Scenario:Horus - Irrepressible Anxiety
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Irrepressible Anxiety
After a talk with the other Diviners about taking a break ends on an awkward note, Horus visits Sandalphon in the cafe for advice. She decides to make amends by researching potential vacation destinations and presenting them to the Diviners. (Captain) and the crew offer to accompany her, and they set off to their first location—Auguste.
Three billion years ago, the cosmos's sole sun creature—the Phoenix—was born.
With the creature's ashes infused into their cores, six primal beasts were created to track down the extraordinary yet elusive being.
They were Atum, Osiris, Tefnut, Bennu, Horus, and Ra—collectively known as the Diviners.
Tasked with the mission of capturing the Phoenix, the Diviners spent several centuries searching high and low, almost seeing their assignment to completion.
The Diviners go back to their pursuit, now aware there could be more to life than just fulfilling their duty.
Several days following the battle over the Phoenix, one Diviner in particular finds herself in a conundrum...
Horus: Could you spare a moment to talk, Sandalphon? I have something on my mind.
A dejected Horus makes a sudden appearance in the cafe aboard the Grandcypher.
Sandalphon: Horus... I wasn't expecting a visit from you. What's the matter?
Sandalphon: Oh, where are my manners. Take a seat and make yourself comfortable.
Sandalphon: Care for a cup of coffee? I do have other beverages, if you'd prefer something else.
Horus: Coffee? I've never had it. But if this pleasant scent in the air is this coffee you speak of, I suppose I wouldn't mind taking a sip or two.
Sandalphon: Coming right up. Sit tight, and I'll have a cup ready for you in just a bit.
Sandalphon prepares a fresh cup of coffee and hands it to Horus. She takes a small sip, swallows, and exhales softly.
Horus: Hmm. The flavor is foreign but delightful.
Sandalphon: I'm glad you like it.
Sandalphon: So, you wanted to talk about something?
Horus: Ah, yes. Thank you for reminding me.
Horus gently places her cup on the counter and stares down into her lap as she begins to recount what happened moments ago.
Horus: It happened during a discussion I was having with Ra and the others about what lies ahead...
Days after parting ways with (Captain) and the crew, the Diviners returned to their mission—pursuing the Phoenix.
However, dedication to their duty diminished, and fatigued from their previous clash, their morale was at an all-time low.
Horus: I have an idea that might help us regain our spirit. What say we set aside some time to rest?
Horus: As they say, one can't fight on an empty stomach. What we need most right now is a moment to replenish our energy.
Ra: That's a great idea! All this fighting we've been up to has got me absolutely pooped!
Tefnut: It has been a while since we last took a break. Perhaps we're due for one.
Bennu: Perfect timing. I was just thinking about giving these muscles a rest. Question is, what should we do on our so-called break?
Horus: Well, I was hoping we could discuss that together.
Horus: Our last clash planted a different outlook on life within us—I can feel it. And I know I'm not alone. I know you all feel it too.
Horus: We can make good use of this time; not just to rest our bodies, but to reflect on how we'd like to live moving forward.
Osiris: Sounds like a hassle. Go on, everyone. Put your heads together and come up with a plan. Be sure to make it a good one.
Horus: Excuse me, but you're not exempt from contributing. This is a team effort.
Atum: I'm going to sleep. After all, isn't that the best way to "rest"? Wake me when you're done.
Horus: Not you too, Atum...
Ra: I say we take a trip to the casino!
With Horus as the mediator, she and the other five Diviners offer up their opinions on how they should spend their break.
But after some time discussing what to do next, they find themselves just as divided as when they started.
Horus: (I can't say I didn't expect this... The Diviners are nothing if not assertive.)
Horus: (But this is ridiculous. It's like they've completely abandoned the very idea of cooperation. It's starting to get on my nerves...)
Horus: (Just calm down, Horus. You have to stay cool. You are the mediator of the Diviners. The responsible one.)
Ra: You doin' all right, Ho-Ho? You're making a really scary face. Can I poke it?
Horus: What's the point of asking if you're already doing it? Knock it off. Now.
Ra: Okay, what about a lil' squishy-squish?
Horus: What does that even entail? You know what, I don't want to know. Just whatever it is, no.
Ra: Fine then, how about you tell me what I can do.
Horus: We're in the middle of a discussion. I'd appreciate it if you'd stop trying to distract me.
Ra: All right, guess I'll keep poking you then!
Horus: ...
Horus: Heh... Hehehe... Hehe. Okay, I see what you're doing. You want to rile me up.
Horus: That's enough!
Keep fooling around and I'll make your head spin like those damned rings of yours!
Keep fooling around and I'll make your head spin like those damned rings of yours!
Horus: And you two! Atum! Osiris! Don't think I've forgotten about you lazy oafs!
Horus: Wake up! What are you, children? I'd be more than happy to slap some teamwork back into you, if that's what you want!
Ra: Eek! Uh-oh, Ho-Ho's mad...
Bennu: There's no calming her down when she's like this. Come on, everyone. Time to get on our knees and beg for forgiveness.
Horus: Heh... Just kidding. Scared you, didn't I? You should see the look on your faces.
Ra: Grr, that wasn't funny, Ho-Ho!
Atum: I thought my heart was going to leap out of my chest.
Horus: My apologies. I make a convincing hothead, don't I? Haha... Hahaha...
Horus: (That's how it'd go if I knew at all how to inject levity back into a situation. But there's no way I could do that...)
Horus: (Stay composed, Horus. Just keep it in. You are calm and collected...)
Horus's rageful outburst is nothing but a figment of her imagination; and there in her imagination it stays.
It's not in her character to show anger. She prefers to bottle it, and keep it contained where it's safe—on the inside.
But, like any pent-up emotion, it's prone to spilling over.
Ra: Heeeere it comes! Ho-Ho's goin' all monster mode!
Horus: What? Don't be ridiculous. Why would you even say that?
Horus: Look at me—I'm a picture of calm. I swear, Ra, you always speak whatever silliness comes to your mind...
The Four: ...
Horus: Why are you all quiet? We're in the middle of a discussion...
Horus: (Oh no... Something doesn't feel right. Did I just let one my inner thoughts slip out?)
Horus catches on to the change in mood and feels the weight of a heavy silence bear down on her.
Ra: Sigh...
Horus: (Now I've done it! Nothing stings more than seeing Ra sad...)
Tefnut: So, um... How about we continue this conversation tomorrow?
Tefnut: It might give everyone a chance to collect their thoughts.
Atum: Sounds good to me. I'm tired of talking.
Osiris: I can't imagine why. You slept the entire time.
Tefnut's tactful interjection diffuses the tension and the Diviners part ways, promising to gather once more the following day.
But for Horus, the strain lingers, and with each passing hour, the self-loathing inside her grows.
Horus: I remember how you said you'd offer us assistance if we were ever feeling uncertain about something. That's why I decided to come to you.
Horus: If I'm being honest, I'm a bit of a pessimist. One might even call me spineless...
Horus: I am the mediator of the Diviners. In front of them, I try to be the brave, collected leader they need, but I'm just not.
Horus: They always say I'm too earnest, tell me I overthink things. But I can't help it. That's just who I am.
Horus: I bet they're gossiping about me right now and having the biggest laugh at my expense... Haha...
Sandalphon: I don't know what else to say, but... it sounds like you had a rough time.
Sandalphon: (This is why she's come to talk to me? I was expecting something more... urgent.)
Sandalphon: (Either way, Horus is clearly bothered by what's happened. I'd like to help her, but I'm not sure how...)
Sandalphon: Let me ask you a question, Horus. How have you tackled situations like this in the past?
Horus: Sorry to say, but I don't remember.
Horus: I know a genuine apology could clean things up quickly, but I can't face them. Not now anyway...
Sandalphon: Personally, I don't think an apology is needed. Your words might not have been nice, but I can see why you felt the need to shout.
Sandalphon: That vacation you were planning could be just what you all need to rejuvenate your minds and your hearts.
Sandalphon: What do you think would make everyone feel the most refreshed, Horus? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts.
Horus: Hm, that's a good question. What do I think...
Horus: Ah! Gosh, what have I done...
Sandalphon: What's the matter now?
Horus: I just remembered something. I forgot to give my own opinion during our discussion.
Horus: I was so fixated on being the mediator, I failed to offer up any ideas. And scolded them on top of that. I... I feel like an idiot.
Sandalphon: Ah, that's, um... Just don't beat yourself up over it, all right?
Sandalphon: Hey, I have a thought. Why don't you travel around and survey some places you think the others would enjoy?
Sandalphon: If you end up finding the perfect spot, you can bring it up during your next discussion. You still have time to contribute.
Horus: Hmm, now that's an approach I hadn't thought of. That's a great idea.
Horus: But no places immediately come to mind... Do you have any suggestions?
Sandalphon: Off the top of my head, I think Auguste would be a good place to start.
Sandalphon: But it's a little cold for a swim. Not sure if I'd recommend it if you're looking to enjoy the beach.
Sandalphon: Let's try asking (Captain). I'm sure the captain would be more than happy to suggest a suitable vacation spot.
Sandalphon steps away for a moment to look for (Captain).
He comes back with (Captain) and the crew in tow, and they all sit down together in the cafe to help Horus with her predicament.
Lyria: If you're looking for a place to relax, what about Alohas Super Resort?
Lyria: They've got an indoor pool that's heated so you can swim all year round!
Horus: I'm having trouble picturing what this establishment looks like, but it sounds interesting. I'd like to give it a visit.
Horus: Singularity... You and your friends are so kind. Not many would lend their ear to someone who made an attempt on their life.
Horus: I could learn a thing or two about tolerance from you. Your kindness brings peace to my heart.
Choose: Promise not to come after us again?
Horus: O-of course! What reason do I have to try again? I'm not a barbarian. Pointless bloodshed brings me no joy.
Continue 1
Vyrn: All righty then, off to Alohas!
Horus: Actually, would you mind stopping in Auguste first?
Horus: Sandalphon suggested it as one of the places I should consider. I'd like to visit both locations if I can.
Sandalphon: There's no need to go to Auguste on my account.
Horus: If you think it was worth proposing, then I believe it's worth checking out. Besides, my body runs hot. A bit of cold water won't be an issue.
Sandalphon: Is that right? Suit yourself. Just take it easy.
Horus: All right. I'm in your hands, Singularity.
Sandalphon: Unfortunately, I have some business to attend to, so I won't be able to tag along. Take good care of her, (Captain).
In search of the perfect vacation spot for Horus and the rest of the Diviners, (Captain) and the crew sail toward their first destination—Auguste.
As soon as they arrive, they visit a number of stores to find a swimsuit for Horus. After trying on a few, she decides on one...
Horus: Hm, this is nice. It doesn't seem to have any noticeable impact on my body either.
Vyrn: Now that you mention it, it's not much different from what you normally wear.
Horus: Well, let's go, shall we? The ocean's waiting.
Bold swimsuit clinging to her body, Horus makes for the beach, and the crew, fully-clothed, follows her lead.