Scenario:Vaseraga - In the Sunlight

In the Sunlight

Vaseraga watches (Captain) and the crew play from a distance. Noticing his hesitancy, Ilsa encourages him to move on from the past and enjoy himself. Vaseraga takes her words into consideration as he goes to buy drinks for everyone. However, before he can purchase anything, a man mistakes him for a cast member and drags him into a haunted house.

---

Ilsa: Phew...

Ilsa: What a spectacular aroma.

Ilsa: The ocean's scent reminds me of the times when I would use salt as an explosive on the battlefield to turn the tides... The smell of victory. Heh.

Ilsa closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Meanwhile, (Captain) and the crew unabashedly romp across the sand.

Vyrn: Look, it's the ocean!

Lyria: Wait for me, Vyrn!

Ilsa: Stop right there! We haven't warmed up yet! Get to stretching, everyone!

Ilsa: I won't have any accidents happening on my watch—especially not in the water. Better keep a close eye on everyone.

While Ilsa looks around, she notices Vaseraga sitting comfortably under the parasol he had just finished setting up.

Vaseraga: Hm. Guess I'll just stay here.

Ilsa: Oh? Hiding in the shadows, aren't we? Why don't you go join (Captain) and the others in the water?

Vaseraga: I think the shadows suit me better.

Ilsa: Are you worried about getting sunburnt? There's no need for that—the concealer doubles as sunscreen.

Ilsa: Wait, I get it. You're afraid of getting all rusty in the water.

Vaseraga: Heh. Some sun and water isn't going to wreck this augmented body of mine.

Vaseraga: I'm just taking things at my own pace. Summer days are long. There's no need to rush.

As the words come out of his mouth, Vaseraga gazes at the crew carrying out their warm-up exercises.

Vaseraga: They're so innocent. Seeing them fool around like that makes them no different from any other regular bunch of kids.

Ilsa: Yeah... You're right.

Ilsa: Maybe you should also try remembering what it's like to be an innocent kid again. It would do you some good to join us.

Ilsa: Sometimes, it's important to just let go and try something new. Your mind and body deserve a break.

Vaseraga: ...

Ilsa: I'm not telling you to forget about the past. But show me that you're able to move forward.

Ilsa: That's what your crew members want to see from you. Do it for them... both past and present.

Vaseraga: ...

Vaseraga: You've got a point.

Vaseraga: All right.

As if Ilsa's words stirred something inside, Vaseraga stands up and turns his back against the ocean.

Ilsa: Right when I thought you had made up your mind... Just where do you plan on going?

Vaseraga: I'm going to buy some drinks for us. With the way the kids are running around, they'll get thirsty before we know it.

Ilsa: Well then, in that case, allow me to place an order as well. Get me some tropical juice.

Vaseraga: Got it.

Ilsa watches as the enormous man hoists his giant scythe onto his back and walks away along the shoreline.

Vaseraga: There's a lot of stores here. What should I do...

Dozens of small shops stretch down across the beachfront, all of them advertising food and drink. Puzzled, Vaseraga mulls over which one he should choose.

Just as he's about to step inside one, a voice calls out to him.

Man: Hey, you over there! Wait up!

Vaseraga: ...?
Are you talking to me?

Man: Is this where you've been the whole time? I've been looking for you!

Vaseraga: You were looking for me? Why?

Man: It's almost time for you to start, that's why! Come on, keep it together. I can't do this without you!

Ignoring Vaseraga's obvious confusion, the man pulls at his arm and leads the way.

It's clear there's a big misunderstanding between the two.

Vaseraga: ("I can't do this without you"? Did monsters show up or something?)

Intrigued by the man's words, Vaseraga follows along for now.

Man: All right, we're here! Hurry up and get ready!

Vaseraga: This is...

The two arrive in front of a certain building. Vaseraga's eyes fall upon a large sign plastered across the storefront.

Vaseraga: A haunted house, huh.

And so, Vaseraga's little adventure begins.

In the Sunlight: Scene 2

Following a trail of clues, the crew finds Vaseraga working as a mummy at the haunted house. Vaseraga explains how he didn't want to disappoint the kids waiting in line and decided to go for it. Much to his own surprise, he enjoyed the experience. Suddenly, monsters appear out of nowhere, and the crew rush into action.

---

Vyrn: So you're sayin' that Spiky went off to go buy some drinks and never came back? Dang, wonder what's takin' him so long.

Ilsa: Correct. I should've warned him to not get distracted and wander off on his own.

(Captain) and company make their way across the beach as they attempt to find Vaseraga.

The beach is packed with more tourists than usual, which throws a wrench in the crew's search.

Child 1: That was so fun!

Child 2: Yeah! It was awesome!

Child 1: Did you see that huge scythe?

Child 2: Yeah, did you see how big he was? And he was super nice too! He even picked me up when I fell down!

Ilsa: It can't be...

Vyrn: Are you guys thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?

Lyria: Yeah. I think we just heard an important clue...

Keeping their ears perked, the crew slow down to a stop as they listen to the voices of people passing by them.

Among all the hubbub, a certain conversation cuts through the noise and grabs their attention.

Child 3: The mummy guy was super-duper big!

Father: Yeah, he was way bigger than me!

Vyrn: Did he just say mummy guy? Oh man, that's probably him...

Ilsa: I just can't wrap my head around it. How does he end up in that sort of place while buying some drinks?

Lyria: D-do you mean a h-haunted house? Why would Vaseraga be in there?

Ilsa: If he's not, then I'd love to recruit whoever they're talking about. I was just thinking we need another guy who can carry a huge scythe.

Vyrn: Let's just go and figure out what's happenin'!

Among the rows of shops, a conspicuous haunted house looms into view—the last place that Vaseraga would ever willingly enter.

The crew rush inside, hoping that their friend hasn't found himself in some sort of trouble.

Vyrn: Uhh... I thought this place was for kids, but it looks like the real deal...

Ilsa: You're holding onto your own tail. Don't wimp out on me now.

Vyrn: Me, wimpy? As if this stuff would freak me out! This is nothing!

Ilsa: Heh, that's more like it.

Vyrn: I'm not s-scared of anything! Even if an arrow or a bullet was flyin' at me, I wouldn't flin—

Vaseraga's Voice: Ooooh...

Vyrn: Eek!

Ilsa: That voice sounds familiar...

Lyria: Eep... I think it's coming from over there...

(Captain) and the group make their way through the darkness into the depths of the haunted house.

As they get closer to the source, the foreboding voice reverberates again, sending chills down their spine.

Vaseraga: You dare to look?

Vaseraga: Be careful what you wish for!

Customers: Ahh!

Lyria & Vyrn: Ahhhh!

Vyrn: Whoa! What the heck are ya doin', Spiky?

Vaseraga: Oh, it looked like a tiny dragon flew by, but it's just you, Vyrn.

Vaseraga: You can hide inside my pocket if you're scared.

Vyrn: Not happenin'!

Lyria: Vaseraga, how did you end up in a place like this?

Ilsa: I don't see any drinks being sold here.

A subtle hint of excitement cuts through Vaseraga's usual stoic demeanor, piquing (Captain)'s interest.

Vaseraga: Sorry. Something unforeseen came up.

Vaseraga explains how he was mistaken for a cast member and ended up being dragged here.

He thought about clearing up the misunderstanding right then and there, but stopped himself.

Vaseraga: He said that he couldn't do something without me. At first, I thought he was talking about clearing away some monsters.

Vaseraga: I was planning on leaving... but then I saw all the kids waiting in line. I couldn't bring myself to disappoint them.

Vaseraga: And Ilsa's words about trying something new resonated with me. That's why I figured there was no harm in staying.

Ilsa: Excuse me? That's your reasoning for debuting as a haunted house actor? There's a time and place for everything, Armored Chicken.

Lyria: But then again, it's just like Vaseraga to go out of his way to help people!

Ilsa: That's true, but you could've at least contacted us.

Vyrn: Exactly! Don't keep us in the dark! Either way, we're glad you didn't end up in some real trouble.

Vaseraga: Yeah, you're right. Sorry about making you guys worried.

Vyrn: You think a few words is gonna cut it? As your punishment, you're gonna hang out with us all day long until you drop dead!

Lyria: Yeah! We haven't spent any time together yet today!

Ilsa: Looks like the customers have all left too. Let's explain the situation to the staff and get out of here.

Vaseraga: Understood.

As soon as the crew turn on their heels to leave...

Women's Screams: Ahhh!

Ilsa: ...!

Vaseraga: Were those...

Vyrn: The customers from earlier right? Maybe they just got scared by the haunted house again.

Ilsa: No, those screams were definitely different. It sounds like they're in danger!

Lyria: Oh no!

Vaseraga: Let's go!

Customer 1: Ugh... I can't breathe...

Customer 2: Let go of me!

Monster: Groooar!

Vaseraga: ...!

Vyrn: What the heck is goin' on? Where'd all these monsters come from?

Ilsa: Tch! Someone placed a lure here!

Vaseraga: Save the explanations for later! Get ready, Ilsa! (Captain)!

In the Sunlight: Scene 3

The crew finds out the monsters were accidentally summoned after taking care of them. Vaseraga clears up the misunderstanding with the haunted house's owner and returns to the beach with everyone. Putting his own uncertainties aside, Vaseraga decides to spend time with the crew. Little by little, he is able to face the future and move forward.

---

Monsters: ...

Once the crew defeats all the monsters, Ilsa storms over to the area where the enemies first appeared.

Vyrn: Hey, didn't ya mention something about a "lure" earlier, Scary Lady?

Ilsa: Yes, this thing right here.

The crew watches as Ilsa rips off a piece of paper from the wall and tears it in two.

Lyria: What was that?

Ilsa: A symbol that I've only seen in ancient literature... It's an evil talisman that originated from a small country.

Vyrn: Evil talisman!

Ilsa: It's designed to kill the user's target by summoning wicked spirits. Although crude, it's effective.

Lyria: What? Who would do such a thing!

Vaseraga: Don't tell me that I was dragged into some kind of nefarious plot?

Ilsa: Who knows. First of all, we need to figure out who drew this talisman.

Vaseraga: ...
I guess there's only one person to ask.

Suddenly, a flustered man comes running up to the crew.

Man: You guys! Are you all okay?

Vyrn: Who's this guy? Do ya know him?

Vaseraga: Yeah. He's the one who took me to the haunted house.

Man: I just had two customers run up to the front desk and tell me they were attacked by monsters!

Man: They said you guys saved their lives! Is anyone hurt?

Ilsa: We're fine. But before anything else, I'd like you to answer my question. Where did you get this evil talisman?

Man: Evil talisman? You mean this thing? Oh no, how could it be...

Under Ilsa's intimidating gaze, the man tearfully explains that he handcrafted all the decorations in the haunted house.

While looking for design inspirations, he came across some symbols in a suspicious-looking book and copied them.

Vyrn: So you didn't do it on purpose then?

Man: Of course not! I had no idea this would happen!

Ilsa: Sigh... I understand the situation now. We should fan out and destroy every talisman in the area just in case.

Man: That sounds like a good plan. We should get rid of them as quickly as possible.

Man: And as for the gentleman that I dragged here earlier... I'm really sorry. I genuinely thought you were one of our staff. The real cast members just showed up a few minutes ago...

The man bows his head deeply while rattling off a long apology to Vaseraga.

Man: When I saw you with all those bandages and that giant scythe, I didn't even question for a second... I'm so sorry!

Vaseraga: Don't worry about it. I'm glad I was able to help you out in some way.

Vaseraga: Even though things got a bit shaky, it all worked out in the end. It was a good experience for me.

Vyrn: True, it looked like you were havin' fun.

Lyria: As long as you enjoyed yourself, then that's what really matters!

Vaseraga: Yeah... Seeing all the little kids run around, laughing, being surprised... It was nice.

Hearing the warmth in Vaseraga's voice as he recalls the day's events, (Captain) and the crew let out a collective sigh of relief.

Lyria: Wow, would you look at the time! I can't believe the day's already over. Look at how pretty the sunset is!

Vyrn: The guy at the haunted house gave us tons of food as an apology too! Let's eat up and then go back in the water!

Vyrn: With Spiky this time around, of course!

Vaseraga: I suppose.

Ilsa: So, Armored Chicken, how'd it feel to do something different for a change?

Ilsa: Still think you should've stayed back on the ship instead of coming to the beach with us?

Lyria: ...

Vyrn: Nom nom... Gulp.

Vyrn: C'mon, tell us, Spiky!

Vaseraga: Hmm...

Vaseraga: Fooling around and having fun just doesn't suit me. That much hasn't changed.

Lyria: Oh... I see...

Vaseraga: And especially when something bad happens, any shred of play that existed goes flying out the window, like today.

Vaseraga: I'm just like you guys.

Lyria: ...!

Vaseraga: Well, it's not exactly a bad thing. It's times like this when the commander's strict training shines.

Ilsa: Heh. Of course.

Vaseraga: In the end, whether I need to take a breather in such a lively place like this...

Vaseraga: Is still up in the air.

Lyria: ...

Vaseraga: But watching you all fool around today made me realize something.

Vaseraga: Having fun... is something that's necessary for you.

Vaseraga: And if it's necessary for you, then it's necessary for me to be there so I can protect those peaceful moments.

Vaseraga: You all are my priority and I won't let anything else get in the way—even this appearance of mine.

Vyrn: Spikyyy! Does that mean you'll hang out with us more?

Lyria: I'm so happy to hear that you've come around, Vaseraga!

After hearing Vaseraga's change of heart, (Captain) and company beam at him.

Vaseraga's facial expression softens as he gazes down at the wide smiles of his crew members.

Vaseraga: I guess there's a home for everyone.

Ilsa: Do haunted houses count?

Vaseraga: ...

Vyrn: Hm? Did ya say somethin'?

Vaseraga: No... I think I've spoken enough.

Ilsa: Heh-heh.

Lyria: No, please, keep talking! I wanna hear more and more from you!

Vaseraga: Heh, you guys really are something else.

Vaseraga: I don't fully understand, but...

Vaseraga: It seems like (Captain), Zeta, and Ilsa have all got it figured out for me.

Vaseraga: I probably shouldn't think too much and just dive right in. I'm sure I'll learn more that way.

Vaseraga: And of course, I don't want to go at it by myself.

Vyrn: Oh? Spiky's bein' real honest now!

Lyria: I really like that you're looking toward the future!

Vyrn: All right! I'm getting pumped! We're gonna see and do all sorts of things together!

Vyrn: Oh, but remember to not run off by yourself like you did today.

Vyrn: What are you gonna do if we're not there to protect you?

Vaseraga: ...

Vyrn: ...?
What's wrong?

Vaseraga: Nothing. It's just... you want to protect me, huh...

Vaseraga: Heh. Heh-heh.

Vaseraga: Hahaha!

Vyrn: What the heck?

Vyrn: Hey, Spiky! What's so funny about what I said?

Lyria: Hehehe!

Vaseraga: (They want to protect me too...)

Wielding a great scythe on his rugged back, Vaseraga's fortitude seems ever infallible.

A man who relies on the power of the darkness, he seeks to protect his loved ones, even at his own expense.

His arduous journey has been fraught with challenges and barren of peace, until today.

As his friends march with him on his travels, they can only wish for this moment of tranquility to continue.