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Poacher's Day/Story
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Poacher's Day - Opening
The chief fisherman of Benthic Island watches as more and more of his compatriots wind up injured, and he has no choice but to accept help from skyfarers. Meanwhile aboard the Grandcypher, Carren can barely contain her excitement for the crew's vacation on Benthic Island.
An anomaly strikes Benthic Island, one of the islands among the Auguste Isles and home to stalwart fishermen.
Fisherman 1: Chief! We've got another man down!
Fisher Chief: ...!
A bevy of injured men are hauled over to the fisher chief.
Fisherman 2: Shoot! Those blasted lily-livered swine caught us off guard at sea again!
Fisher Chief: Rest up.
Fisherman 2: It's all my fault, Chief... Shoulda been more careful...
Fisher Chief: ...
Kaz: Goodness gracious, it looks like you have your hands full here, Arma.
Arma: Mm-hm.
Kaz: Even the Auguste Fishermen's Guild considers the recent events to be a real problem. We've gotta handle it somehow.
Arma: Damn poachers...
Kaz: One word to Siero and she'll arrange for an able crew of skyfarers to assist.
Arma: Don't need 'em.
Kaz: Don't be absurd. Look, I know you want to keep this all strictly fisherman business, but the clock is ticking.
Arma: The queen...
Kaz: You can bet your fishing rod and then some that Siero's help in all this will take care of the problem.
Arma: ...
Arma: Do what you have to...
Arma crosses his arms and gazes into the distant sky.
He sees a blue airship fast approaching.
Carren: Hm-hm-hmm...
Eugen: There you are, Carren. You sure seem to be in a good mood.
The girl, humming as she strolls along the halls of the Grandcypher, turns to meet Eugen's gaze.
She spots (Captain) there too and approaches with something in her hands behind her back.
Carren: ...
Eugen: Oh boy, something real good must've happened.
Eugen attempts to figure out the mischievous grin on her face.
Carren: C'mon, Eugen! This is the beach we're talking about! I've been looking forward to this for, like, for-eeever!
Carren: You've gotta check out my new bikini! I had it custom-made just for the occasion!
Carren proudly whips out her swimsuit and flutters it around.
Carren: Haha! I'm gonna looove feeling the gentle sea breeze against my skin with this on! And I can't wait to munch on all the yummy beach food! Buh-bye, life's savings!
Eugen: Geez, all right already... It's good to let loose once in a while—just don't overdo it, you hear?
Carren: Hah! If (Captain)'s with me, you've got nothing to fear!
Eugen: Sigh... If anything should happen to you, I'll never be able to face my cousin.
Carren not in crew
This perky girl on such friendly terms with Eugen is Carren Estapera, self-proclaimed acting captain of the crew.
(Captain) and company's first encounter with her happened some time ago.
???: Wait!
Carren shows up out of the blue just as (Captain)'s crew prepares for liftoff one day.
Eugen: What's with all the yelling? And who's this girl?
Carren: I'm Carren Estapera!
Eugen: Estapera? So that makes you one of my second cousin's kids?
Carren: I want to see the world! But my family wants me to take over the family business...
A distant relative of Eugen, Carren comes from a bloodline of magicians. She grew tired of the constant magical research tasked upon her.
Carren: Please, please, pretty please, Eugen! Won't you let me come along?
Eugen: Brace yourselves—sounds like she's coming with us no matter what I say...
Eugen has a sit-down with Carren's parents and ultimately decides to have Carren join in on the crew's adventures for a while.
She's been having the time of her life as the self-proclaimed acting captain of the crew ever since.
Eugen: Speaking of cousins, another letter just came in.
Carren: ...
This is from my parents?
This is from my parents?
Carren takes the letter from Eugen and opens it up.
"Hey, sweetie. It's been a while. Hope you're doing okay? Say hello to Eugen for me and be good to him."
"To tell you the truth, we can't stop worrying about how you might mess up somehow and fall into grave danger."
Carren: Ugh! It's just another letter telling me to come home!
Feeling irritated, Carren folds up the letter and tosses it into her bag.
Carren: Man, I was totally living the skyfarer life here. Why'd they have to go and put a damper on it all?
Carren: And have I ever caused a problem here? No! It's been smooth sailing the whole way! Blech!
Eugen: Haha. It's just the occasional letter, Carren. Relax.
Carren: Humph. Doesn't matter how many letters they send—it's always the same come home—we miss you sorta crap. Heck, I might as well stop replying all together!
Eugen: Hm? You haven't been sending any replies lately?
Carren: Leave. Me. Alone! This discussion is over!
Not wanting to upset her any further, Eugen changes the topic.
Eugen: I gotta say though, Benthic Island sure is a strange place to visit for a vacation. There's nothing but fishermen there.
Carren: Huh?
Oh, right!
Oh, right!
Carren: Word is that the knickknack gal is turning the place into a kind of resort destination.
Carren: I hear their specialty dish is different from what they've got at Mizarea and Yudhisthira. Whatever it is—I can't wait to dig in!
Eugen: Heh, you sure did your homework on this. Gotta say I'm impressed.
Carren: Well, hey, it's not like we get to go to the beach every day, you know? Figuring out all the deets beforehand will help us settle in faster to make the most of it.
Eugen: Hahah! Hear that, (Captain)? This sounds like a vacation to remember.
Eugen: Rackam and I have an errand to take care of elsewhere. But we'll come back to this island when we're done. Watch over Carren for me till then, will ya, (Captain)?
Carren: You'd better show up soon, Eugen!
Eugen: You can count on it!
Eugen: ...
Oh! The island's coming into view now!
Oh! The island's coming into view now!
Carren: Aaah! Look at that, (Captain)! It's beautiful!
Carren excitedly tugs on (Captain)'s arm while pointing out the window.
Many thrills lie in wait for Carren at Benthic Island.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 1: Sandy Beach Encounter - Episode 1
(Captain)'s crew members—some of whom have never been to the sea before—take in the sights of Benthic Island. Carren has chosen this island for its famous delicacy, sea urkin, and she leads the crew to the nearest restaurant.
(Captain) and company have arrived at Benthic Island of the Auguste Isles for their summertime beach bash.
They drop off their belongings at the nearby lodgings and head straight for the coastline.
Carren: We're here...
Carren: We're here at the beach! Woo-hoo-hoo!
Carren's feverish jubilation fills the air as she runs about the sunny beach in her new swimsuit.
(Captain) and the others watch with amusement.
Lyria: Haha, Carren looks so happy!
Lunalu: Phew, I'm surprised she can run around like that in this heat.
Vyrn: Right? She's like a kid in a candy store. I just hope she doesn't trip and fall.
Korwa: Hehe... You've gotta admit that swimsuit suits her real nice though. No surprise of course considering I was the one who designed it.
Lyria: Yeah, I can tell she just loves it!
Korwa: The perfect swimsuit for all the fun and frolic to be had in those out-of-the-way resort destinations—that's the theme I ran with.
Vyrn: Out-of-the-way resort destination? Hm... Now that you mention it, there aren't many other people here...
Jessica: My little bro—I mean Ayer... He mentioned something about Sierokarte turning this simple fishing island into a resort.
Korwa: Oh, yeah, yeah! You know about that too, huh? The whole idea behind it is to build a quiet resort that's a grade above all the others, if I remember correctly.
Korwa: Meaning this place is too good to attract any scummy lowlifes, fortunately for us.
Lyria: Um, one grade above the others? Maybe it's too good even for us?
Korwa: Ahaha. Don't worry about that. We're friends with the owner here.
Lyria: I guess you're right...
Lyria: Well then let's make the most of this, (Captain)!
Izmir: Oh my...
Charlotta: The beach!
Charlotta: Wow, I didn't think it'd be this big...
Charlotta: Conquering this beach will be another stepping stone on my road to maturity!
Charlotta: Ngh! The waves—
Charlotta: I let my guard down too easily! These waves are not to be trifled with!
Charlotta: Eep!
Lyria: Ahaha... The seawater's nothing to be afraid of, Charlotta.
Charlotta: Me? Afraid? Never!
Izmir: Hehe, the constant ebb and flow of the tide... The soft prick of the lovely sunshine... Ah, I can feel myself heating up already.
Vyrn: Whoa, sounds like you've really taken a liking to the beach, Winter Wondergirl.
Izmir: Well, this is my first time at a beach... It truly is wondrous... Are there any fish in this giant, salty puddle?
Siegfried: No... It would seem that this island harbors few fish.
Lyria: Hm... Does that mean the residents don't get to eat fish on this island?
Siegfried: True enough for fish. But many other types of macrobenthos dwell in these waters.
Lunalu: ...
Wow, Siegfried... You sure know a lot about this place.
Wow, Siegfried... You sure know a lot about this place.
Lunalu furtively sketches away as she speaks.
Siegfried: I've journeyed here before in search of a certain variety of shellfish. I became familiar with all kinds of sea creatures by reading through various records and journals.
Lunalu: Hmm...
(A knight who searches for his fated partner... Who turned out to be nothing more than a shellfish...)
(A knight who searches for his fated partner... Who turned out to be nothing more than a shellfish...)
Vyrn: It sure is strange hearing about you vacationing on a beach though.
Siegfried: I figured knowing more about the environment in which these shellfish thrive would be useful knowledge for when I brought exotic shellfish back to Feendrache.
Lunalu: Aha...
(A knight and his little freshwater friend... Ah, the endless possibilities...)
(A knight and his little freshwater friend... Ah, the endless possibilities...)
Lunalu: (The tales of a true knight can be so stimulating... I have to make sure I get every last drop!)
Lunalu: Oh, sorry for steering the topic toward you, Siegfried... So what is it that people eat most on this island?
Charlotta: You said something earlier about macrobenthos? I'm still lost here...
Siegfried: Macrobenthos refers to marine life visible to the naked eye living near the sea bed like shellfish, shrimp, crabs, and octopus.
Jessica: That reminds me. Ayer also mentioned this, but...
Jessica: This island harbors massive sea creatures known as sea urkins—a famous delicacy in these parts.
Choose: What's a sea urkin?
Carren: That's right, sea urkins! One bite of their tantalizingly soft golden flesh and you'll be on cloud nine—I guarantee it!
Izmir: Sea urkin...
Carren: I made sure to find out where they're being served! Let's all go have some right now!
Izmir: Mm, I'd like that... Sea urkins with everyone sounds nice.
Carren: It's decided then! Off we go to the best restaurant on the island!
Carren: Follow me, boys and girls!
Vyrn: You sure are fired up... By the time we're done here, we're all gonna be so pooped out...
A young man watches the friendly banter from a distance.
???: ...
Jessica: Ayer. There you are. We're off to eat right now.
Ayer: I'm fine, Sis... I still don't feel like I fit in yet. But you go ahead and have a good time with them.
Jessica: Nah, let's spend it together. It's not often that you want to come out to the beach, so we might as well.
Ayer: Humph...
Vyrn: Heyo! Come out and play with us, Ayer!
Ayer: ...!
Don't surprise me like that!
Don't surprise me like that!
Vyrn: C'mon, last one to the restaurant is a rotten clam!
Ayer: Urgh! Quit pushing me!
Jessica: Hehe, looks like they're getting along just fine.
Jessica takes in the endearing sight and chases after (Captain) and the others.
This eventful summer vacation at Benthic Island is sure to be a memorable one.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 1: Sandy Beach Encounter - Episode 2
An apologetic waiter informs the crew that urkin isn't available in the restaurant nor can it be found in the markets despite being the right season. Disappointed but undeterred, Carren leads the way to the fishermen village where there's bound to be urkin.
Izmir: Doo-dee-doo...
Choose: Having fun?
Izmir: Yes... Very much.
Izmir: I enjoy walking along the coast like this with everyone.
Choose: Liking it here?
Izmir: Yes. The sandy beach, the rocky shoreline... It's all so beautiful.
Izmir: It was always nothing but a pale white in the snowy mountains, so it's nice to see so much variety here...
Continue 1The crew continues along the coast with Carren taking the lead, map in hand.
Carren: There's a small settlement straight ahead. The restaurant there serves sea urkins.
Lyria: Teehee. You're really getting into this, Carren.
Carren: Hehe. The eats are where it's at for a place like this!
Carren: Without some funsies to sprinkle in our lives, where's the enjoyment in all those missions we do, right? All the more reason to party hard!
Vyrn: Oh boy... Well, just make sure you've still got some rupies left on you when this is all over.
Carren: It'll be fine! The rupies'll keep flowin' as long as the missions keep a-rollin'!
Though flabbergasted at Carren's wasteful outlook, the crew continues toward the restaurant.
The crew passes through the entrance only to be confronted by a giant object.
Giant Object: ...
Carren: Look, (Captain)! It's a sea urkin shell!
Lyria: That's really big... It's way too much for one person...
Lunalu: It looks big enough to swallow me up.
Siegfried: "Sea urkins lurk in the extreme cold of the sea floor." Hm, truly fascinating.
(Captain) and company's mouths are already watering just looking at the restaurant's display of sea urkin shells.
Waitress: My apologies, but I'm afraid we're not serving sea urkins today...
Carren: What! But why? Sea urkins are in season right now, aren't they?
Waitress: That's true, but they haven't been showing up in the market lately...
Carren: Nooo...
(Captain) and the others struggle to find words to console the utterly dejected Carren as they leave the restaurant.
Carren: Sigh... It's too bad, but we won't be having any sea urkins here.
Jessica: Mm... That's a real shame...
Carren: But! We might be able to find some at the fishing village farther down from here.
Ayer: Even though they haven't been showing up in the market? This better not be a waste of time.
Carren: Can't say for sure, but we might as well give it a shot, and we can still keep a lookout for places to check out later along the way.
Carren: C'mon, Ayer! This is a great opportunity to hang out with your sis!
Ayer: ...
It appears Carren has already confirmed the location of the fishing village beforehand.
Not keen on giving up just yet, Carren marches forward with the rest of the crew following behind her.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 1: Sandy Beach Encounter - Episode 2: Scene 2
A young woman minding her own business on the beach is soon embroiled in a dispute between fishermen and thugs. The crew happens upon this tense scene and decides to intervene on the woman's behalf.
???: ...
A young woman lingers listlessly in the shade a fair distance from the coastline.
???: All ten of us at the beach, huh?
???: I thought it'd be fun doing something to bask in my youth, but here I am sitting all alone...
She squints her eyes against the bright light of the sun and stares into the distant sea, tuning out to the gentle undulation of the waves when suddenly...
Fisherman 1: You goons have some nerve showing up here!
???: ...!
Goon 1: Hyaa-haa-haa! Say your prayers, scallywags!
Fisherman 1: Can our boat handle this?
Fisherman 2: Hell to the yes! Once we land, this battle's ours! We'll fight them off as always!
Fishermen: Raah!
The lapping of the waves soothing her mood have been replaced by the angry bellows of men.
???: Those voices...
Goon 2: Well, would you look at that? This fine lass must have booty up the wazoo!
???: Who are you?
Goon 2: You some kinda tourist? Your luck must've run out to bump into us like this!
???: Speak for yourselves.
In the next instant, she loosens an arrow of light in the direction of the goons.
Goon 2: Urgh!
???: Ngh! My eyes...
Goon 3: Blimey! Ye ain't no simple tourist, are ye?
Goon 3: Then we ain't be needin' to hold back either! Go get her, mateys!
Goons: Hyaa-haa-haa!
???: ...!
Fishermen: Damn you!
Eat this!
Hiiiyaaa! Let's see what you've got!
Carren: What the... It sounds like some tough guys are having their own little war here.
Stopping the crew's advance are two groups of stalwart men engaged in a no-holds-barred fight.
Carren: Why the heck is this happening? I thought this was supposed to be a quiet resort island?
Carren clutches her head, bewildered by the current state of affairs.
???: Ngh!
Goon 3: Hiiyaaa! Don't go away! Come back and play wit' us, poppet...
Goon 3: Wha? Thar be other tourists here too!
Carren: What's with these disgusting pigs? I am not letting them get in the way of my vacation!
Goon 3: Hyaa-haa-haa-haa! Now that ye've seen us, we can't just let ye go! Have at 'em, mateys!
Poacher's Day - Chapter 1: Sandy Beach Encounter - Episode 2: Scene 3
The woman turns out to be Tweyen of the Eternals, and she is here with Seofon and Threo at Sierokarte's request. Coincidentally the trio also has business with the fishermen, and so the expanded party continues toward the fishermen village.
Goon 1: Argh! Lemme go!
The crew ties up the goons and approaches the young woman.
Tweyen is a crew member
Lyria: Are you okay...
Lyria: Ah! Tweyen, it's you!
Tweyen: Hm? Lyria? You too, (Captain)?
Tweyen: Hehe, thanks for the help.
Lyria: But what are you doing in a place like this?
Tweyen: My friends invited me here. We figured this would be a nice opportunity for us Eternals to spend some time together.
Vyrn: Ah. I can't imagine the loser goons we just beat up posing a threat to you though.
Tweyen: Truth is... I'm not feeling so well right now...
Vyrn: Weirder things have happened...
So what's the deal with you anyway?
So what's the deal with you anyway?
Tweyen: Have you noticed how strong the sunlight is on this island?
The crew hears her out.
Tweyen not in crew
Carren: Miss! Are you okay?
???: Huh?
Lyria: Are you hurt anywhere?
???: Erm... Well...
The young woman appears to be uninjured, but the surprised look on her face suggests joy in being showered with concern over her well-being.
Charlotta: Everything is under control! These riffraff do not stand a chance against us!
Tweyen: Mm... Hehe, thank you. My name's Tweyen. Pleasure to meet you.
Tweyen: My friends invited me to an outing on the beach, but I wasn't feeling too well. So I went off to cool down.
A smile is now visible on the young woman's face.
Continue 1Goon 1: Hyaa-haa-haa! Ropes undone!
Vyrn: Ack! They're getting away!
Goon 2: Hah, ye guys are the real losers! Ye didn't even notice the knives in our boots!
Despite their embarrassing defeat earlier, the goons quickly stand back up, knives drawn.
???: All righty. Playtime's over, boys. Best stop before you get hurt.
Goon 1: Blimey! Who the heck are you?
???: I prefer not to introduce myself to the lowest common denominator. But I'll indulge just this once since you want to know so badly.
Seofon: I am Seofon—Star Sword Sovereign and leader of the Eternals!
Goon 2: Hah! Strongest, ye say? Ye don't even got a weapon on ye... Get him!
Seofon: Hah hah hah! Too bad for you, I've got more weapons than you can count!
Goon 1: Huh? What the—
Seofon: Let's see here... I've got this executioner sword that's lopped off thousands of heads... And then there's this hero's broadsword that's cut dragons in two with a single swipe.
Seofon: Oh, oh! Can't forget about this little bad boy that slowly rots your body away if it even touches you!
Seofon: It's true they're only astral projections of the original creations, but believe me—they cut just as deep and with every last shred of magic present in the originals!
Seofon: Sooo... Which one should I use first...
Eeny. Meeny. Miny. Moe. Catch a goon by the toe—
Eeny. Meeny. Miny. Moe. Catch a goon by the toe—
Goon 2: I be as confused as th' rest of ye, but one thin's fer sure—he's super dangerous!
Hyaahaha! Reportin' t' Allfather!
Hyaahaha! Reportin' t' Allfather!
Realizing that they don't stand a chance, the goons make their getaway using a ship they had hidden away.
Carren: Ah! Hold it!
Carren: What the... That ship is fast!
The ship makes off with blazing speed, giving the crew no chance to catch up.
Lyria: Well, I'm glad they're gone, but who were they anyway?
Seofon: Sheesh. Talk about law and order on a resort island, eh?
After waving to the scurrying goons, Seofon turns to look at (Captain) and the others.
Seofon: Hm? Aha, if it isn't (Captain)! Great seeing you here!
Vyrn: Tweyen and Seofon? Hm, it's not often we see the Eternals moving about together.
Carren: Oopsie. Sorry we didn't recognize you in that getup, otherwise we wouldn't have interfered.
Seofon: Hahaha... You're way too kind!
Tweyen was in a bad way, so I came to check up on her.
Tweyen was in a bad way, so I came to check up on her.
Vyrn: Whaddaya mean by that? Did Tweyen eat something funny?
Tweyen: That's not it... My sight doesn't seem to work too well on this island.
Seofon: Hm? Aha, if it isn't (Captain)! Great seeing you here!
Seofon: Thanks for helping my friend back there! Double... No, triple thanks! You guys are tight!
Carren: Your friend? You mean she's one of the Eternals too?
Seofon: Yep. Here, I'll introduce you.
Say hello to Tweyen, best archer with the sharpest pair of eyes you'll find in the skies.
Say hello to Tweyen, best archer with the sharpest pair of eyes you'll find in the skies.
Seofon: She literally sees everything with those eyes. If you're her target, and you're standing on the same island... Well, let's just say you won't be standing for much longer.
Vyrn: Whoa... Guess you could've handled it yourself, huh? Sorry for buttin' in back there...
Tweyen: No apology needed... Truth is, my sight doesn't seem to work too well on this island.
Vyrn: Whoa! This guy doesn't look like your run-of-the-mill skyfarer...
Seofon: Howdy, are you guys tourists? Thanks for saving my buddy here!
Carren: Seofon, leader of the Eternals, huh? Looks like we just got to know someone really amazing!
Carren: Anyway, sorry for butting in back there. We didn't know you two were together.
Seofon: Oh, don't worry about it! I had some stuff to take care of, so you guys did great stalling them!
Seofon: Tweyen wasn't feeling too well, so I left her alone here to go fill out the paperwork for our stay—and that just dragged on forever and ever.
Vyrn: Whaddaya mean she wasn't feeling well? Did Tweyen eat something funny?
Tweyen: That's not it... My sight doesn't seem to work too well on this island.
Vyrn: Whoa! These guys don't look like your run-of-the-mill skyfarers...
Seofon: Howdy, are you folks tourists? Thanks for saving my buddy here!
Carren: Your buddy? You mean she's one of the Eternals too?
Seofon: Yep. Here, I'll introduce you.
Say hello to Tweyen, best archer with the sharpest pair of eyes you'll find in the skies.
Say hello to Tweyen, best archer with the sharpest pair of eyes you'll find in the skies.
Seofon: She literally sees everything with those eyes. If you're her target, and you're standing on the same island... Well, let's just say you won't be standing for much longer.
Vyrn: Whoa... Guess you could've handled it yourself, huh? Sorry for buttin' in back there...
Tweyen: No apology needed... Truth is, my sight doesn't seem to work too well on this island.
Continue 2Tweyen: The sun's rays are so bright here, and when they reflect off the seawater, it just gets in the way of what I can see. So I really owe you one for helping me out back there.
Seofon: Seems like increased susceptibility to strong light is a side effect of her extraordinary sight.
Seofon: It sure is a surprise even to me though.
Tweyen: Yes... In actuality we might have trouble with the mission...
Carren: Mission?
Seofon: Yep, you heard right. We're doing a little something for Siero.
Seofon: When I heard it was a resort island, I figured it'd be a great place to just kick back and relax after finishing the job, so I called the Eternals here.
Seofon: Some were busy, some didn't even bother to respond... And well, only three of us ended up coming here!
Seofon: Meh, I thought I was at least a little more popular than that.
Tweyen: ...
Seofon: See, even Tweyen's feeling bummed out. Sigh... Kinda sucks, I tell ya...
Tweyen: Erm... I'm not really... all that bummed out...
Carren: You mentioned three of you showing up, so who's the last one?
Seofon: Ah, she should be over there.
???: Ground Zero!
An earsplitting crackle resembling that of cannon fire sounds off in the distance, making a giant splash along the surface of the sea.
Threo is a crew member
Vyrn: Ooh, so it's Threo...
Seofon: That's right! Her voice is a pretty obvious one, isn't it?
Threo: Fiddlesticks! I thought the open seas were supposed to have oodles of fish!
Threo: Feed me fish now! Rgh!
Seofon: ...
Threo not in crew
Lyria: Yikes! Wh-wh-who is that?
Seofon: Best axe wielder you'll find in the skies, Threo of the Eternals.
Threo: The fish usually come up when I do this...
Threo: What the? Are the fish on this island that strong? I'm gonna give it another go!
Threo: Meteor Thrust!
Seofon: She's such a big eater that she even hunts dragons for their meat. Her monstrous brute strength is definitely her hallmark.
Continue 3Seofon: Yoo-hoo, Threo! Don't you think that's enough environmental destruction for today?
Threo: Grr...
Threo: Seofon! These seas won't give me any fish!
Seofon: Hey, calm down already. Didn't I tell you there aren't that many fish on this island?
Threo: Oh, that's right! Tell me where the sea urkins are then! I need food! Now!
Seofon: Geez, you'll get your food... as soon as we finish this one mission.
Carren: Is the problem this island faces so serious that they gotta call in the Eternals?
Seofon: Sure sounds like it. But we just got here ourselves, so I can't say for sure till we meet up with Siero in a bit.
Tweyen: Have you discovered the location of the fishing village Siero's staying at?
Seofon: Nope, not yet. How about you, (Captain)? Any clues where it might be?
Vyrn: Carren's bringing us there right now actually.
Carren: Is it cool if we go to the Knickknack Shack together, Seofon? If something bad is happening on this island, we'd like to know about it too.
Seofon: You're more than welcome! We know next to nothing about the island! So if you could give us a few pointers about this place while we're heading to Siero's...
This chance encounter between the crew and the Eternals leads to them joining up for a visit to the fishing village.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 1: Sandy Beach Encounter - Episode 3
Sierokarte and Kaz greet the party at the village, explaining that recent attacks on the fishermen have warranted the hiring of the Eternals. (Captain) offers to help too but is rejected by Arma, chief of the fishermen, for being too inexperienced.
Seofon: Sorry to keep you waiting, Siero! I kinda got lost on the way here.
Sierokarte: Welcome, and thank you for coming all the way out here!
Kaz: Oho, (Captain)! You fellows came along too? It's been a while! Hope y'all been doin' all right.
Lyria: Kaz! Good to see you. And yes, we're doing great!
After greetings, they immediately proceed to the topic at hand.
Carren: So, Siero, we heard something big is going down on this island.
Sierokarte: Truth is... Sea urkin poachers have been showing up en masse lately.
Carren: Could that be why they're not showing up in the market?
Sierokarte: Uh-huh. Business is at an all-time-low for all the restaurants in town.
Ayer: Ain't urkin supposed to be, like, the biggest source of revenue for the locals here?
Sierokarte: You heard right! That's why a swift resolution is needed if we're going to save this island's economy.
Kaz: What's more, the poachers have been taking a different approach lately.
Siegfried: How so?
Kaz: They used to gather urkins stealthily, but now it seems they've started attacking urkin fishermen out in the open.
Sierokarte: Every vessel that goes out comes back wrecked.
Siegfried: So that's what we got caught up in back there. Well, there goes our vacation.
Izmir: ...
Carren: What's wrong, Izzy?
Izmir: Mischief-makers...
Izmir: I will not forgive them for getting in the way of my precious vacation with everyone!
Carren: I'm with you on this. Why don't we use this chance to help Seofon and everyone? It wouldn't be much fun watching out for those goons while playing on the beach anyway.
Sierokarte: With your crew's help, (Captain), I'm sure this case'll be solved in no time!
Sierokarte: Now as compensation for this assignment...
The reward money Siero offers is much greater than usual—befitting of the exigent nature of this mission.
(Captain) considers the lump sum of rupies to be fair compensation for the cut in the crew's vacation time.
Carren: Can you tell us what you know so far?
Kaz: Those poachers target any fishermen they spot out in the open, and their ships are some of the fastest I've ever laid eyes on.
Kaz: Today's band of fishermen made it back to shore, thankfully enough.
Carren: So what's the deal with those ships? I've come to Auguste time and time again, but this is the first time I've seen a ship go that fast.
Kaz: Now that's a mystery no one's uncovered yet. One thing's for sure though: their sails and oars aren't what's doing the trick.
Carren: If it's not their rowing and not the wind, then... Could they be using an airship engine?
Kaz: Not from what I hear.
Kaz: Anyway the gist of it is that they're ridiculously fast, and they sink any smaller vessels they cruise past.
Kaz: A few fishermen head out and not much later, we hear about their boat sinking. And it all happens so fast we don't have a single eyewitness.
Seofon: Meaning we'll have to head out for some urkin-fishing ourselves if we hope to figure out what the deal is with these poachers.
Kaz: Indeed. It's a dangerous job, this one.
Seofon: All righty then. Let's go ask a few idle fishermen if we can tag along.
Threo: What's that? We're finally going out for some urkin munchies?
Kaz: Yo, Arma. I brought with me a few skyfarers.
Seofon: I'm Seofon, Star Sword Sovereign and leader of the Eternals.
Carren: Erm... I'm Carren, acting captain of (Captain)'s crew... Oh, and this is (Captain).
Arma: ...
Vyrn: (Is it just me, or is this guy kind of intimidating?)
Carren: (Shh! You don't wanna let him hear that!)
Arma: They're kids...
Sierokarte: I know many in (Captain)'s crew may be young, but I can vouch for their strength.
Carren: Erm... So as I was saying, I'm the acting captain, Carren. We've heard about the problem with the poachers, and we were wondering if we could help.
Arma: ...
Carren: So... Um...
Carren: (What do we do, (Captain)? He won't even respond to me!)
Arma: ...
Choose: We'll protect your fishermen!
Choose: We'll even help fish up some urkins!
Arma: Absolutely not!
Lyria: Yikes! Wait! We didn't come here to fight!
Arma: ...
Carren: Sheesh! What's your problem, old man?
Arma: You'll die.
Leaving nothing but that distasteful remark, Arma walks off.
Carren: What the... Did he just tell us we'll die?
Carren: Hey, where the heck do you think you're goin'!
(Captain) and company hold back the incensed Carren to prevent any further conflict.
The crew mull over what Arma's true intent may be, but they remain baffled.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 1: Sandy Beach Encounter - Episode 4
Puzzled by Arma's cold reaction, the crew learns that outsiders are not allowed to accompany the fishers under normal circumstances. For now the fishermen will cooperate by supplying the party with information.
Vyrn: Sheesh, what's up with that guy?
Carren: Humph! The old fart takes me for a fool just because I'm an outsider girl!
Fisherman 1: Oi, is something the matter? The chief just came out looking real troubled.
(Captain) and company explain the situation to the concerned fisherman.
Fisherman 1: I see... So that's why the chief's got his fundoshi in a bunch.
Fisherman 1: Our rules stipulate that urkin fishermen do not bring outsiders along unless it's absolutely essential.
Seofon: Aw, shucks. We took on the task of dealing with those poachers, but without any intel we might as well be fish out of water.
Fisherman 1: Then feel free to ask us anything. Only the chief can grant permission to ride on our boats, but we'll gladly help in any other way we can.
Carren: Why don't we use this chance to split up and gather as much info as we can?
Poacher's Day - Chapter 1: Sandy Beach Encounter - Episode 4: Scene 2
It turns out that urkin poachers have been attacking the fishermen, though strangely no urkin have appeared in the markets, black or otherwise. As the crew wonders about the true motive of the poachers, an urkin suddenly washes up on shore.
Fisherman 1: Okay, so the poaching of urkins is still an ongoing problem, but none of 'em are showing up in the markets—not even the black markets.
Fisherman 1: Really sorry we can't accommodate you with the delicious urkins this island is known for.
Fisherman 2: Urkin-fishing boats are one-of-a-kind, reinforced with specially armored plating to withstand the sharp spikes of the creatures.
Fisherman 2: Don't matter how tough we make our boats though. The poachers sink 'em all.
Fisherman 3: Believe me when I say we can put up a good fight. Otherwise we wouldn't be fishing urkins. Creatures of the sea are many times more dangerous than your average monster.
Fisherman 3: So when poachers started showing up a few years ago, we fought them off ourselves. But ever since they've gotten ahold of those new-fangled ships...
(Captain) and company had decided to split up and survey the fishermen before meeting back up to discuss what they learned.
Seofon: Hm... Poaching is normally done for profit, but none of the sea urkins are showing up for sale anywhere.
Ayer: They supposedly fetch a real good price in the black market.
Jessica: Any chance they stopped trading urkins temporarily to raise the prices?
Siegfried: Unlikely. Urkins don't last long after being harvested. They'd have to be taken alive and fed over the long-term if the poachers mean to preserve them.
Siegfried: They could drop them all off in one part of the seas, or they could use a giant preservation tank. Either way reproducing their natural habitat is no easy feat.
Lunalu: Capturing them alive sounds impossible to begin with. They're supposedly way more fierce than the average monster—not to mention their size.
Threo: They're probably eating all the yummy sea urkins themselves.
Seofon: Not likely. If you consider the frequency at which these poaching runs are happening, they're picking up more urkins than they can eat.
Korwa: Hm... If they're just looking to profit, I don't see why they'd go so far as preparing those high-speed ships and battling the fishermen.
Charlotta: I thought we might be able to track their whereabouts by learning more about their poaching habits, but it looks like there's no easy way about this...
Seofon: How about you, Tweyen? Did you notice anything while gazing from high above?
Tweyen: Nothing at all... My superior sight's not much help when the reflection off the water is so great.
Tweyen: If only we were farther inland, I'd easily be able to track their footsteps.
Vyrn: Oh boy, this one's a real stumper...
Lyria: Ngh, my head hurts from all the thinking...
With little info in hand, the crew appears to be at an impasse.
Carren: I guess our only choice is to somehow follow the fishermen...
As Carren mutters to herself, something suddenly shakes up the scene.
Fisherman 2: It's a sea urkin! An urkin's come ashore!
Siegfried: What? But those things are supposed to lurk pretty deep in the seas. How did it even get up here?
Sea Urkin: ...!
Fisherman 2: You tourists don't come any closer! Someone get the chief!
Sea Urkin: ...!
Fisherman 2: Urgh!
The sea urkin's spikes extend to pierce the fisherman's shoulder.
Vyrn: Uh-oh! He needs our help! Let's go, (Captain)!
Sea Urkin: ...!
Poacher's Day - Chapter 1: Sandy Beach Encounter - Episode 4: Scene 3
The crew leaps into action to protect the fishermen from the urkin. Carren thinks she has delivered the final blow to the urkin, but Arma is thankfully present to save her from a surprise spike attack.
Sea Urkin: ...!
Carren: Wham!
Sea Urkin: ...
Vyrn: Not bad! We showed this urkin who's boss!
Carren: Hah! They're nothing compared to the type of monsters we usually take on!
Carren turns her back to the sea urkin.
Sea Urkin: ...!
???: Get down!
Carren: Huh?
Arma: Tsk!
Arma: Aargh!
Arma forces the sea urkin's shell open, throwing its spikes against the sandy ground.
Carren: A-Arma?
Arma: You hurt?
Carren: I'm fine...
Arma: Good.
Arma walks away without saying another word.
Fisherman 1: Everything okay, miss?
Fisherman 2: Their hardiness is not to be underestimated... Gotta say, that was a pretty close call though.
Carren: Arma... saved me? But I thought he hated outsiders...
Fisherman 1: You've got it all wrong. The chief's just a bit clumsy and tends to keep to himself.
All along Carren was under the impression that Arma had outright rejected the crew's very existence, but his actions proved otherwise.
The crew continues to be perplexed at what Arma might possibly be thinking.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 2: Fishermen of Benthic Island - Episode 1
Brawny men lurk within a dark cave, biding their time until their leader gives them the signal to move. Meanwhile Carren takes another crack at persuading Arma to let the crew go fishing with him, and he finally relents.
???: ...
A small group collectively hold their breath in a small cave.
They each have equally brawny bodies, and their heated breaths reek of their overflowing lust for violence.
???: Allow me to expound on why I choose to have you stay inside despite our manpower.
???: Freedom and oppression are akin to light and shadow. Without light, there is no shadow; and without shadow, there can be no light.
???: You stand still as stone for now—in order to understand the oppression you must defeat and to truly savor the freedom that will come at the end of the tunnel.
???: Alas, our time is near. It shall finally be our turn to mock, besmirch, and trample those who would fetter our freedom.
Goon 1: Oooh!
Goon 2: Awaitin' yer orders!
Goon 3: Hiss...
???: Humph, simmer down, my sons. As I said... Our time draws near.
The men fade into the damp moist of the darkness, biding their time to come.
Carren: ...
Lunalu: Why would you want to visit that scary guy again?
Carren: We'll need his permission if we're to do anything.
Lunalu: But won't he just brush you off once more?
Carren: Heheh! That won't happen again! I've got something up my sleeve this time.
The sound of a hammer at work resonates louder and louder as the crew approaches Arma's abode.
Arma: Humph!
Arma focuses his entire being into pounding away at the red-hot steel sheet.
Lunalu: Looks like he's busy...
Carren: Uh-huh.
Arma: It's you folks...
Arma: You'll have to wait.
Carren and the others quietly watch as Arma continues banging on the steel sheet.
Arma: What do you want?
Carren: I thought we should pay our respects to the leader of the village.
Carren: It's not much, but I brought a little souvenir from a famous shop in Port Breeze for you...
Arma: Don't need it.
Carren: Huh?
(Crap. What now?)
(Crap. What now?)
Lunalu: (So this is what it means to not give someone the time of day...)
Arma: ...
Arma reflects on what Carren might be thinking.
Arma: I'll have it.
Carren: Hm?
Arma: Come in.
Arma accepts the gift and goes back inside the house.
Carren: Ah... Oh, okay.
Arma: Guests.
Carren: Hello, coming in.
Arma's Wife: Why, hello there.
Oh my, how rare of us to have guests—such young ones at that! Are they from outside the island?
Oh my, how rare of us to have guests—such young ones at that! Are they from outside the island?
Arma: Mm-hm.
Arma's Wife: Please make yourselves at home.
I know Arma can be a bit hard to talk to, but—Oh, let me get you folks some tea!
I know Arma can be a bit hard to talk to, but—Oh, let me get you folks some tea!
Her eyes stop at the object Arma has placed on the table.
Arma's Wife: Oh, you even brought a souvenir for us? Sorry for the trouble. I hope Arma didn't refuse it like he usually does.
Arma: ...
Arma's Wife: Sigh, I know he can seem really curt and blunt with how little he talks, but that's just how he is. I hope you didn't take offense.
Arma: ...
Carren: Ahaha, that's good to know...
The crew is relieved to know the truth about Arma's brusque attitude.
With a memo in hand to help her guide the conversation, Lunalu speaks.
Lunalu: Sooo... what were you doing outside, Arma?
Arma: Preparing.
Arma's Wife: The fishermen of this island spend an entire year just preparing everything they need to harvest sea urkins. That's just how dangerous they are. People come back injured every year.
Arma's Wife: Making the armored plates for our boats, the special weapons and other equipment used specifically for harvesting urkins—there's just so much to get ready.
Lunalu: Special weapons? Is the sword on the wall over there one of them?
Lunalu's eyes are transfixed on the sword affixed to the wall sporting an exceptionally long handle.
Arma's Wife: That's for the queen of the urkins. There's only one of them roaming the seas each year. Queens are remarkably strong with a shell to match, so the sword's custom-made for that.
Lunalu: Only one a year? Is it like a queen bee type of thing?
Arma's Wife: Much of the island's revenue comes from catching the queen urkin. It's many times larger than your typical urkin, and we get sooo much more meat off of it.
Arma's Wife: It's my husband's job to prepare for the queen's hunt. That's what he was doing with the steel plate outside. It goes on the mother ship we use when going after the queen.
Arma removes the sword from the wall and draws it from its scabbard while listening.
Arma: I call it the Duskbringer.
Arma's Wife: If you look closely, the tip is a different color than that of most other swords. It's actually made from a special gold brick.
Arma's Wife: The way it glitters resembles that of the setting sun, hence the name Duskbringer. It's only good for one use, so we have to make one from scratch each year.
Carren: Sounds like a ton of work...
Carren: Wait, you even use gold bricks?
Arma: Can't crack the queen's shell without it.
Arma's Wife: All this work—the steel plating on the boats, the sword... It's all so that the fishermen can have a fruitful harvest and come home safe.
Arma's Wife: But the number of people that return injured each year never decreases. Ever since Arma took on the role of chief, over a hundred villagers have given up fishing due to injuries.
Arma: And nine.
Arma's Wife: Right, a hundred-and-nine in total.
Carren: Is that why you refused us earlier? You were afraid we might get hurt?
Arma: Yes.
Arma's Wife: It is the duty of the fisherman to brave all dangers of the sea—that is the creed of all anglers on this island. Entertaining the guest takes utmost priority.
Arma: A fisherman's pride, if you will.
Carren: ...
Carren takes a deep breath and carefully chooses her next words.
Carren: Arma. Please understand that what I'm about to say on the behalf of the crew here is not as a tourist... but as a skyfarer.
Carren: We understand full well how dangerous this is. Yet we would still like to request permission to go on one of these hunts. So that we can do our job.
Arma: You'll die.
Carren: Don't expect us to back down so easily just because you think it's impossible or too risky.
Carren: My parents tried their hardest to stop me from becoming a skyfarer just because it's dangerous, but here I am...
Arma: ...
Carren: What's more... I owe you one for covering me back there and getting injured as a result.
Arma: ...
Follow me.
Follow me.
Arma's Wife: Wha... You're seriously taking them fishing?
Carren: Ahaha, we did it! C'mon, (Captain)!
=== 2: Fishermen of Benthic Island===
Brawny men lurk within a dark cave, biding their time until their leader gives them the signal to move. Meanwhile Carren takes another crack at persuading Arma to let the crew go fishing with him, and he finally relents.
???: ...
A small group collectively hold their breath in a small cave.
They each have equally brawny bodies, and their heated breaths reek of their overflowing lust for violence.
???: Allow me to expound on why I choose to have you stay inside despite our manpower.
???: Freedom and oppression are akin to light and shadow. Without light, there is no shadow; and without shadow, there can be no light.
???: You stand still as stone for now—in order to understand the oppression you must defeat and to truly savor the freedom that will come at the end of the tunnel.
???: Alas, our time is near. It shall finally be our turn to mock, besmirch, and trample those who would fetter our freedom.
Goon 1: Oooh!
Goon 2: Awaitin' yer orders!
Goon 3: Hiss...
???: Humph, simmer down, my sons. As I said... Our time draws near.
The men fade into the damp moist of the darkness, biding their time to come.
Carren: ...
Lunalu: Why would you want to visit that scary guy again?
Carren: We'll need his permission if we're to do anything.
Lunalu: But won't he just brush you off once more?
Carren: Heheh! That won't happen again! I've got something up my sleeve this time.
The sound of a hammer at work resonates louder and louder as the crew approaches Arma's abode.
Arma: Humph!
Arma focuses his entire being into pounding away at the red-hot steel sheet.
Lunalu: Looks like he's busy...
Carren: Uh-huh.
Arma: It's you folks...
Arma: You'll have to wait.
Carren and the others quietly watch as Arma continues banging on the steel sheet.
Arma: What do you want?
Carren: I thought we should pay our respects to the leader of the village.
Carren: It's not much, but I brought a little souvenir from a famous shop in Port Breeze for you...
Arma: Don't need it.
Carren: Huh?
(Crap. What now?)
(Crap. What now?)
Lunalu: (So this is what it means to not give someone the time of day...)
Arma: ...
Arma reflects on what Carren might be thinking.
Arma: I'll have it.
Carren: Hm?
Arma: Come in.
Arma accepts the gift and goes back inside the house.
Carren: Ah... Oh, okay.
Arma: Guests.
Carren: Hello, coming in.
Arma's Wife: Why, hello there.
Oh my, how rare of us to have guests—such young ones at that! Are they from outside the island?
Oh my, how rare of us to have guests—such young ones at that! Are they from outside the island?
Arma: Mm-hm.
Arma's Wife: Please make yourselves at home.
I know Arma can be a bit hard to talk to, but—Oh, let me get you folks some tea!
I know Arma can be a bit hard to talk to, but—Oh, let me get you folks some tea!
Her eyes stop at the object Arma has placed on the table.
Arma's Wife: Oh, you even brought a souvenir for us? Sorry for the trouble. I hope Arma didn't refuse it like he usually does.
Arma: ...
Arma's Wife: Sigh, I know he can seem really curt and blunt with how little he talks, but that's just how he is. I hope you didn't take offense.
Arma: ...
Carren: Ahaha, that's good to know...
The crew is relieved to know the truth about Arma's brusque attitude.
With a memo in hand to help her guide the conversation, Lunalu speaks.
Lunalu: Sooo... what were you doing outside, Arma?
Arma: Preparing.
Arma's Wife: The fishermen of this island spend an entire year just preparing everything they need to harvest sea urkins. That's just how dangerous they are. People come back injured every year.
Arma's Wife: Making the armored plates for our boats, the special weapons and other equipment used specifically for harvesting urkins—there's just so much to get ready.
Lunalu: Special weapons? Is the sword on the wall over there one of them?
Lunalu's eyes are transfixed on the sword affixed to the wall sporting an exceptionally long handle.
Arma's Wife: That's for the queen of the urkins. There's only one of them roaming the seas each year. Queens are remarkably strong with a shell to match, so the sword's custom-made for that.
Lunalu: Only one a year? Is it like a queen bee type of thing?
Arma's Wife: Much of the island's revenue comes from catching the queen urkin. It's many times larger than your typical urkin, and we get sooo much more meat off of it.
Arma's Wife: It's my husband's job to prepare for the queen's hunt. That's what he was doing with the steel plate outside. It goes on the mother ship we use when going after the queen.
Arma removes the sword from the wall and draws it from its scabbard while listening.
Arma: I call it the Duskbringer.
Arma's Wife: If you look closely, the tip is a different color than that of most other swords. It's actually made from a special gold brick.
Arma's Wife: The way it glitters resembles that of the setting sun, hence the name Duskbringer. It's only good for one use, so we have to make one from scratch each year.
Carren: Sounds like a ton of work...
Carren: Wait, you even use gold bricks?
Arma: Can't crack the queen's shell without it.
Arma's Wife: All this work—the steel plating on the boats, the sword... It's all so that the fishermen can have a fruitful harvest and come home safe.
Arma's Wife: But the number of people that return injured each year never decreases. Ever since Arma took on the role of chief, over a hundred villagers have given up fishing due to injuries.
Arma: And nine.
Arma's Wife: Right, a hundred-and-nine in total.
Carren: Is that why you refused us earlier? You were afraid we might get hurt?
Arma: Yes.
Arma's Wife: It is the duty of the fisherman to brave all dangers of the sea—that is the creed of all anglers on this island. Entertaining the guest takes utmost priority.
Arma: A fisherman's pride, if you will.
Carren: ...
Carren takes a deep breath and carefully chooses her next words.
Carren: Arma. Please understand that what I'm about to say on the behalf of the crew here is not as a tourist... but as a skyfarer.
Carren: We understand full well how dangerous this is. Yet we would still like to request permission to go on one of these hunts. So that we can do our job.
Arma: You'll die.
Carren: Don't expect us to back down so easily just because you think it's impossible or too risky.
Carren: My parents tried their hardest to stop me from becoming a skyfarer just because it's dangerous, but here I am...
Arma: ...
Carren: What's more... I owe you one for covering me back there and getting injured as a result.
Arma: ...
Follow me.
Follow me.
Arma's Wife: Wha... You're seriously taking them fishing?
Carren: Ahaha, we did it! C'mon, (Captain)!
Poacher's Day - Chapter 2: Fishermen of Benthic Island - Episode 2
Arma teaches Carren and the others how to fish for urkin and the importance of masking their own smell so as not to alert the urkin to their presence.
Now with permission to accompany the harvest, (Captain) chooses a select few members to board the fishing vessel.
As they approach the habitat of the sea urkins, the crew listens to an explanation from the fishermen.
Fisherman 1: Um... Okay, I'll try to make this simple.
Fisherman 1: To split them open first of all, you'll have to dodge their spikes when extended and then stab them anywhere around the mouth.
Fisherman 2: Make sure the sword goes in all the way, and then make a twirling motion as you pull it out to slice off the mouth.
Fisherman 1: Once the mouth is gone, you crack open the shell and take out the insides... Chief, are you serious about letting them come along?
Arma: Yes.
Fisherman 2: Even though their breeding grounds are a well-guarded secret among us fishermen?
Arma: It's fine.
Fisherman 1: Well, if you say so, Chief...
Since the spikes are still active even after you split the shell open, you'll want to chuck them into the sea.
Since the spikes are still active even after you split the shell open, you'll want to chuck them into the sea.
Carren: Right.
Fisherman 2: But geez, the chief sure has taken a liking to you. I just hope he doesn't get carried away and tell you the queen's location.
Charlotta: Carren, I presume we won't just be protecting them, but we'll be assisting with the harvest as well?
Carren: Uh-huh. There's no guarantee the poachers won't attack us while harvesting deep underwater.
Carren: (Captain) and I will go with the harvesting group; you and Siegfried protect the boat while we're underwater.
Siegfried: Understood. No poacher will touch this boat as long as I live. Be careful out there.
The fishermen continue to explain the precise steps they will be taking for the harvest.
Siegfried: The depth of the waters has changed. We must be approaching sea urkin territory.
Carren: If the urkins live this far below sea level, how did one make its way ashore?
Fisherman 1: Who knows... The things have been acting up ever since those poachers came into the picture.
Something rocks the boat from below.
Carren: Ngh! Hey, Chief, could this be...
Arma: Urkins.
Fisherman 1: They must've noticed the shadow of the boat looming over them and come over to see what the deal is. We'd be sunk right now if not for the steel plating.
Fisherman 2: Here at last. Unlike the one we saw ashore, the urkins here are on full alert. Watch yourselves.
Arma: Use this.
Arma hands Carren a bottle filled with oil.
Carren: Hm? What do I need this fragrant oil for?
Fisherman 1: The urkins remember the smell of any species they've encountered before, especially ones they perceive to be a threat. That includes monsters, fish, and us.
Siegfried: Meaning they can detect us by our smell.
Fisherman 2: That's right. They're considerably more aggressive when they notice you in advance.
Fisherman 1: That's why we use a different type of fragrant oil every year...
Fisherman 1: Oi, Chief! What are you doing? You haven't applied any oil on yourself yet!
Arma: I'm going ahead.
Carren: Wh-what? Arma! Wait!
(Captain) and Carren go after Arma, who dove headfirst into the water without making the usual preparations.
Sea Urkin: ...
Carren: (There's so many black chunks down here...)
Ahead of them is Arma, skillfully dodging the seemingly infinite number of spikes.
Arma: ...
Carren: (Geez, this guy's reckless!)
Arma: ...
Brushing off Carren's concern, Arma dives deeper to where the sea urkins lie.
Sea Urkin: ...!
Arma: ...!
Arma sends glances back to (Captain) and Carren every so often while dexterously evading the extending spikes of the urkins.
Carren: (Could that be his way of teaching us how to avoid the spikes?)
As if to say that he's demonstrated more than enough, Arma gestures for the skyfarers to follow suit.
Carren: (Here we go, (Captain)! Let's show him what we can do!)
Sea Urkin: ...!
Poacher's Day - Chapter 2: Fishermen of Benthic Island - Episode 3
The crew finally gets to enjoy a taste of the urkin after the successful harvest with Arma. Their enjoyment is short-lived when they hear sounds of poachers attacking the village.
Carren: We're back!
(Captain) and the others return to the fishing village with a successful haul.
Lyria: Welcome back, Carren! Looks like the harvest went well!
Carren: Hehe! Kept you waiting, huh. We brought back loads of urkins!
Threo: Oooh! Quick! Quick! Gimme a bite!
Vyrn: Hooray! Three cheers and a bite for all of us!
Izmir: So this is the flesh of a sea urkin... What a beautiful gold color...
The crew looks curiously at the body of the sea urkin.
Jessica: ...?
Hey, Ayer, the flesh doesn't feel all that meaty, does it?
Hey, Ayer, the flesh doesn't feel all that meaty, does it?
Ayer: Yeah, it's more like a clump of urkin eggs. They can only be harvested during this season before the eggs are laid.
Seofon: Well, someone did their homework. Where'd you pick up that little tidbit from?
Ayer: Can't remember—probably from some book.
Lunalu: Hmm... (It's not often I get to see one of these up close! I'll have to make sure to sketch it.)
Siegfried: To be precise what we see here are the reproductive glands of the urkin.
Lyria: Let's start eating!
Siegfried: Heh... Maybe that's too much info...
Izmir: Nom, nom... Mm, the rich texture just melts in my mouth...
Charlotta: The sweet and scrumptious texture blends so well with the tender bitterness and ocean fragrance... Ah! A taste most suitable for a grown-up!
Korwa: Yum, Benthic sea urkins in my mouth at last! Now this is what I'm talking about!
Korwa: Hey, you're not gonna have any?
Tweyen: Erm, well... It's not like I did much to catch these...
Carren: Oh, don't worry about that! Consider it a treat from us, Tweyen! C'mon, dig in!
Tweyen: Hehe, thanks.
(Captain), too, takes a bite of the freshly caught sea urkin.
Carren: So? How is it, (Captain)? Doesn't it make our trip to Benthic Island totally worth it?
Choose: It's delicious.
Carren: Ehehe, right? I'm so glad I looked up everything about this island beforehand.
Choose: It was definitely worth it.
Carren: Yeah. I love seeing everyone so happy like this.
Continue 1Arma: Heh.
Fisherman 1: Haha, even the chief's pleased to hear all this praise!
While (Captain) and crew are taken with the luscious taste of the sea urkin, Seofon asks a most important question.
Seofon: So there were no signs of the poachers after all?
Carren: Yeah. Strange, isn't it? I thought they attacked every boat that went out there.
Charlotta: Hm... Could it be because we were also on the boat?
Siegfried: That's certainly a possibility. It makes sense to be more careful when attacking vessels guarded by veteran skyfarers.
Carren: Well, if that keeps them at bay, then things work out just fine for us.
Izmir: Yeah... An uninterrupted vacation is best.
All seems well as they continue feasting on the sea urkins, content that things played out in their favor.
???: Hyaa-haaa!
Their bloodcurdling screams instantaneously spoil the peaceful atmosphere, the sounds of chaos and mayhem ringing out across the village.
Izmir: ...
Arma: It's them!
Carren: Tch, blasted poachers! I didn't think they'd come after the village directly!
Goon 1: Hey, dudes! Did you hear they hired some thigh hairs!
Goon 2: No, you fart-face! It's skyfarers they hired—not thigh hairs! They're the ones who set up us the bloodbath earlier!
Goon 3: Gyahahaha! All yer island are belong to us!
Ayer: Shut the hell up. You nauseating pigs disgust me.
Carren: Things might actually work out better with them in the village... Capture them all!
Izmir: Gladly. I'll turn them to ice.
Carren: Hm?
Izmir: Please be silent.
Izmir: Red Blast...
Poacher's Day - Chapter 2: Fishermen of Benthic Island - Episode 3: Scene 2
With the poachers subdued and restrained, Carren tricks her captives into disclosing the location of their hideout.
Goon 1: Gyaaah! What's up with this frosty box? She just froze my pal!
Goon 2: ...
Izmir: I like people who are full of life. But you boys are an exception. This is goodbye.
Goon 1: Eeep!
Lyria: Yikes! Izmir, I think you can stop now!
Vyrn: Yeah! That's enough already, Winter Wondergirl!
Izmir: But why? Did I do something wrong?
Izmir: I can't forgive them for ruining my wonderful vacation.
Tweyen: ...
Tweyen: We need them for info. And if they're going to give us info, they need to be alive and conscious.
Izmir: ...
Izmir: I see... Alive it is then.
Vyrn: (Whew, I sure hope I never get on her bad side...)
Goon 3: Ouchie...
Ayer: Is that all of them?
Jessica: Yes... More importantly are you okay, Ayer? Did you get hurt back there?
Ayer: I'm fine. Don't worry about me.
Ayer: Let's get to interrogating these goons already.
Ayer pushes the goon to where his other comrades are all tied up.
The interrogation to uncover the whereabouts of their leader and the truth behind the attacks on the fishermen is about to begin.
Goon 1: Lemme go, lemme go! You scruffy-looking chumps!
Goon 2: Y'all scrumrag pieces of uselessness! Don't make me send y'all to the farm!
Goon 3: Aaargh! Ye entitled sons of biscuit eaters quaking in yer boots yet?
Vyrn: Geez, put 'em all in one place, and you end up with this nasty racket.
Ayer: Humph, dumb bunch of punks.
Jessica: Two, four, six... There's around twenty of them total.
Goon 1: Cripes! Don't matter if you've got us here! Allfather's bound to come to save us!
Carren: Allfather? The goons we fought before mentioned the same thing.
Seofon: Just as I thought: they're acting as a single unit.
Goon 2: Gyahahaha! Y'all got that right! Y'all be bustin' a grumpy when you find out the organization we represent!
Vyrn: So you've got a hideout somewhere then.
Goon 1: Hehehe! Mom's the word on that one!
Seofon: Mum, you mean... Anyway it looks like we'll have to seriously ramp up the torture if we hope to learn anything here.
Seofon attempts to put the pressure on the goons, but his threats fall on deaf ears.
Goon 2: Hyahahaha! Too bad for you, smarty-pants! Allfather's scarier than y'all could ever be!
Seofon: Meh, I've never been big on torture anyway. But this does leave us with a problem though...
Izmir: Can I freeze them?
Vyrn: Whoa, why don't you chill out for a bit, huh?
(Captain) and company think of their next move as they calm Izmir down.
The stomachs of the poachers growl.
Goon 1: Food, food, food! Hey, feed us already!
Goon 2: I'm hungry, I'm hungry. I can't take it anymore!
Charlotta: Their insolence is beyond words.
Goon 1: Gyahaha! Didn't anyone ever tell you you're supposed to treat your prisoners nice?
Carren: ...
Let's get back to our food, guys.
Let's get back to our food, guys.
Goons: Ooh!
Carren: Whoever said anything about food for you losers? If you want grub... you know what you have to do.
Goon 1: Tch! No amount of chow is gonna make me talk! I'm not falling for that one!
Carren: That's really too bad... Because for today's lunch we're having exotic fish you'll be hard-pressed to find around these waters.
Carren whips out a fish from the storage tank, lights up her sword with a soft flame, and gently roasts the fish with it.
Carren: Mm-mm-mm! Now does that smell good or what!
Goons: Ngh!
Carren: You want some of this?
Goon 1: Give it to me!
Carren: Where's your hideout?
Goon 2: Behind the third cape!
Carren: It's all yours!
Goons: Hyaa-haaa! Food!
Carren: Heheh, how about that, (Captain)? I bet they haven't even realized we've already sniffed out the location of their hideout.
Seofon: We ambush them now, and we might be able to catch them all in one fell swoop. Whew, good going, girl!
Carren: One problem solved! And on to the next!
We're heading out! Let's go, gang!
We're heading out! Let's go, gang!
Poacher's Day - Chapter 2: Fishermen of Benthic Island - Episode 4
(Captain), Carren, Siegfried, Charlotta, and Ayer arrive at the mouth of a cave where the poachers are hiding. They see signs of a giant, dangerous creature but continue into the cave on high alert.
The information from the poachers proves true, as there is indeed a cave hidden away behind the west cape.
Charlotta: They did well to cover their tracks, but there are definitely signs of life here. I think this is really it.
Siegfried, who went ahead to scout, returns to (Captain) and the others.
Siegfried: It's odd, but I don't see lookouts posted anywhere. Being cornered shouldn't become a problem if we charge in.
Ayer: I'm feeling out of it... Let's give the head of these punks a beatdown already.
Carren: I'm with you, Ayer. Where's your sister by the way?
Ayer: She was getting annoying about how I might get hurt, blah-blah-blah—so I left her.
Carren: Hm...
Carren: Okay, we're going in, (Captain)! We finish this, and we'll go back to enjoying our vacation!
Seofon: Ahaha. Gee whiz, do I like the sound of that! I just hope you'll leave some action for me too.
They continue their small talk as they approach the enemy entrance.
Carren: Hm?
Seofon: What's wrong?
Carren notices something dropped on the floor.
Carren: These chains have been torn apart...
Lyria: They're all over the place.
Seofon: But that's not all... Look at all the humongous scratch marks on the wall!
Ayer: Seems like they dragged some giant monster around here. Do these guys have some kinda pet hydra or something?
Carren: Can't say for sure, but we'd better be on our toes.
Charlotta: I'll take the lead and fight off any enemies that come our way.
Vyrn: Much appreciated, Charlotta. So we ready to do this, (Captain)?
The crew cautiously delve further into the poachers' hideout, keeping their eyes peeled for signs of any fearsome monsters.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 3: The Poachers - Episode 1
It's all too quiet in the cave; something or some things surely lurk in the shadows. Ayer lets loose a series of insults, goading the poachers to come out of hiding.
The crew is making good progress in the poachers' cave.
They proceed cautiously through the eerie tranquility of the darkness.
Carren: No one's around...
Charlotta: I do sense someone lurking in the shadows though.
Siegfried: I'll admit they're pretty good to not give off their exact location. Must be well-trained.
Ayer: Either that or these poor chumps are hiding out of fear.
???: Curses! I'm gonna kill 'em all!
???: You idiot! We move as Allfather instructed!
Charlotta: Did you guys hear something just now?
Siegfried: Yep. I smell an ambush. Still can't sniff out their location though.
Carren: ...
Carren: Psst, Ayer. Try insulting them some more.
Ayer: Why would I do that?
Carren: Piss 'em off enough, and they'll come right out.
Ayer: You sad wussies don't have jack squat on us. Little twerps like you who make a living pilfering stuff could never win a fair fight no matter how hard you tried.
???: Damn punk is talking trash about us!
Carren: Keep it up, Ayer!
Ayer: We know you're there—you idiotic, scumbag, piece-of-trash, good-for-nothing, industrial waste, third-rate, small fry, namby-pamby, gutless, booger-eating, brainless, stinky, illiterate sacks of crap.
Goon 1: Nshaa!
Goon 2: Now we're really pissed!
Carren: There they are!
Carren: Let's do this, (Captain)!
Poacher's Day - Chapter 3: The Poachers - Episode 2
The crew fends off the poachers' ambush, but now they have to face their enemy's secret weapon: a giant crab that's been fed urkin meat.
(Captain) and company successfully fend off the poachers' assault and delve further into the cave.
Siegfried: Hm. Something's strewn about the ground.
Vyrn: What's all this black pointy stuff?
Siegfried: Sea urkin shells, maybe? If this is where they're handling the urkins, it'd be impossible to preserve their freshness to hand off to the black markets.
Lyria: I'm completely lost as to what the poachers are trying to do.
Carren: I doubt it's anything major. Especially when you consider how they keep falling for my little tricks.
Vyrn: Hm, no argument there.
Ayer: Let's just keep moving. We finish this up, and we'll have the rest of our summer vacation waiting for us.
Something is fishy about this cave, and the crew is to determined to get to the bottom of it—kicking away urkin shells as they push forward.
Goon 1: Hyaa-haa! Don't think we're just gonna make this a walk in the park for ya!
Goon 2: We've got a secret weapon wit' us!
Mr. Skull Crab: ...!
Goon 1: Say hello to Mr. Skull Crab!
Hyaa-haa-haa!
Hyaa-haa-haa!
Siegfried: The largest underwater creature on this island... The predator dominating the food chain!
Goon 2: We've been feedin' it real good to show those fishermen who's boss! And this bad boy jus' loves himself some sea urkins!
Ayer: Hah, so that's what you've been doing with all the poached urkins.
Carren: Korwa mentioned this too, but these guys are going way out of their way to get things done.
Charlotta: We've no need to heed the word of these goons!
Charlotta: If this is another one of their plots to harass the fishermen, then we'll just have to crush it and bring them to justice!
Carren: Okay! That crab's going down! On my count, guys!
Vyrn: C'mon, let's do this, (Captain)!
Poacher's Day - Chapter 3: The Poachers - Episode 3
The poachers are actually remnants of the Odajumoki from North Vast, now led by Gizalugim after Guzaletha's downfall. Gizalugim aims to claim the biggest prize of Benthic's annual harvest: the urkin queen.
Mr. Skull Crab: ...!
Ayer: Heh... After how much they talked it up, Mr. Skull Crab sure went down in a jiffy.
Goon 1: Nooo! How are we supposed to take down the queen urkin now?
Carren: Seriously? You actually planned on going up against the queen mother of 'em all?
Ayer: Don't forget that the majority of the island's revenue comes from the queen. Makes sense that they'd go through the trouble.
Charlotta: But now that this is done, we'll have to tie them up!
Goon 2: Gyahaha! Not gonna happen on my watch! Go fer it, mateys!
Goons: Roger that!
Another group of goons lined up in formation aim their sights at (Captain) and company.
Charlotta: ...!
Fall back, everyone!
Fall back, everyone!
Goons: Aargh! Fire, fire, fire!
Charlotta: Hyaagh!
Charlotta sets up a barrier, easily repelling every round of gunfire that comes their way.
Goon 1: Now! We've got the boat! Time to scoot! Hyaa-haa!
Carren: Oh, no you don't!
Carren and company chase after the poachers as they make off with their boat toward the cave's exit.
Siegfried: Looks like they've made it out to sea.
Carren: It was only a small rowboat! We can still catch up to it! C'mon, (Captain)!
The crew get on their own vessel and rapidly advance toward the poachers' rowboat.
???: Bravo, oppressors of our freedom.
Carren: You're—
Ayer: That nasty stench about him can only mean one thing—he's the big cheese.
???: Oh? Quite impressive to figure out who I am from only a glance.
???: Allow me to introduce myself. I am Gizalugim, and I lead the survivors of the Odajumoki.
Carren: Odajumoki?
Carren: Isn't that the crew of knaves from North Vast? But they were wiped out back then!
Gizalugim: They were, in a way. Their leader, Guzaletha, was killed—by your very own crew in fact.
Gizalugim: But Guzaletha's will lives on within me.
Gizalugim: I. Am. The Allfather's successor.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 3: The Poachers - Episode 4
Gizalugim openly admits his plans to the crew, fully expecting to defeat them anyway with his other secret weapon: a battleship powered by a dog.
Charlotta: Gizalugim! What are you plotting with all the poaching you've been doing?
Gizalugim: I'll indulge you. The Odajumoki who've scattered across various lands have forgotten their promise. They've fallen to arrant knaves with no purpose in mind.
Gizalugim: They've forgotten the meaning of true freedom. Their laughably short retention of anything they learn knows no bounds—such is their idiocy.
Gizalugim: As such I've taken it upon myself to band them together and remind them of the promise of freedom. I also made sure to give them the wisdom to resist oppression.
Ayer: Pfft, wisdom? I seriously doubt those harebrained nimrods have any.
Gizalugim: Hyahaha! Right you are! But does it not strike you as odd? How do you think they sunk all those fishing boats?
Gizalugim: Don't tell me you think this little rowboat I'm standing on is capable of such a thing!
Gizalugim: The secret... is this!
Carren: ...!
Odajumoki 1: Hyaa-haa! Everything's ready, Allfather!
Odajumoki 2: Behold: our super secret pre-ultimate weapon! But it's more ultimate than it is pre!
Odajumoki 1: No ol' boat's gonna match this thing in speed!
Odajumoki 2: It don't matter how many paddles ye've got or how much wind yer sails be carryin'—you'd ne'er get this fast! Guess wha' it runs on?
Odajumoki 2: Hyaa-haa-haa! Here, doggie-doggie!
Odajumoki 1: Is this just bad to the bone or what? Yo-ho-ho! You know it!
Carren: A-a dog?
Odajumoki 2: We've gotta give it t' Allfather fer th' insanely logical and sensible design! A true engineerin' marvel!
Odajumoki 1: A dog runs way faster than any person! And that don't change on the water!
Gizalugim: (Captain), was it? Why don't you tell me how you like this secret weapon of ours?
Gizalugim: It's sunk countless fishing ships... And now it's going to sink you! Consider it due punishment for obstructing our freedom!
Gizalugim: Now bow before the might of the Ultra Dog-On-Wheel Battleship Jenkins!
Poacher's Day - Chapter 4: Voices on the Sands - Episode 1
While the crew is fighting inside the poachers' hideout, the captured poachers back at the village break free of their restraints, causing a huge uproar. Arma tries to stop them from blowing up the mother ship needed to hunt the queen, but he is too late and gets caught in the explosion.
Carren: This is nothing compared to a primal beast!
Gizalugim: Tch!
Charlotta: Now you've got no place to run and no place to hide!
Ayer: Now we just throw this guy into an Auguste cell somewhere and call it a day.
Gizalugim: Hyehehe...
Siegfried: What's so funny?
Gizalugim: Did you truly think I would not see your attack coming?
Carren: What are you trying to say?
Gizalugim: You need to wipe the seawater from your eyes if you thought our sole purpose was poaching sea urkins. Why would we go out of our way to do something so inefficient?
Gizalugim: No, our goal has changed for now... from poaching urkins to watching the anglers who get in our way scream in terror!
Carren: Oh no!
Trouble is afoot at the fishing village.
Odajumoki 1: Hyaa-haa! You're gonna pay for tying us up!
Fisherman 1: Ack!
Odajumoki 1: Gyahaha! That's one down!
Fisherman 2: Damn it! How did they break free of their restraints? We made sure to take away the knives they stuck in their boots!
Odajumoki 2: Aye. I'll give ye sluggards credit for taking those...
Odajumoki 1: But too bad for you we had folding knives tucked away inside the little hole in our pockets! Chalk it up to Allfather's genius! Gyahaha!
Seofon: Tch! I'm used to dominating small fry, but they really outfoxed me this time!
Seofon: Hyaagh!
Odajumoki 3: Grgh!
Seofon: Tweyen! How many more shots can you fire off?
Tweyen: Sorry... I don't think my eyes can take this anymore!
Seofon: Fair enough! Fall back with the fishermen!
Threo: Seofon! They're scattering about! Are we going after them?
Seofon: No, defending the village comes first! Absolutely do not use your Astral Divergence or Meteor Thrust!
Seofon: Fudge... Normally these riffraff would hardly be a threat, but a brawl with the villagers around is another story!
Fisherman 2: They must've been waiting for some of the skyfarers to split up...
Odajumoki 2: Have ye noticed, matey? These yellow-bellied swabs are even dumber than us!
Odajumoki 1: No, you idiot! No one's dumber than us, and Allfather knows that better than anyone!
Odajumoki 2: Maybe he does considering how he knew we'd cough up the location of the hideout!
Odajumoki 1: We've taken enough flack from you fishing boys! About time we had some payback!
Odajumoki 2: We've got another group out to trash yer stuff!
Arma: Wha—
Sensing something awry, Arma runs off toward the dock housing the ship used to hunt the queen sea urkin.
Arma: ...!
The contrast between the quiet stillness inside the dock and the raucous commotion outside is night and day. Yet the presence of something ominous lurks in the shadows.
Odajumoki 3: Gyehehe! So this here's yer precious mother ship, eh?
Arma: Don't you dare!
Odajumoki 3: Hyahahaha! Too late for ye, ye ninny-ninny blaggard! Ye're goin' to the bottom of the seas wit' yer precious dinghy here!
The Odajumoki goon lights something ablaze, and a spark travels along the path toward the ship.
Arma: Argh!
The mother ship's role in hunting the queen sea urkin essentially makes it the lifeline of the island. Refusing to let anything happen to the ship, Arma immediately runs after the fuse.
Arma: Can I make it?
A cloud of dreadful uncertainty looms over Arma, but he grasps on to the faint shred of hope that he just might make it in time.
Arma: Rgh...
Arma: Nnggaaagh!
Arma's screams of agony are engulfed by the explosion.
Perhaps from Arma's perspective, it should be considered good fortune that he is the only victim of this tragedy.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 4: Voices on the Sands - Episode 2
Despite his heavy injuries, Arma proclaims that he needs to get back to fishing before the urkins start spawning and become worthless. In the meantime he gives the crew a permit for unrestricted use of the beach as thanks for dealing with the poachers.
Although the crew manages to capture Gizalugim, Arma is caught in an explosion along with the mother ship.
(Captain) and company head for Arma's house, brooding looks covering their faces.
Carren: ...
Carren: I'm sorry, Arma... It's all my fault for falling into their trap...
Vyrn: You're not to blame here, Carren.
Lyria: That's right. Please don't feel guilty for any of this.
Carren: I know! But I just...
The crew visits Arma's house with flowers in hand. They step inside to find the village's fishermen gathered around.
Arma's Wife: Ah, (Captain), Carren... Thanks for stopping by...
Carren: How's Arma?
Arma's Wife: ...
Arma's wife silently shakes her head.
Carren: Oh no...
Despite the upsetting news, a most unexpected sight greets (Captain) and company as they step foot in Arma's room.
Arma: Let go of me!
Fisherman: C'mon, Chief! You seriously need to rest up and heal your injuries! Leave the repairs on the mother ship to us!
A heavily injured Arma with hammer in hand is trying to push through the barricade of overly protective fishermen in order to work on ship repairs.
Arma: I'm going fishing!
Arma's Wife: So you see how it is. I keep telling him to tend to his wounds, but he insists on going out there... Sigh, I just don't know what to do anymore.
Carren: Geez...
Arma: It's you folks...
Fisherman 1: Hey, you guys! Always a pleasure to see your faces here! Those poachers have been laying low ever since you captured the leader of their pack!
Fisherman 2: That's definitely a chip off our shoulders. So those rapscallions are called... Odajumoki, was it?
Fisherman 1: Those idiots are so unbelievably dumb, I doubt they'd even know how to poach without a capable leader.
Arma: Good. Gives us time to go fishing.
Fisherman 2: Please, Chief! We'll take care of the preparations for that!
Carren: Hey, Arma? Isn't capturing the queen going to be tough if you're not at your best? I'd rest up if I were you.
Arma: ...
Fisherman 1: Look, we know the urkin egg-laying season is coming up, but you're the only who stands a chance at capturing it. So please, Chief...
Arma: Fine.
Carren: Egg-laying season's coming up?
Siegfried: Ah, it's all coming together now.
Siegfried: What we call sea urkin meat is actually just their eggs. Once urkins lay their eggs, the urkins themselves are useless on the market.
Arma: The queen'll be spawning soon too...
Carren: The queen makes up over half of the island's profits. I can see why you're getting desperate, Arma.
Ayer: But if you look at it from a yearly basis, there's still time to rake in the profits before the new year.
Fisherman 1: Exactly. That's why we've got good time to nurse the chief back to good health and prepare the mother ship.
Fisherman 1: Having the poachers taken care of now was a tremendous help.
Arma: Indeed.
Arma: Here's your reward.
Vyrn: Reward? But we're already getting payment from the Knickknack Shack...
Arma's Wife: He's actually been negotiating with the local tourism committee to rent out the entire beach.
Arma's wife hands a beach permit to (Captain).
Lyria: W-wow... Is it really okay for us to have this?
Carren: The entirety of the Benthic Island beach all to ourselves? I'm at a loss for words...
Fisherman 1: This is the least we can do to repay you. Thanks again, folks.
Carren: Ahahaha! Seriously?
Woo-hoo!
Woo-hoo!
Arma: Heh.
Carren: This is almost too good to be true! The beach is all ours for the rest of our stay!
Korwa: What? No way! We're gonna have to party hard later!
Carren: Haha, just goes to show how important it was to get on good terms with the big cheese of the fishermen! Paying him a visit earlier was definitely the right thing to do!
Carren: See how I got us the bestest reward ever, (Captain)? So tell me: how am I doing as acting captain?
Choose: You've got a lot to learn.
Carren: Ugh...
Carren looks down in shame for but a moment before she immediately reverts back to her daring swashbuckler-self.
Carren: Humph. And you could learn a thing or two about morale!
Carren: I'll show you how it's done when I take the seat of captain!
Choose: Your greatness humbles me.
Carren: Hahaha. That's the best kind of praise!
Carren: I just hope Eugen and the others will be able to join us soon! I can't wait to see the look on his face when he hears we've got the place to ourselves!
Continue 1Carren: Aaanyway... We don't get this kind of opportunity often, so let's make the most of it!
Lyria and Vyrn: Ooh yeah!
The crew head for their now private beach.
Charlotta: I'm going to conquer the waves for sure this time!
Charlotta: This is all part of training!
Charlotta: Hyaagh!
Izmir: ...
Izmir: It really is beautiful...
Lyria: I guess you've been looking forward to coming back here all along, huh, Izmir?
Izmir: Yes...
Vyrn: Whoa... What's with the long face?
Izmir: I'm not sure... Perhaps it's because the environment has changed so drastically.
Izmir: I've gotten so used to living alone on those snowy mountains...
Izmir: I never thought I'd be out in a tropical place like this with such good friends...
Lyria: Izmir...
Vyrn: Heheh! Let's kick off the fun and games already!
Izmir: Mm... Yes, let's...
Threo: Sea urkins! Sea urkins! You're all mine!
Vyrn: Ack! Where'd you come from?
Threo: Hey, (Captain)! Where are the sea urkins hiding?
Lyria: Erm... I think only the fishermen know...
Threo: Grr... The shellfish are too small here! They wouldn't even be good for a snack!
Vyrn: Whew, your appetite never ceases to amaze, Threo.
Lyria: Ehehe... Seafood is just so delicious. Even I want to eat it all up.
Izmir: Hm? You want to eat up all the seafood?
Threo: Heck yeah! That's gonna make this whole trip worth it!
Izmir: Okay... Why don't we look for shellfish, crabs, and whatever else together then?
Poacher's Day - Chapter 4: Voices on the Sands - Episode 2: Scene 2
Izmir creates an ice net that drags up loads of tasty sea morsels out of the water. Before the crew can dig in, they have to fight creatures who have no intentions of becoming seafood.
Charlotta: So this thing is called a float, huh...
Charlotta: This type of training where I try to keep balance as I rock along the waves feels really nice...
Charlotta: Snore...
Lyria: Hrm... I thought it'd be easier finding things we can turn into seafood.
Vyrn: If only we could somehow fish out all the goodies from the bottom of the sea...
Izmir: ...
Izmir heads off to the coastline alone with a plan in mind.
Izmir: ...
She places her hands on the surface of the water and shuts her eyes. Izmir then gathers her magic and releases the cold energy unto the sea.
Charlotta's Voice: Urgh! Wh-why's it so cold?
Icy pillars about as thick as (Captain)'s arms suddenly pop out from the surface of the water.
Izmir: Can you give me a hand? I want to pull these up...
Still somewhat bewildered, (Captain) and company reach out to the icy pillars jutting out of the water.
Threo: Here we go!
Threo: One, two, grr!
They haul up the icy net laid along the ocean floor to reveal seemingly infinite amounts of crabs, shellfish, and other luscious marine wildlife.
Izmir: Ah, welcome back, Charlotta...
Charlotta: Wh-what just happened! My feet suddenly froze up and I couldn't move!
Izmir: Sorry if I spooked you... I thought if I froze the entire sea floor, we'd be able to fish up lots of goodies...
Charlotta: Ah, I see... A-and no, I wasn't spooked at all—of course not!
Vyrn: Sigh... Why don't we go ahead and get Charlotta and all the other goodies in order?
Lyria: Ahaha... Agreed with helping Charlotta.
Encapsulated in Izmir's ice are shellfish, crabs, squid, starfish, Charlotta, and much more.
Some of it is edible, and some of it isn't—but the sheer volume of the haul is staggering.
Vyrn: Whoa, this is a pretty big load we have here.
Threo: Oooh! With this much food, I won't be going hungry for a while!
Charlotta: Hm... All this fresh seafood deep-fried with some light dressing would make for a spectacular grown-up taste!
Izmir: Teehee... Glad to hear it...
Something seems amiss as the crew, still reveling in their haul, help Charlotta get back.
Lyria: Something about the crabs seems really off...
The crabs break free of the icy net and launch an attack on the crew.
Vyrn: Gah! The crabs are rebelling!
Threo: Heheh! Leave it to me to quell this rebellion! My tummy's just growling with anticipation!
Poacher's Day - Chapter 4: Voices on the Sands - Episode 2: Scene 3
(Captain) and the others enjoy roasting seafood over an open fire. Izmir remarks that this might be her last time, though no one else hears it.
Having defeated the crabs, the crew roasts them by a bonfire and gathers together for a meal.
Izmir: Nom, nom... Aah...
Charlotta: Haha... This is a taste befitting of a true grown-up.
Vyrn: It was pretty daring of Izmir to try out her newfangled way of fishing.
Izmir: I wanted to be sure I did everything I wanted to on this island...
Threo: Hm? By everything, do you mean all the crabs, shellfish, and other yummy stuff?
Lyria: Wow... Threo, you finished all that food in a flash...
Izmir: Do you want more, (Captain)?
Choose: Of course!
Choose: Seconds, please!
Izmir: Today's my chance to pay you back for everything you've done for me, (Captain)... Teehee...
Izmir approaches the edge of the water with a smile.
Vyrn: Why's Winter Wondergirl so fired up today?
Lyria: Just goes to show how much she's enjoying the beach!
The crew is somewhat flummoxed by Izmir's unusually upbeat demeanor.
Izmir: This might be the last time after all...
Izmir speaks in a low voice, audible only to herself.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 4: Voices on the Sands - Episode 3
Ayer tries to convince Jessica to go for a swim before the waters become cloudy with urkin eggs. Their awkward but caring sibling bonding time is interrupted by unwanted visitors.
Ayer: ...
As Ayer takes a relaxing snooze in the shade, a shadow approaches.
Ayer: ...!
It's freezing!
It's freezing!
Ayer jumps straight up when the cold sensation reaches his cheeks.
Jessica: Ah... Sorry for startling you, Ayer.
Jessica shows up, holding two glasses in her hands.
Ayer: What is it?
Jessica: I brought you a drink. How about it?
Ayer: I'll have one.
Jessica seats herself next to Ayer and stares into the sea.
Jessica: You really love your naps, huh, Ayer.
Ayer: Mm-hm.
Jessica: You sure you don't wanna go for a swim? I mean, might as well since we're here, right?
Ayer: Nah... You should go for a dip though. I don't know how long we'll be here, but the water won't stay clear for much longer.
Jessica: What makes you say that?
Ayer: The water gets cloudy once the urkins start laying their eggs, which should be happening soon enough.
Jessica: Hehe. You sure know a lot about those things.
Ayer: Just happened to read that in a book somewhere.
Jessica: Oh. So you went through the trouble of looking these things up for us.
Ayer: A swim's better when the water's clear, right?
Jessica: That's for sure.
Ayer: ...
Jessica: ...
Jessica: ...
I'm really glad we got to spend this summer vacation together, Ayer.
I'm really glad we got to spend this summer vacation together, Ayer.
Ayer: Uh-huh...
Jessica: How about you, Ayer? Are you enjoying yourself?
Ayer: Uh-huh...
Jessica: Haha... Ayeeer! Are you listening?
Ayer: Bah.
Ayer stands up looking somewhat irritated.
Ayer: I'm going for a dip.
Jessica: Ah, Ayer! Don't forget your sunscreen!
Ayer: Don't need it.
Ayer: Uh... Sis? Why do you have sunscreen all over your hands?
Jessica: I thought I'd help rub it on you.
Ayer: Nuh-uh! Absolutely not! I wish you'd quit it with that sorta thing!
Jessica: Sunburns are pretty painful, you know? I still remember how much it stung the last time I came to the beach.
Ayer: Doesn't bother me!
Jessica: Hey, no need to be shy, Ayer. Come on.
Ayer: Gah, no!
Jessica: Teehee. Hahaha...
Ayer: What's so funny?
Jessica: Sorry. It's just that you're so cute every time I tease you.
Ayer: Tsk...
Jessica: Haha... We've both been through a lot, so I'm just glad we're back together again as a family.
Ayer: Agreed.
Ayer: That's why I—
Before Ayer can finish his sentence, he notices an ominous presence around him.
Ayer: ...?
Crab Consortium: ...!
Jessica: What's with all these monsters?
Vyrn's Voice: Ack! You might've brought in way more goodies from the sea than we can handle, Winter Wondergirl! Look at all those crabs!
Lyria's Voice: Yikes! Please be careful, (Captain)!
Ayer: What are these things even doing here? Whatever... I'll handle this. Fall back, Sis.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 4: Voices on the Sands - Episode 3: Scene 2
Korwa, Tweyen, and Carren discuss sibling relationships as they watch Ayer fight off a horde of crabs. Carren then gives Tweyen a pair of special sunglasses to help her deal with the intense brightness of the sun in her eyes.
Crab: ...!
Ayer: Huff...
Crab Consortium: ...!
Ayer: (Relaxin' just ain't my style! But this here is right up my alley!)
Ayer: Let's see what you crabs got! I'll take you all on at once! Man, I can never get enough of this rush!
Crab Consortium: ...!
Ayer: Ready to rock?
Ayer's Voice: Aaargh!
Tweyen: What the... Is something happening? I can't see from here...
Carren: Ayer got into fisticuffs with a bunch of crabs while protecting Jessica.
Korwa: Ooh, Ayer's really worked up, huh... I'm guessing he doesn't need our help?
Carren: Hm, he seems to be up against some crazy odds though... Why's he so fired up anyway?
Korwa: Deep down he wants to improve relations with his sister, but he's too shy to admit it.
Korwa: Aww, it's really kind of cute if you think about it.
Carren: So that's what it is, huh... Hasn't Ayer been trying to avoid Jessica all along though?
Korwa: Hehe... You're not seeing the whole picture.
Korwa: Then again I don't want to be too nosy here, so let's just leave it at that.
Carren: Okay, now I'm curious.
Korwa: How about yourself, Carren? Been getting along with your parents?
Carren: Huh? I... Yeah, it's all good...
Tweyen: Are you having family problems back home, Carren?
Carren: I wouldn't exactly call it family problems, but they keep telling me to quit this skyfarer thing and to come back home.
Carren: It's not like it's my fault, you know! I mean, they criticize me no matter what I do!
Korwa: Oh, I get it. You're at that stage in your life, huh?
Korwa: Ah, how nice it must be to be blossoming into adulthood. But just remember, Carren: parents don't stick around forever—be good to them while you still can. Don't regret it later.
Carren: Yeah, that's what everyone says...
Carren: But my parents... Parents?
Carren: Ooh! I almost forgot!
Carren suddenly runs off somewhere.
Tweyen and Korwa: ...?
Carren: I'm back! Hehe, this here's for you, Tweyen.
Tweyen: Huh?
Carren: Modified sunglasses! I worked some of my magic on it. It should block the sunlight to help you see better.
Tweyen: It blocks sunlight?
Tweyen: It works! But why—
Carren: I thought it'd be a waste if you couldn't enjoy this beautiful view! So how do you like it? Can you see much better now?
Tweyen: Yeah. It works great. Thanks, Carren.
Carren: I wasn't sure if they'd be a good match for your eyes, but I'm glad I tried my hand at making them!
Korwa: Yeah? How'd you make something like that?
Carren: My parents taught me actually. They've always wanted me to take over their magic and medicinal research...
Korwa: Hmm... Sounds like a perfect match for my line of work! Why don't you introduce me to your parents next time?
Carren: Nuh-uh! No way! I bet it'll just give them another reason to give me flak! They might even tell me to just stay home all day to do research!
Carren: I'd rather not get involved with this synthesis stuff... But I saw you were having trouble with the sunlight, Tweyen, and I just wanted to help...
Carren: I guess even things you can't stand can come in handy someday... You just never know with these things.
Tweyen and Korwa: ...
The two exchange knowing glances.
Tweyen: I really have to thank your parents for this, Carren.
Carren: Huh? You think so? Hm, I dunno...
Korwa: Give it a bit of time. I'm sure you will know eventually.
Understanding that what Carren is experiencing is something that everyone goes through at one point, Tweyen and Korwa simply smile at Carren's youth.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 4: Voices on the Sands - Episode 4
Seofon confers with Sierokarte about the poachers' intentions and what the fishermen plan to do next. Before long the day comes to an end. Everyone gathers back at the village where they suddenly receive news that the urkins have started spawning much earlier than expected.
Seofon: ...
Seofon watches from a distance as Carren and the others are enjoying their girl time.
Sierokarte: Hey there, Seofon. You sure seem to be having fun here, peeking at everyone from the shadows.
Seofon: I gotta say, Siero, I'm really glad my crewmates are having so much fun here.
Sierokarte: You mean Tweyen and Threo? Yeah, they do seem a lot more talkative than usual.
Seofon: Ahahaha... You make it sound like they're all soul-crushingly lifeless when they're around me.
Seofon: Aaanyway, what's the story with the poachers?
Sierokarte: I put in a request to lock them up in an Auguste prison, but there's been no response yet.
Seofon: Hm, no response even for you, huh? You sure the poachers don't have something to do with that?
Sierokarte: Hm, can't say anything for sure. I just know they keep clamoring to see the sea.
Seofon: The sea?
With (Captain) and the others still in view, Seofon and Sierokarte begin making their way toward the fishing village.
They come across a most peculiar sight on the way.
Siegfried and Lunalu: ...
Sierokarte and Seofon spot the artist-and-knight pair crouched by the coastline.
Lunalu: What are you doing, Siegfried?
Siegfried: Just doing a little observation and experimentation. Creatures of the sea are sensitive not only to smell, but to salinity and water temperature as well.
Siegfried: You see that opening in the sand on the shoals? It's a seashell's home. Sprinkle some salt on the hole, and the seashell will show its face.
Siegfried and Lunalu: ...
Lunalu: Ah, there it is.
Siegfried: Wait a bit, and back in it goes.
Lunalu: You weren't kidding.
Siegfried: But it shows up again with more salt.
Lunalu: There it is.
Siegfried: Heh, this busy little guy reminds me of Vane.
Lunalu: Does Vane come out of his room if you pour salt on him?
(Hm, salt...)
(Hm, salt...)
Siegfried: Maybe if I use steak sprinkled with salt and pepper as bait...
Lunalu: Does Vane even stay cooped up in his room like this?
(Salt... on a seashell...)
(Salt... on a seashell...)
Siegfried: Not likely.
Lunalu: I figured.
(Wait, so it gets back up again with a helping of salt? Oh, just like an armored stud!)
(Wait, so it gets back up again with a helping of salt? Oh, just like an armored stud!)
Lunalu: Vane's always so happy-go-lucky.
(But you can't just pour salt and pepper on Siegfried to get him to obey!)
(But you can't just pour salt and pepper on Siegfried to get him to obey!)
Siegfried: Well, that's Vane for you.
Lunalu: As an indoor person, I envy his buoyant go-getter attitude.
(Salt and pepper won't do! No, I won't allow it!)
(Salt and pepper won't do! No, I won't allow it!)
Lunalu: Pant... Wheeze... Phew. Does sensitivity to salinity and water temperature mean the seashell closes up when it gets cold?
Siegfried: Can't say. All I know for sure is that each species of shellfish has an optimal temperature they thrive—or rather feel most comfortable in.
Lunalu: Ahh, so even shellfish need comfort...
(When it's cold, the stud layers up. But when it's hot, he strips buck naked!)
(When it's cold, the stud layers up. But when it's hot, he strips buck naked!)
Lunalu: (Aah... Mm... I can go sooo many directions with this that it's gonna be hard to get it all down...)
And thus each crew member passes their private time on the beach in their own way.
Carren: Well, (Captain)? I hope you were able to let loose and relax a little?
Choose: Totally.
Lyria: Me too! I'm sure we all had tons of fun today!
Carren: Ahaha, glad to know everyone's having a good time.
Choose: Not quite.
Carren: Hm... Sorry to hear that...
Vyrn: C'mon, (Captain)... Why do you have to be such a downer?
Carren: ...
Vyrn: Great, now Carren's gone quiet too... Sigh...
Carren: Hm, you want to know what I'm thinking, (Captain)? Well, if you're not having fun, then coming here in the first place was kinda pointless, right?
Carren: So as acting captain of the crew, I'm trying to come up with an activity you'd absolutely love.
Continue 1As they chat about the things they did for the day, the sun begins to set, and a cool wind ushers them to head indoors.
Carren: We should get back soon. It's gonna get cold with only our swimsuits on.
(Captain) consents, gathering everyone together to return to the fishing village.
Carren: Hm? What could that be? You guys see that yellow stuff floating on the sea?
Carren is not mistaken as a faint, yellow fog has begun to cover the surface of the seawater.
Carren: Meh, not really important, I guess. Let's head back to Arma's place for now.
Carren: So it's all thanks to you that we had such an awesome time at the beach, Arma!
Arma: Heh...
Arma's Wife: Ahaha! Can you believe it? He's actually blushing at the praise you young folks just gave him! Talk about out-of-character.
Arma: ...!
Fishermen: —This is not what we discussed! How the heck are we gonna handle this?
—Hey, don't ask me! Shoot, I'm just as confused as you are!
—Hey, don't ask me! Shoot, I'm just as confused as you are!
The sound of bewildered fishermen can be heard from the shore.
Lyria: What's happening? Why's everyone gathered together all of a sudden? Is there some kind of trouble?
Carren: Excuse me. Is something the matter here?
Fisherman 1: It's you guys... Argh...
Fisherman 2: This whole situation is seriously messed up!
Fisherman 1: It's begun...
Fisherman 2: The sea urkins have begun laying their eggs!
Vyrn: No way!
This news of the sea urkin spawning comes much earlier than anticipated.
The fishermen of Benthic Island are still in utter shock as they hasten preparations for the hunt.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 5: Disaster - Episode 1
A floating bag of crab droppings picked up from the sea confirms the fishermen's worst fears—the smell of enemies has triggered the urkin to spawn prematurely. If the queen were also to lay her eggs now, the overwhelming population of newborn urkin would devastate the environment in the coming year.
The sea urkin spawning has begun exceptionally early this year.
If the queen should begin spawning, Auguste's economy will no doubt take a major nosedive.
Vyrn: We did notice the color of the water being kinda funny, but...
Ayer: This color's definitely that of diluted urkin meat all right.
Ayer: But I thought the clouding of the seawater was supposed to happen much later?
Fisherman: You're absolutely right. But you know how the urkins have been acting up, with them going ashore and all that... I just didn't think it'd come to this though...
Arma: ...!
Arma notices something floating adrift on the seawater and rushes over to pick it up.
Arma: This is...
Carren: What is it?
Arma: Crab droppings!
Siegfried: Could it be from the Mr. Skull Crab that the poachers were keeping around? They mentioned giving it a diet of sea urkin meat...
Vyrn: What's that got to do with the urkin spawning?
Arma: It's the scent.
Siegfried: The skull crab's droppings have the scent of the sea urkins that were alive.
Fisherman 1: In other words one whiff of this poo and the urkins go into fight-or-flight mode.
Fisherman 1: And if they're ready to lay their eggs during that state, it's bound to happen!
Ayer: I've read about flies and whatnot letting out all their eggs before they die. So that's what it's all about.
Arma: It's a chain reaction!
Fisherman 2: That's right. All it takes is one urkin to spawn, and the rest'll soon follow suit.
Seofon: Meaning that if we don't take the queen down real soon, Auguste's economy is going to plummet.
Fisherman 1: So what now? The chief's still recovering, and the armor on the mother ship is all twisted from the explosion. Can't guarantee that it'll be able to protect us from the urkin spikes...
Arma: I'm going.
Fisherman 2: Don't be absurd, Chief! This village is done for if you kick the bucket out there!
Arma: You don't tell me what to do!
The fishermen frantically try to hold him back.
Arma: Let go of me!
Carren: H-hey, Arma! Why are you pushing yourself so far?
Arma: The ocean will die.
Fisherman 1: It's true we won't have anything left to sell this year, but that's nothing when you look at the big picture.
Fisherman 2: The queen laying her eggs early is practically a treasure trove gone to waste.
Tweyen: It's gonna be a serious problem once they all hatch. Population explosion of a single species is not to be taken lightly...
Siegfried: That could affect the ecology of all of Auguste. We have to take out the queen at the very least.
Fisherman 1: If the sea urkins overtake the seas, there won't be much left for us to harvest in the future!
Jessica: The entire island would dry up...
Fisherman 1: Please, Chief... We can't risk having you die out there... There's no other way about this.
Arma: ...
Fisherman 2: There's no time to be preparing anymore. What we need to focus on right now is how to handle things from next year and beyond.
Everyone gathers by Arma's house and begin plotting their next course of action.
Fisherman 1: How about dropping their natural enemy—the fish—into the waters en masse?
Fisherman 2: You mean, like, having the fish eat all the baby urkins? Hm, I'm afraid to think of what might happen from introducing a new species in a place they don't normally populate.
Fisherman 3: Ch-chief!
Arma: What is it?
Fisherman 3: The poachers we caught have something to say.
Arma: Bring them.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 5: Disaster - Episode 2
The poachers, who are unafraid to die, offer to hunt the queen for the fishermen if they are released from custody. Arma obliges and reveals the location of the queen. Carren can't stand to watch as the taunting poachers sail away, and she vows to go after them.
Gizalugim: You appear troubled.
Arma: No thanks to you.
Gizalugim: We can help you deal with this problem.
Arma: Hm?
Gizalugim: Unbind us, and tell me the location of the queen. We'll hunt it down for you—something that your worthless fishermen seem too incompetent to do.
Arma: You swine think you can do better?
Carren: You've got no boats, no tools, no tech—what the heck makes you think you can do it?
Gizalugim: We're more than capable without any of that.
Carren: Hm?
Gizalugim: Your fear of death gives way to cowardice. You lack the spine to do what it takes.
Gizalugim: But we Odajumoki fear nothing—not even death!
Arma: ...
Gizalugim: Of course, we're not so heartless as to ask for the entire haul. Tell us where the queen is, and we'll share with you some of the profits.
Gizalugim: Not such a bad deal, is it? You islanders will have enough to live off of for an entire year.
Arma: ...!
Gizalugim: On top of that your valuable fishermen will remain unharmed, and you get to keep your way of life on the island. You have nothing to lose from this offer.
Fisherman 1: Just ignore 'em, Chief! Darn poachers can't be trusted!
Gizalugim: Tell me where the queen is!
Arma: ...
Arma: In the center of the island, by the scarlet coral reef colony.
Fisherman: ...!
Gizalugim: I'd always heard that the location of the queen was the most well-guarded secret of you fishermen. I didn't expect you'd give up that info so easily.
Gizalugim: Where is your pride? What happened to the grit and backbone you showed when you bested us poachers?
Arma: ...
Gizalugim: I always took your pride as fishermen to be nothing more than a flyspeck on crab droppings...
Gizalugim: But to be able to so royally tear it apart and crush it beneath my boot heels is simply the greatest joy!
Gizalugim: Hyahahaha!
Arma clenches his fists but can do little more than see the Odajumoki off as they walk away.
Fisherman 1: Chief!
Arma: Rgh!
A heavy silence follows as Arma—the one man who could have taken on the queen sea urkin—has made his decision.
Carren: Arma, let us go too.
Arma: What?
Carren: We'll get to the queen before them and harvest it!
Arma: You'll die!
Carren: We've fought countless primal beasts and always came out on the winning side in one piece!
Carren: We just want to make up for the trouble we've caused. I mean, none of this would've happened if I weren't so easily fooled to begin with.
Carren: And after all you've done for us, there's no way in hell we're just gonna sit back and watch after seeing them talk you down like that!
Arma: ...
Carren: Please, Chief! Lend us the mother ship!
Arma: ...
Arma: It's yours.
Arma takes the sword hanging on the wall and hands it to Carren.
Carren: Ah, it's the sword infused with gold brick at the tip.
Arma: Right.
Fisherman 2: You'll need it to pierce through the queen's shell... You're really letting these kiddos handle it, Chief?
Arma: Yes.
Fisherman 1: Just keep in mind that they've got the superior vessels. I strongly doubt you'll be able to catch up to them at this point.
Carren: Maybe, maybe not...
Carren: Can't be sure until we actually try!
Fisherman 1: Oh, you'll just be wasting your time. Why even bother?
Seofon: ...
Seofon: I'm not so sure about that. I think Carren's on the right track here.
Fisherman 2: Huh?
Seofon: Let's take a moment to consider what the Odajumoki might really be thinking.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 5: Disaster - Episode 3
Seofon calmly comes up with a strategy to fight the poachers based on the poachers' desire to humiliate the fishermen. The Eternals and the crew split into different teams for the upcoming confrontation.
Seofon: The last thing that Allfather guy said got me thinking...
Seofon: Everything they've been doing and continue to do seems to boil down to hurting you fishermen folk in the village. Revenge is a bitter pill to swallow, I know.
Fisherman 1: Poachers have been around long before any of this, and well... We just ripped them a new one every time we came into contact with 'em.
Seofon: That's precisely what I mean by revenge. Call it mafia mentality or what have you.
Carren: Is there a chance that me getting pissed and chasing them all the way to their hideout was part of their plan all along?
Seofon: It's very likely. Though they were probably expecting to see Arma there.
Seofon: If you were to feel even the slightest shred of responsibility toward Arma, wouldn't this be your chance to come up with a plan to make up for it?
Carren: ...!
Carren: The poachers are trying to get us to take the blame...
Seofon: Well then... What bothers you more than anything else right now about the whole situation?
Carren: The fact that they're gonna take the queen from right under our noses...
Seofon: And they know it. Meaning it's extremely likely that they'll be waiting to ambush us.
Seofon: It's no secret that their ships are far superior. I bet they'll try to separate you all at the last possible minute.
Seofon: They might have the upper hand in that regard, but it also leaves them wide open.
Seofon: So? What do we do, Acting Captain?
Carren: Let's split into teams.
Seofon: All right, I'll leave member assignment to you. We Eternals don't take kindly to those poor losers making fools of us. I assure you: they will pay... We're going in full bore.
Carren: Okay!
Poacher's Day - Chapter 5: Disaster - Episode 4
As (Captain), Carren, and Seofon sail to meet Gizalugim's fleet, Seofon tries to dispel Carren's anxiety. Gizalugim's dog-on-wheel battleships appear, and a fierce fight ensues.
(Captain) and company get on Arma's mother ship and ride the waves toward the Odajumoki.
Charlotta: Hm... The coast is clear for now!
Lyria: So this is going to be our showdown with the poachers, huh... Ooh, I'm getting the jitters just thinking about it!
Threo: Hey, Seofon! When this is all done, I get to chow down on all those yummy sea urkins, right?
Seofon: As you wish. You'll have free reign to go to town on all the seafood you want when the time comes. Our acting captain will...
Seofon: Everything okay, Carren?
Carren: ...
Seofon: Feeling uneasy?
Carren: Yeah, I was thinking about how this is all gonna play out, but I'm not so sure it'll go well...
Seofon: Everyone present, including me, is in full support of your plan. Why not show a little more faith in yourself?
Carren: Mm...
Vyrn: It sure is strange seeing Carren so unsure of herself though.
Carren: I'm still pretty bummed out about falling for their trap... Even when we were playing on the beach—
Carren: Oh, it's nothing! Let's do this, (Captain). I won't mess up this time.
Seofon: Just look around you—three Eternals and two former knight captains.
Seofon: With a plan and a team this solid, we're primed for success.
Seofon: So relax already. Relaaax.
Threo: No more wimping out, Carren! We go soft now and we're done for! Best pull yourself together!
Carren: Mm... Thanks, you two.
Vyrn: When did you become Mr. Nice Guy anyway, Seofon?
Seofon: Wha? Hey, I've always been Mr. Nice Guy.
Seofon: Besides... Isn't it your life's dream to tour the skies, Carren?
Carren: Huh? Did you hear that from Tweyen?
Seofon: Mm-hm. Most of the kids some of us Eternals look after never get to have a dream like that.
Seofon: That's why I can't help but want to cheer you on when I heard about your dream.
Seofon: Ooh, looks like we're approaching rocky terrain. If they're waiting in ambush, then they should be coming out any moment now.
Vyrn: It'd be one thing if we were able to fight them head-on, but it's over for us if this ship sinks... Keep your eyes peeled, guys!
Carren: ...!
A sense of dread rushes over the crew as they await whatever comes next.
Gizalugim: Hah, so the old man sent your crew instead...
Carren: There they are...
Gizalugim: If the Eternals are with you, that can only mean you knew beforehand that we'd be here to greet you.
Carren: We were expecting more of an ambush actually.
Gizalugim: That hardly seems necessary. The situation calls for the proclamation of our victory before we proceed to utterly crush you.
Gizalugim: Get ready for it...
You've lost.
Gizalugim: That you've been surrounded on all sides.
Carren: Rgh!
Lyria: Let's see... One, two, three... Wow! That's a lot of them, (Captain)!
Seofon: Well, this one's a bit of a doozy... I didn't think they had so many of those battleship-doodads...
Gizalugim: Your ship might have armor strong enough to go up against the queen, but after that explosion and the massive army before you, you don't stand a chance.
Gizalugim: Get 'em, boys. Don't stop till every last scrap of their miserable old scow is on the ocean floor!
Odajumoki Gang: Hyaa-haa!
Carren: Awaiting your command, (Captain)!
Choose: Protect the ship at all costs!
Choose: We're charging through!
Vyrn: You got it!
Lyria: I'm ready!
Poacher's Day - Chapter 5: Disaster - Episode 4: Scene 2
The sea battle continues, and (Captain)'s team is soon surrounded by poacher ships.
Gizalugim: Hyaahahaha! Yes, this is what I like to see—wriggle and flounder about! Let's see how long you last against my massive army!
Odajumoki 1: Hiiyaaa! Prepare to die!
Odajumoki 2: Hyaa-har-har! Defeat 'n retreat are nah in our vocabulary!
Seofon: Hahaha... We seem to be a little outnumbered...
Threo: Urgh! I smash one in and another comes right up! What do we do, Seofon?
Gizalugim: Our army is vast and great! You'll be done for after this next wave of attacks!
Gizalugim: Victory belongs to the Odajumoki!
Gizalugim: Hyaahahahaha!
Carren: ...!
The crew defeats wave after wave of Odajumoki, but the situation does not change—they are still up against the wall on all sides.
Only fate can tell if (Captain) and company will ever manage to get to the sea urkin queen.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 6: Who Gets the Queen? - Episode 1
All seems lost for (Captain)'s team when Carren points to the beached urkin queen off in the distance. The battleships peel away for the queen, which turns out to be only a drawing on a canvas; Siegfried and Ayer launch their attack on the duped poachers.
Odajumoki Gang: Hyaa-haa!
Carren: ...!
Gizalugim: Our battleships galore will scrape off every last bit of that steel plating from your prized mother ship!
By Gizalugim's command the Odajumoki tighten the perimeter on the crew while hastening their attacks.
Odajumoki 1: Hiiyaaa!
Odajumoki 2: Think ye can keep up wit' us?
Odajumoki 3: Hyaa-haha! I'm gon' cut ya all to pieces!
Carren: Ngh!
Carren: W-wait! Over there!
Gizalugim: Humph, begging for your lives now, are we?
Carren: No, that's not it! Look, by the coastline!
Carren points in the direction of the fishing village. But most alarming is what's on the coast.
Giant Sea Urkin: ...
Odajumoki 1: Look, look, look, look! Da queen's right dere!
Odajumoki 2: Hyaa-haa! Come to papa!
Gizalugim: Could that be... No, wait! You idiots!
The Odajumoki turn their backs away from the crew and head toward the coastline with the queen sea urkin on it.
Odajumoki 1: Gyahaha! Whodathunk da lass woul' actually gib us da queen's location!
Odajumoki 2: Maybe we're not the dumbest ones out here after all!
Odajumoki 1: Go, go, go! Da queen's right dere!
Odajumoki 2: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold yer seahorses! What the...
Giant Sea Urkin: ...
Odajumoki 1: Da heck? Dis is...
Odajumoki 2: Tis' just a drawin'!
Giant Sea Urkin?: ...
Siegfried: How do you like our version of the queen? Looks just like the real thing, huh?
Odajumoki 1: Hornswoggled! Nuh-uh, no one be foolin' us!
Odajumoki 2: No time t' be playin' hooky wit' 'em! We report back t' Allfather now!
Ayer: Losers.
Odajumoki 3: Huh! Ye wanna say dat again?
Ayer: I said, sore losers like you are only good for hightailing it every time something goes wrong.
Odajumoki 3: Avast! Ye bilge rat!
Ayer: Oh, so only one of you's gonna come after me? If you other pushover, weakling milquetoasts are just gonna run off like the little crybabies you are, then just go.
Odajumoki 1: I'm not listenin' to anodda word you say! U-turn dis ding and run dem over!
Odajumoki 2: I'll 'ave ye chumps know that our battleships run on land jus' as well as on water!
Ayer: That was too easy.
Siegfried: By the way, poachers... We have a few friends who'd like to say hello to you.
???: Aaarrrgh!
Odajumoki 1: Huh?
Arma: Kill them all!
Arma: No, actually, capture them alive! We can chop off their limbs later!
Fishermen: Aaarrrgh!
Odajumoki 1: F-fudge it all! We be fightin' back wit' a wanion!
Poacher's Day - Chapter 6: Who Gets the Queen? - Episode 2
Ayer, Siegfried, and the fishermen continue their fight against the bulk of the poacher forces. Gizalugim, his men deceived, is left to fight (Captain)'s team alone.
Arma: No mercy! And don't let a single one get away! Capture them alive! Or kill them! I don't care which—just do it!
Fishermen: Aaarrrgh!
Odajumoki 1: Hiiiyaaa! You're on! A painful end to every one of these fishers!
Bamboozled by the drawing of the queen sea urkin, the Odajumoki now face an ambush from the fishermen.
Lunalu: It sure is hot...
Korwa: Haha. This summer beach heat is where it's at!
Lunalu: Not for me. Gets me tired fast. Though part of it might be me rushing to finish that sea urkin drawing.
Korwa: How did you like the canvas for that? I made it so that the colors would really stand out.
Lunalu: It was really nice—if you don't count the fact that the tip of my brush got stuck every now and then.
Korwa: Hmm... I guess the surface of the cloth is something I could improve on next time...
Lunalu and Korwa are having their own little conversation as they watch Siegfried's group battle it out with the Odajumoki.
Gizalugim: Those insufferable idiots! It's not even remotely possible for the queen to show up there!
Carren: Heh. Weren't you the one who said you always accounted for their idiocy?
Gizalugim: Rgh!
Seofon: Well, I guess our friends can take care of things ashore...
Seofon: Now that just leaves your ship, tough guy. Let's rock.
Poacher's Day - Chapter 6: Who Gets the Queen? - Episode 3
Knowing he's outmatched, Gizalugim makes a furious sprint for the real urkin queen with his battleship, but Threo creates a tidal wave that the crew rides to catch up to him. With no where left to sail, the crew engages the dumbfounded Gizalugim in battle.
Gizalugim: Ngh... To think I'd be left stranded all alone in the middle of the sea...
Gizalugim: But even with my forces gone, I will not lose to the likes of you!
Gizalugim: Go, go, Battleship Jenkins! Take me to the queen!
Carren: Hold it!
Gizalugim: Huff... Huff... I haven't lost yet... And I'm not going to!
Seofon: Once we put him away, this'll all be over.
Carren: Okay!
Vyrn: We don't stand a chance of catching up to him though!
Gizalugim rapidly approaches the queen sea urkin's habitat even as they speak.
Carren: Threo, you're up!
Threo: Hm? Is it my turn to play? Okay, I'm gonna go all out!
Carren: Go for it!
Threo: Okeydoke! Just make sure to feed me tons and tons of urkins later!
Threo jumps off the ship.
Threo: Ground Zero!
And slams against the surface of the water with the full force of her might.
Gizalugim: The queen's just ahead... She should be showing up any moment now...
Gizalugim: Hm?
Gizalugim turns around to see a massive tidal wave many times taller than himself incoming.
Gizalugim: Gaaah!
The tidal wave, with its incredible speed, easily overtakes the Battleship Jenkins.
Carren: Heheh. Owned.
Carren stands on the bow of the mother ship, looking down at Gizalugim from above as she rides the wave's apex.
Carren: How 'bout that! Your Ultra-Blah-Blah thing is no match for us!
Gizalugim: Impossible! These dogs run faster than any person alive!
Carren: Too bad for you, we've got the Eternal Threo on our side! She hunts dragons for breakfast and making a tidal wave or two couldn't be easier for her!
Gizalugim: Rgh... Dogs... are no match for dragons...
Seofon: Now's our chance to finish this, Carren! Before we start losing speed!
Carren: Right! Let's do this everyone!
Poacher's Day - Chapter 6: Who Gets the Queen? - Episode 4
Gizalugim tosses multiple bags of crab droppings into the waters above the queen's lair, but each and every one is frozen by Tweyen's arrows infused with Izmir's ice magic. With Gizalugim out of the picture, the crew is free to dive down and take on the urkin queen in peace.
Carren: Take this!
Dog: ...!
Gizalugim: Agh... The dog ran...
Carren: So what now, huh? Your ship's not gonna move anymore without the dog around.
Gizalugim: Hah... Hyahahaha... Don't think you've won just yet!
Gizalugim whips out a burlap sack.
Carren: That's—
Gizalugim: Mr. Skull Crab's droppings!
Carren: Uh-oh, not that again!
Gizalugim: Bwahaha! Don't forget your pretty little head where we were headed this whole time!
Gizalugim: The queen's right below us!
Gizalugim: This is my true ace in the hole!
Gizalugim: One whiff of this and the queen will lay her eggs! Admit it—you've lost!
Carren: And that makes me the true victor!
Carren: ...!
Gizalugim chucks the sack of crab droppings into the sea.
Gizalugim: What the?
A blue flash of light pierces the burlap sack, encasing it in a thick block of ice that floats along the surface of the water.
Gizalugim: You've gotta be kidding me! Aaargh, I won't be having this!
Gizalugim continues to take out one sack after another and tosses each one into the water.
But a blue flash engulfs each and every sack, turning them all into decent-sized chunks of solid ice.
Gizalugim: What... is this?
Jessica: Whew, I'm worn out from rowing this boat all the way here.
Tweyen: Good going, Jessica. It's all thanks to you we came close enough for me to fire off my arrows.
Jessica: Happy to be of service!
Are you sure your eyes are gonna be okay though, Tweyen?
Are you sure your eyes are gonna be okay though, Tweyen?
Tweyen: Yes. My sight's not as good as normal even with these sunglasses on, but they ease the pain.
Tweyen has her eyes set on Gizalugim, far off in the distance.
Izmir: Um, Tweyen? He looks like he's about to throw another bag...
Tweyen: I doubt he has any more, but can you get your magic ready just in case?
Izmir: Will do...
Izmir amplifies Tweyen's bow with her ice magic, lighting the tip of the nocked arrow with a bluish aura.
Izmir: I must say... I'm surprised you don't fear my magic at all...
Tweyen: Hehe... Being in the Eternals, you kinda get used to stuff like this.
Izmir: I see...
Carren: You'd better not move or you'll be sorry! Tweyen of the Eternals has you within sight, and she'll shoot you down faster than you can say, "Blimey!" if you try anything funny!
Carren: Doesn't matter how many more bags you've got! Tweyen will shoot down every last one with Izzy's ice magic! Your ace in the hole is buried!
Seofon: One more thing. Izmir's magic has drastically lowered the temperature of the sea here.
Seofon: The queen has no doubt moved out of here in search of warmer waters... Meaning it doesn't matter what you try anymore!
Gizalugim: Heh... Haha... Hahaha...
Gizalugim: You've got me beat...
(Captain) and company head toward the queen's likely location, with Gizalugim bound and collapsed to his knees.
Seofon: It's almost time. All ready, Charlotta?
Charlotta: ...
Charlotta: Meditation completed.
Carren: Let's get this going, (Captain). The hunt for the queen is on!
Carren readies the Duskbringer, the sword entrusted to her by Arma.
A violent tremble shakes the mother ship.
The queen is directly below them.
Carren: It's here! You ready for it, Charlotta?
Charlotta: Leave it to me!
Charlotta: Hyaagh!
Charlotta places her hand on the floor of the deck, using her barrier magic to reinforce the mother ship's steel plating.
Charlotta: I'm going to be focusing on holding up this barrier, so I hope you guys can handle the rest.
Seofon: Leave it to (Captain) and me to dive ahead and give its spikes a nice trimming.
Carren: While I'll be using the Duskbringer to slice its mouth open!
Choose: Seofon and I are gonna bust its shell open!
Carren: It's all-or-nothing; there's no room for failure! Let's do this, (Captain)!
With an emphatic nod, (Captain), Seofon, and Carren dive headfirst into the sea.
Queen Sea Urkin: ...!
Carren: ...!
(Whoa! The queen is huge!)
(Whoa! The queen is huge!)
(Captain)'s and Carren's eyes open up wide at its massive size.
Carren: ...
Seofon: (Psst. Help her loosen up, (Captain).)
At Seofon's urging, (Captain) taps Carren on the shoulder.
Carren: ...?
Choose: Fist bump.
Carren: ...
(Huh? What's this for?)
(Huh? What's this for?)
(Captain) sticks a fist out with a bold smile.
Carren: ...!
Reminded that her dear friends are together with her in this, Carren perks up and bumps (Captain)'s fist with her own.
Relieved to see Carren all eased up, (Captain) and the others press on...
Choose: Blow a kiss at her.
Carren: ...!
Carren nearly chokes at (Captain)'s bold gesture.
Carren: ...!
(What's that supposed to mean?)
The incensed Carren raps on (Captain)'s back in protest.
Carren: ...
(This isn't the time to be fooling around!)
(This isn't the time to be fooling around!)
Relieved to see Carren all eased up, (Captain) and the others press on...
Continue 1To the depths of the sea where the queen lies in wait.
Queen Sea Urkin: ...!
Poacher's Day - Ending
The urkin queen is successfully harvested, and the bounty is split between all parties involved. The topic of Carren's unwillingness to write home comes up, and after her fellow friends decide to write letters to her parents, she feels obligated to write one herself.
Queen Sea Urkin: ...!
The queen fights with a ferocity much greater than that of a normal sea urkin.
It springs about, jetting out its spikes at the speed of arrows. (Captain) manages to dodge and snap off each one.
Carren: (Almost there... (Captain)! Fall back!)
(Captain) immediately shifts to the side to make room for Carren.
Carren: (So I just have to pierce its mouth deep... and then twist the sword outwards in one solid horizontal stroke!)
Carren: (...!)
Carren does the deed, but struggles to pull out the sword.
Carren: (This thing's shell is a lot harder than I thought it'd be!)
A seemingly infinite number of spikes point their tips at Carren's face.
Carren: (I won't make it away in time!)
Seofon: Hi there!
Carren: ...!
(Wait! It's pointless without the Duskbringer!)
(Wait! It's pointless without the Duskbringer!)
Carren calls for a time-out, nodding at the sword in her hands.
Seofon: ...
Seofon summons a spirit sword that appears to be the spitting image of Carren's Duskbringer.
Seofon: ...
(Can't just leave this all to you kids now, can I?)
(Can't just leave this all to you kids now, can I?)
Carren: (Rgh! You could've pulled that thing out earlier, you know?)
Carren and Seofon: Now!
With both swords buried deep inside the queen's mouth, Carren and Seofon force open the queen's shell.
Carren: (We did it!)
To prevent attacks from any spikes that might still be alive, they throw the queen's shell into the depths of the sea. The harvest is a success.
Kaz: Hah hah hah! Good on (Captain) and the crew to capture the queen!
Arma: Agreed.
Kaz: You know, Jin's always regarded them folks highly. And it's never been more clear to me why.
Arma: Heh.
The crew carries on rather noisily as Arma and Kaz watch in admiration.
Part of the queen's harvest will go to the fishermen.
And the crew, having taken down the queen, will also be accepting a part of it.
Threo: Yum! This is too good, Seofon! The queen's sweet and juicy meat is just amazing!
Seofon: Hahaha! You're looking a little too pleased, Threo!
Seofon: Heheh... I hope you'll admit this was worth working together with everyone.
Threo: Hey, hey, Lyria! I'm gonna take all that if you're not gonna finish it!
Lyria: N-no! I'm saving this for later!
Vyrn: Aw, let's not start a fight here, please...
Threo: Tsk... How about you, Tweyen? I'll take your leftovers!
Tweyen: Teehee. Sorry, can't help you with that. Why don't you ask Seofon?
Seofon: Hahaha... If you want seconds, Threo, Arma's the man to ask.
Vyrn: This year's beach bash sure was exhausting. Hm... Actually, isn't it kinda like this every year?
Lyria: Well, you know how the saying goes... All's well that ends well...
Lyria: But I just love this kind of fun in the sun where we all get to spend so much quality time together!
Izmir: Nom... Yum...
Izmir: ...
Izmir stares at her empty plate.
Choose: Care for seconds?
Izmir: Huh? H-how did you know I was hoping for seconds?
Izmir: You sure know how to read my heart, (Captain). Teehee... Yes, please.
Choose: Did you enjoy the taste?
Izmir: Yes...
Izmir: Especially the roasted portion...
Izmir: The rich, creamy flavor of the sea was smooth going down.
Continue 1Jessica: We've made so many great memories for this year's summer vacation. It's all thanks to you inviting me out here, Ayer.
Ayer: I just had to check out these sea urkins in person...
Ayer: ...
Ayer: There was that thing with the letter... Not to mention all the other trouble I've caused you... And I just—
Jessica: You just looked into this all for me, right? Teehee... Thanks, Ayer.
Vyrn: Aha, so that's why Ayer knew the ins and outs of this island!
Ayer: Pssh, put a sock in it!
Siegfried: You wish to learn more about us knights?
Charlotta: I don't mind, but can you tell me why?
Lunalu: I'm primarily a monster artist, but I also enjoy drawing people.
Siegfried: "What is a knight," huh? That's... a really difficult multi-faceted question.
Charlotta: The knights of Lumiel live by the creed "forever pure, forever righteous."
Siegfried: I see... Come to think of it, us knights are similar to sea urkins in many ways.
Lunalu: Knights and sea urkins...
Siegfried: Urkins are equipped with a rock-hard shell and razor sharp spikes to protect themselves.
Siegfried: It symbolizes their will and their might.
Lunalu: Ah...
(Just as I thought, it's what's inside that counts...)
(Just as I thought, it's what's inside that counts...)
Charlotta: On the flip side of that, knights stripped of their weapons would be unable to perform their duties and thus crumble against any opposition.
Siegfried: Indeed. A knight without a sword is a most fragile thing. Just like the meat of a sea urkin as we have before us.
Siegfried: Nom... Nom...
Lunalu: ...!
(He's eating the meat!)
(He's eating the meat!)
Charlotta: Chomp... Now that you mention it, the purity of this taste is truly befitting of a grown-up's palate.
Lunalu: Taste... of a grown-up...
(It's all so clear now!)
(It's all so clear now!)
Carren: Hey, hey, Korwa! What do you say the three of us get matching swimsuits for next year?
Tweyen: Matching swimsuits?
Korwa: Ahaha, that's a great idea! I'll even start thinking of designs right now!
Tweyen: Matching...
Korwa: How about we each go with the same design, but a different color? Do you two have any favorite colors?
Carren: Hmm...
Carren: I'm okay with either red or pink!
Tweyen: Erm... I like pink too...
Korwa: Great! Now to just come up with a fashionable design that works!
Arma's Wife: My, my, aren't you getting ahead of yourself? It's too early to be worrying about next year.
Carren: Hey, you guys, I'm sorry we're eating so much of the queen urkin.
Arma: Nuh-uh.
Carren: Er... Do you mean "nuh-uh" as in "nuh-uh, don't worry about it"?
Arma: Uh-huh.
Arma: No regrets?
Carren: Hm? What's that supposed to mean?
Arma's Wife: Looks like he's remembering the old days again. The previous chief suffered a terrible injury that cut short his fishing career while out to sea with Arma one day.
Arma: ...
Arma's Wife: Arma was upset about it for the longest time. And seeing how worked up you were about this whole thing got him really worried—that this might drag you down for years to come.
Carren: Is that why you asked me instead of the other fishermen to handle the queen?
Arma: Sometimes you gotta do things yourself.
Carren: I see... Thank you.
Korwa: Yeah, it's never good to leave unfinished business dangling.
Tweyen: Mm-hm. That includes things like a response to the letter from your parents.
Carren: ...!
Oh please, that's got nothing to do with this! As if my parents need to hear from me anyway!
Oh please, that's got nothing to do with this! As if my parents need to hear from me anyway!
Arma: You don't get along with them?
Korwa: That sure seems to be the case. Things haven't been too smooth lately. She hasn't sent a response to her parents' letters for some time now.
Carren: Aw, c'mon! I mean, all they ever say in those letters is to come home! How about a "we're rooting for you!" for once? Urgh...
Tweyen: Then why not just send a reply saying everything's well and that you're doing great?
Carren: Meh... Sounds like such a hassle...
Arma: They won't know if you don't tell them.
Carren: But it's just...
Tweyen: Hm, maybe I should try writing a letter to your parents then. I need to thank them for the sunglasses anyway.
Carren: Wha? That sure came out of left field!
Korwa: Ooh, that's an idea. Maybe I should send one too...
Carren: Ack!
Arma: Count me in.
Carren: Not you too, Arma!
Bah, I just don't know anymore!
Bah, I just don't know anymore!
Korwa: So a bunch of us will be sending letters to your parents. Are you sure you don't want to join in, Carren?
Carren: Er... Um... Okay, fine. I'll send one out too.
Getting Carren to send her parents a response proves to be a most arduous task, but Korwa and the others somehow make do.
"It doesn't matter how many times I mess up, because I'll always stand back up again to kick butt and take names while enjoying myself out here. So please stop being killjoys already."
That is, in essence, the main idea that Carren is trying to get across as she begins scribbling down her fond memories of the beach.
Carren bundles together her own letter, Tweyen's letter, and Arma's letter—emblazoned with only the words "THANK YOU" in bold font—and mails them out.
Poacher's Day
The End
The End