Manamel Is a Cat
Manamel is thinking about what she can do for (Captain), as Halloween is just around the corner. Her dagger Vegalta takes her to Dante, a mage with great respect for cats. Manamel is surprised when Dante is able to guess what her troubles are about. She proceeds to ask him for a favor. Soon after, Dante rushes to (Captain) with Manamel—whose behavior has become completely like that of a cat—in tow.
One autumn afternoon, (Captain) is returning to the ship after completing a request.
Manamel: Welcome home, Master (Captain)!
- Er, I'm back...
- Master?
Choose: Er, I'm back...Choose: Master?Manamel: You must be tired! Well, Mana's at your service—I can give you a shoulder, arm, or leg massage!
Vyrn: Your service repertoire is sparse, huh...
Vyrn: Anyway, what's going on? You're usually busy doin' your own thing... What's with the generous attitude all of a sudden?
Lyria: Oh, you're dressed up as a maid! Are you acting along with your Halloween costume?
Manamel: You got it!
I'll do everything I can for... my dear master...
Manamel: ...
Manamel: Okay, why do I have to do everything? I'm the super cutest. Everyone's supposed to do everything for me!
Lyria: Huh? Um, Manamel?
Manamel: Makes no sense. (Captain)'s not my master and I'm definitely not a maid.
Vyrn: You're the one not makin' any sense here...
Manamel: Hmph. Let's get out of here, Vega.
Vegalta: ...
Manamel turns on her heel. Her dagger floats behind her, its tip pointing downward as if hanging its head in apology.
Vyrn: There she goes again... Just does whatever she wants, huh?
Dante: Indeed, she is quite the free spirit.
The crew turns toward the voice to see Dante, a mage deeply inspired by the freedom of cats and regards them as his mentors.
Lyria: Dante! You're a cat today!
Dante: Nothing compared to Manamel, of course. I am merely imitating in appearance, whereas Manamel's soul itself is just like a cat's.
Dante: I remember when we tried inviting her to the Halloween festival before...
Manamel: So yeah, that's our two rupies. Even if we do end up painting our faces, it's gonna be a design we really like.
Dante: I see. You both possess a spirit that cannot be swayed by others.
Dante: Freedom at its finest!
Dante: She turned down our invitation, then showed up after all in her own style of face paint.
Dante: She follows her heart, as grass bends to the breeze... How she conducts herself is an inspiration.
Vyrn: Her heart, huh? Still, I have no idea what she was tryin' to do in that costume.
Lyria: Could it be that she likes maids and wanted to practice being one?
Dante: ...
Manamel: Sigh...
Vegalta: ...
Vegalta nestles close to Manamel, who is now lying in bed.
Manamel: I know... I'm my own master. I just wanted to try my hand at the maid thing.
Manamel: I thought Halloween could be a good chance for me to do something for (Captain)...
Manamel: But that didn't work. What am I supposed to do now?
Manamel turns over on the bed and buries her face into the pillow.
Manamel: Wheeew...
Vyrn: What the... Manamel? This is (Captain)'s room!
Manamel: I know that.
Vyrn: Yeah, and that includes the bed and pillow...
Manamel: Yeah, no kidding.
Manamel gets up from the bed to stand in front of (Captain).
Manamel: ...
- Something wrong?
- Do I have something on my face?
Choose: Something wrong?Choose: Do I have something on my face?Manamel: Not really. Sorry I got in your way.
Manamel: Hm... I was hoping I'd figure something out in (Captain)'s room, but no luck.
She takes out a small mirror and stares at her own reflection.
Manamel: My makeup's so not on fleek. Get me my powder, Vega.
Vegalta: ...
Manamel: Hm? Wait. Why am I being such a simp for (Captain) anyway?
Manamel: That's weird. I mean, I'd always been flying solo...
Manamel: And then they went and said that to me.
"Whatever the reason, if you decide to leave someday, we won't stop you."
"We just can't abandon someone we know could use our help."
With those words, my life changed.
Manamel: Well, you're gonna have to take responsibility for showing up in my world like this all of a sudden.
Manamel lowers her head to sniff at her clothes, remembering how she had rolled in (Captain)'s bed in the same dress earlier.
Manamel: I've never remembered anyone's smell before...
Manamel: (Captain)'s not a stranger, or my master, or an attendant.
Manamel: What is (Captain) to me?
Vegalta: ...
Manamel: Wha! Vega? Where do you think you're going?
Manamel: Huff, huff...
Manamel: We're in... the dining hall? I'm not hungry yet though...
Dante: It seems the dagger has led you to me.
Manamel: Dante?
Dante: I came here to prepare some food for the cats. I'm happy to listen once I've finished my duties.
Manamel: ...
Manamel stands waiting as Dante quietly finishes his preparations. Once everything is ready, he turns back to Manamel.
Dante: I am aware of your business. You wish to know what (Captain)'s existence means to you exactly.
Manamel: H-huh!
Dante: You will not be able to express your emotions if you cannot find the answer to this question.
Dante: Cats, too, are independent creatures. I cannot help but see similarities shared among you and the way cats gauge the distance between themselves and others.
Manamel: Hmph. Please, stop talking like you know me.
Dante: My apologies. I did not mean to come off as arrogant.
Dante: Quite the contrary, actually—I respect how akin your behavior is to the ways of cats.
Manamel: Cats... Is it 'cause I'm dressed like this?
Dante: Your costume is splendid indeed. The freedom of cats and the devotion of a maid—one would think them to be contradictory...
Dante: And yet, the two elements go hand in hand to create a perfect harmony. The colorful tail in particular is... very nice.
Manamel: Hehe. Isn't it the super cutest?
Dante: That being said, what I am referring to is your very disposition, Manamel.
Manamel: My personality, you mean? I'm just being me.
Dante: Exactly. Is that not proof enough that you need not rush for an answer?
Dante: Surely it will come to you naturally when you are simply being yourself. Take Lady Afaka, for example—she does not search for a bed, but rather, falls asleep wherever it is warm.
Manamel: Cats, huh?
So I just have to... be myself...
Putting a finger to her chin, Manamel thinks for a while when an idea hits her. She smiles.
Manamel: Hey, Dante. I've got something I want you to help me with.
Lyria: The job ended so quickly today. We're free for the afternoon!
Vyrn: We can finally relax in our rooms! I think I'll snack on some apples and roll around—
Dante: (Captain)!
Vyrn: Whoa!
Dante: Apologies, (Captain)! I've... I've done something terrible!
Lyria: Dante? What's the matter?
Dante: I had kept quiet about it, thinking I could solve it on my own... but it was presumptuous of me to believe so!
Vyrn: Hey, calm down! Tell us what happened from the beginning.
Dante: It's my fault... I didn't know what I was doing. And now, Manamel's...
Lyria: Wh-what about Manamel?
Dante: She's turned into a cat...
Vyrn: ...
Wha?
Manamel: Meow...
Lyria: Meow?
The crew stare with their mouths agape as Manamel saunters to (Captain)'s bed before flopping onto it.
She turns over onto her back and lazily claws at the blanket, bringing it closer to her.
Manamel: Meeeow.
Manamel yawns and takes a big stretch.
- She's... a cat!
Choose: She's... a cat!Dante buries his face in his hands as Manamel lies leisurely in bed, not a care in the skies.
Just how will this Halloween cat fiasco unfold?
Macarons in the Sun
Dante explains to the others how the cat situation came to be: Manamel had told him that she wanted to learn from cats, and so he had suggested for her to imagine herself as one. As a cat, Manamel enjoys a peaceful time around the ship with (Captain) and lets the captain dote on her, though her mood turns foul at the drop of a pin. (Captain) strives to follow along with Manamel's whims.
With Halloween just around the corner, Manamel had planned to do something for (Captain) as a surprise.
Unsure what (Captain) meant to her, she had discussed her troubles with Dante.
But soon after, Dante came running to the crew, pale as a ghost. He explained to them that Manamel had turned into a cat.
Manamel is curled up on (Captain)'s bed, acting as if she owns the place.
Manamel: Meeeow.
Lyria: Oh, she looked the other way... Is she in a bad mood?
Vyrn: Maybe try giving her some pats? That might make her feel be—
Manamel: Hissss!
Vyrn: Wha! Hey, don't go scratchin' at me like that!
Dante: As you can see, it was quite difficult bringing her here.
Lyria: Um, Dante, how did Manamel become a cat in the first place?
The mage sighs and begins to explain, his expression somber.
Dante: I cannot reveal the details exactly, but Manamel came to me with some thoughts she wished to discuss.
Dante: I advised her not to rush for an answer, and that she should be herself just as a cat would.
Manamel: Hey, Dante. I've got something I want you to help me with.
Dante: Then I shall lend you a hand—or even a paw.
Manamel: What I want is a hand from the Master of Purple Flame. I heard you're a powerful mage that made himself a name even within the Crew of Enforcers.
Dante: Once upon a time, perhaps. Now I am merely a skyfarer with an appreciation for cats.
Manamel: I was thinking, maybe you're right. I could learn a thing or two from cats.
Manamel: But if I'm going to do that, I wanna make sure I do it right.
Dante: Manamel asked me to put a spell on her—one that would make her believe herself to be a cat.
Lyria: Wha! There's a spell like that?
Dante: There may be, but I am unfit to handle it. As such, I assisted her with self-persuasion instead.
Vyrn: You mean she persuaded herself that she's actually a cat?
Dante: It went beyond my expectations... I didn't think she would not only mimic their nature, but become one entirely.
Vegalta: ...
Dante: I appreciate the concern, Vegalta... but this is nothing short of a consequence my arrogance has brought upon us.
Lyria: Huh? You can tell what Vegalta is saying, Dante?
Dante: I can vaguely understand from the hints of magic coming from it. It was at Vegalta's suggestion that I came to find (Captain).
Manamel: Meow!
Dante: Hm. That sounded to me like a demand for attention.
Manamel: ...
Manamel's indicative eyes gaze toward (Captain).
Dante: The person she desires attention from is as clear as day.
Dante and the others exit the room, leaving Manamel and (Captain) to themselves.
Manamel: ...
Sitting comfortably on her stomach, Manamel kicks her legs up and down.
- A massage?
Choose: A massage?Manamel: Meow!
Picking up on the message, (Captain) proceeds to gently massage Manamel's legs.
Manamel: Meeeow!
The captain gives soft rubs starting from the paws, slowly working upwards.
Manamel: Hissss!
It appears Manamel is unhappy with the amount of force used. She retracts her feet and glares intently at (Captain).
- Sorry...
Choose: Sorry...Manamel: Meow...
The cat Manamel moves to the side of the bed, lightly batting the captain's hip with her pawed hand.
Dante: Ahh, 'tis paradise! Lord Vapaus's punches are a sign that he has given you permission to pat him.
Thinking back to Dante's story from before, (Captain) follows along and extends a hand out to pat Manamel's head.
Manamel: Mew...
She narrows her eyes in bliss, almost closing them. But when (Captain) tries stroking her ears...
Manamel: Hissss!
- This is hard...
Choose: This is hard...Tired of the less than satisfactory treatment, Manamel turns away and rolls around on the bed by herself.
- How about we go for a walk?
Choose: How about we go for a walk?Manamel: ...
- You want to play with a toy?
- You want to read together?
- You want the blanket over you?
Choose: You want to play with a toy?Choose: You want to read together?Choose: You want the blanket over you?Manamel: Grrr!
Taking the growl to be a threat, the captain puts distance between them for now.
Thinking to wait until Manamel's mood recovers, (Captain) heads to the desk to sort through some documents.
Lyria: I wonder if they're all right... Maybe we should be there with them.
Dante: It is the most basic of basics that others follow the pace of the cat. I think it is best to leave this to (Captain).
Vegalta: ...
Dante: I am ashamed at my own loss of composure. But Vegalta was not the least perturbed, and thanks to that I was able to regain my calm.
Dante: A truly mysterious dagger... I sense immense power harbored within it, and yet, a supreme sense of affection at its core.
Vyrn: Are you sure we can just hang around like this? There's no guarantee Manamel can go back to how she was before, right?
Dante: We must be patient and wait for an answer. That is the challenge Manamel herself is facing.
Dante: (Be yourself. It is then that you can truly face both (Captain) and your inner feelings...)
Macarons in the Sun: Scene 2
(Captain) thinks back to how Dante usually interacts with the cats and treats Manamel in a similar way. Hoping to understand Manamel more, (Captain) tries meowing. Manamel is surprised and reverts to regular speech. When she asks (Captain) why she is being allowed to do what she wants, the captain explains that it is because they are friends. Manamel leaves the room, saying that she doesn't like the situation.
The room is quiet, save the sound of (Captain) turning the pages of the ledger detailing the crew's jobs.
Manamel: Meow...
The captain senses a presence from behind.
Manamel: Meeeow.
It appears Manamel now wants attention, despite ignoring (Captain)'s efforts to play with her just a moment ago.
Dante: A walk? At this hour? Of course—I shall accompany you wherever you go, Lady Aselia.
Remembering how Dante usually handles these types of situations, the captain puts down the ledger and walks over to where Manamel is.
Manamel: ...
Manamel quietly nuzzles against (Captain)'s cheek.
Vyrn: Manamel sure likes to sneak into (Captain)'s room every now and then.
Lyria: Ahaha... She goes in and just sits there spaced out, doesn't she?
Dante: She must feel at ease there. Lord Mukuta is the same—sitting quietly on the sofa without a sound is one of his favorite activities.
Vyrn: So you're sayin' (Captain)'s like a giant sofa for Manamel?
Dante: I'm sure it feels soft and cozy for her.
(Captain) is on the bed, careful not to move. Manamel's head is resting comfortably on the captain's lap.
Manamel: Mreow...
Dante: You must become a cat yourself—otherwise you will not be able to understand.
Reminded of Dante's words, (Captain) coughs before taking a deep breath.
- Meow.
Choose: Meow.Manamel: ...!
- Why don't you talk to me-ow?
Choose: Why don't you talk to me-ow?Manamel: ...
Manamel: Why, meow?
Manamel: Why are mew letting me do what I want? You didn't have to go so far as to become a cat like me...
Manamel: I mean, this has to be annoying as heck. So meow come you're so chill about this?
- Because we're a team now.
Choose: Because we're a team now.Manamel: ...!
Is this about what you said when you first invited me into the crew?
(Captain) smiles and nods, but Manamel gets up abruptly.
Manamel: You know what? Fine.
Manamel: I don't like this one bit.
The captain hurriedly stands up and makes to follow Manamel, who has already exited the room.
Manamel: Don't follow me-ow.
Her cat persona still partially intact, Manamel turns her back on (Captain) and walks away.
Macarons in the Sun: Scene 3
A while later, Manamel calls (Captain) to her room and hands the captain some handmade macarons. With the captain's head on her lap, she explains that (Captain) is more than a mere friend to her, and she wants to be seen as someone special by the captain too. That night, Manamel reveals to Dante that she had pretended to become a cat to receive the attention she wanted from (Captain).
In the dining hall, (Captain) relays what happened to Dante and the others.
Lyria: And then Manamel left after that?
Vyrn: What's that supposed to mean? She doesn't like bein' a part of the team?
Manamel: I'll come with you guys. It's probably the best option for finding more information on my sister-boo.
Manamel: But once things get up and running for me, I might leave at any given time.
Lyria: Oh no, is Manamel leaving for good? We have to go look for her!
Dante: She told the captain not to follow, remember?
Vyrn: But she does all sortsa crazy stuff when she's by herself... What if she's in danger? We gotta be there to help!
Dante: There is no need to panic. Lord Rivera often goes on walks as well and returns to the ship before long.
Dante: ...
She must have found her answer.
Lyria: Her answer? What does that mean...
Manamel: So what's the entire squad doing here?
Vyrn: Manamel! We thought maybe you'd left the crew for good...
Manamel: Uh, what? You're being so extra.
Manamel: Anyway, I'm here for (Captain). Come with me to my room.
Manamel's room is lavishly decorated and filled with a pleasant fragrance.
Manamel: I'm sorry I just got up and left earlier.
- You're not a cat anymore?
Choose: You're not a cat anymore?Manamel: No... I came back to myself the moment you became a cat too.
She takes out a box decorated with ribbons, averting her gaze.
Manamel: Here, you can have this. It's macarons.
- You made this?
Choose: You made this?Manamel: Yeah, with one of those easy-bake kits. Not letting the batter get too dry or watching over how it bakes is too much for me, so making it from scratch isn't really my thing.
Manamel: I still wanted to do something for you though. All on my own.
(Captain) receives the box from Manamel and starts to thank her for the gift.
Manamel: Take that!
Manamel pushes (Captain) over onto the bed before sitting down herself, letting the captain's head rest on her lap.
Manamel: I don't like getting thanked by friends, so I'm not having any of that, okay?
Her finger is on (Captain)'s lips as she smiles impishly.
Manamel: When I was lying on your lap earlier... it almost felt like I was bathing in the sun.
Manamel: So warm and soft... I actually thought I could nap forever.
Manamel: So I'm gonna do the same for you.
- Why did you get mad back there?
Choose: Why did you get mad back there?Manamel: ...
Manamel: I was annoyed.
Manamel: To me, we're not just friends.
Manamel: I've never wanted to do something for anyone other than my sister-boo before.
Manamel: That's how I finally realized... that what we've got here is special.
Her hand strokes the captain's hair affectionately.
Manamel: Take a macaron, for example. The top and bottom pieces have to be the same, otherwise it won't be balanced.
Manamel: That's why I have to match you too. You get what I'm saying?
- Meow.
Choose: Meow.Manamel: Hehe... Dodging the question, are we? But I'll take that as a yes.
Manamel: Well, guess we should head back. I need to apologize to everyone.
Later that night, Manamel is on the deck of the Grandcypher, quietly gazing out into the starry sky.
Manamel: ...
Dante: I like the look on your face.
Manamel: Hehe, I am the cutest. My looks have gotta slay.
Dante: Er... that's not what I meant by that. What I am saying is...
Manamel: Thanks. I appreciate what you did.
Dante: Vegalta is the one you should be thanking. I had no idea at first...
Dante: That you didn't actually think you were a cat.
Manamel: ...
Dante: I didn't expect you to become the opposite of yourself... by acting as a cat.
Manamel: No, I followed your advice. I was being myself.
Manamel takes out a small mirror and peers at her reflection before turning back to Dante.
Manamel: I'm most myself when I'm perfectly made up.
Manamel: So I thought I could act coy like a kitten and have someone dote on me.
Dante: Haha, your resolution is strong. I'm glad to have been of help.
Dante: Your heart has found its answer—and that is something that can never be concealed.
Manamel: You're right. (Captain)'s... special.
Manamel: Still, for my sister-boo, I'd do... anything.
Vegalta: ...
Manamel: It's getting chilly. I'm going to head back inside.
Manamel lies in bed, burying her face into the spot where (Captain) had rested earlier.
Manamel: I'll probably have to pay a price for doing this.
Manamel: But even if I have to leave this place one day...
Manamel: I still want to bathe in your warmth. If only just for now...
Vegalta: ...
Vegalta drifts helplessly nearby, unable to wipe the tears from Manamel's eyes.
And so the stars shine on, overlooking the lost kitten as she wanders the distant skies.
