember? So let's celebrate... together!

Fiorito: I'm carrying this tree of miracles on my back, but I'll need your help to make it bloom!

Spectators: Yeeeeah!

The audience takes to the stage, drawing various holiday motifs and ornaments on her back.

Fiorito: That's the spirit! I can feel the spirit of the holidays flowing throughout my garden!

Brohnny Biggs: I-impossible! You've brought the tree back... with your own muscles!

Feena: She's pulling out all the stops! Way to put on a show, girl!

Vyrn: No more standing around—Let's go help decorate too, (Captain)!

As the decorations on Fiorito's back grow, the venue's atmosphere returns to one of festive fun.

Announcer: That's right... We were so enveloped by such overwhelming muscles that we forgot about the spirit of the season!

Announcer: Thank you, Fiorito, for bringing back the tree on this holiest of nights!

Fiorito: (A miracle, huh?)

Fiorito takes a peek over her shoulders to see (Captain) joining in on the festivities with the crowd.

Fiorito: (I have friends to celebrate with now.)

Fiorito: (And to me, that's the most...)

After the crowd helps to complete Fiorito's ornamental tree, she is declared by the judges to be the undisputed champion.

The events of the tournament would be remembered for Machomanias to come as the "tree of gains".

Tree of Gains: Scene 3

Ashamed by his defeat, Brohnny Biggs reflects on his motivations to train as hard as he had when confronted by Manamel. Fiorito is able to relate to his struggles and convinces him to return to the stage, where the two bask in the cheers of the audience.

---

Holy Night Machomania has ended with a picture-perfect finale.

Behind the stage, however, one particular participant bitterly reflects on the night's events.

Brohnny Biggs: How... how could I lose to her?

Brohnny Biggs: Or do I only have myself to blame?

Manamel: Waaaugh! Don't just go off on your own like that, Vega—wait for me!

Manamel: Hm? Oh, you're...

Brohnny Biggs: Did you come to gloat? Well, go ahead and laugh. I talked a big game, but it turns out I'm just a loser.

Manamel: What are you going on about? I'd gain nothing from doing such a thing.

Brohnny Biggs: Do people often call you self-centered?

Manamel: If they did, I would take it as a compliment.

Manamel: Aren't you the same way?

Brohnny Biggs: What do you mean by that?

Manamel: You've only been training for yourself, haven't you?

Brohnny Biggs: ...!

Manamel: Right on the nose, huh? Go ahead and tell me your story. I won't laugh... at least for now.

A distant look forms on Brohnny's face as he begins to reminisce.

Brohnny Biggs: I wasn't always big, you know. I used to be small and scared of every little thing.

Brohnny Biggs: The big kids liked to throw their weight around. I was a prime target for bullying.

Brohnny Biggs: I thought that if I worked out, I could finally change that aspect of myself.

Brohnny Biggs: My muscles were all I could trust. After I got big, people started calling me the god of the gains.

Brohnny Biggs: Silly, isn't it? Despite my size, my heart was the same—timid and fearful.

Brohnny Biggs: The only way I could prove myself was to win every tournament I entered... or so I thought.

Manamel: So that was the reason you entered?

Brohnny Biggs: Pretty small of me, isn't it? Go ahead, laugh it up.

Manamel: No, that's not what I—

Fiorito: I won't laugh.

Brohnny Biggs: ...!
You're the one with the tree...

Fiorito: Sorry for snooping.

Fiorito: You and I aren't so different. I used to flex these muscles just for myself.

Brohnny Biggs: What about now?

Fiorito: Not much has changed, honestly. But I have things that are more important to me now.

Fiorito: As pretty as a single flower may be, a bouquet is even more so.

Brohnny Biggs: A bouquet of flowers, huh?

Brohnny Biggs: I've lived alone my entire life. I don't have any friends to laugh with.

Fiorito: Yeah?

Fiorito: Here, I'll tell you what.

Brohnny Biggs: ...?

Biggs tilts his head to listen to Fiorito's whispering.

Spectator 1: Brohnny Biggs, you're my hero!

Spectator 2: Come on out, Brohnny!

Brohnny Biggs: ...!
Why are they cheering for me?

Fiorito: Didn't you hear? You won an honorable mention from the judges.

Fiorito: There are plenty of muscleheads out there who idolize you.

Fiorito: Even if you trained them for yourself, your muscles can be a bridge to form a real bond with others.

Brohnny Biggs: ...!

Fiorito: I know this might seem hypocritical coming from me, but...

Fiorito: Next time you hit the gym, why don't you try and spark conversation with the person next to you?

For the first time since losing, a smile forms on Brohnny's face.

Brohnny Biggs: Sheesh... It feels like I've lost all over again.

Brohnny Biggs: But for some reason, I'm not upset about it anymore. Perhaps this is what it means to truly be big.

Brohnny Biggs: Fiorito. I'll concede defeat to you tonight, but I won't lose next time.

Fiorito: Wait, hold on—this was just a one time thing for me!

Brohnny Biggs: One and done, huh? Not on my watch. I'll see you next week.

Fiorito: A-anyway, I think we should be heading to the stage! Wouldn't want to keep them waiting, right?

Fiorito quickly looks over to Manamel before joining Brohnny.

Fiorito: Thanks, Manamel. For helping me get over my doubts.

Manamel: You don't have to thank me for anything. Quite the contrary—I may be able to get closer to my sister-boo now.

Fiorito: Yeah? Well... I hope you find her soon.

Manamel: ...

Fiorito and Brohnny bask in the cheers of the audience on stage.

Manamel stoically watches them from afar.

Tree of Gains: Scene 4

The day after Machomania, (Captain) and the crew put on a party to celebrate Fiorito's victory. Meanwhile, Manamel visits Judah, the organizer of the tournament, but is disappointed that he seems to have no connection to the Aquatic Acolytes. After she leaves, he updates Morilynn with his observations of (Captain)'s crew.

---

It's been a day since Fiorito's victory at Holy Machomania.

The crew has reserved an entire restaurant to celebrate Fiorito's victory.

Feena: Cheers, to Fiorito!

Lyria: Cheers!

Fiorito: Cheers!

Feena: Hold on, Fiorito. Is that water? We've got juice too, you know!

Feena: And you haven't even taken a plate for yourself yet! Just let me know your favorites and I'll get you all set on the double!

Vyrn: Uhh, h-hey! Say, Feena, why don't you come over here for a sec?

Feena: What's up, Vyrn? What can I do for ya?

Vyrn: Well, you see... Muscle Lady eats a pretty strict diet.

Vyrn: Even though she'd rather be eating her favorite sweets, she limits herself to chicken breast and broccoli.

Vyrn: If we're gonna celebrate her victory, I'd feel pretty bad eatin' all sorts of food in front of her...

Feena: Oof... I can't believe I forgot to consider that! Oh no...

Feena: Sorry, Fiorito. About what I said earlier—

Fiorito: Mmm... Nom, nom... Chicken is so much better when you fry it! And this chocolate cake is deeeelish!

Feena: She's totally feasting! Completely out of order too!

Fiorito: This is one of those "cheat days" Brohnny was talking about. You can basically eat whatever you want.

Fiorito: So let's dig in everybody! Eat to your heart's content!

Lyria: Wow! This is the first time I've ever eaten a meal with you, Fiorito!

Fiorito: That's right. I usually just prep my own eats. Got to maintain those muscles!

Fiorito: But from now on, I'll set aside cheat days for us to all eat together!

After the events of the tournament, Fiorito's bond with the crew feels stronger than ever.

She resolves to treasure each moment spent with her crewmates from now on.

Feena: Hold on just a second. Where's Manamel? I haven't seen her around.

Fiorito: Yeah, she should've been here by now...

Manamel: Hello. This is Manamel, here on behalf of the Machomania champion.

Manamel: Fiorito is a very busy person, so I'll be taking her place to receive the private dinner prize.

Man's Voice: Very well. Come in.

Manamel: (I've finally found it... a lead on my sister-boo...)

Manamel: On the other side of this door... is someone potentially connected to the Aquatic Acolytes.

Manamel: The Aquatic Acolytes. My sister was among their ranks.

Manamel: When their organization collapsed, my sister-boo disappeared along with them.

While investigating their whereabouts, Manamel comes across something peculiar.

Manamel: Holy Night Machomania... So it seems the Aquatic Acolytes were originally sponsors of this event.

Manamel: They were supposed to have disappeared. That begs the question—who brought the tournament back?

Manamel: Maybe whoever it was just really loves muscles... Either way, I have to make sure.

Manamel: (If there's a total meathead on the other side, I'm noping right outta there...)

Manamel takes in a deep breath and opens the door.

Judah: Welcome, Manamel. It's a pleasure to finally meet you.

Manamel: (No muscles!)

Judah: I had prepared a lean meal in anticipation of sharing it with the champion, but I hope it will suit your palate.

Manamel: I'm not here for the food, actually. I wanted to talk with you.

Judah: Oh? I heard it was you who first found our champion, was it not?

Judah: Please do feel free to ask me anything. I would be more than happy to answer.

Manamel: I should be going then. Thank you.

Judah: Of course. I had a lovely time as well.

Manamel: ...

Manamel: Welp, that was pointless. He didn't seem to know anything about the acolytes.

Manamel: He didn't even have any tattoos... I guess it really was just a regular guy.

Manamel: Sigh... I miss my sister-boo.

Judah: ...

Morilynn: Peekaboo. You didn't call me but I have arrived. It is I, Morilynn.

Morilynn: Did the pink-haired one already leave?

Judah: Welcome back, Morilynn. Please refrain from using the ceiling as an entrance.

Morilynn: Oops. Shall I undergo another human modification as an apology? Or perhaps... something more equine?

Judah: Equi—When... and how did you find out about that?

Morilynn: About Sagittario? Or the defect in artificial flowers?

Judah: Defects? Don't be preposterous.

Judah lets out a sigh and looks at his cold, unfinished meal.

Judah: This was a rather time-consuming endeavor. The roundabout constellations are a vice of ours, but fortunately we were able to see their progress.

Judah: Not to mention hers as well.

Morilynn: All's well that ends well then. May I share today's findings with you? I have quite the scoop.

Morilynn: Today...
I saw a moth in town. I followed it for quite some time. Bam.

Judah: ...

Morilynn: I also got to meet my blossom buddy. She was so lovely, it almost feels like it happened yesterday... Oh, it was yesterday, wasn't it?

Morilynn: Anyway, now I'm here next to you, Judah. A shame about Anna and Donna.

Judah: Good work.

Morilynn: ...

Morilynn beams after being praised by Judah.

As the movement of the stars become more complex and intertwined, so have they begun to align.