Scenario:Atman - Astral on Vacation
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Astral on Vacation
While thoroughly enjoying Auguste, Atman is invited by a local to lunch. Thinking back on his memories with Sankara, he recalls the time he told her that eating is what causes Astrals to naturalize to the Sky Realm. After turning the meal offer down, he thinks about what his mother said to him that day.
(Captain) and the crew stand on the shore of Auguste at the height of vacation season.
They scan the crowd of jubilant beachgoers, searching for their elusive target.
Vyrn: The heck did Atman run off to? He just up and vanished the second we took our eyes off him.
Lyria: Well, a lot of people mentioned seeing someone dazzlingly bright having fun out here on the beach...
Atman is an Astral who was imprisoned within the Nexus Labyrinth Dharma during the War.
(Captain) and the Twelve Divine Generals previously responded to an incident there, with Atman playing a key role in its resolution.
In recognition of his efforts, he has at last been granted permission to roam freely through the skies.
Lyria: Hmm, where could he be?
???: Hahahahaha!
Vyrn: Hey, look! On that banana boat!
Atman: Ahh, what magnificent speed! But I want even more!
Beach Bro: You got it, A-Man! Just don't wipe out on me!
Atman: Hahahahaha!
Lyria: It's Atman! There he is!
Sure enough, Atman sits astride a banana boat, laughing at the top of his lungs as a young man tows him across the waves.
Atman: Oh? Is that who I think it is?
Atman: Excuse me, friend! Apologies, but I must return to the beach ahead of you.
Atman: Hup!
With this declaration, Atman leaps from the boat and swims back to shore.
Atman: Greetings, (Captain)!
Atman: Waheeey!
Vyrn: Say what!
Atman: That's how skydwellers express their excitement, is it not?
Vyrn: Sheesh. First you disappear on us, and now you're pickin' up weird lingo...
Lyria: Ahaha... You seem to be enjoying yourself, Atman.
Atman: Every day is a nonstop series of surprises! Unlike the sea in Dharma, this place is bursting with life!
Atman: And the people of this island are incredibly kind. Why, just this morning...
Atman: Greetings, friend! Could you enlighten me about this banana-shaped vessel?
Beach Bro: Huh? It's a banana boat from my part-time gig. Wait, have you seriously not ridden one before, dude?
Atman: I seriously haven't, dude! Which is precisely why I find it so intriguing! Hahahahaha!
Beach Bro: Haha, I like that vibe of yours, bro! Hang tight, and I'll get you set up.
Atman: Hahahahaha! Thank you! I look forward to it!
Atman: And that's how I ended up having such a fascinating new experience.
Lyria: You seemed to fit in so naturally, I was really surprised.
Atman: I have you all to thank for that. And Mum's guidance, perhaps.
Atman: Incidentally, how long do you plan to stay in Auguste?
Vyrn: Another week or so. Though we've got a bunch of stuff like ship maintenance and supply runs to handle too.
Atman: Hahahahaha! Then that leaves plenty of time for me to soak up the island with your crew!
Choose: Let's enjoy it together!
Atman: Indeed! We'll revel in the sea side by side! Hahahahaha!
Vyrn: (Somehow that crazy enthusiasm of his doesn't seem so crazy here in Auguste.)
Vyrn: C'mon, cuttin' loose a little won't hurt, right? We're in Auguste, after all.
Atman: Taking time to rest and recuperate is an important part of the job, if you ask me! Hahahahaha!
After a moment of deliberation, (Captain) decides that some time off is in order.
Continue 1
Just then, the young man who had been towing the banana boat calls out to Atman from the shore where he had landed.
Beach Bro: Yooo, A-Man! Since it's almost lunchtime, how 'bout we hit up my go-to spot?
Atman: Oh! A favorite eating establishment of yours?
Beach Bro: Right on! It's my regular joint for a reason! Their spicy seafood hot pot is da bomb!
Vyrn: Man, Atman's gettin' lunch invites from locals now? He's blendin' right in.
Lyria: Well, given how cheerful and polite he is, I guess it's not surprising.
However...
Atman: ...
Atman: That is a most enticing offer! Thank you!
Atman: But forgive me! I'll have to decline this time.
Beach Bro: For real, A-Man? You're seriously gonna bail on me?
Vyrn: What's up with Atman, runnin' off like that? After he got an invitation and everything.
Lyria: Could it be...
Atman: A hot pot...
Atman: Come to think of it, you served a hot pot back then as well, didn't you, Mum?
Atman: You gathered the primal beasts of Dharma to teach me about meals in the Sky Realm...
Gazing out over the sea, Atman's thoughts drift back to the person who had taught him the essence of mortals.
Though Sankara, a skydweller, has long since passed, Atman can still remember their conversation as clearly as ever.
Sankara: Naturalization, you say?
Atman: When an Astral consumes food from the Sky Realm, they forfeit their immortality and gain the ability to reproduce.
Atman: In other words, their body becomes no different from that of a mortal. They grow older with time, and eventually die.
Atman: We refer to that as naturalization.
Sankara: I knew Astrals didn't need to eat, but I never imagined there was a reason like that behind it.
Sankara: I'm sorry... I guess teaching you how to use chopsticks was a mistake.
Atman: Why are you apologizing?
Sankara: Because if you eat, your body will change, won't it?
Sankara: Given what food would do to you, we shouldn't be enjoying a meal in front of you like it's nothing.
Sankara: Even just learning how to hold chopsticks must have been frightening from your perspective.
Atman: I understand the concept of fear. But I feel no particular attachment to immortality.
Atman: There's simply no rational reason to relinquish it at present.
Sankara: I see...
Sankara: Then... maybe you can try eating someday when you feel the time is right.
Atman: What do you mean?
Sankara: You, Svaha, and the others ought to think about what awaits you after leaving Dharma.
Sankara: To live in the Sky Realm is to live alongside skydwellers.
Sankara: And that means gathering around a hot pot together. It means sharing a meal.
Sankara: Atman, I hope the day comes when you find yourself wanting to do just that.
Sankara: Because that will be the moment you decide to live as a skydweller...
Atman: To live as a skydweller...
Atman: Alas, that time hasn't come yet, Mum.
Caressed by the salty breeze, Atman turns the memory of Sankara over in his mind.
Reflected in his eyes are the endless blue of both sky and sea.