Scenario:Beatrix - Immortal Partner

Immortal Partner

Beatrix discovers her nemesis is the Foe and joins the Society to pursue vengeance. Though confident, she struggles with teamwork as a trainee but catches the Society's attention with her unique potential.

---

About a year passes after Beatrix parts ways with Zeta and resumes her wandering journey.

On one island, Beatrix infiltrates a den of thugs.

Thug: ...

Beatrix: I thought I was onto something... but everyone here's a pushover.

Beatrix: Hm, maybe I was off the mark? Oh well, time to head back to town and look for another lea—

Beatrix: ...!

Muttering to herself, Beatrix suddenly senses someone suspicious behind her and holds her breath.

She glances back, careful not to be noticed, and spots a man lurking in the shadows, watching her closely.

Beatrix: (He's not one of the thugs. I don't feel any hostility... It's more like he's just observing me.)

Beatrix: (Maybe he's investigating these guys for the same reason I am? Does he know something I don't?)

Beatrix: (And come to think of it, that weird feeling I had when I snuck in here...)

Beatrix: (It's him!)

Beatrix: Hold it! Where do you think you're going!

Beatrix chases the fleeing man and manages to catch him in the outskirts of a nearby town.

She pins him down and presses her sword to his chest.

Beatrix: What were you investigating those thugs for? What are you after?

Suspicious Man: Aiiee! I-I'm not saying a word!

Suspicious Man: If they find out I talked about the Society... my life is as good as—ah!

Beatrix: Oh, the "Society," huh? So that's the boss pulling your strings.

Beatrix: Well, since you already slipped up, you might as well spill all the beans if you want to stay alive.

Beatrix presses her sword even closer to his throat.

Society Spy: Eeeek! O-okay! I'll talk, I'll tell you everything!

Society Spy: Our Society works to defeat the Foe that threatens the peace of these skies...

Beatrix: The "Foe"?

Society Spy: Yeah... They pop up everywhere, stirring up conflicts and making people miserable.

Society Spy: We even suspect those thugs are connected to the Foe... That's why I was sent here.

Beatrix: Hey... Do you know, specifically, what sort of stuff the Foe does?

Society Spy: I'm just a grunt, so I don't know the details.

Society Spy: But I've heard that any sudden uprisings or conflicts in the skies that don't quite add up usually have the Foe involved somehow...

Beatrix: ...!
So it was them!

Beatrix: (If the Foe caused the rebellion that took my parents... then everything makes sense!)

Beatrix: (In which case, there's only one thing I have to do—)

Beatrix: You realize you'll be in big trouble if anyone finds out you leaked Society intel to an outsider, don't you?

Society Spy: Yeah... I might get kicked out, or worse...

Beatrix: Then let's make a deal. Take me to your people.

Society Spy: Y-you can't be serious!

Beatrix: I want to help take down the Foe too. Let me join your Society.

Beatrix: And look, if you show you brought in a promising recruit, maybe you'll get in less trouble, right?

Society Spy: True... All right, I'll tell you where our nearest base is.

Society Spy: I have to stay here and keep watch a little longer, so you'll have to go by yourself.

Beatrix: Got it! Thanks!

Beatrix sets off, buzzing with excitement, after getting the base's location from the man.

As he watches her leave, the man pulls a small device from his pocket and puts it to his ear.

Society Spy: Yes, it's me. I've shared the Society's facility location with the candidate.

Society Spy: I'll leave the rest to Sergeant Ilsa.

After successfully joining the Society, Beatrix is sent to undergo training alongside the other recruits.

When the trainees gather at the Society's training hall, Sergeant Ilsa is waiting there for them.

Ilsa: All right, fresh meat, looks like you're all here! Starting today, you're under my supervision!

Ilsa: The Society may have welcomed you as comrades, but that doesn't mean I do.

Ilsa: This training ends when I say it does. If you can't keep up, you'll be stuck here like mud for the rest of your lives.

Ilsa: Of course, if you really prove your worth, you can finish early and be sent to the front lines as a proper recruit.

Beatrix: Heheh. With all the experience I've got from traveling, training should be a breeze for me.

Beatrix: I'll fly through this in no time and be the first one of us out on the front lines!

Fired up by Ilsa's speech, Beatrix is determined to stand out and make a name for herself in the Society.

However, as soon as the training starts, Beatrix quickly becomes the main target of Ilsa's scolding.

Ilsa: You again! Why do you keep getting yourself blown up in the most ridiculous places, Hellcat!

Ilsa: How many times do I have to tell you—don't rush in alone! Are you a trainee, or are you just looking to die?

Beatrix had always fought alone up until now, relying on wild and desperate tactics to survive tough scrapes.

As a result, she's absolutely hopeless when it comes to working as a soldier within a group like the Society.

Beatrix: Ugh! But this is how I've always survived until now!

Ilsa: You mean, how you kept getting yourself into messes!

Beatrix: Uwaaagh!

Ilsa: You weren't even watching your step again! If this were real combat, there'd be nothing left of you but a smear, Hellcat!

Ilsa: That's enough training for today! As punishment, you're doing push-ups and sprints before you're allowed back to the dorms!

Beatrix: Damn it!

Biting her lip at Ilsa's orders, Beatrix sprints out to complete her penalty runs.

From the shadows, a Society member—Eustace—watches her quietly.

Eustace: So that's Beatrix, huh. Honestly... she's got a long way to go as a soldier.

Eustace: Still, she might have potential. I'll keep an eye on her.

With that brief report, Eustace silently leaves the training ground.

Immortal Partner: Scene 2

Beatrix reunites with Zeta in the Society and, motivated by feelings of rivalry, swiftly completes her long-stagnated training. Her first mission is to back up Zeta and Vaseraga, and she heads out ready to prove herself.

---

It's been about a year since Beatrix became a trainee in the Society.

Her peers from that time have all moved on and are being sent out on missions. As for herself...

Beatrix: Wha—failed again?

Beatrix: Why? I actually made it to the destination without triggering a single trap this time!

Ilsa: "Made it to the destination" is all you managed, you tantrum-throwing albatross!

Ilsa: Today's exercise was stealth! And yet you managed to cause cave-ins all along the way to the deepest part of the cave!

Ilsa: All that rampaging endangered the teams who entered after you!

Beatrix: Ungh...

Zeta: Oh, Sergeant Ilsa, there you are. May I submit our mission report?

Ilsa: Ah, sorry, Pupper and Armored Chicken. I was just wrangling the worst flunkee the Society's ever seen.

Zeta: Ah, I heard about her from the other new recru—

Zeta: Wait, Bea?

Beatrix: Zeta? Is that seriously you?

Beatrix: What are you doing here! What happened to you becoming a knight?

Zeta: That's my line! Since when did you become a trainee in the Society?

The completely unexpected reunion leaves Beatrix and Zeta staring at each other in shock.

Seeing this, Vaseraga looks at them curiously and poses a question.

Vaseraga: What is it, Zeta? Do you know this trainee?

Zeta: Yeah, a bit... It was before I joined the Society.

Zeta: I told you about her, right? That runaway girl I found.

Zeta: She was wild back then too, but I never thought she'd end up here in the Society.

Vaseraga: Ah, so that's her... I see. She really does seem as reckless as you described.

Noticing Zeta and Vaseraga whispering, Beatrix's expression twists in frustration.

Beatrix: Hey, what's with all the whispering... And not only are you in the Society, you're already a star!

Beatrix: Grr... Just you wait! Once I finish training, I'll catch up and surpass you!

Zeta: Uh, Bea... You've spent way longer in training than anyone else...

Zeta: I mean... aren't you forcing yourself into something you're just not suited for?

Beatrix: Are you saying I should give up?

Zeta: Oops...

Beatrix: I'll never give up! Just you watch! I'll finish training soon and surpass you!

Beatrix: Sergeant Ilsa! Please tell me more about what I did wrong earlier!

Beatrix: Next time, I'll nail this stealth exercise for sure!

Ilsa: Honestly... If you're that determined, I'll give you the hellish special training course.

Ilsa: Don't complain later, Hellcat!

Beatrix: You got it! Not a single whimper from me!

Zeta: Haaah... Did I just accidentally fire her up?

Vaseraga: Hmm... From the look of things, she really might climb up the ranks now.

Vaseraga: That stubborn streak reminds me a lot of you. Birds of a feather, huh?

Zeta: What? Who are you calling stubborn!

Vaseraga: What, you didn't realize it? Now that's a surprise.

Zeta: Why, you...

Zeta scowls at Vaseraga's words.

Meanwhile, Beatrix doesn't spare them a single glance and heads right back to her training.

Days later...

Beatrix surprisingly completes her training and gets ready to take on her first mission.

Beatrix: Hahah! I bet even you were impressed by how quickly I finished, huh?

Zeta: Honestly, I didn't think you'd really wrap it up that fast...

Zeta: Still, congrats. You're officially one of us now, Bea.

Beatrix: Yeah! Bring on any mission; I'm ready for anything!

Eustace: Beatrix, this will be your first mission. The job is to subdue a primal beast.

Beatrix: A primal beast hunt! Wow, I'm getting the big stuff right off the bat! Go, Beatrix!

Eustace: Don't get too excited. The leads on this mission will be Zeta and Vaseraga.

Eustace: Your role as backup is to ensure a safe retreat, just in case.

Beatrix: Huh? Backup? That means I might not even get to do anything!

Beatrix: I don't need a big team; I could do this solo! I'll take down the primal beast myself!

Eustace: No way am I giving that task to a rookie who just finished training and isn't a seal weapon contractor.

Eustace: If you want missions like that, you'll have to steadily earn the Society's trust first.

Beatrix: No way... If I go that slow, I'll never get close to avenging my family...

Eustace: Sigh...

Eustace lets out a resigned breath at Beatrix's frustration.

Eustace: I don't know or care why you joined the Society.

Eustace: But if you have a goal in mind, do what I say and prove yourself. That's your only path forward.

Beatrix: ...

Beatrix: Fine. You want results that'll blow all of you away, right?

Beatrix: Well, that's easy! I'll make myself indispensable and go way beyond backup—just watch!

Beatrix: Let's go, Zeta! Vaseraga!

Beatrix dashes off before either of them can respond.

Zeta: Hey! Wait up, Bea...

Zeta: Seriously, Eustace, don't go getting her riled up like that!

Eustace: Not my problem. You two had better follow before she causes trouble.

Vaseraga: So we're on babysitting duty, huh? Well, fine. Let's get moving, Zeta.

Vaseraga and an exasperated-looking Zeta quickly leave behind Beatrix.

Immortal Partner: Scene 3

Tasked with investigating a mafia group from her past, Beatrix learns they aided in her family's downfall. She goes on to complete the mission, confirming the Society's suspicion that she is meant to be Embrasque's contractor.

---

Some time has passed since Beatrix began working missions as a soldier in the Society.

Though she still hasn't been trusted with front-line assignments despite her efforts, her next mission soon comes in.

Ilsa: This time, your mission is to investigate a mafia syndicate. There's a high probability they're linked to the Foe, so proceed with caution.

Zeta: A mafia group with ties to the Foe, huh... What have they been up to?

Ilsa: Their main racket is arms smuggling. They buy up weapons that can't be obtained legally and sell them at steep prices to anyone desperate enough.

Ilsa: Insurgents trying to overthrow their lords, countries planning surprise attacks on their neighbors—those are their best customers.

Beatrix: Insurgents...

Ilsa: The smuggling itself has been going on for decades, but recently, we noticed something unusual.

Ilsa: Some of these smuggled weapons seem to be using primal beast power.

Vaseraga: I see... That lines up with how the Foe operates. There's a good chance things could get even worse if we don't act soon.

Vaseraga: We should deal with this while we still can.

Ilsa: Exactly. But for now, your primary objectives are to secure evidence of smuggling and to gather intel.

Ilsa: This syndicate controls a whole island, so before we go in full force, we need to scout and set up a plan.

Ilsa: Are you listening, Hellcat?

Beatrix: Yeah, I'm—

Beatrix: Ah!

Beatrix: This mafia... I fought them once before! Back when I first met Zeta!

Zeta: Oh, you mean when you were half-dead and collapsed in an alley? I guess that means you've got an old score to settle.

Beatrix: I wasn't defeated! That was a strategic retreat!

Beatrix: In fact, I got all the way to the boss's office!

Beatrix: That means I know the layout of their base like the back of my hand. This time, I'll take the lead!

Vaseraga: You leading is fine; just make sure you aren't seen.

Beatrix: Yeah, yeah, I know!

Beatrix once again infiltrates the mafia hideout.

Her memory is sharp and, despite a few close calls, the team makes it safely to the warehouse at the heart of the base.

Zeta: Wow, this place is packed to the ceiling with weapons. Looks like when it finally comes time to smash this place, we start here.

Vaseraga: Right. For now, let's just get a rough estimate of their stock. What're those papers over there?

Beatrix: Hang on. Hrmm... This looks like a client list.

Beatrix: Names of buyers and the islands they sent weapons to—but most of these dates are from around ten years ago.

Beatrix: If we could find something more recent, it'd be solid evidence...

Beatrix: ...!

Beatrix skims the list and suddenly goes wide-eyed at a familiar island name.

Zeta: Hey, Bea? You got really quiet all of a sudden—what's up?

Beatrix: One of the islands listed here... this is where my family's land was.

Zeta: What? Then your parents...

Beatrix: There's no doubt. These weapons they sold... that's what killed Mother and Father!

Beatrix: There's no way I'm letting them get away. I'm bringing this mafia down with my own hands!

Zeta: Whoa, hold on, Bea! I get how you feel, but our mission is recon, remember?

Zeta: We're setting things up so we can hit them hard—and safely—later. For now, we have to fall back.

Beatrix: No. If we back off and they realize something's up and get away, I'll never forgive myself.

Beatrix: Zeta, Vaseraga, finish your mission and return to base. I have to settle my own score.

Zeta: Wait, Bea!

Beatrix runs deeper into the hideout before Zeta can stop her.

Seeing this, Vaseraga puts a transceiver to his ear.

Vaseraga: Eustace. Beatrix has rushed ahead. We'll move to back her up.

Eustace's Voice: Permission denied. We have orders from above—stand down and observe.

Zeta: What! You're telling us to just stand here and let Bea get killed?

Vaseraga: Calm down, Zeta.

Vaseraga: Eustace, we'll comply for now. But if things really get bad, we are allowed to act, right?

Eustace: Yeah. We can't have her die here. But hold back as long as possible.

Eustace: The higher-ups are watching—if she can survive this, then...

Beatrix: Oraaaah!

Guard: ...!

Beatrix, driven by anger, has already taken down a number of mafia members and now stands in the boss's chamber.

The boss, startled at first by Beatrix's sudden appearance, quickly regains his composure and smirks.

Mafia Boss: Now that's a familiar face... Weren't you that little brat who broke into my office a few years back?

Mafia Boss: Didn't expect to see you barging in here again. What is it this time—you looking to join up with us or something?

Beatrix: I'm not here to chat. Just answer one question.

Beatrix faces him and mentions the island where her family lived.

Beatrix: It was on your customer list. Do you remember selling weapons to my parents' domain?

Beatrix: You sold those weapons, and the villagers used them to start a rebellion.

Mafia Boss: Beats me. There's no way I remember minor details from a decade ago.

Beatrix: You really don't remember anything?

Mafia Boss: The island's name and the client's name don't ring a bell.

Mafia Boss: Probably some nobody customer. Guess it was bad luck for us the coup went off so perfectly the first time.

Beatrix: Don't screw with me!

Beatrix: Because of the weapons you sold, my parents were murdered! How could you—

Mafia Boss: Hey now, that's not my problem. We just sold what was ordered, that's all.

Mafia Boss: However our customers use the merch is entirely up to them.

Beatrix: So you say...

Beatrix: In that case, there's only one solution.

Beatrix: I'm going to make sure you can never sell weapons again. I'm going to destroy you—all of you—completely.

Mafia Boss: Ha! Looks like you forgot how I kicked you out last time! Boys, give her a warm welcome!

On his signal, mafia members pour into the room and surround Beatrix.

They rush her all at once.

Beatrix: Gnnh!

Mafia Boss: Hahah! Now this is what I call outnumbered!

They pummel her, and Beatrix cries out in pain. However...

Beatrix: Compared to everything I've suffered so far, this pain is nothing. This doesn't even count as adversity!

Beatrix: Don't underestimate me!

Mafia Boss: Tch! She's tough... What's the matter with you idiots? Can't you handle one girl!

Beatrix: I'm not done yet!

Beatrix weathers the barrage of attacks, a tempest of steel and will amid the onslaught.

Though the mob assails her in relentless waves, Beatrix fells each adversary until she and the boss alone remain standing.

Beatrix: Huff... Huff... It's just you now...

Mafia Boss: Wh-what the hell are you! Damn it... Take this!

The boss, desperate, pulls out a pistol and fires at Beatrix.

Even in his panic, his aim is sharp—the shot looks like it goes straight through Beatrix...

Beatrix: Heh... Something like this won't kill me. There's no way I'm dying now...

Beatrix: I will see destroyed whoever it was that warped my destiny! I'll overturn all the suffering I've endured!

Beatrix: Whatever fate tries to throw at me, I'll devour it all!

Beatrix: I am immortal!

Mafia Boss: (No way... She just got shot, but she didn't even flinch?)

Beatrix: Here I goooo!

Mafia Boss: Gwaaaah!

Beatrix's attack lands squarely on the boss. With a cry, he collapses to the ground. Seeing this, Beatrix finally lets herself relax.

Beatrix: This is... my first step... toward revenge.

Beatrix: Ngh...

Murmuring to herself, Beatrix falls to the floor and loses consciousness.

At the same time—in the Society's seal weapon storage, something peculiar happens with the Embrasque Sword.

The sword flashes violently, as if resonating with someone's will, even though no one is touching it.

Ilsa: Eustace... Looks like the higher-ups were right after all.

Eustace: Yeah. It's decided—she's the true contractor for the Embrasque Sword.

Ilsa and Eustace share a nod and leave the room.

The Embrasque Sword continues to shine as if waiting for its chosen partner to return.

Immortal Partner: Scene 4

Remembering the past, Beatrix calls out to Embrasque, who returns to her from Versatile and reaffirms their bond. Upon claiming victory, Beatrix begins to repair the seal weapon, ready to face their future with confidence.

---

Memories of meeting Embrasque and the path that shaped her so far swirl through Beatrix's mind.

Bathed in light, Beatrix continues to speak to Embrasque.

Beatrix: I've lived all this time, recklessly pushing forward, just to get revenge for my parents...

Beatrix: Even after taking down the mafia boss, my goal still feels out of reach... but thanks to that mission, I was able to meet you.

Beatrix: When I held you for the first time, I just knew—with you, I could consume my own unfortunate fate.

Beatrix: So, Embrasque... I'm not ready to say goodbye yet.

Beatrix: We're sticking together from here on out too. Right, partner?

Perhaps moved by her words, Versatile trembles and writhes, almost like it's convulsing.

Then as if sobbing, it opens its wide mouth and from its throat, the hilt of Embrasque's sword comes spilling out.

Beatrix: Embrasque!

As the hilt falls from Versatile, Beatrix reaches out and grabs hold of it.

Beatrix: I'll never let you go again, partner.

???: Neither will I.

Beatrix: ...!

???: Together we are one. Together we are invincible.

A gentle, unfamiliar voice echoes in Beatrix's head.

But Beatrix instantly realizes the voice's source.

Beatrix: Sob... Embrasque...

Tears gather in Beatrix's eyes as she hugs the broken hilt of Embrasque close.

Days after Versatile's defeat...

Friends visit Beatrix, who has been holed up in her room.

Lyria: Um, Beatrix... I brought you some snacks! Um... is it okay if I come in?

Beatrix's Voice: Snacks? Of course, come on in!

Beatrix: Sorry it's a bit messy. I was just cleaning Embrasque, so there's stuff everywhere. Sit wherever you want!

Vyrn: Phew... You seem a lot better than I thought you'd be.

Vyrn: We were worried you might be cooped up in here, depressed since your partner broke.

Beatrix: Oh... I see. Haha, thanks.

Beatrix: Actually, I haven't had time to really polish Embrasque lately, so I thought I'd really do it right for once.

Beatrix: Then I figured I'd fix up my armor too, and got so into it that I lost track of time.

Lyria: Is Embrasque okay?

Beatrix: Hmm... Well, I don't see any sign that the broken parts are healing or anything...

Beatrix: But I'm sure it'll be fine! Cassius is looking into it, so Embrasque is gonna bounce back sooner or later.

1. Feeling anxious, aren't you?
2. In Embrasque you trust, huh.

Choose: Feeling anxious, aren't you?

Beatrix: You saw right through me. Honestly, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't anxious.

Beatrix: But Embrasque and I have made it through everything, completely unbreakable. I'll get through this too.

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: In Embrasque you trust, huh.

Beatrix: Yep! Me and Embrasque are partners—we've always gotten through every mess together!

Beatrix: And I know we'll get through this one too. I really believe it.

Continue 1

Beatrix: Besides, we promised to face everything together from now on. So everything's gonna be fine.

Beatrix mumbles reassuringly, gripping Embrasque tightly in her hand.

Beatrix: There's still stuff with the Society, and the moon, and—honestly, I still don't really get a lot of it.

Beatrix: But no matter what happens, I can promise one thing for sure.

Beatrix: I'll devour every twist of fate that comes my way, and in the end, the last ones standing will be me and Embrasque.

At that moment, Embrasque seems to flicker in response to her words.

1. Embrasque must feel the same.

Choose: Embrasque must feel the same.

Beatrix: Wait, you heard it too?

Beatrix: Maybe its answer was so strong that you could feel it too... Right, partner?

Beatrix draws Embrasque's hilt close to her heart.

A radiant, unshakable resolve illuminates her face, shining with heroic confidence.