Scenario:Cucouroux - Duo in the Deep End

Duo in the Deep End

Dan supplies the crew with talismans for breathing underwater and withstanding water pressure to aid in their descent to the sunken ship. After testing the talismans in action, Cucouroux and (Captain) grow increasingly excited about the upcoming expedition.

---

(Captain) and the crew have agreed to explore a sunken ship at the request of the alloy foundry.

Together with Dan, they discuss how best to carry out the investigation.

Uncle Dan: Considering the size of the airship, it'd be pretty tough to salvage the whole thing.

Cucouroux: Hmm... Then I guess we'll just have to dive down and search around inside.

Silva: In that case, we'll definitely need a map of the interior.

Uncle Dan: I was able to get my hands on blueprints for a similar type of ship, so we can use those as a reference.

Camieux: Wow! I'm impressed you managed to get a hold of something like that.

Uncle Dan: When the folks in Golonzo heard it might be an airship from the time of the War, even they were intrigued.

Cucouroux: Everybody's talking about this sunken ship, huh? Well, not that I'm any different.

Cucouroux: After all, if we figure out a cheap way to produce metal that doesn't rust in seawater, we can use it for guns too.

Uncle Dan: Right you are. We've even had a few parties offer to fund the expedition.

Cucouroux: Hearing that just gets me more pumped up! We have to make this search a success!

Silva: As for the exact location of the sunken ship, let's see... Oh, it's not as far down as I expected.

Tweyen: Yeah, that sea is pretty shallow. But it's surrounded by cliffs, so we'll have to navigate around them by boat to get closer.

Cucouroux: Hmm... There are lots of different ocean currents too. We'll need to be careful when we dive under.

Camieux: The seafloor is pitch-dark since light doesn't reach down there, right? Sniff... It's scary just thinking about it.

Lyria: There won't be any... ghosts inside the sunken ship... right?

Having let their imaginations get the better of them, Lyria and Camieux grasp each other's hands to quell their trembling.

Uncle Dan: Hmm... Seems like this ship was deliberately sunk to prevent it from being commandeered by the Astrals.

Vyrn: Commandeered? What does that mean?

Silva: In this case, it refers to the ship's weapons being seized and used by the opposing side.

Vyrn: Oh, I get it. So they didn't want their airship to fall into enemy hands!

Uncle Dan: Bingo. Given the situation, the ship's crew most likely evacuated, so there shouldn't be any ghosts hanging around.

Lyria: Phew...

Camieux: B-but what about ghosts haunting the bottom of the ocean?

Cucouroux: That's why they hire skyfarers like us—to deal with those kinds of threats head-on.

Camieux: Eep! S-so there might actually be ghosts down there?

Silva: Well... I suppose we won't know until we go.

Camieux: Eek...

Tweyen: That said, we can't all go down there, can we? We don't have enough equipment.

Uncle Dan: Oh, that reminds me! I got these magic talismans meant for deep-sea diving from the chamber of commerce.

Vyrn: Talismans, huh? Sounds pretty handy!

Uncle Dan: In the old days, people apparently had to tattoo the spells directly onto their bodies.

Uncle Dan: This time around, we'll be using a combination of talismans for breathing underwater and withstanding water pressure.

Uncle Dan: The pressure one's supposed to help with visibility too—even in the darkest depths of the ocean.

Tweyen and Cucouroux inspect the talismans with great interest.

Cucouroux: Wow, this is amazing. They're really packed with spells!

Tweyen: It's incredibly delicate magic. We'd better be careful not to damage the talismans.

Silva: Then we'll need to make sure to keep them safe if we encounter any monsters.

Cucouroux: Being underwater makes fighting tricky enough as it is. Escaping might be our best bet.

The crew heads to the beach to give the talismans a test run.

Cucouroux: Okay, (Captain) and I will try swimming with the talismans first!

After securing the talismans to themselves, (Captain) and Cucouroux dive into the sea.

Cucouroux: It's true—I can really breathe underwater! And my body feels so light too!

Cucouroux: As long as we have these talismans, we should have no trouble exploring the sunken ship!

Cucouroux: I wonder what we'll find down there? Ooh, I can't wait to see!

Having confirmed that the talismans work properly, the pair's thoughts turn to their search of the underwater airship.

Duo in the Deep End: Scene 2

Camieux creates a water-reactive flare for Cucouroux and (Captain) to use in case they are swept away by the ocean currents. On their way to the ship, strong currents impede the pair's progress, and (Captain) is knocked unconscious while shielding Cucouroux from a monster.

---

(Captain) and crew travel by boat to the spot directly above the submerged airship.

Uncle Dan: Apparently, the sunken ship wasn't discovered 'til now due to the ocean currents in the area.

Cucouroux: Makes sense. Nobody really swims here since the currents are so crazy, so I can see how it went unnoticed.

Uncle Dan: Yep. Rumor has it the currents shifted a bit after that whole missing seawater incident too.

Silva: If we simply swim in a straight line, we might get swept away and fail to reach the sunken ship at all.

Tweyen: Well, I guess we'll just have to try swimming the route ourselves.

Cucouroux: Yeah! Even if we don't make it the first time, it'll still help us understand the currents.

Lyria: Hmm, that sounds a little scary... Are you sure you'll be okay, (Captain)?

Reassuring Lyria that they'll be fine, (Captain) prepares to dive.

Camieux: Um... Cucouroux? (Captain)?

Cucouroux: What's up, Cammy? You look worried.

Camieux: Sniffle... Well, since we don't know what might be hiding down there, I made something for you—just in case.

With a curious look, the captain accepts the bag from a visibly nervous Camieux.

Camieux: It's a signal flare made with special gunpowder that ignites when it comes into contact with water!

Camieux: You can use it if you end up getting carried away by the currents.

Cucouroux: Thanks, Cammy! With this, Tweyen will be able to spot us no matter where we are!

Camieux: Yup! It's in a waterproof bag, so go ahead and take it with you!

Tweyen: Camieux says it will give off a really bright glow, so I don't think I'll miss it.

Silva: Still... if the flare is ignited underwater, depending on the depth, even Tweyen might not be able to see the light.

Silva: Not to mention, we'll have little to no communication between us. So please be careful, you two.

Uncle Dan: If things get dicey, come back straight away.

Cucouroux: Got it. We won't take any risks!

Cucouroux: All right, guys. Be back soon!

Vyrn: 'Kay! Stay safe!

(Captain) and Cucouroux decide to swim down to the seabed first before proceeding to the submerged airship.

Cucouroux: Hmm... Yeah, I think I can feel my body being pulled off course. Is that because of the ocean currents?

Cucouroux: Let's hold hands so we don't get separated, (Captain).

Hand in hand, the pair swim toward the seafloor.

Cucouroux: Without these talismans, it would probably be too dark to see anything.

Cucouroux: I can't imagine doing this alone. I'm so glad you're here with me, (Captain)!

(Captain) returns the sentiment, and together they set out for the sunken ship. However...

Cucouroux: Whoa!

Feeling a sudden tugging sensation, they find themselves being swept away by a powerful water current.

Cucouroux: Yikes... There's a really violent current flowing around the ship!

Cucouroux: Whatever you do, don't let go of my hand!

Clutching Cucouroux's hand tightly, the captain notices a looming shadow and tries to turn around, but the force of the water proves too great.

Monster: ...!

Cucouroux: Whoa! A monster!

Cucouroux: Talk about bad timing!

Monster: ...!

(Captain) moves forward to shield Cucouroux, taking the full brunt of the monster's attack.

Cucouroux: (Captain)!

Consciousness fading from the ill-placed blow, the last thing (Captain) perceives is being cradled by Cucouroux.

Duo in the Deep End: Scene 3

(Captain) awakens in an air-filled cave with Cucouroux, who explains that their gear is gone and their breathing talismans are no longer usable. Determined to find a way home, they continue their search and eventually locate the lost bag containing the flare, which (Captain) sets off.

---

???: (Captain)...

???: (Captain), stay with me!

Cucouroux: Thank goodness... You've been out cold for quite a while.

Upon awakening, (Captain) looks around what appears to be the inside of a cave.

Cucouroux: We were carried away by the current, along with the monster that swam off somewhere.

Cucouroux: The flow finally slowed down near this cave, so I figured we ought to take cover here for the time being.

Cucouroux: Seems like it has air trapped inside. There must be a hole leading to the surface somewhere...

Detecting a sense of uneasiness in her tone, the captain looks down and notices that a talisman is missing.

Cucouroux: I'm sorry, (Captain). Your breathing talisman came off when you protected me.

Cucouroux: I used my own talisman's emergency magic to get us to this cave.

Cucouroux: Unfortunately, the strain of supporting both our breathing caused mine to fail too.

Cucouroux: At least both of our water pressure talismans are still working...

Cucouroux: But without being able to breathe, it'd be tough to even make it to the surface, let alone back to the ship.

Cucouroux: If we use the flare underwater, Tweyen might be able to spot it...

Cucouroux: But that's easier said than done...

At Cucouroux's explanation, (Captain) realizes their gear has been washed away together with the talisman.

Cucouroux: For now, let's follow the airflow and see if we can find an exit!

Cucouroux: We'll definitely make it back, (Captain). Trust me.

With these words of encouragement, Cucouroux stands—only to stumble when she tries to take a step.

Cucouroux: Urgh... I'm sorry. Guess my leg got twisted when we were swept away.

Cucouroux: But don't worry. It's not so bad that I can't walk...

Seeing the state of Cucouroux's leg, the captain hurriedly lends her a shoulder.

Cucouroux: Thanks, (Captain). That's a big help.

Cucouroux: Now, let's go find a way out of here!

Cucouroux: Hmm, looks like this path is a dead end. There might be another route to the surface though...

Cucouroux: Let's see... I definitely feel a draft coming from somewhere. Maybe through the cracks in the rock face?

Cucouroux: In that case... No, we'll need to look around more to know for sure.

(Captain) and Cucouroux return to their original location, planning to explore in a different direction.

Losing heat as the seawater evaporates from their bodies, they huddle together to stay warm.

Cucouroux: Considering how far we were carried, it'll be tough for the others to find us.

Cucouroux: And Cammy's flare got swept away too...

Though her face is drained of color, Cucouroux manages a smile and pats (Captain) on the back.

Cucouroux: But I'm sure we'll be just fine! The two of us have made it out of plenty of tight spots together.

Cucouroux: I might not be able to do it alone, but you're here with me, (Captain)!

The captain notices Cucouroux's hand trembling slightly as she speaks.

Cucouroux: After a bit of rest, we're bound to think of something. I just know it...

1. Don't push yourself.

Choose: Don't push yourself.

Cucouroux: What do you mean? I'm not...

Cucouroux: ...

Cucouroux: Actually, maybe I am a little.

Cucouroux: Normally, I can step up and be the dependable big sister no matter the situation.

Cucouroux: I know you must be afraid too, so I can't let myself be the only one falling apart. Sorry...

1. Everyone gets scared sometimes.

Choose: Everyone gets scared sometimes.

Cucouroux: Yeah... I guess you're right.

Cucouroux: Is it okay if I take a short break from being the big sister?

(Captain) squeezes Cucouroux's hand as a sign of affirmation.

Cucouroux: Sniffle...

Cucouroux: I'm sorry, (Captain)... This all happened because I made a big deal about wanting to explore the sunken ship.

Cucouroux: The others must be so worried. Cammy and Lyria might even start crying...

Cucouroux: But I want everybody to keep smiling. And that means we need to get back to the boat safely. Right, (Captain)?

As (Captain) nods, Cucouroux wipes away her tears and nods back firmly.

Cucouroux: Okay! Enough moping!

Cucouroux: Thanks for letting me be vulnerable for a moment, (Captain).

Cucouroux: I'm really glad you're here with me. It's way better than being alone.

The captain expresses gratitude for Cucouroux's company as well, bringing a look of relief to the gunsmith's face.

Cucouroux: Okay. Now that we've had some rest, let's get back to exploring the cave!

The two stand and resume their search of the dark cavern, hand in hand.

While walking along the water's edge, Cucouroux suddenly comes to a stop.

Cucouroux: Huh?

Cucouroux: (Captain)! Is that what I think it is?

She points at what appears to be the captain's bag snagged on a rock.

Cucouroux: We put the flare in there, right?

Hastily checking the contents, they find the waterproof bag with the flare given to them by Camieux still sealed safely inside.

Cucouroux: Yay! Maybe this will do the trick...

Reattaching the water pressure talisman, (Captain) suggests they swim as far up as their breath permits before setting off the flare.

Cucouroux: I think I'd better wait here. With my leg like this, I'll only be in the way.

Cucouroux: Sorry for sticking you with all the dangerous work...

1. Leave it to the captain!

Choose: Leave it to the captain!

Cucouroux: Hehe, right. You are our captain, after all.

Cucouroux: Be careful, okay? I'll be waiting right here!

Promising to return no matter what, (Captain) exits the cave, intent on getting as close to the surface as possible.

Duo in the Deep End: Scene 4

Thanks to Tweyen spotting the flare, the missing pair is rescued, and the investigation is paused until an expert on ocean currents can be brought in. Despite Cucouroux's sprained ankle effectively ending her participation, she and (Captain) are relieved to be able to breathe freely again.

---

Concerned that (Captain) and Cucouroux have not returned by the designated time, the remaining crew members begin a search effort.

Camieux: Cucouroux... (Captain)...

Silva: How's it going, Tweyen? Can you see any light?

Tweyen: Hold on...

Tweyen: I've got something! It's the flare!

Vyrn: All right! Let's go pick 'em up—pronto!

Lyria: (Captain), Cucouroux! Please be safe!

Cucouroux: Pwah! W-we made it back!

Camieux: Cucouroux!

Cucouroux: Camieux!

Camieux: Sob... I'm so, so glad you came back in one piece, Sis!

Silva: Are you injured, (Captain)? Feeling unwell at all?

1. Cucouroux hurt her leg.

Choose: Cucouroux hurt her leg.

Lyria: What! She did?

Camieux: Oh n-n-no! We need to get her to a doctor as soon as possible!

Cucouroux: Nah, it's just a little sprain. Nothing to worry about—

Uncle Dan: Never underestimate an injury! Let's head to shore and get you checked at the hospital.

Tweyen: He's right. The sunken ship won't be going anywhere.

Cucouroux: Urgh... I'm sorry about all this.

Vyrn: Y'know, you guys drifted pretty far from the wreckage site. What happened?

Cucouroux: Well, the ocean current was a lot stronger than we expected...

(Captain) and Cucouroux fill the others in on their experience as they return to shore.

After being examined by a doctor, the pair are given a largely clean bill of health.

Vyrn: Phew... Just a few minor cuts and bruises here and there, huh?

Lyria: Thank goodness there weren't any serious internal injuries!

Silva: Cucouroux's leg fared the worst, but fortunately it's just a sprain and not a fracture.

Cucouroux: Sniffle... Sorry for worrying you guys.

Uncle Dan: Never dreamed the currents had changed that much. I should've looked into it more beforehand. Sorry, that was my oversight...

Gently urging Dan not to blame himself, (Captain) suggests they focus on the upcoming expedition.

Uncle Dan: Right. Well, I guess we should start by looking into the current you two got caught in.

Tweyen: Since it seems to run right by the sunken ship, we'll need to either master riding it or approach from another direction.

Silva: In that case, it might be best to bring in an expert on ocean currents—perhaps someone from the Auguste Chamber of Commerce.

Vyrn: If all the info we've got is outta date, we won't be able to handle this ourselves.

Uncle Dan: This was always meant to be a trial run before the full-on investigation, so learning about the currents is a huge win in my book.

Uncle Dan: Think I'll go have a word with the chamber of commerce. (Captain), Cucouroux—you guys take it easy.

Silva: Maybe we should accompany you.

Tweyen: Yeah, it would probably be good to have some members of the crew along too.

Lyria: You two get plenty of rest, okay?

Cucouroux: Will do!
Wait, I just realized... I won't be able to join the next expedition with this injury, will I?

Cucouroux: I wanted to explore the sunken ship and see what kind of technology it had...

Camieux: Grr! Cucouroux, you big dummy!

Camieux: Make sure you're healed and healthy before getting back to work! That's what Mom always says, remember?

Cucouroux: Oof... You're right, Cammy.

Camieux: I'm going to go help Uncle Dan, but you stay here. I don't want you overexerting yourself!

Cucouroux: Okay, okay. I'll get some rest.

Camieux: ...
You promise?

Cucouroux: I promise. Sorry, Cammy... You must have been really scared.

Camieux: P-please... I'm a skyfarer too, y'know? This sort of stuff is just part of the job...

Camieux: Sniffle...

Seeing Camieux's eyes well up with tears of relief, Silva gently pats her head.

Silva: Well, we should be going. See you both later.

Cucouroux: Okay! We're counting on you guys!

Lyria: Right! Leave it to us.

After bidding farewell to the others, (Captain) and Cucouroux take the opportunity to get some much-needed rest.

Feeling rejuvenated, they make their way toward the Grandcypher.

Cucouroux: Whew...

Cucouroux: Haha. Sure feels nice being able to breathe without having to worry!

Free from the stress of potentially running out of air in the cave, the pair take deep breaths side by side.

Cucouroux: (Captain)... You're really breathing...

Cucouroux: The whole time I was swimming with you unconscious in my arms, I was terrified that your heart might have stopped.

Cucouroux: I'm so glad you're alive. That we both are.

Cucouroux: I knew being a skyfarer was risky business, but this whole turn of events really freaked me out.

Recalling how difficult it was to move underwater, (Captain) nods in agreement.

Cucouroux: But at the same time, having the chance to encounter new places and tech is a privilege unique to skyfarers!

Cucouroux: They say good and bad are often two sides of the same coin. So let's keep that in mind and do our best together.

1. Sounds good to me!
2. It's a little scary...

Choose: Sounds good to me!

Cucouroux: Hehe. I've realized that as long as you're by my side, I can stand up and face my fears.

Cucouroux: If I were on my own, I might've given up somewhere along the way.

Cucouroux: So I just wanted to say... thank you, (Captain)!

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: It's a little scary...

Cucouroux: The captain's responsible for the lives of the crew. It's totally natural that you'd be afraid sometimes.

Cucouroux: So when the going gets tough, don't hesitate to lean on ol' Cucouroux here, okay?

Cucouroux: I mean, I know I was the one leaning on you this time!

Cucouroux: But moving forward, you can always count on me to be the reliable big sister.

Continue 1

Cucouroux smiles warmly and wraps the captain up in a tight hug.

Cucouroux: (Captain)...

Cucouroux: Both our hearts are still beating. We're alive.

Cucouroux: And I intend to keep it that way.

Cucouroux: I'm gonna become an even stronger, wiser, and more dependable big sister.

Cucouroux: So from here on out, let's keep working hard together—you and me!

Cucouroux smiles brightly as (Captain) gives an affirming nod.

Having survived this life-or-death crisis together, the bond between Cucouroux and her captain grows ever stronger.