A Vacation with Ris
Cupitan becomes overwhelmed by her pent-up emotions over not being able too see her best friend Tristette in a long time. In an attempt to assuage her, (Captain) hears Cupitan out and agrees to play the role of Tristette on a summer trip to Auguste. With Lyria and Vyrn keeping a close eye on them, Cupitan and Tristette enjoy the island's crystal clear waters. Meanwhile, the goddess Hekate observes them from the shadows, plotting to snatch (Captain) from Cupitan's grasp.
Cupitan: Ris, over here! Come catch me!
Cupitan: Ahahaha! Ehehe!
Under the bright summer sky, a pair of vacationers frolic uninterrupted on a picturesque sandy beach.
Cupitan: Ah! You got me!
Cupitan: Hehe, the soft sand makes playing chase on the beach so much fun!
They stop to catch their breath, squinting at the blinding sunlight.
Cupitan: Let's take a dip in the water next! Can you swim, Ris?
- ...
Choose: ...Cupitan looks at (Captain) and smiles.
This is Cupitan, a girl who is capable of seeing the colors of people's emotions and the wielder of a unique weapon called the Rainbow Bow.The girl she lovingly refers to as Ris is Tristette, a close childhood friend.
While certain events have caused them to drift apart, Cupitan's fondness for Tristette has grown only deeper. To this day, her journey to find her friend continues.
Obviously, (Captain) is not the Ris Cupitan is looking for...
Cupitan: Hm? What's wrong, Ris? You can swim, can't you?
- Y-yes, I can swim...
Choose: Y-yes, I can swim...Cupitan: Oh, great! All right then, let's go!
Grinning widely, Cupitan takes (Captain)'s hand and makes a run for the beach.
Vyrn: Are we really okay with this? Having (Captain) impersonate Tristette seems a little... You know...
Lyria: Well, I suppose we have to be... After all, he accepted the task knowing full well what would happen...
A few days prior in Tikoh's office aboard the Grandcypher.
Cupitan: Ehehe! Did you hear? I'm going on a trip with Ris!
Cupitan: Right, Ris? Oh, we're going to have so much fun!
Lyria: Cupitan! That's (Captain) next to you!
Vyrn: Tikoh, do you think you can help her?
Vyrn: Rainbow Girl's been like this all morning...
Tikoh: Hmm...
Tikoh crosses her arms and ponders a bit before sighing.
Tikoh: Unfortunately we're too late. She's gone.
Lyria: What!
Tikoh: Hehe, don't worry. I'm just kidding. Well, kinda.
Vyrn: Kinda? C'mon, just tell us if she's all right!
Tikoh: Well, yeah, in a way she is. And in another way she isn't.
Tikoh: Cupitan, you know (Captain) isn't Tristette, right?
Cupitan: Of course I do! The captain's the captain!
Lyria: What! So you've known this whole time?
Vyrn: Geez, for a second there I thought I was the one going nuts...
Cupitan: Ehehe... Sorry, I got a little carried away...
Tikoh: She sometimes treats people close to her like they're Tristette as a way to release her pent-up emotions.
Cupitan: I'm really sorry, Ti. I think the blazing summer sun has been making me more worse than usual...
Tikoh: All right then. No need for me to prod any further.
Vyrn: I get that you're lonely because you can't see your best friend... But isn't being like this a drag on you?
Lyria: Um, Tikoh, do you have any advice on what we can do to help her?
Tikoh: Hmm... I think humoring her until she's satisfied would be all you can do.
Vyrn: So... You're saying we should play along with her and go to the beach as Tristette?
Tikoh: Correct. Do a bit of role-playing.
Tikoh: Look, this book has a similar case... It describes a zombie that became fixated on a living person that resembled a loved one from the time they were alive.
Tikoh: When the person started acting like the loved one, the zombie eventually passed on peacefully.
Lyria: Oh, I see... I think? Well, if you say so, then I guess we should at least try.
Tikoh: Also, apologies in advance. I'd like nothing more than to look after Cupitan with you.
Tikoh: But I'm scheduled to help out at an infirmary by the sea on that day...
Cupitan: Aw, really? I was looking forward to playing with you, Ti.
Vyrn: This is Cupitan we're talking about... Look at her, she's just so carefree about this whole situation.
Tikoh: Don't worry, I'm sure it'll all work out. Besides, she understands what's going on.
Tikoh: Right, Cupitan?
Cupitan: Right! Just humor me for a tiny bit! Smaller than tiny, teensy-weensy!
Cupitan: I know I'm asking for a lot, but I'd be so happy if you did this for me!
Cupitan: Pretty please! Don't give up on 'ol Cupitan in her hour of need!
(Captain) smiles and agrees to accompany Cupitan on a fun trip to the beach, no matter the pretense.
Cupitan: Hnngh! (Captain)! Thank you so much!
Tikoh: Oh, again with the snot... Here, take this hanky.
Cupitan: Fsssh! Sniiiff!
Lyria: Ahaha... Looks like you've gotten used to her routine.
Tikoh: She's a good girl, (Captain), as you already know. You take care of her, okay?
Tikoh: She was a clingy handful that time I played along...
Lyria: Tikoh?
Cupitan: All right, so we're good to go! Come on, Ris! We have a vacation to plan!
And that is how (Captain) was cast in the role of Tristette for Cupitan's summer of fun.
Mixed among the other beachgoers, Vyrn and Lyria keep a watchful eye on (Captain) and Cupitan.
Cupitan: Oh my gosh! Ris, I can't believe you'd splash me like that!
Cupitan: You've done it now! Take this!
Vyrn: Hey, Lyria... Did you see (Captain) splash Cupitan? 'Cause I sure didn't.
Lyria: It's just as Tikoh said. Cupitan's following her own script...
Vyrn: Oh boy... That's almost too creepy. And here I thought she'd been getting better as of late...
Vyrn: Sorry, (Captain). All we can do is keep an eye on you.
Lyria: Ngh... Stay strong, (Captain)!
Hekate: Hrngh...
Meanwhile, from under the shade of a palm tree, another pair of eyes observes Cupitan and her playmate.
Hekate: Curse that girl! I can't believe she'd stoop so low to keep (Captain) all to herself...
Hekate: I must applaud her genius!
Hekate: Her method is rather ghoulish, but you have to think out of the box to get what you want from (Captain)...
Hekate, the goddess of the night, is a supernatural being that preys on mortals by luring them into her world of dreams.Captivated by (Captain), one of the few souls that has resisted her, she follows the crew on their journey, forever fighting to close the distance between them.
Hekate, the scintillating goddess of the night, bites her lip as she looks at the pair with burning jealousy.Hekate: This little trip is the perfect opportunity for me to finally become one with (Captain)...
Hekate: Drool... I will make (Captain) mine once and for all!
As Hekate licks her lips, (Captain) and Cupitan are oblivious to her presence.
Above them the scorching midsummer sun looms bright and hot, watching their every move.
Pure Devotion
Just as (Captain) and Cupitan lean in to take the first sip of their shared summer drink, Hekate intervenes. Cupitan quickly figures out Hekate is not a mortal and begins to treat her like Tristette, likening the goddess's ethereal cuteness to her best friend's. In a sudden turn of events, Hekate replaces (Captain), and commits herself to spending time with Cupitan as Tristette.
(Captain) is roped into playing Tristette for a peculiar but pleasant summer vacation with Cupitan.
The two vacationers bask in a moment of calm, peacefully floating in the ocean atop their floatie.
They head back to shore, and as soon as they step foot on the sand, Cupitan locks arms with (Captain) and makes off for the beach house.
Cupitan: Are you hungry, because I'm starving! How about we get a bite to eat?
Cupitan: Hm? What was that, Ris? You want some of my delicious Cupitan Yakisoba?
Cupitan: Ehehe, oh Ris, you just love my home cooking, don't you!
Cupitan: But let's save that for when we're back home, okay? What do you say we try some of the local fare here in Auguste?
Cupitan carries the conversation by herself while (Captain) stays completely silent.
As odd as it may be, (Captain) has slowly become accustomed to the charade and begins to enjoy this stay by the sea.
Cupitan: Hey, um, (Captain)...
- ...!
Choose: ...!Cupitan: Sorry, but... Can you tell me what kind of specialties there are in Auguste?
Cupitan: It's my first time here, so I have zero clue what's good...
Initially shocked at being addressed directly, (Captain) gathers just enough nerve to point to a picture on the menu.
Cupitan: A Blue Auguste? Good idea... Nothing beats a refreshing drink on a hot summer day!
Cupitan: Um, excuse me! I'd like one Blue Auguste with a double straw please!
Cupitan: Also, can we get...
After ordering a number of dishes that catch her eye, Cupitan whispers into (Captain)'s ear.
Cupitan: So, I just caught a glimpse of the cashier's emotions...
Cupitan: They, uh... They think we're an item.
Cupitan: B-but what do they know, Ris and I are just friends! Just two of the bestest, greatest friends!
At the other end of the very same beach house, a shadowy figure stares daggers at Cupitan while scarfing down a bowl of shaved ice.
Hekate: That sneaky girl! Bravo, dear nemesis...
Hekate: She got (Captain) used to being treated like Ris, then flips the script and goes right back to normal...
Hekate: Nghhaaaa!
Hekate: My head is pounding! This is more torture device than food!
Cupitan: Hm? Did you hear someone screaming across—
Cupitan: Ah, our food's ready! Where should we sit... Ooh, let's go over there!
Cupitan: Wooow! The curry and the chicken skewers look amazing! But this Blue Auguste really takes the cake!
Cupitan: It's huge! And the heart-shaped straw that splits into two is absolutely adorable!
Cupitan: Ris, you go ahead and take the first sip.
Cupitan: Oh? You want me to go first? No, I insist, after you, Ris! You're the one with the sweet tooth, right?
Cupitan: Well, if you say so... Hey, how about we do it at the same time?
(Captain) sits there, as quiet as ever.
But soon enough, (Captain) goes with the flow and leans in to grab one of the two straws.
Cupitan: One, two, drink! Sluuuurp!
Cupitan: Mmm! It's perfectly sweet and oh so tasty! That really hits the spot after being out in the sun, huh!
Cupitan: Okay, next up are these chicken skewers... Ooh, I know, let's try feeding each other!
Cupitan: Ready? Aaaah...
Hekate: Stoooop!
Cupitan: Wh-whoa!
Hekate: Now you've done it! You've crossed the line and angered me, the goddess of the night!
Cupitan: Wh-what the heck! Um, you're Hekate, right?
Hekate: I can't believe you'd go as far as artfully using a double straw to exchange saliva!
Hekate: You two have basically become one! It's unfair! It's devious! It's tawdry!
Cupitan: What are you talking about! No one's becoming one with...
Cupitan: Wait, the color of your emotions... You're not... a mortal?
Hekate: Correct, my dear! You're talking to the great goddess of—
Cupitan: Ris?
Hekate: Excuse me?
Cupitan: Are you... Ris? You're not a mortal and you're cute like a fairy...
Hekate: What!
Hekate: W-wait, no! Playing Ris is (Captain)'s job! I'm not—
Cupitan: You are Ris! I'm just sure of it!
Cupitan: See, when I hug you, you're squishy and warm just like her...
Hekate: Aaagh! G-get off of me! You dare embrace a transcendent goddess!
Hekate: Hey, (Captain)! Don't just stand there! Say something!
- Good luck!
- I'm the real Ris!
Choose: Good luck!Hekate: Wh-why you little! You have some nerve hanging me out to dry like this!
With conviction, (Captain) appeals to Hekate's great trove of experience and expresses confidence in her ability to take on this task.
Hekate: O-oh really? Well, if this is you trying to appeal to me, then I suppose I can do you this one favor?
Choose: I'm the real Ris!(Captain) stands firm, voicing a determination to see this task to the very end.
Hekate: (Gasp! Hold on...)
Hekate: (This... This could be a great opportunity to finally gain (Captain)'s trust!)
Hekate: Step aside, (Captain). I can handle this.
Hekate: From now on, I, the goddess of the night, will play the role of Ris!
Continue 1Cupitan: Okay, Ris, let's eat! Say ahh!
Hekate: Ah... Ahh...
Cupitan: Hehe... You're so cute, Ris!
Cupitan: Oh, (Captain)! Thanks for playing along!
Cupitan: I'll return the favor later when I see you back at the hotel!
As soon as (Captain) leaves the beach house, the ever vigilant Vyrn and Lyria come out of the shadows and catch up from behind.
Though uneasy about leaving Cupitan with Hekate, (Captain) catches a glimpse of the goddess faithfully playing her part and lets out a sigh of relief.
Pure Devotion: Scene 2
Hekate and Cupitan pick out new swimsuits from a nearby shop and promptly head for the beach where they frolic until they're exhausted. The goddess senses Cupitan's deep, dark desire for Tristette, warning her that it could be her undoing and advising she let go of feelings that no longer have a purpose. Cupitan defiantly disregards her advice and it soon becomes clear to Hekate that it isn't sinister desire the girl harbors in her heart—it's pure devotion.
Hekate takes over the role of Tristette for Cupitan's summer vacation.
Cupitan: Huh? Ris, where's your swimsuit?
Hekate: Swimsuit? I don't see why I can't just wear this to—
Cupitan: No, no, absolutely not! You can't swim without a swimsuit! Come on, let's go get you one!
Cupitan pulls Hekate by the hand toward a seaside swimwear shop.
Cupitan: Ehehehe... I wonder what would fit you best?
Hekate: I-I can choose one myself, thank you. Besides, my measurements are beyond your mortal understanding, I'm sure.
Cupitan: What are you talking about, Ris? I know all of your measurements by heart!
Hekate: Enough! I will pick one out myself and that will be the end of it! You will allow a goddess her dignity!
Cupitan: Oh, Ris! No need to be so shy...
Cupitan: Okay, while you do that, I think I'll go look for one too!
Cupitan and Hekate spend some time browsing the shop's selection of swimsuits.
Cupitan: Wow! Oh my gosh, Ris, sexy ones look so good on you!
Hekate: You don't look so bad yourself, dear. If we wore these out, I'm sure we'd catch some eyes.
Cupitan: How's the size? Oh, it fits perfectly!
Hekate: Oh, well... Good for you.
Cupitan: All right, time to hit the water while the sun's still out and about!
Cupitan: What do you say, Ris!
Hekate: ...
Cupitan looks eagerly at Hekate, and the goddess stares right back at her.
Cupitan: Ris?
Hekate: It's nothing... Let's go have some fun, shall we?
Having picked out their swimsuits, the girls head to the beach where they swim and play until they're dead tired.
They come out of the water just as the sun starts to fall and plop down on the sand.
Cupitan: I'm absolutely pooped! But gosh that was so much fun!
Hekate: I suppose it was. The floatie showdown and our little races proved to be at least moderately amusing.
Cupitan: My whole body is tingling. I think I got sunburnt.
Cupitan: What about you, Ris? I put sunscreen on you, but the sun was just so blazing hot...
Hekate: Dear... You are aware that I'm not Ris, yes?
Cupitan: Of course I am! What with you being the goddess of the night and all that, I bet you don't get sunburn, huh?
Hekate: Good gosh! The way you can just flip back and forth like that, it's terrifying!
Cupitan: Ahaha... Anyway, thanks to you and (Captain), I think I feel a little better now.
Hekate: ...
Hekate: You can see emotions, correct?
Cupitan: I can... Through the power of my Rainbow Bow.
Hekate: A power far too great for any mortal soul. I'm sure you find it difficult to handle at times.
Hekate: I myself am sensitive to mankind's desire. So much so, you could say that I'm able to see it.
Hekate: The desire for Tristette that surges within you is real. And it is as deep, dark, and bottomless as the ocean.
Hekate: That much is clear to me after having spent a whole day with you.
Cupitan: You're right. What I feel for her is real, it's—
Hekate: It will be your doom.
Cupitan: ...!
Hekate: Listen, dear... Many times I've witnessed what such desire does to mortals. Perhaps more than anyone else.
Hekate: Take it as a warning. You're welcome, by the way.
Cupitan: Well, thanks... But no thanks.
Cupitan: I won't give up on Ris... She's everything to me.
Hekate: But why? You have plenty of other amazing friends who stand by you.
Hekate: I don't understand why you cling to your love for this Tristette when the feeling no longer serves you.
Cupitan: No matter how many friends I make, Ris will always be important to me.
Cupitan: And my feelings for her will never ever change.
Cupitan's eyes twinkle like an immaculate rainbow, not a shred of doubt in them.
Hekate: Wait, could it be...
Hekate: (How could I have misjudged her. That isn't desire in her heart...)
Hekate: Ah, how grand... It's pure devotion.
As the sun falls behind the horizon, a profound darkness blankets the beach.
Where Cupitan's deep devotion will lead her, not even the goddess of the night knows.
Pure Devotion: Scene 3
Having become new friends, Cupitan and Hekate stop by another shop, this time to buy gifts for (Captain) and the crew. As the group lights up sparklers on the shore, Hekate takes a seat next to Tikoh and tells her to look out for Cupitan. Tikoh tries to get an explanation for the cryptic warning, but finds the goddess has already left. At Cupitan's insistence, Tikoh joins her for an evening dip in the pool where she floats aimlessly on a floatie and ruminates over Hekate's words.
On their way back from the beach, Cupitan and Hekate make a quick stop at a souvenir shop.
Cupitan: Hey, Ris! Do you think we should get (Captain) a nice gift as a thanks for playing you?
Hekate: Dear, tell me... What exactly is going through your head when you say that?
Cupitan: Umm... I'm so happy to have more than one Ris? Or something like that.
Hekate: Hehe, I see... (Captain) seems to be a magnet for the oddest of folk.
Hekate: But despite all that's happened, I think I've taken a liking to you.
Cupitan: Same! I want us to become even better friends, Hekate!
Cupitan: You usually have a couple of black puppies by your side, right? I've always thought they're just the cutest!
Hekate: Ah, you mean Supo and Cubare?
Hekate: Apologies, my dear, but I can't let you pet my darlings. I'm afraid you'd be a little too much for them, you understand.
Cupitan: Aww! Come on, I won't do anything weird, I promise!
Cupitan: We're back!
Tikoh: Hey, Cupita— Whoa, what's with all the bags?
Cupitan: Ehehe... They're gifts for (Captain) and the crew. I got some for you too, Ti!
Cupitan: Ooh, and I picked up some sparklers! I thought it'd be fun if we all did them together!
Tikoh: Sparklers, huh... Sure, why not. It is summer, after all. Let's get everyone together after dinner.
(Captain) and the crew take Cupitan up on her offer and gather on the shore to light up the night.
Cupitan: Wow... These sparklers are so... sparkly! They look like flowers made of light.
Vyrn: Hey, Rainbow Girl. So, um... How're you feeling?
Cupitan: Ah, I'm great! I had a fun time making tons of awesome summer memories with Ris!
Lyria: Oh... So, are you back to the same old Cupitan?
Cupitan: Same old Cupitan?
Cupitan: Come on, Lyr, don't be silly! When am I ever not myself?
Hekate: ...
Tikoh: Mind if I sit next to you?
Hekate: Help yourself.
Tikoh: (Captain) told me about what happened.
Tikoh: From what I've heard you, uh... You had a rough time, huh.
Hekate: That would be an understatement. The nerve of that girl to exhaust me, a goddess...
Hekate: But you're the one who has to put up with her antics on a regular basis. I can't imagine how absolutely tired you must be.
Tikoh: Yeah...
Tikoh: But you know... She's not like that all the time. Cupitan's actually a really sweet girl.
Hekate: "Sweet," huh... Yes, her heart is pure.
Hekate: But you better look out for her...
Tikoh: Huh?
Hekate: I'm going back to the hotel. Good night, Tikoh.
Tikoh: Hekate? What did you mean by—
Cupitan: Hey, Ti! Did you hear? The hotel's got a pool! How about we go take a dip?
Tikoh: Now? Do you have any idea how late it is?
Cupitan: Ti, you were working all day, weren't you? I bet floating around will whisk away all of your fatigue!
Cupitan: Besides, I know you brought your swimsuit...
Tikoh: Wha! How do you know!
Cupitan: Hehe... I'm your friend! That's how, silly!
Tikoh: Ugh... Fine. I suppose floating around a bit wouldn't hurt...
Cupitan: All right! This summer night is just getting started!
Cupitan and Tikoh spend the rest of the evening relaxing in the hotel pool.
Cupitan: Sigh... Nothing more soothing than drifting aimlessly in a pool. It's so different from the ocean...
Tikoh: ...
Hekate: But you better look out for her...
Hekate's words echo in Tikoh's head as she lazes atop her floatie.
Cupitan: Hehehe... Now this is what I call a vacation...
Cupitan: We had so much fun... Didn't we, Ris?
And thus Cupitan's summer of frivolity with her comrades comes to a close.
However, at the end of her trip, it is not the friends nearby, but the one far away that still looms large in her heart.