Red Dragon
The crew learns that the large man being whipped has been mistaken as a demon. When his tormentor tries to do the same to a girl by the name of Nina who comes by, she transforms into a fearsome dragon but is quickly subdued by (Captain) and company.
As the crew walks through an old town located on a distant island, a hoarse scream suddenly sounds off in the distance.
They rush to the commotion to find a large man being whipped.
Haughty Man: What's that? Not feelin' well? Need some time off?
Haughty Man: Ye'll get yer time off when ye finish yer damn job!
Brawny Man: Eeep! I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry...
Lyria cannot bear to watch the suffering any longer and approaches the brawny yet weak-willed man as if to protect him.
Lyria: Wait, please. Did he do something so terrible as to deserve all this?
Lyria: All people should be treated equally. I ask that you stop this.
Haughty Man: Pssh. All people, ye say?
Haughty Man: Cept this lunkhead ain't no person; he be a doggone demon!
Vyrn: No way! Demons are things of fairy tales!
Vyrn: Besides, everything about him screams bona fide person!
Lyria: Well, we've seen vampires and spirits, so demons wouldn't be too far out there...
Haughty Man: Oh, they exist, all right! I know all too well cuz my own two parents were slaughtered by the hellspawn!
Lyria: Huh?
Haughty Man: This island once saw a great war between humans, demons, and gods. 'Twas then that I lost my family to those sons o'...
Haughty Man: Cripes, I know the king did a ton to win us the war.
Haughty Man: But I sure as hell ain't ever gonna forgive the demons!
The haughty man raises his whip again after recounting his plight.
But Lyria refuses to budge, desperately trying to reason with him.
Lyria: You're going about this all wrong! This man's not the demon who killed your parents!
Haughty Man: Erm... Well... Heck, demons are all one and the same!
Lyria: No! This person's not even a demon!
Haughty Man: Ye've gotta be kidding me! Just take a gander at those thick, sinister-lookin' horns! Strength beyond that of any person! What the heck is he if not a demon?
Lyria: He's obviously a Draph.
Haughty Man: I know! That's what I've been sayin' all
alon—
Haughty Man: Wait... Draph?
Lyria: Yes, they're a people just like any other. Draph men are especially large, but they're also very dexterous and hardworking.
Lyria: Draphs are responsible for the steel production in Valtz.
Haughty Man: You're... not a demon?
Brawny Man: How many times do I have to repeat myself? Yes, I'm a Draph, and I don't know nothing about some blasted demon. Urgh...
Haughty Man: Rgh... Ye sayin' I've been wrong this whole time?
Haughty Man: There's no way I'm comin' to grips wit' this drivel!
Just as the haughty man falls into despair and lashes out again with his whip, a carefree, cheerful voice suddenly rings aloud.
???: Hey, is this all the cargo you need transported?
Haughty Man: Humph. What's it to you—
Haughty Man: What the... How the heck are you haulin' all that?
???: Oh, this is nothing. Is it cool if I just drop them here, mister?
???: There, all done!
???: Can you give the big guy a break now?
Brawny Man: Phew, you're a lifesaver, miss.
Haughty Man: Grr...
Haughty Man: I see the truth of it now! Yer colossal strength says it all—ye're the demon!
???: Geez, gimme a break. Don't try to make us your demon scapegoats.
Haughty Man: Shut yer piehole! Ye two were in on this together! Don't think yer gettin' outta this one!
Haughty Man: Get 'em, boys!
???: I said we're not demons!
???: (Geez, he's turned a deaf ear.)
???: But if you wanna fight that badly—
???: I'll take you on! Come at me!
Bodyguard: Protect the boss and drop 'em!
???: Hrrgh!
???: Wait, wait, wait!
???: Don't look this way!
Bodyguard: Don't you dare turn your back to us, girl!
Bodyguard: Oh, you're really gonna get it now!
The incensed bodyguard grabs the girl by her arm.
???: Hands... off...
Bodyguard: Huh?
???: Don't touch me!
???: You're making my heart race!
A crimson glow overtakes the girl's body.
Bodyguard: Yaaargh!
Haughty Man: W-what the hell is goin' on?
???: Groaaar!
(Captain) and company had managed to quell the raging dragon-girl, minimizing damage to the town.
Afraid of what the authorities might do with her, the crew brings her along, providing shelter on the Grandcypher.
She regains consciousness shortly thereafter and very happily partakes of the food brought to her.
???: Nom, nom... Chomp, chomp...
???: Glug, glug...
???: Munch, slurp... Mm...
Vyrn: Whoa... Is it just me or does she eat like a horse?
Lyria: Haha, more like eats like a dragon.
Nina stops mid-bite.
???: I must seem like such a weirdo...
???: Truth is I come from a dragon tribe.
???: I'm kinda half-baked though. You see, my dad was a full-fledged dragon, while my mom was human...
???: I prefer to stay in human form, though I can't help but turn every time there's
a good-looking guy around... I just get so excited...
Lyria: You're not so weird.
???: Huh?
Lyria: Um, might I ask your name?
Nina: Oh, sorry about that. I'm Nina. Nina Drango.
Lyria: You're definitely not a weirdo, Nina. You went out of your way to save that Draph earlier, and that just goes to show how kind you are.
Vyrn: That's right! Dragon Girl's as normal as any one of us!
Vyrn: Hehe, it feels like we're best buds already...
Nina: Thanks, everyone...
Nina: Oh... What am I ever going to do? They'd never let me stay in the village after doing something like that...
- Why not come with us?
- You'd better get used to hot guys.
Choose: Why not come with us?Vyrn: I thought you'd say that, (Captain)!
Lyria: Yeah, we'd love to have you aboard!
Nina: Huh?
Nina: But there's no guarantee I won't transform again... It could happen anytime...
Choose: You'd better get used to hot guys.Nina: Wh-wh-what? Get used to them?
Nina: That's not happening!
Nina: Try and make me, and I'll turn into a dragon again!
Nina: Humph!
Continue 1Vyrn: Hehe, no worries there. Our captain's a veteran skyfarer.
Vyrn: It was (Captain) who put you to rest earlier when you transformed.
Lyria: Mm-hm, Vyrn's right! And with so many strong crew members aboard, I'm sure you'll be just fine!
Nina: Really?
Nina: Ehehe, maybe I'll take you up on your offer then.
And thus the mysterious girl Nina, who transforms into a dragon in the presence of attractive young men, joins the crew.
Close Encounter
Upon spotting a dark shadow, Nina explains that it's her duty as a bounty hunter to chase down the rag demon. They chase the shadow into a cave only to learn that it's Zehek, whose good looks almost cause her to transform.
While on assignment on a remote island one day, a dark shadow sweeps across in front of the crew.
Nina: Ah! Rag demon! I've found you at last!
Vyrn: Rag demon? What's that supposed to be? It's not another Draph, is it?
Nina: Nuh-uh. Demons really do exist, you know.
Vyrn: Seriously? Hm, I've got my doubts...
Nina: Hahaha, I'll just have to hunt 'im down and prove it to you then.
Lyria: H-hunt? That doesn't sound very nice!
Nina: Truth is I'm a bounty hunter!
Nina: And that rag demon just now is on the top of my list of bounties. I'm still new to the world of bounty-hunting, but I'll make a name for myself if I can bring him in!
Nina: I need the money not just to catapult myself to fame... but also to make life easier for my mom.
Vyrn: So that's your story, huh. I guess you're more than meets the eye.
Lyria: I see... You'll just have to capture that rag demon then. We should help her, (Captain).
???: Ngh... Urgh... Huff... Huff...
Lyria: Be careful. It's right there.
Nina: Stand back, Lyria. You too, Vyrn.
Nina: You don't stand a chance against my whip, rag demon!
Nina: Here I come!
Lyria: Wait!
Nina: Hm? What's wrong, Lyria?
Any version of
Zehek is a crew member
Lyria: Huh... Is that you, Zehek?
Nina pays no heed to Zehek's rambling and proceeds to unwrap his bandages.
Zehek: Urgh... Pant... Wheeze... I know that voice... Lyria?
Lyria: I knew it!
Nina: Huh? What's this about?
Lyria: His name is Zehek, and he's in our crew too.
Nina: What? No way! What's he doing here in the first place?
Lyria: I'm sure he has his reasons...
Continue 1No version of
Zehek in crew
Lyria: He looks to be in so much pain with all those bandages. Is he injured somewhere?
Nina: Well, we don't call him rag demon for nothing...
Nina: Wait, I don't think he's the one I've been chasing...
???: Rag... demon?
Zehek: Urgh... I don't know who or what this rag demon is, but... I'm... Zehek...
Nina: Zehek? And you're not the rag demon?
Continue 2Zehek: Ack...
Zehek: Don't come any closer! You don't want to be around when I lose control!
Zehek: Cough... Huff... Puff... Rgh, my wretched mess of a body...
Nina: You look like you're hurting real bad. Anything we can do to help?
Zehek: Stop! Do not come any closer! Just... Uurrgh... Leave me be!
Nina: There's no way we're just gonna leave you stranded here. Rita gave me some really powerful vulneraries. Here, let me rub some on you.
Zehek: N-no... These bandages cover up no injury... Cough... My sickness is more magical in nature...
Nina pays no heed to Zehek's rambling and proceeds to unwrap his bandages.
Her hand stops in the moment the bandages fall on the ground.
Nina: ...!
Zehek: Wh-what's the matter... Your face is all red.
Zehek: Ngh, could it be my illness acting up again?
Zehek: Hey, turn this way! Give me a close look!
Nina: No, stop looking at me...
Zehek: Huh?
Nina: Huff... Huff... Keep staring at me, and...
Nina: I'm gonna turn into my dragon form! Hrrgh!
Zehek: What in the skies just happened?
Lyria: Oh no! Nina got all bothered when she saw your face, Zehek!
Zehek: Bothered?
Vyrn: Quick, Dragon Girl! Get outside to take a breather and pull yourself together!
Nina: Haah... Haah... You're right... I need some fresh air...
Monster: Groaar!
Nina: Rgh, at a time like this? All right, no holding back now!
Close Encounter: Scene 2
A dark shadow is thought to be the rag demon when it crosses the crew's path again during lunch one day—only it turns out to be Danua. She accidentally knocks over some plates from the shock of it all, resulting in tension with thugs sitting at other tables.
Having finished the job early, the crew is enjoying a late lunch at a local eatery.
Nina: What a shame. I was so sure I had the rag demon in my sights...
Lyria: Cheer up, Nina. We'll find him soon enough.
Vyrn: Yeah, this isn't like you at all.
Ooh, look at that! All your favorite meaty dishes are coming out now!
Nina: Wow, that looks so yummy!
Nina: Chomp!
A dark shadow flutters across Nina's line of sight.
Nina: Ah! That's the rag demon!
Lyria: What? Really?
Vyrn: You sure you're not just seeing things again?
Nina: No, I'm sure this time! I got a good look with my own two eyes!
Nina hastily gets up and makes a mad dash after the shadow.
(Captain) and company quickly try to catch up and happen upon the moment she grabs hold of the rag demon.
Nina: Got you, rag demon! Give it up already!
???: No...
Nina: Huh? Uh... Who are you?
Any version of
Danua is a crew member
Vyrn: Hold up a sec—Danua, that you? What brings you out here?
Nina: Hm? Is she your friend?
Vyrn: More like crewmate.
Nina: Erm...
Lyria: Hehe, what a surprise. Then again she's in her room most of the time.
Continue 1Gretel: Where are your manners, girlie! How about you tell us who you are first?
Nina: Right... Sorry about that, dollie.
Gretel: Gah, how rude can you get! The name's Gretel, and I ain't no doll!
Nina: And I'm the bounty hunter Nina!
Hansel: Watch out, you two. This girl tried to capture us just now.
Nina: Wrong! The one I'm after is the rag demon!
Nina: You must be crazy if you think I go around capturing cute girls like her!
Hansel: Humph... You expect us to believe that? Let's see you try to prove it.
Danua: Run...
Hansel: Wait, Danua. Don't touch tha—
Gretel: Shoot! You okay, Danua?
Danua: Danger...
Ruffian: What the?
Argh, now you brats have done it!
Hansel: Mhm... Uh-huh... Danua says this is getting dangerous.
Gretel: No kidding, Captain Obvious!
Ruffian: You even listenin', girlie? Don't space out when I'm talking to ya!
Nina: Back off, pal! That's no way to talk to a cute little girl like her!
Nina: Sure, she had a little accident. But that's no reason for you to be such a schmuck!
Ruffian: The heck did you call me?
Nina: Hehe, luckily looking at you doesn't excite me at all! I'll take you on!
Ruffian: You're makin' no damn sense, but what the hell!
Nina: Here I come!
Close Encounter: Scene 3
The crew finds a little girl covered in rags, which turn out to be her Halloween costume. Nina asks to join in on the fun, but they end up protecting the little girl from creepy
trick-or-treaters instead.
As (Captain) and company return to the Grandcypher, they bump into a girl clad in strange attire.
Girl: Hmm, tray-caw-tree-toe... Nuh-uh, doesn't sound right...
Girl: Umm, what was it again?
Lyria: Wow, that's some really unique clothing she's wearing.
Vyrn: Totally. She's got bandages all over her body.
Vyrn: Uh-oh, let's hope Nina doesn't go calling her a rag demon.
Nina: Oh, gimme a break. It's not like I do that to everyone who sports a mean bandage.
Lyria: Teehee...
Nina: Hi there, you live in the area? We really love your outfit.
Girl: Well, I was called to a fes-tea-ville in the next village.
Nina: A festival?
Girl: Uh-huh! The kids wear different kinds of outfits and walk all around the village!
Girl: We scare people and get candy!
Nina: You for real? That sounds way too much fun! I want in!
Lyria: There's no time for that, Nina. We need to get back to the Grandcypher before it gets dark.
Vyrn: Yep, it's too bad we have no time to kill.
Nina: Pretty pleeaase? Just for a little while.
Lyria: Hm...
Nina: What's the big rush anyway?
Vyrn: By nightfall creepy trick-or-treaters come out to harass people.
Nina: Creepy trick-or-treater?
Goblin 1: Trick or treat...
Goblin 2: Your choice of trick... or treat.
Girl: Ah! Now I remember! Trick or treat!
Girl: Ehehe, I knew tray-caw-tree-toe sounded wrong!
Nina: This is no laughing matter! With those goblins lurking about, it's on us to get her there safely!
Close Encounter: Scene 4
Nina laments on her series of failures for the day and begins to doubt her ability as a bounty hunter. But she just as quickly bounces back to her usual cheerful self, spreading laughter among the crew.
The crew delivers the girl to the village before returning to the Grandcypher.
Nina reflects on the day's events with a deep sigh while lying on her bed.
Nina: Sigh, it's not going too well.
Nina: I guess I'm just not cut out to be a bounty hunter...
Nina: Hm...
Vyrn: Chin up, Dragon Girl. It's too soon to throw in the towel.
Nina: Great, now I've got a lizard trying to cheer me up...
Vyrn: Hey, I ain't no li—
A knock on the door resounds across the room.
Vyrn: Looks like we've got visitors.
Lyria: Nina, Vyrn, relaxing after a long day, huh? Dinner's ready.
Nina: Sniff, sniff... Mm, that smells good.
Nina: Lemme guess... On tonight's menu is...
Nina: Beef stew!
Lyria: Bingo! There's freshly baked bread too. Put in some grilled cheese, and you're good to go!
Nina: You're making it sound so good, Lyria!
Vyrn: Hehehe...
Nina: What is it, Vyrn?
Nina: What are you snickering at me for?
Vyrn: You were totally down in the dumps just now, but Lyria mentions dinner and suddenly you're on cloud nine.
Nina: Grr, bad lizard!
Nina: Let's see you keep up that big mouth when we turn you into lizard stew!
Vyrn: Gah! I ain't no lizard!
Nina: Ahahahaha...
Lyria: Teehee...
Vyrn: Hehehe...
Though flabbergasted by her behavior, the crew can't help but break into a smile at her cheerful and carefree attitude.
Nina's sullen mood, in turn, brightens up at everyone's hearty laughter.