Scenario:Ragazzo - Freeeedooom!

Freeeedooom!

Unable to figure out what freedom truly is, Ragazzo takes on a solo mission to relieve his frustration. When he rescues a boy he finds tied to a tree as punishment by his father, the boy gets upset with him for interfering and tells him to make things right.

---

Ragazzo: That's enough running around!

Ragazzo: Time for your cremation!

Monster: Graaah...

Ragazzo: Whew. So much for blowing off steam. That hardly counted as a warm-up.

"What is freedom?" Ragazzo spends his days agonizing endlessly over this question, having yet to find a suitable answer.

Hoping to vent his frustration, he volunteers to go alone on every monster-hunting mission that comes the crew's way.

Insect: Skriii!

Ragazzo: Sigh... Enough with the creeping and crawling already. It's freaking me out. What is this, some kinda bug bargain sale?

Ragazzo: If I'd known this was what I was getting myself into, I wouldn't have taken the job.

Shuddering at the countless insects wriggling around him, Ragazzo quickens his pace through the forest.

On the way, he suddenly locks eyes with a boy tied to a large tree with a rope.

Ragazzo: Wha?

Boy: Huh?

Ragazzo: What're you doing?

Boy: ...

Ragazzo: Hey, I'm talking to you.

Boy: Ugh, leave me alone! This is none of your business!

Ragazzo: I know what this is—you're being bullied. Ain't that right?

Boy: Just get out of my face already!

Ragazzo: Don't be stupid. I'm too decent a guy to just turn a blind eye to all this.

Boy: Hey! Knock it off!

Paying no heed to the boy's shouts of protest, Ragazzo rips off the firmly tied rope.

Ragazzo: Tch... Tightening the rope so much it leaves marks? Do kids these days not know where to draw the line?

Boy: Geez, nobody asked you to do that!

Ragazzo: The heck? You're supposed to say thanks when somebody helps you. What're they even teaching you in school!

Ragazzo gives the boy's forehead a powerful flick.

Boy: Yeowch! Help, I'm being attacked over here!

Ragazzo: I'm not attacking you. I'm disciplining you.

Boy: Huh? First you untie me when I didn't ask for help, then you flick my head? What's your deal!

Ragazzo: Yeah, okay. I see your point. But still, were you just planning to stay like that forever?

Boy: I could use magic to burn through a rope like that anytime I wanted to.

Ragazzo: Oh yeah? Then what? Is being all tied up like that a hobby of yours?

Ragazzo: That's some crazy stuff right there. You some kinda wannabe sicko?

Boy: What! No, you've got it all wrong! Like, totally wrong!

Boy: What you just saw was, well... my dad punishing me.

Ragazzo: Huh? So you're telling me... you could've run away if you wanted to, but you just sat there and accepted it?

Ragazzo: Hahaha! So you really are a sicko.

Boy: Argh! I was just pretending to feel bad until my dad came back!

Ragazzo: Pretending?

Ragazzo: M'kay. Welp, see ya.

Boy: Hey, wait!

Ragazzo turns to leave, but the boy grabs him by the hem of his clothes, blocking his path.

Boy: You'd better fix this.

Ragazzo: Fix what?

Boy: You cut the rope and interrupted my soul-searching!

Ragazzo: Huh?

Boy: You're an adult! Aren't you supposed to take responsibility for something you did?

Ragazzo: Responsibility?

Ragazzo: Responsibility, huh...

Hearing the boy's tragic pleas, Ragazzo is reminded of a quote by a certain playwright that he once read in a book.

Ragazzo: "Liberty means responsibility," was it?

Ragazzo: In other words... screwing up his brooding session was an expression of my freedom too?

Ragazzo: Ugh... Crap, this is making my head hurt.

With his mind somehow back on the subject of freedom, he finds himself pondering its meaning once again.

Freeeedooom!: Scene 2

Learning that the boy is being forced to become a court mage like his father, Ragazzo encourages him to speak to his father about his own dream. But when they visit the boy's house, his father stares the boy into silence and shuts the door in Ragazzo's face.

---

Ragazzo: I found him tied to a tree crying his eyes out, so I unfastened the rope. He's very sorry for what he did, sir.

Boy: Yeah, that stunk. Sounded like you were reading from a script.

Ragazzo: Shut it. It's not like I actually mean what I'm saying, so this is the best I can do.

Boy: Hmm... Then I guess you pass. Do it just like that.

Ragazzo: Tch, this whole taking responsibility thing is harder than I thought.

The pair make their way toward the boy's house so Ragazzo can explain the situation to his father.

Noticing the boy's eyes on him, Ragazzo squirms uncomfortably.

Ragazzo: What's all the staring for, kid?

Boy: I was just thinking—your outfit really screams confidence. It's seriously crazy.

Ragazzo: Good crazy or bad crazy?

Boy: Good crazy, obviously. The whole "free" vibe is pretty cool.

Ragazzo smirks at this description, seemingly pleased with himself.

Ragazzo: If you're such a fan of this style, why not do it yourself?

Boy: No way. My dad would kill me.

Ragazzo: Is he really that scary?

Boy: Yeah... You could sugarcoat it by saying he "values education," but he definitely takes things too far.

Ragazzo: ...

Boy: See, my dad's a court mage working for the royal family.

Boy: He wants me to succeed him, so he made me enroll in a prestigious magic academy.

Ragazzo: Does that mean you really could've used flames to burn through that rope?

Boy: Wait, did you think I was lying? See for yourself.

Ragazzo: What the heck? You're a regular whiz kid! When I saw your age—

An image of his own parents berating him with bloodshot eyes flashes into Ragazzo's mind, and he quickly shakes it off.

Boy: What's wrong?

Ragazzo: Well, uhh...

Ragazzo: If you're such a pro already, why's your dad even punishing you in the first place?

Boy: I'm posing as an underachiever. I got a failing grade on purpose again—hence the punishment.

Ragazzo: Huh?

Boy: I don't wanna follow in my dad's footsteps. So this is my way of rebelling.

Ragazzo: If he thinks you can't cut it, he'll have no choice but to give up on ya—is that the idea?

Boy: What's the point in even living if you can't do what you want to do? That's just torture.

Ragazzo: Is there something else you wanna do when you grow up?

Boy: Yeah! My dream is to become an entomologist!

Ragazzo: Wha! You wanna study bugs, of all things?

Boy: Hey, you know how there are lots of insects in this forest? The truth is, I'm the one who's been raising them!

Boy: Like, look down by your feet! See the big ant with the gaping jaw?

Boy: That one's got a strong bite and a stinger on its butt, so watch out!

Boy: And then there's the caterpillar on that tree trunk, crawling as fast as it can!

Boy: Those little guys are not only rich in protein, but also in minerals and iron, so they're highly valued as food!

Bombarded by a sudden stream of insect trivia from the young bug lover, Ragazzo cuts him off.

Ragazzo: Okay, hold up. I get it. You love bugs—a lot.

Ragazzo: It's creepy.

Boy: Creepy! That's a low blow!

Ragazzo: Whoops, I didn't mean to say what I really thought. Sorry.

Boy: Hey! You call that an apology?

Ragazzo: C'mon, don't get all bent out of shape. Anyway, you ever talk to your dad about that dream of yours?

Boy: Nope. I'm sure he'd shoot me down before I even got a chance to finish telling him about it.

Ragazzo: That's a pretty big assumption. Why don't you at least try bringing it up with him?

Ragazzo: Isn't it up to you to find where you belong? And to chase your own dreams and goals?

Boy: ...

Ragazzo: That's where you live? Talk about a huge mansion. Guess that's a court mage for ya.

Boy: Don't forget. You're here to explain things to my dad, okay?

Ragazzo: I know, I know. Don't worry. I'll own up to what I did and set things straight.

Squaring his shoulders, Ragazzo knocks on the door and immediately finds himself face-to-face with a stern-looking man.

Boy's Dad: Yes? Can I help you?

Ragazzo: Oh, hello. Actually, I'd like to talk to you about your son...

Ragazzo turns his head toward the boy hiding behind him and gives him a meaningful look.

Boy: Dad...

Boy's Dad: What are you doing here!

Ragazzo: Er... Please don't be angry with him. You see...

Ragazzo: I found your son tied to a tree crying his eyes out, so I unfastened the rope.

Ragazzo: He's very sorry for what he did, sir. It's not like he chose to escape on his own or anything... Yeah.

Boy's Dad: Hmm, I see. I'm sorry for the trouble that my foolish son seems to have caused.

Boy's Dad: Why don't you apologize too? Go on.

Under his father's watchful glare, the boy lowers his head, his expression suddenly clouded.

Boy: I'm sorry.

Ragazzo: Hey, kid...

Ragazzo opens his mouth to offer a word of encouragement to the dejected boy.

But before he can do so, the boy's father shuts the door in his face, putting a definitive end to the conversation.

Freeeedooom!: Scene 3

Hearing the boy being chastised by his father, Ragazzo intervenes and presses the two to have a heart-to-heart. With the situation resolved, Ragazzo does a bit of soul-searching himself and concludes that simply doing as he pleases is one possible meaning of freedom.

---

Ragazzo: ...

Although left with a bad aftertaste, Ragazzo turns to leave, reasoning that it's not his place to meddle any further in this father-son relationship.

Dad's Voice: I'll bet you practically begged him to help you!

Boy's Voice: Rngh! I'm sorry, I'm sorry... I'm really sorry!

Dad's Voice: You good-for-nothing!

Ragazzo: Tch...

Ragazzo's Dad: You good-for-nothing!

Young Ragazzo: Rngh!

Ragazzo's Dad: You're the oldest son of the Spica family and you can't even do something as basic as this?

Ragazzo's Mom: Sniff... Why did I give birth to something so defective...

Ragazzo: Just because he's your son... that doesn't mean you get to treat him like your puppet!

In a fit of rage, Ragazzo kicks in the front door of the boy's house and storms inside.

Ragazzo: ...

Boy's Dad: Y-you again!

Ragazzo: Whoops, sorry about that. I just thought we oughta have a little chat.

Boy's Dad: A chat? After what you just did?

Ragazzo: Ah, yeah... My bad. Forget about the door. I got a little worked up.

Ragazzo: Anyway... Ugh, just look at your face, kid. It's all swollen. Must hurt like hell, huh?

Boy: N-nope, it doesn't hurt one bit!

Ragazzo: Heh, you're a real tough cookie.

Ragazzo: But I think it's about time to cut the act, don't you agree?

Boy: ...

Ragazzo: Kids are their own people, y'know.

Ragazzo: You gotta be pretty full of yourself trying to raise yours to think and act like you want, yeah?

Boy's Dad: I don't know what my son told you, but what's wrong with wanting him to take over the family business?

Ragazzo: Now, hang on. I get where you're coming from as a parent, but isn't this the wrong way to go about it?

Ragazzo: I mean, you're basically just forcing your own ideals onto him.

Boy's Dad: Forcing? I'm merely concerned about my son's future.

Ragazzo: You really are oblivious.

Ragazzo: That goes for you too, kid. The way you've been rebelling is beyond lame. If you're gonna fight back, do it head on.

Boy: But—

Ragazzo: No buts. This is your dream we're talking about, right? What's the point of having cold feet?

Boy: ...!

Boy's Dad: Dream? His dream is to become a court mage. What more is there to discuss?

Though the question is clearly intended to be rhetorical, the boy turns to his father, eyes full of determination.

Boy: I don't want to be a court mage.

Boy: My dream is... to become an entomologist!

Boy's Dad: What in the skies are you talking about?

Boy's Dad: Forget all that nonsense, and focus on your studies! I'll turn you into a respectable court mage if it's the last thing I do.

Boy: Dad...

Boy's Dad: What knowledge do you expect to glean from common pests? Why don't you try learning even a single spell first, you foolish child!

Ragazzo: Ugh, this is getting old.

Ragazzo shakes his head, exasperated with the father's unwillingness to listen to his son.

He then picks up a magic book from the stack on the boy's desk and flips through the pages.

Ragazzo: If that's the case, I don't think he'll be needing these anymore.

Boy's Dad: Don't touch those books without permission! They're essential to my son's studies.

Ragazzo: You're still going on about that?

Ragazzo: Come on, kid. Let's show him what you've really got.

Flashing a grin, Ragazzo tosses the magic book toward the boy.

Boy: ...!

Ragazzo: Once more.

Boy: ...!

Ragazzo: Last one!

Boy: ...!

The books soar into the air one by one and vanish without a trace upon coming into contact with the boy's magic.

Boy's Dad: Wh-when did you...

Ragazzo: He's been doing a bad job on purpose. All to make you give up on your dream for him.

Boy: I'm sorry...

Boy's Dad: ...

Ragazzo: I can't say I admire his methods, but you've at least got to hear him out.

Ragazzo: Otherwise, he's going to grow up to be some helpless adult who only cares about pleasing his dad.

Ragazzo: And besides, it'll be a loss for you too if he keeps hiding his true talent out of fear.

Boy's Dad: ...

The boy's father falls silent, and Ragazzo slaps him on the back.

Boy's Dad: Ow...

Ragazzo: Welp, I've said my piece. Now it's up to the two of you to hash it out.

Ragazzo: Your son's got some real talent. Wouldn't be surprised if he ended up being a court mage and an entomologist at the same time.

Boy's Dad: ...

Boy: Dad...

Boy's Dad: First, show me all the magic you've learned. Then we'll talk.

Boy: Okay!

Ragazzo: Heh.

With an exaggerated yawn, Ragazzo takes his leave.

Ragazzo: I guess it's safe to say that I fulfilled my responsibility for untying him.

Making his way back to the ship, Ragazzo gazes up at the endless blue sky.

Ragazzo: But oof... That sure was a lot of big talk coming from somebody with no hopes, dreams, or goals of his own.

Ragazzo: Still... Guess there's no use wasting time thinking about this stuff. So until I get hit with some kinda eureka moment...

Ragazzo: I'll just go wherever the wind takes me and do as I please.

Having been searching for an answer ever since joining the crew, Ragazzo suddenly snaps his fingers.

Ragazzo: Wait... Did I just hit on a solution?

Ragazzo: Heh. Maybe this... is my "freeeedooom"!
Or something?

Emotions welling up inside him, he channels them into an impassioned shout.

It echoes through the air, fading away into the vast azure skies above.