Scenario:Himiko Toga - Not Normal

Not Normal

(Captain) and company discover that Toga and Twice have sneaked onto their ship, but agree to allow them to stay. Curious about the captain's true nature, Toga decides to stay with the crew to observe. While accompanying the others on a request, Toga and Twice notice the scent of blood and follow it to find an injured monster being bullied by other monsters.

---

One day, (Captain) and company are at an island for a request they received.

Following a ways behind them are Toga and Twice.

Vyrn: Hey, I don't remember askin' the two of ya to come with us.

Himiko Toga: You didn't.

Vyrn: Then why're you followin' us?

Himiko Toga: Cause I wanna keep an eye on (Captain).

Himiko Toga: The captain really reminds me of my friend, in the sense that they're both so dedicated.

Himiko Toga: It got me curious, so I decided to tag along.

Twice: And I'm here to watch over her! I've got absolutely no interest in you lot! Actually, I do!

Vyrn: So you decided to wedge yourselves in...

Vyrn: Just like how you just started stayin' on our ship and doin' your own thing, huh? Talk about carefree...

It all happened a few days ago.

With the help of Lobelia, Toga and Twice had boarded the Grandcypher, securing clothes and shelter for themselves.

Thinking to find some food for themselves, the two had broken into one of the storage rooms for some ingredients.

Himiko Toga: I found some delicious-looking apples. Do you want one, Jin?

Twice: Looks awful! Thanks!

Himiko Toga: They've got a ton, so I'm sure nobody would notice if we took a few.

Twice: Our strategy's perfect! They're definitely gonna notice!

Vyrn: All right, snack time! I saved some special apples here earlier...

The Two: Ah...

Vyrn: Wha! Who the heck are you guys?

Himiko Toga: Nice to meet you. My name's Himiko Toga.

Twice: I'm Twice, and feel free to forget that!

Vyrn: O-okay... Uh, I'm Vyrn. Nice to meetcha...

Vyrn: I mean, wait! What're you doin' here in our storage room?

Twice: Dang it, speak of the devil! This looks like trouble. What do you think we should do, Toga?

Twice: Why don't we just be honest and say Lobelia helped us?

Himiko Toga: I don't think that's a good idea. What if they ask how we even got to know Lobelia in the first place?

Himiko Toga: These people are helping Deku and his gang. It's probably best if we keep quiet about our connection with them and Misiah.

Himiko Toga: I'll do the talking. You keep quiet and just watch, Jin.

Himiko Toga: So, Vyrn, was it? We're actually looking for someone.

Vyrn: Lookin' for someone? What's that gotta do with you bein' on our ship?

Himiko Toga: Well, this ship's huge. That means a ton of people are on it, right? The more people, the more info.

Himiko Toga: We were thinking someone on your ship might know something about the person we're looking for, and that's why we're here.

Vyrn: Okay... I can kinda see what you're sayin'.

Vyrn: Anyway, I can't make the decision here, so I'll go get (Captain).

Vyrn disappears for a short while and returns with two other people—(Captain) and Lyria.

The two listen to Vyrn's explanation of how he'd found Toga and Twice, and why they were here on the ship.

Vyrn: At least that's what they said. Should we let 'em stay?

Lyria: If they really are looking for someone, we should help them...

Twice: I think they're getting real suspicious of us.

Himiko Toga: Of course they are. I don't actually expect them to believe everything we say from the get-go.

Himiko Toga: Okay, then how about this?

Himiko Toga: If we do anything bad on your ship, you can kick us out—no questions asked.

Himiko Toga: We'll work for our food and board too. What do you say?

Vyrn: Pretty cheeky to barge onto someone's ship and then set your own conditions for staying...

Lyria: But it'd be mean to just tell someone to get off...

Vyrn: Well, guess it's up to (Captain) after all. What do you think, buddy?

The captain ponders for a moment before agreeing to let Toga and Twice stay—only if they behave themselves, as they suggested.

Twice: Seriously? No way anyone's actually this nice!

Himiko Toga: You're sure? You don't even know where we're from.

Vyrn: Well, you wouldn't be the first. We've got a lotta friends on this ship from all sorts of backgrounds.

(Captain) smiles and extends a hand out to Toga and Twice.

Himiko Toga: ...

Himiko Toga: Looking forward to sailing with you.

Himiko Toga: (It's just like Lobelia told us. Getting their crew to accept us was that easy.)

Himiko Toga: (Still, they might be plotting something under the table. I should stick close for the next while to see if they're really who they say they are.)

And so, Toga and Twice begin their life on the Grandcypher.

The two think of excuses to follow the crew around.

Himiko Toga: So where're we going exactly?

Vyrn: We're headed for where our next client is. We're not here on vacation, so don't go off doin' whatever you want here. Got it?

Himiko Toga: Yep, got it.

Himiko Toga: (Hm? This smell...)

Twice: Why're you sniffing around like that, Toga? What's wrong?

Himiko Toga: I smell something nice. Let's sneak off and check it out.

The two ignore the crew's warning and tiptoe away from the others. They follow the smell into the forest.

Monsters: Groooar!

Scarred Monster: Grrr...

Toga and Twice follow the smell of blood to find monsters locked in a fierce battle.

When they look closer, they see that a single monster is covered in scars and surrounded by multiple other monsters.

Himiko Toga: So that's where the smell was coming from.

Twice: What's going on here? Just kidding, I know!

Himiko Toga: This isn't just a fight... One's getting ganged up on and bullied by the rest.

Twice: Poor thing! Let's just leave it! No reason for us to stick our noses in.

Twice: C'mon, let's get back to where (Captain) and the others are! I'm tired of getting scolded!

Himiko Toga: ...

Twice: Toga?

Himiko Toga: Here goes nothing.

Toga suddenly jumps out from the bushes to step in between the monsters.

Himiko Toga: That's enough, wouldn't you say? If you back off now, I'll let you all off easy.

Monsters: Grrr...

Monsters: Groooar!

Twice: Here they come! I told you not to get nosy! Sure wasn't expecting this to happen!

Himiko Toga: Not gonna listen, huh? All right, you asked for it.

Paying no heed to Toga's warning, the monsters leap at her simultaneously.

Not Normal: Scene 2

Toga realizes that the gentle monster is being bullied by its own kind because of its differences. She pats the creature as she ponders the question of what constitutes as "normal." Toga and Twice are about to treat the monster's wounds when a gunshot sounds.

---

Monsters: Groooar!

Twice: Toga, be careful!

Monster: Grr...

Himiko Toga: Sorry I couldn't take it easy on you.

Monsters: Grrrr....

Himiko Toga: You want more? That's fine with me.

Sensing Toga's menacing aura, the monsters eventually step back and retreat into the depths of the forest.

Himiko Toga: They're gone. You're safe now, little monster.

Scarred Monster: Grrrr!

Himiko Toga: Hey, it's all right. I'm not gonna do anything to you.

Despite the monster's growling, Toga puts on a small smile and extends her hand toward the creature.

Twice: Stop! It's gonna bite you! It's not dangerous!

Alarmed for Toga's safety, Twice starts running toward her—only to be surprised when the monster lets Toga pat its head.

Himiko Toga: So fluffy. There, there.

Injured Monster: Rrrr...

Gradually, the monster lets its guard down and leans into Toga's touch.

Himiko Toga: Don't worry, Jin. Look, isn't it cute? Just like a puppy.

Twice: I'm just glad you're safe... Remember to stay alert, all right?

Twice: Why'd you decide to save the monster anyway? Because it was getting bullied? That's oddly heroic of you.

Himiko Toga: No way. Give me a break.
This one... was just different from the others.

Twice: Different? It's a bit scarred, sure, but it looks just about the same as all the other ones.

Himiko Toga: I'm not talking about its appearance. More like the vibe, you know?

Himiko Toga: When I think of monsters, I think of savage beasts that'd do anything for some blood.

Himiko Toga: But I don't sense anything dangerous about this monster. It's a gentle one.

Himiko Toga: It didn't try to do anything back to the others even though it was getting bullied. It's got a timid personality.

Himiko Toga: Actually... maybe it was getting bullied because it had such a different personality.

Twice: Proof that it's kind! Weak! Cowardly!

Himiko Toga: I'm just imagining all of this, of course. But it's clear that this one was different from the others in one way or another.

Twice: Right... So you mean it's not normal!

Twice: A social outcast! A nonconformist! The same kind as us!

Twice: That's why you wanted to save it! Isn't that right?

Himiko Toga: No need to spell it out like that. It's embarrassing.

Himiko Toga: Anyway, something along those lines. I just couldn't leave it alone.

Himiko Toga: Getting picked on just because you don't fit into the norm... I guess it's the same for both people and monsters.

Toga gazes at the monster with somewhat sorrowful eyes and pats its head once more.

Himiko Toga: If only you were a person... you would've at least made it to being a hero.

Himiko Toga: We just want to live our own lives, but even that's not allowed. It's hard to be normal, isn't it?

Himiko Toga: What is "normal" anyway?

Injured Monster: Rrg?

Himiko Toga: Yeah, I know... It's not like you understand what I'm saying.

Himiko Toga: I just wanted to say these things out loud for once. Forget it.

Twice: Toga...

Himiko Toga: I don't need any sympathy, Jin. I'm only talking like people would to their pets.

Twice: Er, I was just thinking...

Twice: Aren't you gonna patch the monster up? The poor thing's beaten up pretty bad.

Himiko Toga: I think it's cute the way it is now, but having it die on me would leave a pretty awful aftertaste.

Himiko Toga: Should I apply something to its wounds and wrap some bandages around it? Not that I have either.

Twice: We can borrow some from the crew! I'll go get 'em. I've got nothing to do with this!

Himiko Toga: Monsters aren't exactly (Captain)'s best friends, so I'm not sure they'd be willing to help.

Himiko Toga: Guess there's nothing else we can do but to steal some from a store. I don't have any money in this world.

Twice: An excellent idea! Absolutely horrid! The epitome of a villain!

Himiko Toga: Wait right here, little monster. We'll be right back to—

The moment Toga takes a step away from the monster, a single gunshot pierces the air.

Not Normal: Scene 3

Two men introduce themselves as monster hunters. When it becomes clear to Toga that the two are there to kill the injured monster, she feels herself burning with killing intent, but (Captain) and company arrive just in time to knock the men out. They explain that their request was to find the monster hunters who have been destroying monster nests recently. Touched by the fact that (Captain) never discriminates against even monsters, Toga finds herself developing an ecstatic admiration for the captain.

---

Himiko Toga: ...!

At the sound of a gunshot, Toga winces in pain.

The bullet from the gun had grazed her right hand. Blood trickles down from her wound.

Twice: Toga! Your hand!

Himiko Toga: I'm fine. It's just a scratch.

???: You there! Are you all right?

???: You're hurt! I'm so sorry, my hand slipped!

Himiko Toga: Don't worry, it'll get better in no time. Who are you guys?

Monster Hunter 1: We're monster hunters. We survive by accepting requests from clients to take care of monsters.

Monster Hunter 2: I saw that the monster was about to attack you, so I was in a hurry to shoot.

Monster Hunter 2: I was aiming for its head, but in the end, I missed and shot you instead. Truly sorry, miss.

Himiko Toga: I wasn't getting attacked. It was me who touched the monster first.

Monster Hunter 1: You touched a monster? Why would you do something that dangerous!

Monster Hunter 2: You need to get away from it immediately. It's injured so it's not showing any violent behavior yet, but it's only a matter of time.

Monster Hunter 2: Leave the rest here to us. You two wait for us at the inn in town—we'll discuss the money you need to take care of that wound...

Himiko Toga: No thanks.

Toga stands up defensively in front of the monster and glares at the two men, who have their guns at the ready.

Monster Hunter 1: What do you think you're doing!

Monster Hunter 2: This isn't a game, little lady! Get out of the way!

Himiko Toga: Nuh-uh.

Monster Hunter 2: Stop messing with us! You there, in the mask! Don't just stand there—say something to your friend!

Twice: No can do. I'm a Toga supporter through and through.

Monster Hunter 1: Now's not the time for jokes! Do you two understand what—

Himiko Toga: Why do you have to kill it?

Monster Hunter 1: Huh?

Himiko Toga: Is there a reason why you have to kill this monster? What did it do to you?

Monster Hunter 1: I told you! It hasn't done anything yet, but it could go berserk on us at any time! We never know!

Monster Hunter 2: Monsters are dangerous. So we have to kill them. Isn't that a good enough reason?

Himiko Toga: That might be true for average monsters, but how do you know this particular one's dangerous?

Monster Hunter 2: Average monsters? The one behind you's just like any other monster!

Monster Hunter 2: Do you not understand how bloodthirsty these creatures can be? You don't get anything out of protecting them!

Monster Hunter 2: They exist only to hurt people. So we have to kill them off!

Seeing that their conversation is going in nothing but circles, Toga heaves a dramatic sigh.

Himiko Toga: Is it normal to think like that in this world?

Monster Hunter 1: This world? What do you mean?

Himiko Toga: You want to erase someone you don't understand... without even trying to understand. Guess just living life is hard in any world.

Monster Hunter 1: You're making no sense! So you don't plan to budge from there, do you?

Monster Hunter 2: Whatever! We'll just take out both you and that monster!

Himiko Toga: ...

Twice: Take us out? Weren't you just saying you wanted to help us?

Monster Hunter 1: Keeping the two of you alive ain't gonna do us any good, that's for sure!

The monster hunters shift their aim to Toga and Twice.

They are about to pull the trigger when something happens.

Monster Hunter 1: Wha!

The men are surprised when their gun barrels are sliced off by Toga before they can move.

Monster Hunter 2: What the... I didn't even see her coming!

Himiko Toga: You picked this fight, so get ready.

Twice: Yeah! Take this, suckers!

Toga and Twice take up their weapons, ready to wipe out the hunters once and for all.

Monster Hunter 1: Gah!

Monster Hunter 2: Gwah!

(Captain) sweeps in and knocks out the men with the blunt end of the sword.

Lyria: Toga! Twice! Are the two of you all right?

Vyrn: What're you guys doing here?

Himiko Toga: I could ask you the same question.

Vyrn: We were asked to come!

(Captain) and company explain that their job had been to put a stop to the ruthless behavior of monster hunters in the area.

Lately, there had been reports of hunters ransacking monsters' nests without receiving any requests to do so.

As a result, monsters had been driven out of their habitats and appearing in towns, causing significant damage.

Lyria: We were looking for the hunters and investigating the forest when we heard gunshots...

Vyrn: That's when we ran over and saw you two.

Vyrn: We hadn't noticed that you were gone until we reached the client's place.

Vyrn: Seein' how you showed up so mysteriously on our ship, we thought you might've wanted to go off on your own way again. That's why we didn't look for you right away...

Vyrn: Then we found you here. So what were you guys doin'?

Himiko Toga: We were protecting this monster from those hunters over there. They're trying to kill it.

Injured Monster: Rrr...

Lyria: Oh, this monster's hurt!

Vyrn: You saved the monster? Huh, guess you guys aren't so bad after all!

Himiko Toga: You're... not mad at us?

Vyrn: Hm? Why would we be? Didja do somethin'?

Himiko Toga: People don't like monsters. Aren't you upset that I decided to help one?

Lyria: Not all monsters are bad. They're just like people—every monster is different.

Lyria: Isn't that right, (Captain)?

The captain nods and steps closer to the monster without hesitation.

(Captain) gives the monster a gentle pat on the head. The monster flicks its tail—a sign that it feels no hostility toward the crew.

Himiko Toga: ...

Twice: What? Regretting that we let them off the hook?

Himiko Toga: No... I was just thinking that I might've been wrong after all.

Twice: ...?

Soon, the monster hunters are taken away by the authorities after it becomes clear what they had been trying to do.

The monster is given medical treatment by the crew before being transferred to a different area of the island.

Given that the herd of monsters from earlier could attack again, and that it would be too difficult for the injured monster to adjust to an entirely new island...

It was decided that the monster would be brought to another region of the island so that it can continue healing in a safe environment.

Himiko Toga: ...

Several days later, Toga is on the deck of the Grandcypher, reflecting on the recent events.

Himiko Toga: (Captain)'s so nice. They don't look down on monsters and treat every individual equally, be it person or monster.

Himiko Toga: I know (Captain) would be willing to face and accept all of my feelings.

When the captain's smile comes to Toga's mind, she smiles rapturously.

Himiko Toga: I'll be the one to kill (Captain) someday. For sure...

Toga's twisted desires flow out from her, carried by the wind and disappearing into the clouds.