Scenario:Vikala - On Yangtopians

On Yangtopians

The bandit, struggling to open the store safe, refuses to believe that Vikala is a normal customer. Thus, when a normal customer walks in, he forces Vikala to attend to her shopping needs. However, the situation is far too social for the blued out Divine General to bear, and tears well up in her eyes.

---

Vikala has gone out shopping for materials to replace her rat ears, which she accidentally destroyed on the first day of the Divine Generals' camping trip.

But she was mistaken for a store clerk, and her first customer of the day has proven to be nothing more than a filthy bandit.

Bandit: I said gimme yer rupies!

Vikala: O-okay! I think I have some change...

She takes out her wallet and begins dumping its meager contents onto the counter.

Bandit: Are you freaking kidding me? Surely this store does more in sales than this!

Bandit: And why did you pull out your own wallet? I want the store's money, you dolt!

Vikala: But, but I don't work here...

Bandit: Of all the cheap lies! Didn't you welcome me into the store?

Vikala: That was, well... Um... How to explain? I thought I was responsible?

Bandit: Only an employee would feel responsible!

Vikala: We... We humbly apologize for the poor service?

Bandit: You're messing with me! Do you see this knife? I could cut you down right here and now!

Vikala: Eep...

Bandit: You wanna give up your life for this dumb store? Just hand over the money already!

Vikala: But I don't work here... I don't know where any money is...

Bandit: Seriously? You're still playing at that? Cut it out or I'll stab you for real!

Vikala: Oooh...

Bandit: Get it now? Give me that cash, and I'll be out of your hair.

Vikala: O-okay... But I really don't work here... I was just window-shopping...

Bandit: Then who does work here?

Vikala: She left.

Bandit: What! Who would let a customer take over the store?

Vikala: I'm just as confused as you are!

Bandit: Ah, forget it! I'll find the dough myself! You're as useless as a pimple on a primal!

Vikala: I'm sorry...

The bandit goes behind the counter and immediately finds what he's looking for.

Bandit: Well, looky-here! A safe! And it was super easy to find!

Bandit: Ah, damn... But it's bolted into the floor. Guess I'll have to pick the lock—shouldn't take too long, anyhow.

Vikala: Um, excuse me?

Bandit: What do you want! I'm a little busy over here!

Vikala: We have a customer...

Bandit: Huh?

When the bandit peeks his head over the counter, he finds a new face rummaging through the racks.

Terse Customer: ...

Bandit: Of all the luck! This store is in the middle of a highly professional robbery, and you let a customer waltz in! You are the worst employee I've ever seen!

Vikala: I didn't let her in... She just kind of came in...

Bandit: Don't act like she's a stray who just wandered in!

Bandit: If you had welcomed her properly, I would've known she was here! Now I've gotta deal with her too!

Vikala: B-but you got so mad when I welcomed you...

Bandit: That's because you keep doing employee things and then telling me you don't work here!

Vikala: I wasn't lying...

Bandit: Pft...

After some thought, the bandit whispers to Vikala.

Bandit: Listen up. You're going to go greet that customer and then get her to go home, got it?

Vikala: But, but I'm no good with people...

Bandit: Isn't that the whole point of your job!

Vikala: S-seriously, I don't work here...

The bandit is moments away from exploding in anger, but he manages to calm his nerves and regain his composure.

Bandit: Wow... You really don't work here, do you?

Vikala: I've been trying to tell you...

Bandit: What kind of establishment is this, damn it!

Vikala: I know... I'm so scared and confused...

Bandit: Look, we've come too far now. You're gonna do me a favor, and you do not wanna see what happens if you refuse. Capisce?

Bandit: You're gonna talk to that customer, find out what she wants, sell her some crap, and get her out of here.

Bandit: It'll be easy. But don't try anything funny.

Vikala: Talk to her? Ask her what she wants? Sell her something? And get her out? That's, like, four steps too many...

Bandit: It's easier than getting stabbed! Now get on with it!

Vikala: Wait! Can I choose the stabbing option instead?

Vikala's cries fall on deaf ears as the bandit shoves her out in front of the counter.

On Yangtopians: Scene 2

Vikala manages to get through the social encounter—but only by repeatedly asking the bandit for instructions. Fed up with her antics, the bandit pretends to be the store manager and serves the customer himself. Vikala tries again, following his example, but fails spectacularly. The bandit chides her and she blues out even harder, but somewhere deep down, her resolve as a Divine General begins to ignite.

---

The bandit is beside himself with anger at Vikala's uselessness. After an uneasy sigh, he takes it upon himself to instruct her.

Bandit: Let's see... If you're a waiter at a restaurant, and the customer gives you an order, what do you ask?

Bandit: "Would you like fries with that?" You've heard that before, right?

Bandit: Just do what you've seen all these customer service types do before. If this woman gets suspicious now, you'll royally mess up my gig.

Bandit: And if that happens, I'll have to take you both hostage to get out of here.

Vikala: H-hostages!

Bandit: If you don't want that to happen, you better get over there and distract that woman. I'll be busy with the safe.

Bandit: And let me just remind you: no funny business.

Vikala: Y-yes sir!

Vikala: Weh-welcome!

Terse Customer: Uh, thanks?

Vikala: ...

Terse Customer: Um, do you need something or...

Vikala: ...!

Vikala: Uh, um... What should I say to her?

Bandit: You idiot! You're supposed to say "Can I help you find something?" Don't freeze up! That's creepy!

Bandit: Or maybe try: "This is our latest fashion" or "This would look stunning on you."

Bandit: And then when she finally leaves, you've gotta say, "Thank you! Come again!"

Vikala: I-I see! I think I've got it!

Vikala: Can I h-help you find something?

Terse Customer: Do you carry this in medium?

Vikala: Um, if it's lying out already... Then, no? Probably...

Terse Customer: Probably?

Vikala: We probably don't not have it?

Terse Customer: So... you do carry it? Or not?

Vikala: Sorry, really... Hang on a second...

Vikala takes the article of clothing from the woman and returns to the bandit who is fiddling with the safe behind the counter.

Vikala: Um, hi again... Do we have this in medium?

Bandit: How would I know!

Vikala: Eep! S-sorry...

Terse Customer: Excuuuse me! Could you hurry it up, please?

Vikala: Oh no... What do I do?

Bandit: Holy cannoli, girl! Does somebody gotta tell you to do every little thing?

Vikala: Eep! I'm sorry... Sniff, sniff...

Sandwiched between a ruthless bandit, and, even worse, a terrible customer, Vikala has no place to retreat. Her eyes begin to well with tears.

Bandit: Don't cry!

Vikala: I...

Bandit: I said don't cry!

Vikala: But I...

Bandit: Ah, damn it! I'll do it myself. Watch and learn!

The bandit stops his safe-cracking and approaches the customer.

Bandit: Please excuse our poor service! Unfortunately for this particular item, we're all out of mediums.

Terse Customer: Oh, darn. So you're sold out completely? Do you have it in any other colors per chance?

Bandit: I'm afraid not. It's one of our most popular pieces and limited at that.

Terse Customer: I guess that happens. Too bad. Thanks anyway.

Bandit: Sorry again. Take your time browsing. I'll be in the back if you need anything.

The bandit slips away from the customer and returns to Vikala, who is attentively waiting at the counter.

Bandit: See? That wasn't so hard.

Vikala: W-wow... Have you thought of giving up crime? The service industry really suits you...

Bandit: No way! I wouldn't be who I am today without crime!

Bandit: Anyway, now that you've seen how it's done, you can handle her!

Vikala: I don't think I can... What if I say the wrong thing?

Bandit: Who gives a rat's ass? I'm going to open that safe, and you're going to shape up. Got it?

Vikala: O-okay... I have to open shapes... Got it...

Bandit: Ugh, how do I get through to you? Look, I'm counting on you. Seriously.

Vikala: O-okay...

Bandit: I've taught you everything I know! Now get out there and just do what you saw me do! Give her the customer service of her life!

Vikala: Yes, sir!

Vikala: (Just like the bandit did... Just like the bandit did...)

Terse Customer: Ah, I'd like one of these, please.

Vikala: R-right! Would you like fries with that?

Terse Customer: It comes with fries?

Bandit: N'argh! Clothiers don't sell fries!

Hearing Vikala's fumble, the bandit grumbles from behind the counter.

Vikala: S-sorry! Wrong job... Um, so one item only, correct?

Terse Customer: Hurry up. I need to change clothes. I spilled sauce on this shirt.

Terse Customer: Just look. A stain, right here. It's so embarrassing I could die right here and now!

Vikala: It looks stunning on you.

Terse Customer: What!

Bandit: Are you trying to insult her?

Bandit: Forgive us, madam! That was extremely unprofessional of our staff...

Terse Customer: It was. Now, can you finally ring me up, please?

Unnerved, a panicking Vikala picks up another article of clothing and holds it up to the woman.

Vikala: Th-this is our latest fashion!

Terse Customer: You tell me that now? You should ask before I'm ready to pay! Are you making fun of me?

Vikala: It would look stunning on you!

Terse Customer: What is wrong with you!

Bandit: Sorry, don't mind her!

Terse Customer: I've never had such poor service in my life! Do you have anything to say for yourself?

Vikala: Thank you. Please come again?

Terse Customer: Why, I never!

The woman, face red with fury, retreats from the store without buying a single item.

Bandit: You imbecile! You'll be the death of this store!

Vikala: Eeeep... S-sorry...

Bandit: When you're talking to a customer, just be normal! Anyone should be able to handle that!

Vikala: B-be normal! Like everyone else!

Bandit: Exactly! But you're trash who can't even sell a dumb blouse!

Vikala: I am trash!

Bandit: Argh, I'm getting back to cracking that safe! Go stand in the store's corner and feel sorry for yourself!

Vikala: ...

Chastised by the bandit, Vikala meanders to the store corner, just as she was told.

Vikala: (I'm garbage at this... Without my rat ears, I can't even pretend to be normal...)

Vikala: (Oooh... This is awful... I ruin things for everyone... I should go somewhere far, far away...)

Vikala: Ngh... Sniff, sniff...

The man's comments burrow deep into the recesses of Vikala's mind, confirming long-held suspicions of herself.

But in that moment, a light shines in her tear-stricken eyes.

Vikala: (Oh no... I'm a Divine General...)

Vikala: (If a Divine General can't even talk to a random shopper, how do I face actually important people?)

Vikala: (At this rate, I'll just sully the Divine Generals' reputation...)

Vikala: (Oooh, I have to stop bluing out so hard! I can pull through this!)

On Yangtopians: Scene 3

When the next patron enters the store, Vikala gives her all to attending them. The customer, amused by her clumsy but hardworking nature, buys a souvenir as a result of her effort. Impressed by her growth, the bandit offers her a final piece of customer service advice, which causes Vikala to rethink her philosophy on life.

---

Minutes after the disgruntled customer leaves, a fresh-faced man walks through the door.

Bandit: Curses... We forgot to lock the door. What's worse, I'm still not done with this damned safe. Oh well, duty calls.

The bandit's scowl melts into a soft smile as he greets the customer.

Bandit: Welcome, welcome! Can I help you find some—

Vikala: Weh-welcome!

Bandit: ...!

Bandit: Hey, I'm already on it!

Vikala: Can I help you find something!

Friendly Customer: I'm looking for a small gift. You guys carry anything like that?

Vikala: In, in, in that case, how about this?

Vikala: It's a box! I think...

Vikala sets the small box on the table and prods at it until it opens with a flourish and begins producing a melody.

Vikala: Eep! It was a music box...

Friendly Customer: So it was! Do you have anything else?

Vikala: Um... How about this thing sitting here?

Vikala: It's, uh... a broach? What is this picture... It looks like some kind of bug...

Illustrated on the broach is a bug spreading its wings, complete glasswork for its hindquarters to represent a shining light.

Friendly Customer: ...

Vikala: Sorry... I'm no good at explanations...

Friendly Customer: Hehe. Are you new here? I can see you're doing your best.

Vikala: You can?

Friendly Customer: Maybe your explanations were a little basic, but I knew what you wanted to say.

Friendly Customer: That bug is a firefly, by the way.

Vikala: A firefly?

Friendly Customer: Never heard of 'em? They're tiny little things that light up at night.

Friendly Customer: There's a campground nearby. Lots of them start twinkling near the creek.

Friendly Customer: My wife and I got engaged at that very spot actually. It was a sight to behold, let me tell ya!

Vikala: It sounds nice...

Friendly Customer: It was perfect. Actually, I will take that broach. It'll make the perfect gift.

Vikala: Huh? Th-th-thank you!

Vikala bows her head while the bandit stares from the counter.

Bandit: (Heh, the kid actually did it.)

Friendly Customer: Why don't you take a special someone to see the fireflies too? It really is an incredible scene. Might even create a nice memory or two!

Vikala: S-sounds good! Thank you for the suggestion! Please come again!

The customer, having had a happy shopping experience, nods cheerfully to Vikala before leaving.

Vikala: Mr. Bandit... Did I do a good job?

Bandit: Nope. You did the best job.

Bandit: But that was just the beginning. You're no pro yet. Customer service requires you to be flexible.

Vikala: Flexible! Got it!

Bandit: Do you? It's obvious you shouldn't leave your customers feeling weird with their experience.

Bandit: Which is why you also don't want to be too polite. That can be off-putting.

Bandit: It's important to maintain the right level of professionalism. Everyone wants to enjoy these little interactions without thinking about them too much.

Vikala: R-right! That makes sense! But how do you not think too much...

Bandit: Huh? More questions? Hmm... Let's see... Being present in the moment, maybe?

Vikala: Huh? Being present?

Bandit: That's right. Be mindful of what you're saying and how the other person is reacting. If you give off a relaxed, cheerful vibe, your conversation partner will follow suit.

Vikala: You make it sound so easy. I don't think I can... My head is always so full of stuff...

Bandit: Start by finding something about the other person that grabs your interest. That'll pull you into the real world and give you something to talk about.

Bandit: Then, just make that into a compliment or two, and bam: ice broken!

Vikala: ...!

Bandit: It's all about feeling. That man from before really felt you trying your hardest, so he was along for the ride.

Vikala: He felt that?

Vikala: (I've never thought about it... I'm not very much fun, so I always put up a wall around other people.)

Vikala: (It's so hard to be present... I'm not sure if I've ever lived in the moment...)

Vikala: (Maybe he's saying I have to start to enjoy myself? That way everyone else will enjoy being around me too?)

Vikala: Thank you, Mr. Bandit! I think I understand!

Vikala: (Yangtopians are always enjoying themselves... So having fun has got be a strong first step!)

Bandit: Don't mention it, kid.

Bandit: (Heh-heh. Look how far she's come in such a short time. Reminds me of myself.)

Thanks to the bandit's curious tutelage, Vikala is one step closer to learning the intricacies of a life well yanged.

On Yangtopians: Scene 4

After searching for Vikala for the entire afternoon, (Captain), Vyrn, Lyria, Kumbhira and Vajra stumble upon her working in a store side by side with a bandit. The surprised crewmembers detain the criminal when he tries to make a break for it, and they hand him over to the local guard. As he's carted away, he claims that his interaction with Vikala has made him turn over a new leaf. Likewise, Vikala swears she'll remember the lessons she learned from the bandit.

---

While Vikala is learning to deal with customers, the crew has split up to look for her.

Vajra, Kumbhira, Lyria, Vyrn, and (Captain) walk through the market street, hoping to find ear or tail of the mouse general.

Lyria: Look, that shop sells fabric and stuff.

Kumbhira: Vikala could have gone there to buy materials for her new rat ears, right?

Vyrn: Let's go check it out.

Vajra: I wish we at least knew which direction she went after she left the shop.

Dormouse: ...!

Vyrn: Huh? Dormouse is onto something. I think Vikala really was around here.

At the sentient mousetrap's signal, they enter the shop to look for clues.

Vikala: Weh-welcome...

Kumbhira: What the!

Vikala: Ah, it's you guys... Kumbhira, Vajra, welcome to the store...

Vyrn: What's going on here?

Vikala: Sorry... It's a long story, but I'm at work right now, so...

Kumbhira: Who gets a job in the middle of a camping trip!

Vajra: Wait, I thought you came here so you could find stuff to help Vicky come back out?

Vikala: Yeah, I did, but...

Bandit: ...

Vajra: Hm? Someone there?

Bandit: ...!

Vikala: Oh, that's Mr. Bandit...

Shocked Crew: A bandit!

Vikala: Um... Did you get the safe open?

Bandit: What's that? A safe? I don't know what you're talking about!

Vikala: Um, you told me to deal with customers while you opened the safe?

Vajra: What's going on here? Explain yourself!

Bandit: Ah, jig's up! All of you, back up!

Before the bandit can even draw his knife, Vajra has already snatched the blade between her index and middle fingers.

(Captain) follows up by grabbing the bandit by the armpits and flinging him across the room.

Bandit: Gwah!

Vajra: Now, tell us everything.

Bandit: Maybe crime doesn't pay...

(Captain) and the others call the local authorities and wait for their arrival.

In response to the commotion, a crowd forms in front of the store. Among the onlookers is the female customer from earlier.

Terse Customer: Everyone, listen up! The person who I thought was the store supervisor was actually a bandit!

Terse Customer: And, even crazier, the clerk was a Divine General! She made me feel weird on purpose so I wouldn't spend too much time in the store!

Terse Customer: She protected me from harm all while revealing this man's dastardly plot!

Although gravely incorrect, the woman's claim produces a raucous applause in the crowd, prompting Vikala to race to the bandit's side.

Vikala: Uh, um...

Bandit: Look kid, I'm sorry I got you into this mess...

Bandit: And sorry for calling you trash. You're not trash. And you'll do bigger and better things from here on out.

Vikala: I'll remember everything you ever taught me, Mr. Bandit!

Bandit: I'll clean up my act from now on too. In order to repent for my crimes, I think I'll get into hospitality.

Bandit: It's never a bad thing to surprise your detractors. You taught me that today.

Vikala: Then I'll come visit you! Wherever you end up!

Bandit: I'll be waiting for ya. I'll provide the best customer experience you've ever seen!

And with that, Vikala watches in silence as the bandit is carted away.

Vajra: Nice work, Vicky! Not only did you protect an innocent shopper, you converted a petty criminal in the process!

Kumbhira: Uhh... I don't think that's what really happened...

Vyrn: Yeah, we never really know what we're getting when it comes you, Vikala.

Vikala, noticeably lighter on her feet, turns to face (Captain) and the others.

Vikala: Um... Shall we head back to the lake?

Vikala: And, uh... Well, if we have time... I'd like to go see the fireflies!

Vikala: You see... I want to be present... With you, (Captain)! And everyone else too...

Vikala: I've always wanted to have fun with you guys! And now I know that!

Lyria: Then the feeling's mutual! Let's go!

With laughter echoing on the air, Vikala and the others return to the lake for the remainder of their camping trip.

While the Divine General has yet to fully grasp the secrets of Yangtopia, she has learned how to be a happier version of herself—all while avoiding catastrophe in the process.

And as for Mr. Bandit? His name will become known on islands far and wide for being the best hotelier the skies have ever seen.

But that's a story for a different time...