Scenario:Veight - A Quiet Farewell

A Quiet Farewell

According to Amazuma, the country's inquisitors came to seize her family after the high priest discovered she and Varga had been playing music, but only she managed to escape. Despite knowing that his interference could cause trouble for Medvecia, Veight vows to save them.

---

Veight: Varga's going to be killed? But why!

Amazuma: They found out... that the two of us have been playing music...

In a trembling voice, Amazuma begins to recount what happened after they returned to their country the previous night.

Varga: Hey, Amazuma... About Veight's idea...

Amazuma: Don't worry, Varga. You can go. I know I said it was impossible earlier, but we'll make it happen.

Varga: Really? But how?

Amazuma: Just leave all that to me. I'll protect your future. You'll see...

Varga: Amazuma?

Amazuma: ...
Come on, we need to hurry. It'll be bad if someone spots us—

Inquisitor 1: Varga and Amazuma, I see.

Both: ...!

Amazuma: S-sorry. We couldn't sleep, so we went out for a breath of fresh air...

Inquisitor 2: And played music in the ruins outside the country?

Amazuma: What...

Inquisitor 1: The high priest knows everything. There's no point trying to hide it.

Inquisitor 2: Law is law. The two of you may be children... but such a crime is punishable by death regardless.

Amazuma: Varga! Run!

Varga: O-okay!

Amazuma: Huff... Puff...
Mom, Dad! Please, you have to get away!

Father: Judging from how you're acting... you must have been seen.

Varga: Does that mean... you and Mom noticed?

Mother: We're your parents. Of course we did.

Mother: I know we should have stopped you... but we wanted the two of you to have the freedom to do what you wanted.

Amazuma: W-we can talk about this later! We've got to get out of here!

Their parents merely shake their heads helplessly.

Varga: B-but why?

Inquisitors: It's time...

Amazuma: U-urgh... Sob...

Inquisitor 1: If you had only been venturing outside the country, we could have turned a blind eye.

Inquisitor 1: But playing music is a capital offense. So... we'll have to ask you to come with us. I'd like to keep this as civil as possible.

Amazuma: N-no... Wait! It was me—I forced him to do it! I dragged Varga along!

Varga: Amazuma...

Amazuma: I was playing by myself the whole time!

Inquisitor 2: I told you... there's no point trying to hide it.

Amazuma: This... can't be happening. No... No!

As Amazuma bursts into tears, the inquisitors reach out reluctantly to grab her.

Seeing this, her father and mother move to protect her. However...

Inquisitors: ...!

Varga begins to play the Melody of Mirages on the keyboard given to him by Veight.

With the inquisitors now lost in a daze, Varga turns to smile at his sister.

Varga: Save yourself.

Amazuma: Wh-what are you saying! You want me to escape alone? I can't do that!

Amazuma: I'm not leaving Mom and Dad behind! Or you! I have to protect everyone!

Varga: Hehe, don't worry. It's okay, Amazuma.

Varga: Thanks for always trying to protect me. Now it's my turn to return the favor.

Amazuma: ...!

Varga: You'd better hurry. The mirage won't last long without your singing.

Father: We'll do what we can to slow them down. So go, Amazuma.

Amazuma: What? No! Not me! Varga should be the one—

Mother: Just go!

Amazuma: Eep!

Amazuma: I-I promised myself... I told myself I'd protect them all!

Amazuma: There's no point if I'm the only one who survives! Mom... Dad... Varga...

Amazuma: Th-they're all going to be killed! Nooo!

Veight: We won't let that happen.

Amazuma: Huh?

Veight: We won't let them die! The two of us will save them!

Kou: That's right! No matter what!

Amazuma: Ngh... Sob!

Veight: Amazuma, how much time do we have left before the execution?

Amazuma: I don't know... But the people who are caught are usually brought to the plaza in front of everyone right away.

Kou: To make an example of them, I imagine. They'd go so far as to do such a thing in front of children?

Veight: (But why? Why does this country hate music so much?)

Veight: (No, that doesn't matter right now. We're up against the clock here...)

Veight: (Even if we immediately contacted (Captain), there's no way the crew would make it in time. Kou and I will just have to handle this alone.)

Veight: (We'll use force to subdue their captors and rescue her family... Wait, no. If we do that...)

Veight: (What happens if word gets out that a vampire was instigating violence?)

Veight: (All of Feldrac's efforts up to this point will have been in vain...)

Kou: Veight. We should be able to resolve this without fighting.

Veight: What?

Kou: This is us we're talking about. I'm sure we have other options at our disposal.

Saying this, Kou points at a certain object in their vicinity.

Irrespective of the late hour, the citizens gather at the edge of town by order of the high priest.

Before the stone-faced crowd, Varga and his parents sit on their knees, restrained by the inquisitors.

Inquisitor 1: This child has been found guilty of playing music, and his parents for attempting to cover up his crimes.

Inquisitor 2: They are therefore sentenced to death, to be carried out forthwith. Witness with your own eyes the final moments of these criminals.

Varga: Mom... Dad...

Father: Forgive me. I couldn't set you free, or even help you take advantage of your talent.

Varga: It's okay. After all, Amazuma is still alive. So don't cry, Mom, Dad.

Mother: I'm so sorry, Varga... Amazuma...

High Priest: Proceed.

The inquisitors lift their blades high, preparing to behead the three criminals...

When all of a sudden, the execution is interrupted by something hurtling down from above.

A Quiet Farewell: Scene 2

Together with Kou and Amazuma, Veight interrupts the execution to rescue Amazuma's family with his rendition of the Melody of Mirages. The awestruck inquisitors successfully persuade the high priest to suspend punishment temporarily. Veight then invites him to the party in Medvecia to see the twins perform, after which he can make his final decision.

---

Inquisitor 3: What was that? Something fell from the sky!

Inquisitor 4: A meteor? No...

The dust clears to reveal Veight carrying a piano with Kou and Amazuma perched atop it.

Veight: I would have preferred not to treat an instrument so roughly, but this was an emergency.

Inquisitor 1: People? And is that... a-an instrument?

Ignoring the crowd's visible shock at the sight of the piano, Amazuma leaps down and takes off at a run.

Amazuma: Varga! Mom! Dad!

Varga: Amazuma... Why did you come back?

Amazuma: I'm sorry... I'm really sorry! Just the thought of living on without you all was too much to bear!

Amazuma: I can't believe I almost made you feel this pain. I'm so, so sorry! This time we'll run away together!

Amazuma: Let's keep making our music! I don't want to be alone! We're a family—we should be together!

Varga: Sob... I want to be with you too. And with Mom and Dad...

Father: Ngh...

Mother: Sniffle...

Veight: ...

High Priest: Why is there a vampire here?

Inquisitor 1: Those bloodsuckers from fairy tales? It can't be...

Inquisitor 3: A fairy tale monster brought an instrument, even though it's forbidden? But why...

Inquisitor 4: What do we do, Father?

High Priest: Obey the law.

Inquisitors: Hyah!

All at once, the inquisitors surround Veight and Kou, weapons at the ready.

However, rather than strike back...

Veight begins to play the piano as Kou dances along, joined by Amazuma's clear voice.

Citizen: ...?

Inquisitor 1: Music... And that's not all...

Varga: The Melody of Mirages... Just like mine and Amazuma's...

Veight's music conjures images of a gleaming townscape, while Kou's dance expresses the movement of people, and Amazuma's singing, their laughter.

The music gradually takes shape, causing everyone present to see the scenery of foreign lands.

High Priest: ...

Before they know it, the inquisitors have dropped their weapons and stand entranced by the spectacle unfolding before them.

Following the performance, Veight and Kou kneel before the high priest.

Veight: Please accept my sincerest apologies for bringing in and playing an instrument, despite them being both heretical and illegal here.

Veight: I understand that such actions are likely inexcusable in your eyes. But I implore you to consider our reasons.

High Priest: ...

Veight: The performance you just heard was taught to me by none other than that boy, Varga. Though I can't claim to be on the same level...

Veight: But with the help of my friends Kou and Amazuma here, I was able to replicate his technique to some extent.

Inquisitor 2: That performance... was just an imitation?

Inquisitor 4: Then you're telling me that boy can play even better than what we just heard?

Veight: Indeed. Varga's playing combined with Amazuma's singing is far more spectacular.

Veight: I've traveled to many lands and encountered many people, but their ability is one of a kind.

Veight: I have no doubt that their performance could touch the hearts of countless people throughout the Sky Realm.

Veight: So I implore you—don't erase their potential. Don't take away their future.

Kou: Please have mercy on them.

Inquisitor 1: ...

High Priest: What nonsense...

As Veight and Kou silently lower their heads, the high priest begins to tremble.

Inquisitor 1: Father...

Inquisitor 2: Isn't it time to put an end to this? I know it's not our place to speak, but...

Inquisitor 2: If we continue to deny the children their freedom and crush their potential...

High Priest: ...
Send the citizens back to their homes. We shall eliminate all heretics in violation of the law. If chaos ensues, then so be it.

Veight: ...!

Inquisitor 2: Understood...

Inquisitor 2: The high priest has spoken! Everyone, return to your homes at once!

At the inquisitor's words, the people depart the area as instructed.

Kou: (How can they be so obedient? Does no one ever question any of this?)

Veight: (What happened to this country?)

Thoroughly bewildered by the people's actions, Kou and Veight brace themselves.

However, the inquisitors do not attack.

Kou: What is your objective here?

High Priest: I cannot allow the citizens to hear what I am about to say. Forgive me, children.

Veight: ...?

High Priest: I must say, I am astonished. You are a vampire, said to be a bloodsucking monster...

High Priest: And yet you do not repudiate the laws of our land. Rather, you conduct yourself with the utmost sincerity.

Veight: The history and values of a nation are created by its inhabitants. It's not my place to reject them offhand.

High Priest: I see... I ask that you forgive us for attempting to eliminate you without provocation.

Veight: Don't worry, I've had my share of similar experiences. But I'm a little confused... Your attitude seems to have softened a great deal from before.

High Priest: I have my position to consider, you see. As worthless as it may be.

High Priest: Allow me to ask you a question. You say that Varga and Amazuma's performance is even more magnificent than your own...

High Priest: Do you think it could reshape our values? The values of this country that has become frozen in time?

Veight: ...
I can't make any promises.

Veight: But it will broaden your perspective. And your options as well!

Veight: Though it's shameful to admit, I was initially intent on using force to save Varga and his parents.

Veight: But thanks to my friend, I realized that there were other solutions available to us.

Veight: So I'm sure if you listen to their music, more options will open up to you.

High Priest: I see.

High Priest: Release the captives.

Inquisitor 2: Right away!

Amazuma: Varga, Mom, Dad!

Varga: Amazuma! Thank you!

Mother: I'm so sorry, Amazuma. I shouldn't have shouted at you earlier...

Amazuma: It's fine! I don't care about that one bit. What's important is you're all alive...

Father: Are you sure about this, Father?

High Priest: We will announce to the citizens that the executions have been carried out. However, they will be suspended for the time being...

High Priest: I shall make my final decision after hearing the children's performance.

Kou: Thank you very much!

High Priest: Let us arrange a date for it to take place. In their current state, the children will not be able to play or sing to the best of their ability.

Veight: In that case, I have a proposal.

High Priest: Let's hear it.

Veight: Would you be willing to join Varga and Amazuma in attending a party we'll be holding in Medvecia for our allies?

Veight: You're more than welcome to come and enjoy their performance, as well as our own local music and dances.

Inquisitor 1: Wait. Leaving the country is as serious of a crime as playing music. Are you suggesting the high priest himself break the law?

High Priest: ...
Very well. I shall have my private guards accompany me.

Inquisitor 3: F-Father!

Veight: ...!
Yes, it's only natural for you to exercise caution. That won't be an issue!

Veight: And there's no need to concern yourself with transportation to Medvecia. I'd be happy to arrange it for you.

High Priest: Yes, as I am unaccustomed to traveling, I would very much appreciate that.

Inquisitor 2: Are you certain about this?

High Priest: You all desire it as well, do you not? If you wish to accompany me, you are free to do so.

High Priest: But the sun will soon be rising. I imagine such a time is difficult for our vampire friend here.

Veight: I thank you for your concern. It's been an honor speaking with you.

High Priest: Likewise. Now then, leave the country with Varga and Amazuma. And ensure the people do not see you.

With this final command, the high priest leaves with his inquisitors in tow.

Varga: Veight! Kou!

Amazuma: Thank you so much! If it weren't for you, my family... They'd all be...

Veight: We were only able to save them because of you, Amazuma.

Kou: You're the one who protected everyone.

Amazuma: Sniffle...

Father: I really don't know how to thank you.

Veight: There's no need for that. In fact, I should be apologizing for making such an agreement off the cuff.

Varga: No, it's okay! I can't wait to play for everybody in your country!

Veight: I see. I feel the same way.

Kou: Hehe...

Kou: So what's our next step, Veight?

Veight: We'll join (Captain) and the crew and head for Medvecia. Is that all right with you two?

Both: Yeah!

Having saved their friends, Veight and Kou set sail for Medvecia together with Varga and Amazuma.

A Quiet Farewell: Scene 3

Veight and his friends perform splendidly at the event in Medvecia, drawing praise from Feldrac, as well as a confession from the high priest. Wanting to save his country from its oppressors, the priest forms a diplomatic friendship with Feldrac, who thanks Veight for his intervention.

---

A few days later, Veight and the others arrive in Medvecia.

Having been informed of the situation, Feldrac graciously welcomes Varga and Amazuma into the country.

Veight immediately sets to work preparing for the party, together with the children.

Soon the big day arrives, and guests from all across the skies gather with the locals in the plaza.

Both: ...

Veight: Are you nervous?

Varga: Y-yeah. I mean, this is all totally new for me. I've never even seen a crowd this big before, much less performed in front of so many people.

Amazuma: And our parents were spared thanks to you guys, but if we screw things up here...

Kou: You'll be fine. Just do it like you did in practice. Relax and let the music flow.

Veight: Because of your lessons, I'm able to play the Melody of Mirages some myself now. If you make a mistake, I can cover for you.

Kou: And while I'm still getting the hang of it, I think I can evoke a little imagery with my dancing too. So please don't worry.

Varga: Veight... Kou...

Feldrac: It's time. Are you ready, Veight?

Veight: Of course.
Let's go—Varga, Amazuma, Kou.

His friends nod, and together the four make their way out toward the grand piano in the center of the plaza.

The excitement is palpable as the audience waits in silence for the program to begin.

Scared to even swallow lest it be heard in the stillness, Varga and Amazuma begin to tremble.

Both: ...

Exchanging glances, Veight and Kou break the silence with their music and dance.

The melody conjures up an image of the pair's journey together for the crowd.

Though tinged with a sense of melancholy, the song and dance are nevertheless full of hope, becoming increasingly bright.

People, countries, landscapes, and creatures from throughout the skies... The good and the bad, the young and the old...

The Sky Realm that Kou and Veight have witnessed sprawls out before the audience.

Within this world, Varga and Amazuma make their appearance as well.

Both: ...!

The children nod at each other and begin to play and sing together.

Before they know it, their trembling has subsided.

High Priest: ...

Veight's melody and Kou's dance had painted a picture of the past.

By contrast, Varga's piano and Amazuma's voice evoke images of a world to come, of a future full of hope.

When the performance comes to an end, the plaza falls silent once more.

However, it is soon filled with thunderous applause.

Varga: I wonder if we got through to them...

Feldrac: I believe their response says it all. Thanks to you, our guests were treated to the entertainment of a lifetime.

Feldrac: Well done. Truly.

Amazuma: F-Father...

High Priest: ...
That was magnificent. No... magnificent does not even begin to describe it.

High Priest: I could feel it so much it hurt. The future that you desire... The hope within your hearts...

High Priest: Yes, the options before me have indeed increased. Therefore, I shall formally revoke the punishment of Varga and his family.

Feldrac: I've been made aware of the circumstances. Your tolerance in this matter is greatly appreciated. You have my gratitude.

High Priest: No, a mere puppet such as myself is not deserving of such thanks.

Kou: Puppet? But aren't you the ruler of that country?

High Priest: I am no more than a figurehead. My country is a mere shadow of its former self, the result of an invasion long ago.

Veight: What?

High Priest: The aggressor nation ordered a ban on contact with the outside world, as well as all forms of entertainment—particularly music.

High Priest: They then spread their own teachings and forced us to enter into an unequal treaty, under which we would supply them with labor and troops.

Kou: So that's why you avoided music to such an extreme.

Kou: But why would they do such a thing?

Feldrac: They isolated the dominated country and rejected its existing culture by enforcing their own.

Feldrac: It was probably done to assimilate the vanquished peoples into their own nation and place them under complete control.

High Priest: Precisely. Now only I and a few other equally aged individuals know of our culture prior to the invasion.

High Priest: Veight, Kou—do you remember? When you played and danced for them, the citizens remained expressionless.

Veight: I thought our music simply didn't resonate with them. Don't tell me...

High Priest: They are wholly unable to comprehend music, art, and culture. Their hearts are too lifeless to be moved.

High Priest: Or so I thought, but that was not the case with Varga and Amazuma. Those two could very well become the hope we desperately need.

High Priest: I have made my decision. I shall change our country—not as a figurehead, but as ruler.

High Priest: Your playing, dancing, and singing showed me a new future. I shall resist until it is realized.

High Priest: As my first order of business... Esteemed leader of Medvecia. Will you establish a formal friendship with our country?

Feldrac: Of course. Medvecia welcomes you with open arms.

High Priest: Thank you. I apologize for the sudden request, but things will likely be chaotic at home for some time. Could I ask you to look after the children until things settle down?

Feldrac: Of course. They'll be shown the utmost hospitality. We can't very well decline a request from an ally, after all.

Feldrac: And in the event of an emergency, feel free to turn to us. We'll come to your aid.

High Priest: I appreciate that.

The high priest shakes hands with Feldrac and departs from Medvecia together with his private guard.

Varga: U-um...

Amazuma: Wh-what was all that about?

Vania: Oh, I know! It means we all get to live together in happy harmony, right?

Veight: Vania, where did you...
Well, either way, your conclusion is correct.

Varga: Then does that mean I can play piano with Veight again? And see Kou dance too?

Kou: Yes, any time you like.

Varga: Yay! Then let's go play! Right now!

Amazuma: Veight... Kou... Thank you so much. Now we can all be together...

Vania: Aww, are you crying? Want me to pat your head?

Malinda: Gyoo, gyoo!

Amazuma: Huh? Um... Well, uh... Okay.

Vania: That's a good girl! Patty-pat! Now give me a smile, and I'll make you some yummy soup!

Malinda: Gyoo! Gy-gyoo...

In the midst of the surrounding excitement, Feldrac offers Veight a head pat of his own.

Veight: Feldrac...

Feldrac: You not only rescued a family, but also created an opportunity to save an entire country.

Feldrac: And I'm not the only one to have witnessed your deeds. Many other nations have as well.

Feldrac: Well done, Veight.

Veight: I'm honored to receive such praise.

Veight: But what if something terrible happens to their country... all because I meddled in their affairs...

Feldrac: I won't allow that to happen. Rest assured that you won't come to regret your actions.

Feldrac: Hold your head high. I'm proud of you, my son.

Veight: ...!
Thank you!

Feldrac: Leave the rest to your elders. For now... your friends are waiting for you.

Varga: Veight, they're calling for an encore! Let's all play together again!

Veight: That sounds great. I'll be right there.

The party concludes as a monumental success.

This experience serves as a reminder to Veight that there are many different nations and people throughout the skies.

He comes to appreciate that vampires are gradually integrating themselves into the world around them, as vast and complicated as it may be.