Scenario:Atman - Astral in the Blue

Astral in the Blue

(Captain) is invited to a meal by Atman, who is interested in skydweller cuisine despite not doing any eating himself. After thinking back on his time with Sankara, he successfully attempts to grasp noodles with chopsticks, causing Vyrn and Lyria to smile at his rejoicing.

---

The crew has decided to spend some vacation time in Auguste with Atman, who was recently freed from Dharma.

On this particular day, (Captain) and company find themselves creating sand art on the beach at the Astral's invitation.

Lyria: Pat, pat, pat...

Vyrn: Pat, pat, pat...

Atman: Scratch, scratch, scratch... And now for one final groove here...

Atman: Hahahahaha! Finished! A perfect likeness of the golems inside Dharma!

Lyria: It looks like it could start moving at any moment!

Vyrn: You must be pretty good with your hands. That's a lot of detail to carve into sand.

Atman: While I was in Dharma, I dabbled in all manner of things to pass the time. So I have a bit of experience.

Atman: Of course, Mum taught me a great deal as well.

Atman: Oh? What was that curious sound?

Lyria: S-sorry. That was my stomach growling...

Vyrn: Oh yeah, guess it's about lunchtime. Let's go get some grub.

Atman: Hmm... Time for a meal, is it? In that case, might I ask a small favor?

Vyrn: Whatcha need?

Atman: I would very much like to observe you all eating!

Lyria: Huh?

Atman: I wish to learn as much as I can about this Sky Realm that Mum called home.

Atman: And that knowledge will undoubtedly help me advocate for the primal beasts still remaining inside Dharma.

Atman: I declined that young man's invitation yesterday, but it occurred to me afterward that meals are a part of this world's culture.

Atman: As you may have surmised, we Astrals have no need for food. So in lieu of eating, I'd like to watch.

Vyrn: Well, sure, that's no big deal. You okay with that, (Captain)?

1. Of course.

Choose: Of course.

Atman: Thank you! Meals are eaten at restaurants, yes? I shall leave the selection to you all.

After a brief discussion, (Captain) and the crew settle on a nearby beach house.

Atman: So this is an authentic beach house! There are similar facilities inside Dharma, but nothing compares to the real thing!

Atman: The smells, the sounds, and the heat are all mingling together! Ah, this must be what mortals refer to as "hustle and bustle"!

Vyrn: All right, let's get our orders in! I'm gonna have the fried squid!

Lyria: Fried squid sounds good to me too! What about you, (Captain)?

1. I think I'll go with ramen!

Choose: I think I'll go with ramen!

The fried squid is first to be brought to the table.

Vyrn: 'Kay, time to dig in. Down the hatch!

Lyria: Munch... Hff, hff, hff! Mmm, it's delicious.

Atman: In what way is it delicious? Please, tell me! What are the taste and texture like?

Lyria: Huh? Well, let's see... It's tender and warm...

Vyrn: Yeah, kinda springy too, with a good bit of chew. And the charred aroma's amazing.

Lyria: Umm... The squid flavor spreads through your whole mouth, like whoosh! It's piping hot, and the sauce melts into every bite...

Atman: Multiple sensations rushing in at once, creating a harmonious blend... I see! So that's what makes something delicious!

Just then, the ramen arrives. (Captain) picks up the chopsticks and lifts a mouthful of noodles.

Atman: Chopsticks...

Lyria: Is something wrong?

Atman: No... I was just remembering something from the past.

Sankara: Here. Keep the bottom chopstick still, and move the top one using your thumb as the pivot point.

Atman: Implements such as spoons and forks seem far more efficient.

Atman: Is there anything to be gained from learning to use chopsticks?

Sankara: Come on, don't get sulky just because they're giving you trouble.

Sankara: Different cultures have different tools. The more of them you know how to use, the better prepared you'll be.

Sankara: And chopsticks will help you handle slippery foods more easily. Noodles in particular.

Sankara: So stop fussing and practice.

Atman: Hmm... I suppose it would be prudent to learn after all.

Sankara: Then I'll stick with you until you can use them without embarrassing yourself.

Atman: Say, (Captain). Would you mind sharing a little of that ramen with me?

Vyrn: Don't tell me... A-are you gonna eat it?

Atman: No, the time for that hasn't come yet. I simply want to try picking up the noodles with chopsticks. A small amount will do.

Vyrn: What the heck? You get the weirdest ideas in your head.

Atman: Hahahaha! I certainly can't deny that.

(Captain) portions out a small amount of ramen onto a plate and hands it to Atman.

Atman: Hyah!

Atman attempts to grasp the noodles with his chopsticks, but they easily slide free.

Atman: Hahahahaha! A worthy adversary indeed.

Atman: But I won't let you escape. I can't disappoint Mum after all she taught me.

Atman: There... Haah!

Atman's chopsticks at last close around the noodles. Determined not to let them fall, he carefully raises them to eye level.

Atman: I did it! I truly did it! Look—my chopsticks have caught the noodles as well!

Lyria: Yay! Congratulations!

Atman: Thank you! Hahahahaha!

Vyrn: Sheesh, all that excitement over a pair of chopsticks.

Lyria: But somehow, seeing him do something so ordinary makes it feel special.

(Captain) and the crew can't help but smile at Atman's success. But at that moment...

Beach Bro: Yooo! We've got trouble!

Astral in the Blue: Scene 2

Atman and the crew members go searching for a lost boy in a cave near the beach. When Atman finds him, they are attacked by a swarm of monsters. Again thinking back to Sankara's teachings, he reassures the boy by laughing as he saves him. However, he ends up reminded of how hard it is to laugh like mortals.

---

A man comes rushing into the beach house and heads straight for the owner and staff, his expression grave.

Lyria: Hey, isn't that the person who was towing the banana boat yesterday?

Atman: He appears to be in some distress.

Atman: Greetings, friend! Hahahaha! Has something happened?

Beach Bro: Oh, A-Man! Dude, one of the kids on the beach just straight-up vanished.

Beach Bro: Hopefully he's just lost, but there've been monster sightings and stuff lately... So I'm roundin' up anybody who can pitch in.

Atman: Hmm, that is concerning. May I take part in the search?

Vyrn: Count us in too! If there really are monsters lurkin' around, you're gonna want some skyfarers on the job.

1. We're happy to help!

Choose: We're happy to help!

Beach Bro: You guys are absolute legends! Sorry for the trouble, but I'm totes countin' on you!

(Captain) and company walk along the coastline in search of the missing boy.

Atman: Hellooo! Where are youuu?

Lyria: Please answer if you can hear us!

Vyrn: Hey, come take a look at this!

Following Vyrn, the crew finds a cave opening in the cliffs along the shore.

Vyrn: D'ya think maybe the kid went in here?

Atman: It's certainly possible. The path appears to branch off inside, so we should divide our efforts and search.

Atman: Allow me to take the right. I'll leave the left in your hands.

Lyria: Will you be okay on your own, Atman?

Atman: Hahaha, not to worry! In Dharma, sparring with primal beasts and monsters was part of my daily "workout."

After parting ways with the others, Atman makes his way deeper into the cave.

Atman: The ground has been trodden flat. Someone—or rather, something—has been using this passage regularly.

???: Sniffle... Sob...

Atman: Oh?

In the quiet depths of the cave, a young boy sits huddled on the ground.

Boy: Urgh... Sniffle... It hurts...

Suspicious Shadow: Heh-heh-heh. Found youuu...

Boy: Eep! Wh-who's there!

Suspicious Shadow: Greetings! I've been looking for you!

Boy: A-a creep!

Creep: Non, non. My name is Atman.

Creep: Judging from your appearance, you must be our missing child! Are you injured?

Boy: Hic... My ankle... I twisted it...

Creep: I see. But fear not! I shall carry you out of this place.

As Atman extends his hand, the boy's eyes fly wide upon catching sight of something behind him.

Boy: ...!
Behind you!

Creep: Oho!

Atman turns and draws his sword in one fluid motion, halting the charging monster.

Creep: Hmm... Is this perhaps the monster's den?

Creep: Forgive me, but I haven't come here today to entertain you.

Creep: I must deliver this child home safely. Could we possibly do this another time?

Boy: E-eek!

Creep: There seem to be quite a number of you. Not that I mind an enthusiastic welcome.

Monster Swarm: ...!

Creep: Hyah!

Atman moves with elegant grace, the tip of his blade glinting in the dim light.

Boy: Huh?

Soon, the cave floor is littered with monster remains.

Creep: A magnificent bout! With a few more centuries of training under your belts, you might have stood a chance!

Boy: W-wow! That was amazing for some weirdo!

Weirdo: No, this isn't over yet. It appears that little exchange has only riled them up.

Atman turns his gaze toward the back of the cave as monsters begin pouring out one after another.

Boy: Gyaaah!

Weirdo: Take that!

Boy: H-hey, Mister Weirdo! They're coming from this way too!

Weirdo: And that!

Weirdo: (Fighting while protecting the boy puts me at a slight disadvantage...)

Boy: Waaah!

Monster Swarm: ...!

Weirdo: (His cries are making them more aggressive. At this rate, they may overwhelm me...)

Weirdo: (I need to calm the boy down first. The question is how?)

Boy: Waaah! Mom!

Weirdo: Mum!

Sankara: Listen, Atman. People don't only laugh when they're happy.

Sankara: It's important to laugh when you're scared or anxious too.

Sankara: Not because anything is funny, of course.

Sankara: But a laugh can change the mood around you. That's how people operate.

Weirdo: (That's it!)

Weirdo: Hahahahaha!

Boy: Hic! Huh? What're you doing?

Monster Swarm: ...!

Weirdo: Hahahahaha!

Weirdo: That's right! There's a perfect saying for moments like this!

Weirdo: "Great fortune comes to those who laugh," I believe it was!

Weirdo: Hahahahaha! Come, fortune!

Weirdo: Hahahahaha! Hahahahaha!

Boy: This guy is scary...

Lyria: I see him! Over there!
Atmaaan!

Atman: Well, if it isn't (Captain) and company! Hahahahaha!

Vyrn: The heck are you laughin' about? Your voice was echoin' through the whole cave!

Lyria: But we made the right call running in the direction of your voice.

Atman: Yes, your assistance is most welcome! There are a fair number of them remaining.

Atman: (Captain) and I will handle things here, so could the rest of you escort the boy outside?

Atman: Hahahahaha!

Beach Bro: A-Man, that was seriously clutch! And I can't thank you skyfarers enough, f'real!

Atman: Think nothing of it. Hahahahaha!

Boy: Eep!

Vyrn: (Atman's laugh is definitely freakin' him out...)

Beach Bro: Aight, I'll take this kid back to his folks.

Atman: Yes, please do.

The two set off hand in hand, when suddenly, the boy stops in his tracks and looks back at Atman.

Boy: Thanks, Mister Weirdo!

Lyria: Hehe. I'm glad everything worked out okay, Atman.

Atman: Indeed. Though it seems I startled him a little.

Atman: Mortal laughter is a difficult thing to master. But that's precisely what makes it so profound.

Atman: I shall make sure to practice so I can laugh more naturally next time.

Astral in the Blue: Scene 3

While fishing at night, Atman strikes up a conversation with the crew members and ends up thinking back on his time with Sankara again. Stating that he is enjoying the process of learning about the Sky Realm, he explains that he wants to continue experiencing it as an Astral for a while longer before naturalizing.

---

That night at the inn, after the missing child incident has been resolved, (Captain)'s eyes suddenly snap open.

Vyrn: Hey, you awake? I am too for some reason. Wanna go for quick walk?

Passing through the silent streets of the town, (Captain) and Vyrn make their way to the beach.

As they listen to the sound of the waves on the quiet, starlit beach, they spot a lone figure standing by the shore.

Vyrn: Wait, is that—

Atman: Why, hello! Fancy seeing you at this hour.

Vyrn: I thought it was you. Whatcha up to?

Atman: Night fishing. Though since I don't eat, I release whatever I catch.

Atman raises his fishing rod out of the water with a graceful flick.

Atman: Are you two out for a stroll?

Vyrn: Yeah. Couldn't really sleep.

Atman: Then why not stay and keep me company for a while?

Atman: With the stars this lovely overhead, it seems a fine night for conversation, does it not?

(Captain) nods and sits down beside Atman.

Vyrn: So, got any bites?

Atman: Nothing so far. But I find it delightful all the same. I'm enjoying myself very much.

Atman: Listening to the sound of the waves while I wait makes it quite pleasant.

Atman: The old me would have insisted that using a gun or harpoon was far more efficient.

Vyrn: Can't speak for the old you, but ya sure don't come across like an Astral now.

Atman: Hahahahaha! I'll take that as a compliment!

Atman: Though I still seem to make others uncomfortable at times. I suppose I haven't truly blended in yet.

Atman: I could physically assimilate into the Sky Realm if I chose to. But...

Sankara: Well, I'm back.

Atman: How did your battles go?

Sankara: The Divine Generals wiped the floor with me again. They're just as strong as ever.

Sankara had been challenging the Twelve Divine Generals one by one, intent on claiming one of their positions.

Sankara: How about on your end? Any changes in Dharma while I was away?

Atman: None to speak of. However, I did catch something...

Sankara: Ooh! That basket of fish—could it be?

Atman: I tried the method you taught me, and it was successful.

Atman: Fishing with a rod still strikes me as rather inefficient...

Atman: But the added time spent waiting does seem to increase the sense of achievement.

Sankara: Oh, now you're getting it. The quickest outcome isn't always the best, is it?

Sankara: People aren't driven only by results. We're creatures who find joy in the process too.

Atman: That remains difficult for me to grasp.

Sankara: Heh. You'll come to understand it someday.

Atman: The truth is, I find the time spent waiting oddly pleasant.

Vyrn: Waiting?

Atman: Experiencing new things, being surprised by them, trying to imitate them... Learning little by little is endlessly fascinating.

Atman: If I were to become a skydweller, I imagine it would no longer have quite the same sense of novelty.

Atman: So while I doubt that time is very far off, I'd like to enjoy things like this for a little while longer.

Atman: As an Astral.

Atman sets down his fishing rod and extends a hand to (Captain).

Atman: Will you teach me about this world as well? From your perspectives as skydwellers?

1. You can count on us.

Choose: You can count on us.

Vyrn: Yeah! We'll help out as much as we can!

Atman: Hahahahaha! Thank you, both of you!

After (Captain) and Vyrn return to the inn, Atman remains behind, watching his bobber drift on the waves.

Atman: People are creatures who find joy in the process, hm? That reminds me...

Sankara: Yes... Maybe it's because we're creatures who find joy in the process.

Atman: Come again?

Sankara: Never mind. Seeing you simply helped me understand something.

Sankara: What it feels like for a parent to watch their child grow, that is.

Atman: Heh...

Atman: (Someday, I'm sure I will make the decision to naturalize into the Sky Realm.)

Atman: (When that time comes, I shall raise a toast to you, Mum.)

Speaking these words in his heart, he looks up at the night sky.

The stars twinkling above keep their silent vigil, casting a gentle glow over the sea of Auguste and Atman alike.