Scenario:Nehan - No Guide Needed

No Guide Needed

After (Captain) and the crew leave to take care of an emergency request, Nehan and Seox head off to visit a doctor and a wholesale medical supplier. Nehan has a productive meeting with the doctor and manages to replenish his stocks at the supplier. However, the air between the two men remains tense.

---

An urgent request comes up as soon as (Captain), Nehan, and the crew arrive on the island.

Unable to ignore innocent people in need of help, the crew decides to accept the mission.

Vyrn: Are you two gonna be all right by yourselves? I think we can spare a few minutes to tag along at least...

Nehan: We'll be fine. Concentrate on your own task.

Vyrn: If ya say so...

Seox: Yeah... Everything'll be fine... I think...

Vyrn: All righty, then I suppose we'll head out to meet our client.

Lyria: It might be good to hurry. Seox, Nehan, we'll see you two later!

Seox: Right. Take care of yourselves.

Lyria: You too, Seox!

Nehan: The clock's ticking for us as well. Time to move.

Seox: O-okay...

Rei has arranged a meeting for Nehan to chat with a doctor connected to the Suo family.

Doctor: It would be great if you could attend our medical symposiums. We have researchers coming in from all the nearby islands to present their findings.

Nehan: Considering my position, today's meeting is an exception. Regularly attending conferences would be implausible.

Doctor: It's unfortunate, but Mama knows best. You're better off not leaving Stardust Town.

Doctor: Instead, I'll mail you reports on the latest technology and updates.

Nehan: Your assistance is greatly appreciated. My apologies for making you go through all this trouble.

Doctor: Please, it's no trouble at all. The children of Stardust Town would greatly benefit from this, so it's the least I can do.

Doctor: When the children were alone fending off the Magasin, I couldn't lift a single finger to help...

Nehan: ...

Doctor: Anyway, you're going to the medicine supplier next, right? I know Mama provided you with a letter, but it wouldn't hurt to have another one.

Nehan: My apologies for the extra work.

Doctor: There's nothing to apologize for. But there's one thing I'm wondering about...

Doctor: Is it okay for that other man who came with you to stand outside in the cold?

Nehan: He's in charge of my safety during this excursion. Don't mind him—he has his own ways.

Doctor: Is that so?

After accepting the doctor's letter, Nehan gives his sincere thanks before heading out to meet Seox.

Nehan: Anyone suspicious?

Seox: No, not really.

Seox: How'd things go on your end?

Nehan: Good. I gained some valuable insights. We're going to the medicine supplier now.

Seox: Got it.

Seox trails behind Nehan as the two make their way to the store.

Supplier: I got word about your visit earlier! So everything you need is written on this list?

Nehan: Yes. Do you have everything in stock? I need fever reducers especially.

Supplier: Yessir, there's plenty of those! We weren't hit with many patients complaining of high fevers this winter.

Nehan: I see. As I figured, the situation varies greatly between different towns...

Supplier: Illnesses are usually spread by airships coming and going, so it really boils down to the town's trade routes.

Supplier: Anyway, let me go and grab all those things from the back for you. I'll be back in a jiffy.

Nehan: Thanks.

Seox: ...

While Nehan chats with the supplier, Seox is off to the side studying a shelf full of medicine.

Seox: ...!
This is...

Nehan: What's wrong? Why the shocked face?

Seox: This medicine has poison mixed in with it...

Nehan: Hm?

A quick glance at the label on the bottle tells Nehan everything he needs to know.

Nehan: Certain compounds can be poisonous depending on their amount and how they're processed.

Seox: I see...

Nehan: (Basic education at the hamlet of Karm talks about the origins of medicine and poison in addition to assassination techniques.)

Nehan: (Was he subjected to a special curriculum that centered on assassination only?)

Nehan: (If so...)

Seox: I know that this substance can stop a target's heart, but I had no idea there were other usages for it.

Nehan: It's true that it can hijack a victim's nervous system and ultimately cause cardiac arrest, but that's not all.

Nehan: For instance, it can be used as a cardiotonic agent after its toxicity is reduced by applying heat, hence why it's on this shelf in the first place.

Seox: Interesting...

Supplier: Doctor, your order's all here! It'll be tough to carry this all by hand, so do you want me to send it to the airship?

Nehan: That would be much appreciated.

Supplier: You got it! Everything'll be ready for you by this evening.

Seox: The evening... I wonder if (Captain) and the crew will return by then.

Nehan: Our task here is completed. It would be best to quickly return to the airship so the crew aren't confused as to why the medicine arrived and not us.

After giving (Captain)'s name and the airship's whereabouts, Nehan and Seox depart from the medicine supplier.

No Guide Needed: Scene 2

On the way back to the airship, Nehan and Seox find a lost girl and bring her to the nearest guard station. As they walk together, the little girl assumes Nehan and Seox are family members. Seox opens his mouth to correct her, but is unable to find the words. After reuniting the little girl with her father, Nehan mulls over Seox's upbringing.

---

Nehan: ...

Seox: ...

The pair wordlessly make their way back to the dock when the sound of shaky breathing catches Seox's attention.

Seox: Hm?

Lost Little Girl: ...

Seox: Ah...

Nehan: What is it?

Seox: U-um...

Seox: Look over there.

Without hesitation, Nehan walks over to where Seox is pointing.

Nehan: Are you lost?

The little girl nods as Nehan struggles to lower himself down onto one knee to match her gaze.

Nehan: I see...

Lost Little Girl: I... I was shopping with Daddy and then...

Lost Little Girl: Waaah!

Seox: Ah! D-don't cry!

Lost Little Girl: Waaah!

Nehan: It must've been scary being alone. Let's go to the guard station together.

Lost Little Girl: O-okay!

After standing back up, Nehan motions to Seox to take the little girl's hand.

Seox: E-er...

Nehan: The crowds are thick. We can't have her getting lost again.

Nehan: I need to lean on my cane. You hold onto her hand.

Seox: R-right. Good point.

Nervously, the little girl looks up at Seox who's extending his hand out with equal trepidation.

Lost Little Girl: Is there a festival?

Seox: Festival?

Lost Little Girl: You're wearing a mask, so I thought something's going on...

Seox: Er, not exactly. This is, umm, sort of like a protective charm.

Lost Little Girl: A charm? Is it important?

Seox: Yeah. Very much so.

Lost Little Girl: Hmm, okay.

Lost Little Girl: Thanks for holding my hand, Mr. Mask.

As the little girl squeezes Seox's hand, he gives her a reassuring nod.

Seox: Let's hurry and find your father.

Lost Little Girl: Yeah...

Nehan: If I remember correctly, the guard station should be at the west entrance of the market.

Seox: So you saw a street performer...

Lost Little Girl: Yup, I wanted to watch for a little bit.

Lost Little Girl: But I should've held onto Daddy's hand, like how I'm holding yours now...

Seox: The next time you see him, make sure you don't let go.

Lost Little Girl: Okay.

Lost Little Girl: But will I see him again?

Nehan: I'm sure that as soon as he lost you, he ran to the nearest station and informed the guards. You'll have to wait a bit longer, but...

Lost Little Girl: I'll see him again, right?

Nehan: Most likely.

Lost Little Girl: ...

Nehan: (Back then...)

Nehan: (If I was fortunate enough to be born into a privileged family like this girl, perhaps life would've been different.)

Seox: I'm sure you'll reunite with him, so don't cry.

Lost Little Girl: Okay!

Lost Little Girl: It's nice that you two are here together.

Seox: Together?

Lost Little Girl: Yup. You're out shopping as a family, aren't you?

Seox: F-family?

Lost Little Girl: You both have the same hair color. Me and Mommy also share the same color!

Nehan: We wouldn't want to worry your mother. Let's make sure we find your father.

Lost Little Girl: Okay!

Seox: ...

Seox: Um, we're not...

Lost Little Girl: ...?

Seox: Never mind.

Nehan: ...

Despite his apparent discomfort with the little girl's misunderstanding, Seox is unable to bring himself to correct her.

After making their way through the market, Nehan and Seox arrive at the guard station.

Father: I already said, my daughter—

When she spots the distressed man pleading with several guards at the front desk, the little girl's eyes light up.

Lost Little Girl: Oh! It's Daddy!

Father: Oh my goodness! I'm so glad you're okay!

Father: It's all my fault for letting go of your hand! Thank the heavens you're safe...

Lost Little Girl: These nice misters brought me here.

Father: Thank you so much! I'm very sorry for all the trouble I've caused.

Seox: It's no problem.

Nehan: What's important is that you're together again.

Father: You're right. Who knows what can happen these days...

Lost Little Girl: Thanks, misters!

Seox: Good that we found him.

Lost Little Girl: Yeah!

After bowing several times in gratitude, the father takes his daughter and leaves the station.

Seox: ...

Nehan: (Having a father...)

Nehan: (It's not anything out of the ordinary for a father to worry about losing his daughter.)

Nehan: (And yet, it's something that neither the children of Stardust Town nor this man right here have ever experienced in their lives.)

Nehan: ...

Seox: Nehan? What's wrong?

Nehan: Tch...

Seox: ...!

Nehan: It's nothing. We're going back to the airship.

Seox: R-right. Well, I'm glad that little girl's back with her father now.

Nehan: Right. So am I.

No Guide Needed: Scene 3

Seox hesitates going into a confectionery store to buy a present for (Captain). Seeing this, Nehan takes the initiative and purchases sweets for Seox to give as a souvenir. This kind gesture prompts Seox to thank and apologize to Nehan for not being able to properly show his appreciation in the past when he treated (Captain).

---

Nehan and Seox cut through the market again as they head toward the dock.

Seox: Oh.

Seox: (This shop... (Captain) would probably enjoy these sweets.)

Seox: (Maybe I should buy some... But I'd have to talk to the staff. Might be better to hurry back to the airship instead...)

Nehan: ...

Seox: Nehan?

Nehan: I'm going to stop by this store. I assume you don't mind a quick detour.

Seox: Of course not. If you want to go, we can.

Staff Member: Hello! Welcome, welcome!

Nehan: Do you have any sweets with a long shelf life? I'm looking to place a large order.

Staff Member: We have cookies in stock! How many are you looking to buy?

Nehan: Fifty.

Seox: That many!

Staff Member: Are you okay with an assortment? If so, I can package them up for you right away.

Nehan: Yes. Having a variety of flavors would be best.

Staff Member: Of course! Hang on tight and I'll get these wrapped up!

Seox: You definitely went all out here... Why did you buy so many?

Nehan: Some of the children I treat are easily frightened, so I offer them a reward afterward.

Seox: I see...

Nehan: Can you also put an assortment of confection into one of these gift boxes?

Staff Member: You got it! I'll tie it up with a ribbon!

After taking the box from the staff member, Nehan hands it over to Seox.

Seox: ...?

Seox: Oh, do you want me to carry it? In that case, I can grab the rest—

Nehan: No. This is for you to bring back as a souvenir.

Nehan: I've enlisted the help of a crew member, so it's only correct that I return the thanks to (Captain) and the others.

Seox: ...!
Got it. Thanks.

Nehan: Hm...

Seox: ...

Nehan: What are you smiling about?

Seox: Nothing...

Seox: It's just that I remembered the time when you came to the airship to examine (Captain).

Seox: Back then, I wasn't able to properly tell you thanks. It's been on my mind this whole time.

Nehan: Is that what's been bothering you?

Seox: Sorry. We got this chance to see each other again and everything—I should've thanked you for last time right away.

Nehan: It's not a problem. You're welcome.

Seox: Right.

With packages of cookies in hand, Nehan and Seox walk side by side to the dock.

No Guide Needed: Scene 4

After Nehan, (Captain), and the crew return to Stardust Town, Mugen and the children surprise them with Valentine's Day treats. Although initially taken aback by the sudden commotion, Nehan and Seox decide to eat sweets as well. Nehan shares a peaceful moment with the man who was once his former enemy.

---

Lyria: Oh! Seox, Nehan, welcome back!

Seox: We're back. Looks like you guys came back early.

Vyrn: Yup! But we made sure to get everything done before leavin'. Anyway, how'd things go with you two?

Nehan: Mission was a success. I appreciate your help.

Lyria: That's great to hear!

Seox: (Captain), this is for you...

The captain's face lights up upon accepting the box of treats.

Lyria: Wow, look at how beautifully wrapped it is!

Seox: You think so? Well, Nehan actually—

Nehan: Did a package from the medicine supplier arrive?

Vyrn: Actually, it did! A delivery guy dropped it off and told us that it's going to Stardust Town.

Nehan: I see. It arrived faster than I thought.

Lyria: Yup! We put it close to the entrance of the cargo hold.

Vyrn: All righty, everyone's waiting for us at Stardust Town, so let's get movin'!

Nehan: ...

Lyria: You worked hard today, Nehan.

Nehan: I'm the one who should be telling you that. I gave you all extra work.

Vyrn: Hehe, you callin' this extra work? It's nothin' for us!

Lyria: Hmm? Is it just me, or do I smell something sweet?

Seox: You noticed it too, Lyria? It's pretty strong, I'd say. I wonder where it's coming from.

Vyrn: Now that you mention it...

Nehan: ...?

Sunny Scott's Voice: Oh! It's Doc and the crew!

Mugen's Voice: Welcome back, Nehan, everyone!

Nehan: Thanks, we just arrived. What were you doing?

Seox: You two smell just like that sweet scent that's wafting through town. What is it?

Sly smiles appear on the faces of Mugen and Sunny Scott as the others look at them curiously.

Sunny Scott: Ehehe, I wonder what!

Mugen: Everyone, come!

Seox: Hmm?

Mugen picks up everyone in his arms and carries them to a certain corner of Stardust Town.

Mature Mia: Oh! It's Nehan and (Captain) and the crew!

Lively Jill: Perfect timing!

Lyria: Wha! This is...

Eyes widen in surprise as (Captain) and company take in the lavish spread of sweets piled high on a table.

Mugen & Kids: Happy Valentine's Day!

Nehan: Did you all prepare this?

Lively Jill: That's right! And on top of that, everything you see is homemade!

Lyria: Whaaa! Even all the cookies and cakes and chocolates? I can't believe how beautiful everything is!

Mature Mia: Hehe, that's the reaction we were all hoping for! Right, Mugen?

Mugen: Yes! Make everyone surprise, so Mugen keep secret!

Nehan: But I must say... making all of this must've taken quite the effort.

Mature Mia: It was easy as pie with Mugen's help! He's got a talent for making sweets!

Lively Jill: Exactly! He helped us mix all the ingredients and whip up the cream in no time!

Mugen: Ehehe... Because everyone teach Mugen.

Mugen: Mugen power not just break stuff. Mugen also make stuff. Mugen happy!

Nehan: Looks like you've found yourself a great new hobby, Mugen.

Mugen: Yes!

Sunny Scott: Heeeey! I wanna eat the cookies before they get cold!

Lively Jill: Ugh, all you did was get in the way because you had to sample everything.

Mature Mia: Well, he's got a point. Homemade is always best eaten warm. Let's dig in!

Seox: Is it okay if we try some too?

Lively Jill: Of course! This is our way of thanking the crew for bringing back Nehan safely!

Lively Jill: And it's not just for today—it's for all the times you've helped us out. Everything here was made with lots of love!

Mature Mia: We've already put aside some for Tien and the others, so go ahead and eat up!

Lyria: Wow! Thank you so much!

Lively Jill: We also baked some apple pie just for Vyrn!

Mugen: Pie dough hard to make. But very fun!

Vyrn: Wow! It looks amazing though!

Nehan: ...

Mugen: Nehan, no push yourself. But Mugen happy if Nehan eat.

Lively Jill: Hear that, Nehan! You look way too tired, so you need to eat more sweets and get lots of energy!

Nehan: I'm... Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt.

Lively Jill: If you're not a fan of sweets, we've even prepared some savory options here too!

Seox: Thanks for the food.

Mugen: Mugen make tea!

Mature Mia: Let me help you out with that!

Lyria: Oh! Me too!

Seox: It's noisy.

Nehan: But it's not bad.

Seox: Yeah. Rather, I'd say it's relaxing to me...

Vyrn: Whaddya waitin' for, Seox, Nehan! C'mon, let's eat!

As soon as the two men gather around the table, Vyrn and (Captain) begin to pile sweets on their plates.

Although the past cannot be changed, Nehan allows himself to embrace this peaceful moment with the man he once viewed as an enemy.