Scenario:Cagliostro and Ladiva - It's What's Inside That Counts

It's What's Inside That Counts

Cagliostro, who happens to be in the neighborhood, listens to Ladiva's plight with the kidnapped children. Cagliostro lures out one of the kidnappers and uses him to lead her right to their hideout. After she and Ladiva rescue the children, the two realize they are alike in more ways than one.

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Ladiva: ...

Ladiva: ...

Ladiva: Aww... I just can't seem to find those darn culprits.

Ladiva has accepted a request to track down kidnapped children and the scoundrels that abducted them.

Ladiva was once a famed duelist who fought in the arena aboard the Jewel Resort Casino.

After a quarrel with the empire, she knew she would be a wanted fugitive and didn't want to burden her employer with the potential trouble her prolonged presence could cause.

So it was an easy decision for her when she chose to leave the ring and join (Captain)'s crew.

But the reason she volunteered to find the kidnappers has more to do with another part of her past.

She had the unfortunate experience of watching the empire steal away her sisters from her orphanage. So now she is determined to prevent other children from suffering.

However, with no clues as to the whereabouts of the kidnappers, Ladiva finds herself stumped.

Ladiva: Who knew it would be this hard to sniff out clues...

Ladiva: But I won't give up! I'll find you, children!

Cagliostro: Well, well... Look what the cat dragged
in—it's Ladiva! What are you doing in a place like this?

Ladiva: Oh, if it isn't Cagliostro. You're looking as radiant as ever.

Ladiva: But, you know, you don't have to hide your true self from me. I like you even without all that makeup.

Cagliostro: I'm not hiding anything from you. This is precisely how the world's cutest girl acts.

Cagliostro: But never mind that. What are you doing here? Doesn't seem like you're just out for a walk.

Ladiva: Me? Oh, I'm looking for whoever's responsible for the kidnappings. There's been a lot of them in this area lately.

Cagliostro: Ah... Now that you mention it, I believe I heard something similar a little while back.

Ladiva: Do you have any helpful information? Even the smallest bit helps. I won't be able to track them down on my own.

Cagliostro: Sorry. Hate to break it to you, but I only heard about it in passing really.

Ladiva: Sigh... That's too bad.

Seeing Ladiva bow her head in defeat, Cagliostro grows somewhat concerned.

Cagliostro: You said you were a duelist before, right? Sounds like this kind of job's not up your alley.

Cagliostro: So why are you so desperate? Was it somebody you knew that got kidnapped?

Ladiva recounts her tribulations with the empire to Cagliostro.

Ladiva: When I imagine how those children must be feeling, I just know I have to do something!

Ladiva: I won't let anyone else steal the love and happiness shared between family and child!

Cagliostro: I get it. How very like you.

Cagliostro: You know what, if it's captured children you're looking to help, then I,
Cagliostro—the world's most super adorable girl—am going to lend you a hand!

Ladiva: What a terrible joke. What if the kidnappers take you too?

Cagliostro: Hehe. They're welcome to try. In fact that would make quick work of this little job.

Cagliostro: But it's probably best to not get your hopes up for things like—

Young Man: Hey. You there, girl.

Cagliostro: Oh? Are you talking to me, Cagliostro?

Young Man: Yeah. Hehe. Cagliostro's a cute name.

Young Man: Oh! Totally unrelated question! Do you like candy? I was just about to hand some out. Wanna come with?

Ladiva: (Come to think of it, I do recall hearing that kidnappers like to lure children with candy.)

Ladiva: (Could this person be the culprit?)

Ladiva clenches her fist, ready to apprehend the potential criminal. But she hesitates.

Ladiva: (No. Calm down first. If you take this man on right now, you might not find out the location of the children.)

Ladiva: (Besides, what if his accomplices notice the commotion and make a run for it? I'd be right back at square one.)

The hulking duelist leans over and whispers in Cagliostro's ear.

Ladiva: Hey... Do you notice anything weird about this guy?

Cagliostro: Hehe! Course I did; don't make me laugh! But first I kind of want some proof that he's our guy.

Cagliostro: Guess this is where I do my thing. Look, I'll let him capture me. Then you follow us to their hideout.

Ladiva: You're going alone? That's dangerous!

Cagliostro: Hah! Who do you think I am? This is the fastest way.

Young Man: Um? Is this person your friend?

Cagliostro: Unh-uh! Just a regular old stranger.

Young Man: Right. Anyway, let's get going.

Cagliostro: Okay! This sounds like fun!

Ladiva: No, wait!

Cagliostro ignores Ladiva's call and leaves with the man, a sincere smile plastered on her face.

Cagliostro: Wow! Look at all the candy!

Young Man: Hah-hah! Well, go ahead! Pick out your favorite!

Cagliostro: Yay!

Cagliostro masks a quick glance around her surroundings behind an affected but gleeful expression.

Cagliostro: (Hah—I knew it all along. There are a bunch of brats here.)

Shuffling stealthily away from the man, Cagliostro makes her way toward a lone girl.

Cagliostro: Hey there! Isn't this place so much fun? I love all the candy.

Little Girl: Um... But I wanna go home. And he just tells me I can't. Why?

Cagliostro: (Well, that settles it. He's definitely the kidnapper. In that case, I don't have to hold back.)

Kidnapper 1: (Heh-heh. Collecting brats off the street just gets easier every day. So glad I got into this business.)

Kidnapper 1: (While this runt's acting good, I better...)

Cagliostro: Excuse me, mister. I've got a favor to ask...

Kidnapper 1: Oh? And what might that be?

Cagliostro: Leeet's see... How about you put your hands up and come quietly?

Kidnapper 1: Huh?

Cagliostro: Is this all of you?

Kidnapper 1: Damn it, you tricked me!

Cagliostro: You don't have the right to say that, pal. Because it's my line. So are there any other little brats running around?

Kidnapper 1: Tch... Like I'd tell you! Who do you think I am!

Cagliostro: Oh? Seems like you're the type that doesn't talk until you're met with a little painful persuasion.

Kidnapper 1: Damn it! Whatever you're going to do, just do it!

Cagliostro: Hehe. Excellent! Your wish is my command...

???: Aaaargh!

Kidnapper 1: Wh-who is that!

???: Get ready!

Kidnapper 2: Eek!

Cagliostro: Oh no... Don't tell me...

Ladiva: Hehe. Looks like I made it in time.

Kidnapper 1: Y-you're that one from before! Is this a setup?

Cagliostro: Sigh... Yep. It's you. Didn't I say I could handle this on my own?

Ladiva: Sorry about that. I tried to follow you as quietly as I could; I was worried.

Ladiva: Besides, this creep's friends were just about to get away. But I didn't let 'em. Now aren't you glad I came?

Cagliostro: Tch! So there were more. Bad guys like these nuts pop up like daisies, huh?

Ladiva: Now, let's get down to business. Where are the children you abducted?

Kidnapper 1: Tch!

Cagliostro: Seems like this one's not interested in separating those lips.

Cagliostro: Hehe. Well if that's the case, then I'll have to feed him a knuckle sandwich or two to—

Ladiva: Oh my goodness, no! You shouldn't act so violently!

Ladiva: If you hurt these men, no matter how much, they'll just repeat the same thing some day.

Cagliostro: Huh? So what do you suggest we do?

Ladiva: You just leave that to me!

Ladiva is mid-lecture about the undying nature of love, causing several of the kidnappers to tear up.

Kidnapper 2: I'm so sorry... Sob...

Kidnapper 1: Me too... We were wrong! We'll never take kids like that again!

Ladiva: Hehe. Glad to hear it.

Ladiva: I can see that you're nice people on the inside. After all, you listened very well when I was talking.

Ladiva: Surely you all remember being loved?

Ladiva: If you don't have someone like that in your life right now, well, then... I'll love you in their place!

Ladiva: So please stop these terrible acts. Promise me.

Kidnapper 1: Why... Why are you so kind to us?

The degree of bewilderment on their faces is matched only by the sheer amount of compassion displayed in Ladiva's expression.

Ladiva: You know the answer already...

Ladiva: Love!

Ladiva: Haha. That was a long day. And the children are already back with their parents.

Ladiva: Thanks to you, dear. If you weren't there, who knows how long it would've taken me to find them. Thank you.

Cagliostro: Hehe. Good thing I'm such a cute little lady, huh? They were jumping at the chance to kidnap me.

Cagliostro: But if you hadn't have lectured them, they never would've revealed the location of the children.

Ladiva: Hmm? What was that you just said?

Cagliostro: Nope, I didn't say anything.

Cagliostro: By the way... Do you ever feel like you want to be something else?

Ladiva: Well, this is coming out of nowhere.

Cagliostro: I can change a lot with my alchemy, you know—like a child into an adult. Or the masculine into the feminine.

Cagliostro: If you want, I could theoretically make that happen for you too.

Cagliostro: But it's just supposition. You don't have to—

Ladiva: Hehe. That sounds great. But I have to refuse.

Ladiva: Because my parents gave me this body. It's my treasure.

Ladiva gives Cagliostro a smile, who returns the expression without realizing it.

Cagliostro: Hehe... Hahaha! I get it! So that's the kind of person you are!

Ladiva: Oh my, I think this is my first time seeing you laugh in such a carefree manner.

Cagliostro: Haha. I guess. You've got me all confused. Not that I mind that much.

Their laughter echoes throughout the room.

Alike and yet unlike, unlike and yet alike, the pair forge a bond of friendship sure to last till the end of time.