Scenario:Horus - Finding Courage

Finding Courage

Horus goes to take her first dip in the ocean and learns quickly that visualizing the act of swimming isn't enough to know it. Though she's saved seconds before drowning, the incident leaves her dejected. Lyria suggests they play on the sand instead, but their fun is ended by a monster. Despite the day's fracas, Horus thinks fondly of the experience. The crew wrap up their time in Auguste and head to the next stop—Alohas.

---

The crew step onto the beach, Horus in her brand new swimsuit, and the others in their normal attire.

Though usually packed, the shore is empty with nary a sunbather nor swimmer in sight. Such is the offseason in Auguste.

Vyrn: This place really changes during the off months, huh... It feels kinda lonely.

Horus: On the contrary, I find it to be peaceful. Personally, I like it this way.

Horus: Among the Diviners, I imagine Osiris would prefer a destination that's tranquil over one bursting with energy.

Horus: All right, time for a swim.

Lyria: Wait, what? You're going into the water?

Horus: Why do you think I changed into this swimsuit?

Vyrn: Oh, we thought you just wanted to get a feel for the place before we head to Alohas...

Vyrn: You look cold enough as it is in that swimsuit. Are you sure you wanna take a plunge?

Horus: Yes. I'll be fine.

Horus: It'll be a quick dip. Please, just bear with me, all right? I'll be right back.

The Diviner shows no sign of discomfort as the waves wash over her toes. Gingerly, she wades into the water.

Horus: It is slightly colder than I thought it'd be, but it's not that bad. It wouldn't interfere with swimming.

Horus: I suppose I'll try making my way to those rocks. Huh, that's strange. In my mind, I imagined swimming went something like this...

Horus: Blub, blub, blub...

Lyria: H-Horus!

Vyrn: Oh boy, we've got a drowning Diviner on our hands!

(Captain) and the crew rush into the ocean to rescue Horus, pulling her out just in time.

Horus: That was close...

Vyrn: Dang it, you really scared us... I bet the cold water made your body freeze up. That's why you couldn't swim.

Horus: No, it's likely because I didn't do enough mental training. I don't understand—I went over the motions so many times in my head...

Vyrn: In your head? Wait, are you tryin' to tell us you can't swim?

Horus: It's not that I can't swim. I just haven't. Up until now, I've never found myself in a situation in which I needed to.

Vyrn: And you figured the ocean would be a good place to try it out? You've got nerve...

Horus: I had it down in my head. But clearly it didn't go as well as I thought it would...

Horus: I've caused you nothing but trouble so far. I'm starting to question why we made the trip here. Haha...

Horus: Tell me... If a primal can't swim, is there any reason for them to exist? Any at all? Please, I need to know...

Vyrn: Okay, enough with the doom and gloom... You can't be good at everything, all right? Chin up!

Lyria: R-right! Besides, there's plenty of ways to enjoy the beach that don't involve swimming!

Lyria: Like playing on the sand! That's an activity we can all do together!

Horus: I see... Well, at least on the shore I'll be less prone to causing trouble.

Vyrn: If we're gonna build a sandcastle, we should make it gigantic!

Horus kneels down on the soft sand and joins in on the crew's construction efforts.

Horus: (Sigh... Concentrating all of my energy on a minute task is oddly soothing.)

Horus: (I feel so relaxed, as if my heart's being washed clean of stress.)

Vyrn: Almost done! And it's lookin' pretty good if you ask me!

Lyria: You're really good at building sandcastles, Horus!

Horus: I've always been good with my hands. I had no idea shaping sand could be so fun. Maybe it was worth coming here after all.

Riding high from Lyria's compliment, Horus beams as she works on the castle's finishing touches—until she's interrupted.

Monster: Kwshhh!

Lyria: Horus, behind you!

Horus: Ngh!

Horus manages to dodge the monster's attack just before it connects, but the sandcastle isn't as lucky.

Lyria: Oh no, our castle!

Horus: N-no! We worked so hard to build that castle. It was our masterpiece...

Horus: Despicable fiend! You deserve death for what you've done!

Horus: I'll rip out your insides and leave you a husk!

Lyria: I-I had no idea Horus could be so frightening!

Vyrn: Yeah, I'm thinkin' we shouldn't hang around her anymore.

Horus: Wait! N-no, I... I was just...

Horus: (Oh, that was dangerous. I was this close to blowing up and ruining everything.)

Horus: (Calm yourself, Horus. Don't make the same mistake. There's a way to deal with this in a composed manner.)

Horus: Leave us in peace, fiend. Be you man or beast, I do not wish to hurt you.

Horus: I know you targeted us because we are the only ones on this beach. But you know as well as I that we have no reason to fight.

Horus: Isn't that right?

Monster: K-kwshh…

Feeling the immense pressure of Horus's steely glare, the monster caves and scuttles off back into the ocean.

Vyrn: Phew, that was a close one! Is everyone okay?

Lyria: I think so. But it looks like our castle didn't make it...

Horus: We'll have the chance to build another one someday. I'm just relieved that ended without incident.

Horus: I tried to be as stern as possible with that monster, but there's no guarantee it won't return with backup.

Horus: I think this is a good place to call it a day and say goodbye to Auguste.

Though the day came with its fair share of problems, Horus ends her tour of Auguste feeling content.

One location down with one more to go, the crew hops back aboard the Grandcypher and plots a course for Alohas Super Resort.

Finding Courage: Scene 2

At Alohas, Horus finds a shallow pool to enjoy, but her fun is dampened upon learning the pool is for kids. The crew invite Horus to try out the head spa in an attempt to get her mind off the embarrassing episode, but it does little to help. Nevertheless, they continue their tour of Alohas, hoping to find an activity that will boost her mood.

---

Horus: So this is the heated indoor pool. It really is quite warm in here.

After a brief stop on Auguste, the crew pay a visit to Alohas Super Resort on their mission to help Horus.

From the lazy river to the water slide, Horus is captivated by the resort's facilities and notices how distinct it is from the beach of Auguste.

Horus: It's exciting just looking at everything this resort has to offer. It's a shame I can't swim.

Lyria: Hey, Horus! Why don't you try this pool?

Lyria: It's just shallow enough that my feet reach the bottom. You won't have to worry about drowning!

Horus: That sounds wonderful. Don't mind if I do.

Horus enters the pool without hesitation, checking the depth with her toes. A look of relief spreads across her face.

Horus: Hmm, I think this will do just fine.

Lyria: That's great! Now you can enjoy the water too!

Horus: This pool is perfect for someone of my skill level. Thank you, Lyria.

Vyrn: At least we don't have to worry about her drowning anymore.

Horus bends at the knees and gently pushes water away from her, attempting to mimic the image of swimming she has in her head.

Horus: So this what moving in the water feels like. It'll definitely take some time to get used to. Hehe... But it's fun.

Horus: (I can't afford to let the other Diviners see me be so carefree. I best enjoy myself while I have the chance.)

Stress melts away from Horus as she fully immerses herself in the warm pool. But a couple of tiny voices bring her back to reality.

Snooty Girl: Hey, look at that lady over there. What's she doing in this pool? Isn't she an adult?

Snobby Girl: How is she not embarrassed? Hehe...

Hearing a titter, Horus looks around to find the source and notices two pairs of young eyes staring right at her.

Horus: Is it just my imagination, or am I attracting attention?

Lyria: No, I feel it too. But I'm not sure why...

Vyrn: Oh, I think I can help you out there! Look!

Vyrn points to a sign that reads "Kid's Pool," and the crew puts two and two together.

Horus: That would explain all of the children. It's no wonder I look out of place.

Horus: Let's leave. There's only so much staring I can take...

Head down, Horus hurries out of the pool. (Captain) and the others scramble to catch her.

Lyria: I'm so sorry I put you through that, Horus... I had no idea it was the kid's pool.

Horus: You had my best interest in mind when you made the suggestion. Don't be sorry, Lyria. You didn't do anything wrong.

Horus: It's my fault. I can't even swim, yet I insisted on taking a dip in the pool...

Horus: And now I've ruined the mood... Again. I'm hopeless.

Vyrn: And now she's down... Again. What do we do now?

Lyria: How about we change things up and go try out the head spa?

Lyria: Maybe a good massage and some rest will help you forget everything that just happened!

Horus: A head massage, huh... That could be just what an overthinker like me needs to relax.

Horus: Let's try it out.

Horus: ...

Horus: (Interesting... Who knew applying a bit of pressure to the head could be so effective at erasing every bit of exhaustion?)

Horus: (Tefnut would love this. Perhaps even Atum too.)

Massage Therapist: Is the pressure to your liking?

Horus: Yes, it's very relaxing. I can practically feel the negative energy leaving my body.

Horus: (Come on, enough brooding. They were just children. Why would you let their laughter upset you? Let it go, Horus.)

Horus: ...

Horus: (Ugh, I can't! The more I try to forget about it, the more it gets on my nerves!)

Horus: Grrr! Nghhh!

Massage Therapist: A-are you all right? Did I hurt you?

Horus: No, it... It's nothing. Don't mind me. Please, continue.

Massage Therapist: O-oh, of course...

Horus: Sigh... Sorry to keep you all waiting.

Lyria: Welcome back! How'd you like the head spa?

Horus: It was a spectacular experience. So good, in fact, I've completely forgotten about those kids that laughed at me.

Horus: I'm not bothered by them at all. Nope, not in the slightest.

Vyrn: Who're you tryin' to convince? Pretty easy to tell you're still hung up on the whole thing.

Horus: Well, be that as it may, the massage did help a little bit. Even if it didn't do everything I hoped it would.

Lyria: Not to worry! There's still plenty of fun to be had at Alohas!

Horus: Is that so? All right, then. Lead the way.

And so, (Captain) and the crew continue to tour Alohas, hoping their next activity will be just the one to help Horus clear her mind.

Finding Courage: Scene 3

Horus and the crew stop to watch the fire knife dancers, but the show is ruined by a drunk heckler. She confronts the man, exploding on him with primal anger and drives him away. Initially ashamed, Horus beams when she receives praise for her actions. After the tour, Ra comes to pick Horus up and notices she's visibly happier. The pair then lift off to reunite with the others.

---

At the resort's indoor theater, the crew watches on as performers dazzle the audience with their energetic fire knife dance.

Horus: This is... quite the display.

Horus: They handle those weapons with such mastery. Wow, what was that move he just did? It was so fast, I missed it.

Vyrn: Looks like she's havin' fun. We did it, Lyria!

Lyria: Yeah, I'm glad she's finally enjoying herself!

Horus: Ra and Bennu would appreciate this sort of flashy show.

Horus: Knowing Ra, she'd probably hop right in and dance with them.

Horus: (Coming to Alohas was worth it. I should thank the crew for bringing me—)

Drunk Fellow: Yo, is that it? C'mon, show us something actually mind-blowing!

All eyes are on the drunk heckler as he staggers toward the stage.

Horus: Why is that man shouting?

Bothered Spectator: Oh my gosh, is that guy drunk? What a bother...

Annoyed Spectator: Just when the show was getting good too. Someone's gotta stop him.

The audience groans as the man makes a spectacle of himself, but no one takes a stand to confront him.

Vyrn: What the heck's with that weirdo? C'mon, (Captain), we gotta do something about him.

Horus: No, don't bother yourself with that drunkard, Singularity. I'll take care of it.

Horus: ...

Drunk Fellow: Huh? What do you want?

Horus: You're making a lot of noise, sir.

Drunk Fellow: Oh yeah? What, am I bothering you? You wanna fight? C'mon, let's go!

Horus: (This fool. Just looking at his face makes my blood boil. I ought to scream at him and give him a piece of my mind.)

Horus: (No, stay calm, Horus. Starting a fight could put your friendship with the singularity and the crew at risk.)

Horus: (You don't want that. What can be done to solve this peacefully?)

Drunk Fellow: What, dragon got your tongue? If you got somethin' to say, say it!

The drunk heckler pulls up dangerously close to Horus, shoving his face right in hers.

Horus: ...

Drunk Fellow: Hah! Aww, too scared to talk, huh?

Horus: (Control yourself, Horus. He's baiting you with petty taunts. Don't bite. Remain calm and—)

Drunk Fellow: Annoying brat! If you're just gonna stand there, then get the hell outta my sight!

The man pushes past Horus, knocking her hard with his shoulder and forcing her to stumble.

Horus explodes.

Horus: You uncivil, insolent boor! You know not who you speak to!

Drunk Fellow: Eep!

Horus: Oh, you love the drink, don't you! I'll drown you in so much alcohol, it'll be seeping from your every pore!

Drunk Fellow: Wh-what? I... No, wait...

Horus: What's the matter? Dragon got your tongue? If you have something to say, say it!

Drunk Fellow: I-I... I d-don't have... Waaaah, I'm sorryyy!

When confronted with Horus's primal fury, the man sobers right up and scurries off with his tail between his legs.

Spectators: ...

The audience looks on wide-eyed, startled into silence by Horus's sudden transformation.

Horus: (Oh no, I've done it again. I can't say I didn't know this is how they'd react, but it doesn't make it any less upsetting.)

Horus: This, um... This isn't what it looks like, I promise. Well, maybe it is. But please, try to understand, I just...

Bothered Spectator: You really told him! I got chills just listening to you rip him a new one!

Annoyed Spectator: Way to go, sister!

Horus: ...

Horus: (What just happened? My outburst didn't scare them?)

Lyria: Horus! Are you all right?

Horus: Oh, um... I'm fine. It's just... I don't understand. Why aren't they frightened?

Vyrn: You just said what everyone was thinking. If anything, they must feel validated!

Vyrn: Gotta admit, you had me shaken at first, but you really showed that guy the business!

Lyria: Yeah, that was great, Horus!

Snooty Girl: U-um... Miss?

Horus: Hm? Oh, you're the children from the kid's pool.

Snobby Girl: We, uh... We just wanted to say that was super cool what you did back there!

Snooty Girl: And that we're sorry! You know... for laughing at you.

Horus: ...

Horus: You came up to me just to apologize?

Snobby Girl: Uh-huh...

Horus: Well...

Horus: I believe I'm the one who should be thanking you for having the courage to talk to me after that frightening display.

Touched by the girls' bravery, Horus crouches down and gently embraces them.

As she reflects on her eventful day at Alohas, her lips curl into a tranquil smile.

Horus: Our tour of Alohas was fruitful. Thank you all again for taking me there.

Vyrn: So, what now? Gonna share all the stuff you learned with your Diviner buddies?

Horus: That is the plan. But I'm still not sure if I'm ready to face them just yet...

Cheerful Stranger: Ho-Hoooo!

Ra: Found ya!

Horus: Ra? What are you doing here?

Ra: We were made from the same core, silly! Don't have to search too hard to find ya!

Horus: That's not the issue. I didn't want any of you to come looking for me—I made that crystal clear in my letter.

Vyrn: That's a surefire way to get people to look for you...

Ra: You think a couple words in a letter's gonna stop me? I love you too much to leave you alone, Ho-Ho!

Ra: And I'm not the only one! We all just adore our caring and considerate Ho-Ho!

Ra: Come back, pleeease? I miss you!

Horus: (I'm willing to bet she's not even aware that her pestering is what drove me to leave in the first place.)

Horus: (Though I suppose there's no changing Ra. Her concern for me is genuine, that much is sure.)

Horus: Sorry for worrying you all. In any case, I'm okay now. Let's return to the others.

Ra: Okey dokey!

Ra: Say, you look like you've got a little pep in your step, Ho-Ho! Do something fun while you were gone?

Horus: I'll tell you all about it when we get back. We can go over the vacation spots I found as well.

Horus: Singularity... Or, should I say (Captain). I'll be going now. But before I leave, I must thank you for your help. You've done me a great favor.

Horus: If you ever need my assistance, with anything at all, feel free to call upon me.

Vyrn: We'll hold you to that! Get back safe!

Horus: Till we meet again.

Ra: See ya!

Together with Ra, Horus leaps from the deck and soars far off into the blue.

The crew watches on with smiles as her golden wings twinkle one last time before disappearing in the distance.