Scenario:Sturm - Beachside Bounty

Beachside Bounty

As Sturm deliberates how to respond to letters from her siblings, Drang pops in with news of a mission in Auguste. However, she quickly learns that this was a thinly-veiled invitation to spend time with her at the beach—which she accepts, to Drang's surprise.

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An ensemble of buzzing and chirping can be heard outside under the oppressive heat of a summer afternoon. On a day like this, the beaches of Auguste would be teeming with visitors.

Not one for crowds, Sturm sits alone in her room after a day's work, going through a pile of envelopes on her desk.

Each envelope contains a letter from one of her many younger siblings.

She opens them, one by one, to learn that they all seem to be thriving.

Brother's Letter: The pub I opened is really taking off! It's really all about the quality of the beer—

Sturm: He was always a sweet one, being the youngest... It's not surprising that he'd find success dealing with people.

Sister's Letter: I've actually had my eyes on someone at my job recently. Do you have any sisterly advice for me?

Sturm: You've asked the wrong person. That being said... I should find out who this is.

The letters from her siblings have come from far and wide, with some still living at home, and some who have put down roots somewhere else.

Sturm: Everyone seems to be doing well enough.

Sturm: Still...

Sturm briefly glances at the end of one letter in particular, letting out a sigh.

Brother's Letter: I know you're busy, but you should swing by when you get the chance! I'd love to have a drink with you, Sis!

Sister's Letter: I'm sure even mercenaries need a break sometimes. If you need a place to relax, you're always welcome here.

All of the letters ended in the same way—with a heartfelt invitation for her to visit after being apart for so long.

Sturm: That can't be a coincidence... can it?

Sturm: ...

Sturm: (I used to come home a lot more often... up until around when Mom passed.)

Sturm: (Then at some point... they all grew up. They haven't needed to rely on me for a while now.)

Sturm: It might be nice to see their faces again, but...

Sturm ruminates on how to reply to all of her siblings, overwhelmed by the amount of letters.

Sturm: ...

Sturm: This can't be good.

Sturm abruptly stands up, stuffing the letters into her bag.

Immediately afterward, a familiar face pops in.

Drang: Stuuurm! I've got a new mission for us!

Sturm: Drang. Knock.

Drang: I mean, you always seem to be ready for me every time I pop in, so I just figured... You know?

Sturm: Whatever. Fill me in on the details already.

Drang: I'll explain when we get there, so let's get a move on!

More excited than usual for some reason, Drang rushes Sturm to prepare for another mission.

Drang: We're here!

Drang: Blue waters, blue skies! And a blue Drang!

Sturm: And?

Drang: O-oh, right! I mean, red is a wonderful compliment to blue, so there's obviously a place for you too—

Sturm: That wasn't what I meant!

Drang: Yeowch! I'm in swimwear right now, you know!

Sturm: Why are we at an Auguste beach? And why are we even in swimwear in the first place?

Drang: According to the client, it is most imperative that we blend in with the locals. Our mission's already well on its way.

Drang: The target's here on vacation, but still on guard. We need to get him where he'd be most distracted.

Sturm: Cut the crap.

Drang: Whatever do you mean?

Sturm: There's no need for us to step into the water to approach the target—they'll need to come out eventually.

Drang: Perhaps, but think, um, wouldn't they have their guard down while frolicking in the sea?

Sturm: If this ends in a battle somehow, we'd be much more exposed in swimwear. Even you wouldn't be so stupid to miss something like that.

Drang: Was that a compliment just now?

Sturm: I take it back. You clearly are that stupid.

Drang: Ow, ow, ow! Not the butt, Sturm!

Sturm: I've assessed the situation—it's clear to me now. There is no mission for us here, is there?

Drang: Oops... Guess there's no fooling you, huh?

Drang scratches his cheek as a smile begins to form on his lips.

Drang: Actually, the truth is... I just wanted to go to the beach with you!

Sturm: Huh?

Drang: A vacation! We're overdue for one, wouldn't you say?

Drang: We're always putting our bodies on the line, getting the job done at whatever the cost.

Drang: So I figured it's about time we reward ourselves a little.

Sturm: ...

Drang: But you wouldn't agree to this if you'd known, right?

Sturm: So you brought us here, to the beach, under the false pretense of a mission.

Drang: Sorry if I stepped out of line. But now that we're here, we might as well enjoy it, right?

Sturm: ...

Sister's Letter: I'm sure even mercenaries need a break sometimes. If you need a place to relax, you're always welcome here.

Sturm: I guess that's fine.

Drang: Aw, come on... You know you want to! There's nothing like a dip in the ocean, not to mention all the barbecued meats, and—

Drang: Wait, what?

Sturm: What are you waiting for? Show me around already.

Drang: Wh-whaaa? Somebody pinch me!

Drang: I thought you'd at least have me work for it!

Drang: I can't believe it! A vacation with Sturm! Oh yes, today is truly a most wondrous day!

Tourist 1: Hehe... Look at that guy. It seems like they're having a good time!

Tourist 2: Looks like fun—let's jump in on this too!

Sturm: ...

Drang: Ouch!

Sturm: You're being too loud. People can hear you.

Drang: Stab me all you want, Sturm, because I feel invincible today!

Sturm: Hey!

Tourist 1: Was he... happy getting his butt stabbed?

Tourist 2: They might be a little too hardcore for us...

Sturm: Wha—

Sturm: Those people definitely thought we were doing something weird because of you!

Drang: Heed their thoughts no more, Sturm! For we... are on vacation now!

Sturm: Sigh... Today's going to be a long day.

Sturm lets out another exasperated sigh as she joins her partner in crime at the beach.

Sturm: ...

Her eyes glisten before the brilliant summer sun.