Scenario:Eugen - Past Happiness

Past Happiness

Eugen receives an invitation from Orchis to Apollonia's birthday party. Although he recognizes it as a chance to repair his relationship with his daughter, he is unsure of how to proceed. He later bumps into Apollonia in Auguste, and the two have lunch together. Their conversation goes well, until Eugen makes an awkward remark, and the two part ways with an uncomfortable air hanging over their heads.

---

Eugen: ...

Eugen: What am I gonna do about this...

Eugen stands alone inside his Auguste home.

His expression grim, he looks over the letter in his hand one more time.

Eugen: To think that I'd get invited to Apollo's birthday party...

The letter details that a celebration will be held for Apollonia's birthday about a month from now.

It was sent the crew's way by Orchis, who had included one final note at the end of it.

Eugen: "Apollo approved Eugen's participation, so please don't hesitate to join us."

Eugen: Or so she wrote, but I'm honestly havin' a hard time believing it.

Eugen: Not that I'm upset. Artemisia would be happy to see me make progress on my task.

Eugen once undertook a challenging trial to learn the innermost teachings by joining with Leviathan.

During it, he was met by the spirit of Artemisia, his deceased wife.

Artemisia: I want you to talk to Apollo and make up with her. That's your task.

Artemisia: If you find your way back here without doing what I asked, I'll tie you up and send you straight back!

Determined, he pledged his intent to see that task through.

Eugen: A birthday party's the perfect opportunity, but...

He remains uncertain despite his desire to repair his relationship with Apollonia.

Eugen: Need to find some common ground between us, else we won't have much to talk about.

Looking for some kind of hint, Eugen shuffles around his home.

He stops by a bookshelf, where a children's picture book catches his eye.

Eugen: What a blast from the past.

He gingerly plucks it from the shelf and gazes at its cover.

Eugen: This picture of the sea never ceases to amaze.

Apollo's Parents: Happy Birthday, Apollo!

Young Apollonia: Eheheh... Thanks, Dad! Thanks, Mom!

Artemisia: Hehe, I prepared your favorite salmun dishes for tonight. And there's a cake for dessert too.

Young Apollonia: Yay! Can I eat as much salmun as I want?

Eugen: Now hold on... Having seconds is fine, but you sure you're gonna have room for the cake after?

Young Apollonia: Yeah! There's always room for sweets!

Eugen: Gahahaha! Is that right? Now where'd you learn that?

Young Apollonia: Mm? Secret.

Artemisia: Hehe, you've grown up so much while we weren't looking.

Young Apollonia: Hic... Th-thanks for the food.

Eugen: Well, I'll be. You really made room for everythin'.

Artemisia: Apollo, is your tummy doing okay?

Young Apollonia: Yeah... No leftovers, see? I didn't want you to get sad.

Artemisia: While it's important to clear your plate, you shouldn't push yourself too much.

Eugen: Haha, she takes after your considerate side, doesn't she?

Eugen: Apollo, a good girl like you deserves a present! Here, open it!

Young Apollonia: A present? Wow!

Young Apollonia: Oh! A picture book of the sea!

Young Apollonia: This is the one with the really pretty drawings! How did you know I wanted it?

Eugen: Hahaha! There ain't nothin' I don't know about my little girl!

Artemisia: Hehehe... Actually, Dad here spent a long time trying to figure out what to get you.

Eugen: Artemisia! You promised you wouldn't tell!

Young Apollonia: Haha... Dad, can you read it to me?

Eugen: Me? I'm not the greatest reader.

Young Apollonia: Don't care! Just do it!

Eugen: Okay, okay. Let's give it a try then. "A mighty god lives in the waters of Auguste."

Eugen: "Both people and marine creatures treasure this god as the mother of all."

Eugen: "It chooses good children to share a special bond with, and gives them new life."

Young Apollonia: It does?

Eugen: Of course. You're the perfect example of one.

Young Apollonia: Hehehe...

Young Apollonia: I love you, Mom and Dad!

Eugen: Think it was her sixth birthday when I gave this to her.

A tender smile settling on his lips, he brushes a thumb along the book's spine.

Eugen: She loved it a whole lot... Read it so many times that she memorized every page.

As he stares at the cover, his thoughts turn back to the present.

Eugen: Maybe a gift'd be the thing to get us talkin' at her party.

Eugen: So long as I find the right thing to give, at any rate.

Eugen: I've never been good at figuring this stuff out on my own.

He imagines, all too easily, the way Apollonia would reject him if he botched the opportunity.

Heaving a sigh, he returns the book back to its resting place.

A little while later, Eugen travels down the bustling main street to look for lunch.

Eugen: (Place is busy as usual.)

Eugen: (Used to hold Apollo's hand to keep us from gettin' separated when we walked through here.)

Young Apollonia: Dad, can we hold hands?

Eugen: (Those memories are still clear as day.)

Apollonia: ...

Eugen: Huh?

Apollonia: Fancy seeing you here.

Eugen: ...!

None other than the real Apollonia startles Eugen from his recollections.

Eugen: Apollo? What're you doin' here?

Apollonia: I have business to attend to.

Apollonia: ...

Orchid: If you talk to him now... things might turn out differently.

Orchis: She's got the right idea. The passage of time does wonders for repairing relationships.

Orchis: Apollo, why don't you give him another chance?

Apollonia: ...

Apollonia: All right.

Apollonia: ...

Eugen: Ah... Well, erm...

Fixing Eugen with her gaze, Apollonia is the first to break the ice.

Apollonia: Out for lunch?

Eugen: Er... Yeah, s'right. Figured I'd find something 'round here since there's an abundance of eateries.

Apollonia: Have you decided on a restaurant?

Eugen: Not yet...

Apollonia: Come with me. I was about to have a meal myself.

Eugen: Huh?

Apollonia: It's lunch rush time, so getting a table for one isn't possible, and the counter seats are packed.

Apollonia: Besides, if you're still undecided, finding a place to eat will take time. Just follow me.

Eugen: I'd be glad to join ya, but are y'sure you don't mind?

Apollonia: Don't make me repeat myself.

Shutting his trap, Eugen follows Apollonia down the street and into a packed restaurant.

Apollonia: ...

Eugen: ...

They are seated at a table where they face one another in awkward silence.

Eugen: When didja get here? I thought you'd be spendin' most of your time back in the Erste Kingdom.

Apollonia: I only arrived yesterday. As busy as I am, I can't stay cooped up in Erste.

Apollonia: We are in talks with Auguste to establish a new trade treaty, so I came to attend the latest meeting.

Eugen: Huh... Actin' as an ambassador then?

Apollonia: Only in a small capacity.

Apollonia: What about you? I don't see (Captain) or the others around.

Eugen: Just out shoppin'. Been having a hard time finding the right thing.

Apollonia: I see.

Eugen: Longer you drag something out, the more you lose your way. Same thing with ordering food. You decided what you want yet?

Apollonia: I have.

Eugen: Oh... Guess I'll get what you're gettin', otherwise we might be here all day.

They order their food, and once the waiter steps away, Eugen hesitantly starts another conversation.

Eugen: We got the invitation for your birthday party.

Apollonia: Mhmm.

Eugen: Sorry you all had to go out of your way to send somethin'.

Apollonia: A single letter is no trouble.

Eugen: Haha, guess not...

Before long, their seafood pastas arrive at the table, and the two dig in.

Eugen: Huh, this is pretty good.

Apollonia: It is.

Their first meal together after so many years is passed in mostly silence.

Eugen: ...

Apollonia: ...

The awkward air between them is not unpleasant, though they keenly feel the absence of their long since departed family member.

A sense of nostalgia and sadness settles over them as they both think of the years they've spent apart.

Apollonia: I used to be the top advisor for the Erste Empire...

Eugen: Hm?

Apollonia: Don't you think it's absurd that a birthday party is being thrown for me—a person who was once so despised?

Eugen: If you ask me... not really.

Eugen: I mean, y'know... the way I see it, it's definitely a day for celebration.

Apollonia: Is that right?

Eugen: Yeah. Was Orchis the one who first suggested it?

Apollonia: Not just her. Orchid had a hand in it as well. The two make a very insistent team.

Eugen: Just goes to show how much they care about you. You've made some good friends.

Apollonia: Indeed. I'll have to repay them tenfold someday.

Eugen: Whoa there... You sound like you're promisin' them revenge or something instead.

Apollonia: I'm just dead serious about how grateful I am.

Eugen: Haha, then you oughta make sure to enjoy the party they're throwin' you first.

Apollonia: Of course, though I'm not sure how to go about it.

Eugen: I get that. Celebrations can be tough.

Apollonia: I thought you had enough worldly experience to believe otherwise.

Eugen: You're not the only one who doesn't know what to do when it counts.

Eugen: I never was good at figurin' things out on my own, after all.

Apollonia: ...!

Artemisia: Hehehe... Actually, Dad here spent a long time trying to figure out what to get you.

Eugen: Artemisia! You promised you wouldn't tell!

Apollonia: ...

Eugen: Uh... Apollo?

Apollonia: It's nothing.

Eugen: ...

The hustle and bustle of the restaurant fills their ears as they finish their meal in silence.

Apollonia: I should head for my meeting.

Eugen: Right.

Apollonia: ...

Without another word, Apollonia takes her leave.

Eugen: The heck was I sayin'... If I don't figure out my own problems, who will?

Eugen: Couldn't even protect the woman who gave me her guidance... I'm a damn fool, through and through.

Two people seated a distance away keep a stealthy watch over Eugen and Apollonia's exchange.

Man: Of all the times for them to meet... We should keep our guard up.

Young Woman: They didn't seem like they were getting along that well though.

Man: Regardless, it always pays to be cautious.

Young Woman: Okay, Father, I'll defer to your judgment.

A wicked grin twisting his mouth, the man glances outside a nearby window.

Man: Oh, Elena... Soon we'll meet!

At the edge of the blue skies above, dark clouds slowly begin to roll in.

Past Happiness: Scene 2

After leaving the restaurant, Eugen runs into a young lady named Nora, who was ordered by her father to learn who Eugen is to Apollonia. They share a brief conversation before parting. That evening, Apollonia pays a visit to the seaside shrine she used to visit as a child, where Nora and her father ambush her. The father uses a trick to incapacitate Apollonia.

---

After departing from the restaurant, Eugen winds up slumped on a bench in town.

Eugen: Sigh...

Eugen: I always fail when it really counts. Feels like I'm goin' senile far too early...

Eugen: ...

Eugen: Maybe I should forget about the birthday party at this rate...

He heaves another deep sigh and buries his face in his hands.

Young Woman: Mister, what's wrong?

Eugen: Wha?

A seemingly concerned stranger approaches Eugen out of the blue.

Young Woman: You've been groaning to yourself this whole time, so I was wondering if something happened.

Eugen: Ah, you saw it all, eh? Sorry for bein' a public nuisance. I'll beat it.

Eugen prepares to push his weary body up, but the woman sits next to him before he can move.

Young Woman: Now hold on, I wasn't trying to chase you off. You don't look well enough to be scurrying away either.

Eugen: Oh... Suppose you're right about that.

Letting his body collapse back, Eugen tilts his head toward the sky.

Young Woman: Thank goodness.

Eugen: Huh?

Young Woman: I've had bad experiences with someone who won't admit they're having a hard time, you see.

Eugen: Yeah, that can be pretty rough...

Young Woman: Right? Which is why I'm relieved to learn you're not like that.

Eugen: ...

Young Woman: Ah... Sorry to bring all that up out of nowhere. Do you have time for a longer chat?

Eugen: Sorry, little lady, but I'm not really up for it right now.

Nora: My name's Nora. Just so you know, I'm not trying to get anything out of you.

Eugen: I'm Eugen. And sure, if you say so.

Nora: I'm really not. At least, not for myself.

Eugen: ...?

Nora: It's too late for me to do anything about my own situation now.

Eugen: ...

Nora: But I'd like to lend an ear for your troubles if you need one.

Eugen: Huh... In that case...

Eugen: To put it simply, I've got someone I'm on bad terms with, and it's mostly my fault.

Eugen: They spoke with me after all these years, and... I messed it up.

Eugen: Not like one conversation's gonna make up for everything that's happened, but if I can't even manage that much...

Nora: It sounds like there's a lot of unspoken words between you.

Eugen: ...

Nora: I hope they'll reach out to you again.

Eugen: I'd like that, but I get the feelin' they'll just end up upset at me as usual.

Nora: Believe me, I know it takes a lot of courage to reconcile with someone you used to be close to.

Nora: The fact that they made contact just shows how much they care. How much they want things to go back to the way they were.

Eugen: The way they were, huh...

They spend a few moments staring at the sky.

Nora: Say, if you're going to stick around for a while, why don't we go grab a drink or two?

Eugen: Appreciate the invite, but I've got a mess to get back to.

Eugen: Sorry to bail when all I've done is yap about myself. I'll take you up on that drink next time.

Nora: Next time it is then. I hope things go well for you.

Eugen: Right back at you.

Nora: Ah... Thanks. And sorry.

After a quick farewell, Eugen and Nora go their separate ways.

Eugen: ...

Eugen: Wonder why she apologized...

Eugen: Nora, huh? Doesn't seem like she's tailin' me at least.

Man: You're back early. What'd you learn about him?

Nora: Nothing. I didn't bother trying to shadow him either. He acted all helpless, but he had his guard up the entire time.

Nora: If I had to guess though... I think he's Apollonia's father.

Man: Oh?

Nora: Again, this is just a hunch with no proof.

Man: But if he truly is... we can use this to our advantage.

Nora: Father... Are you certain about this?

Man: How interesting... Yes, this is good. I have all the materials I need.

Oblivious to his daughter's concern, the man mutters to himself and exits through the door.

Nora can only watch him leave.

Apollonia: ...

Apollonia walks along a cliff overlooking the endless ocean.

Apollonia: ...!

Her feet take her to a secluded and ancient shrine dedicated to the sea god.

Apollonia: I remember this place...

Approaching the shrine, she finds herself kneeling before it.

Apollonia: ...

She closes her eyes and offers a prayer. After a few moments, she stands back up.

Apollonia: Old habits are hard to shake, aren't they?

Young Apollonia: Sea God! Please, oh please!

Her lips wordlessly mouth a prayer said countless times in the past.

Apollonia: ...

In the back of her mind, she recalls a recent conversation she had back in Mephorash.

Apollonia: You wish to celebrate my birthday?

Orchid: Yeah. We want (Captain) and everyone to join too.

Orchis: That includes Eugen... As long as you don't mind.

Apollonia: Why?

Orchis: The way things are between you two has always bothered me.

Orchis: Every time he comes up in conversation, you get this scary look on your face.

Orchis: But I can tell there's a sadness lurking beneath your scowl.

Apollonia: Orchis...

Orchid: If you talk to him now... things might turn out differently.

Orchis: She's got the right idea. The passage of time does wonders for repairing relationships.

Apollonia: ...

Orchis: It's your birthday, you know? We want you to have something you really wish for.

Orchid: We'll be here to support you. Everything will be okay. I promise.

Apollonia: ...!

Apollonia: What do I truly wish for anyway?

The time she spent with only her mother, as well as the years she passed completely alone, have built a wall around her heart that even she can't see past.

Eugen: There you are.

Apollonia: What are you doing here?

Eugen: I came to say farewell. I think that would be best for the both of us.

Apollonia: What?

Eugen: All we do is fight every time we meet. Aren't you tired of it?

Eugen: Our relationship is broken beyond repair. Do your father a favor, and let's stop bothering one another.

Apollonia: Who are you?

Eugen: Oh... I see. I'm a stranger to you already. Well—

Apollonia: That man has never called himself my father in my presence.

Apollonia: Because he knows I would never forgive him for it!

Eugen: My, my. The jig is up, eh? Guessed right that he was your father at least.

Apollonia: Any last words?

Eugen: I'll do you a favor and be your father instead. We can go back to happier times, before things went sour.

Apollonia: Die.

Eugen: Have a present as a token of our acquaintance.

Apollonia: (Dark essence? Is he trying to blind me?)

Apollonia: Fool!

Slashing through the dazzling light, Apollonia leaps for the imposter.

???: Apollo.

Apollonia: ...!

Eugen: Oho? What's wrong? Did you hear something?

Apollonia: (That voice just now was...)

Apollonia freezes at the unexpected sound of a familiar voice.

Apollonia: ...!

Eugen?: Heheh, hahahaha!

Eugen's face and body melt off the imposter, revealing the man underneath.

Man: What did you hear? Hahaha! Something from the ocean? You look rather confused!

Apollonia: Tch... Using magic to slow me down?

Man: It's going to take a little more than that to hold the Black Knight back, I know.

Man: So keep listening! Maybe you'll hear something else from the ocean!

Distracted, Apollonia finds her attention drifting in that direction.

Apollonia: ...!

But her honed will and instincts cry out through the haze clouding her mind.

Apollonia: ...!

Without a moment's hesitation, she clenches her sword and slices her own hand open.

Man: Using pain to bring yourself back to your senses? Very gutsy of you.

Nora appears from behind Apollonia to wrench the blade out of her control.

Man: But it's too late. You don't have the strength left to oppose.

Nora: ...

Apollonia: (Damn it... I'm losing consciousness.)

Apollonia collapses to the ground as her vision blurs.

Man: This woman actually shares a connection with the sea! She's the key that will open the door!

Man: Rejoice, Nora! Soon we'll be able to see Elena!

Nora: Yeah...

Man: Heheh... Hahahaha!

The man's joyous laughter echoes throughout the area.

Apollonia: ...

It is the last thing Apollonia hears before her eyes close.

Past Happiness: Scene 3

Unable to sleep, Eugen takes a walk along the beach and stumbles upon Nora, her father, and Apollonia. Apollonia is trapped within a magic circle, suffering in agony while Nora's father uses her to turn himself into Leviathan. He explains that he needed Apollonia because of her connection to the sea, and that he would use his new form to find the soul of his deceased wife, Elena, and bring her back to life. Eugen attempts to free Apollonia, but is tossed into the sea by Nora's father.

---

Eugen: ...

Evening finds Eugen seated inside his home.

Eugen: Waitin' around won't do me any good, but I still got no idea what to do.

The moment he finishes muttering, a tremor runs through his home, rattling the furniture and dishes.

Eugen: What was that? Cannon fire?

He grabs his gun from its spot against the wall just before it topples over.

Eugen: Guess I haven't changed in all these years, huh?

The question is directed at his long-time companion.

Eugen: Phew... Next check is the chamber.

Young Apollonia: Dad! Mom says food is ready.

Eugen: Thanks for lettin' me know. Could you tell her I'll be done in a jiffy?

Young Apollonia: Oh... Are you tinkering with your gun again?

Eugen: Suppose you could say that. These types of things break down if you're not careful with regular inspections.

Eugen: Usually at the worst times too. Imagine if I couldn't shoot when I really needed to.

Young Apollonia: Like when?

Eugen: Like when monsters or thieves show up, or when my comrades're in a pinch.

Young Apollonia: What about when you're in a pinch?

Eugen: Don't you worry about me. I'm the type of guy that can always slip away.

Young Apollonia: Can you teach me how to use a gun?

Eugen: Best get that idea outta your head... This thing's got one helluva kick to it. You'd get knocked onto your back if you fired it.

Eugen: Plenty of other stuff you can focus on instead, okay? Guns ain't for kids.

Young Apollonia: ...

Eugen: Haha, really, you don't need to worry about me!

Eugen: I've seen my fair share of fightin'! There's no way I'll ever go down easy.

Eugen: She started going out to the beach every day after that.

Eugen: Even the day when the currents went crazy and a huge storm blew in...

The memory of young Apollonia's accident at sea sends shivers down Eugen's spine.

Eugen: She went missin', then washed up on shore a few days after...

Eugen: A complete miracle. The sea... or rather, Leviathan saved her.

Eugen: But why was she makin' trips out there in the first place?

After leaning his gun against the wall again, Eugen sits back in his chair.

Unable to sleep, he leaves for a walk on the beach a little while later.

Eugen: The cliff Apollo fell from is nearby...

Waves break against the overlooking cliff as the tide rolls in and out.

Eugen: Pretty good place for a walk. Wonder if that's why she spent so much time here.

He takes a few more leisurely steps before drawing to a stop.

Eugen: Hold on...

Eugen: Something's off. If I remember right...

Eugen: There's supposed to be an old shrine right around here.

Eugen: I'm sure of it. Hmm, I've got a bad feelin' coming on...

Cautious and suspicious, Eugen scans his surroundings.

Eugen: Something just ain't right... Like a wall's painted over what I should be seein'.

Eugen: Might be... a barrier to keep people out? Reminds me of the one time me and my old crewmates were stagin' an attack...

Closing his eye, he pictures the shrine and slowly walks forward.

As Eugen moves further in, a man's voice startles him.

Man's Voice: Heed my voice and grant me your power, Leviathan!

Eugen: ...!

When Eugen next opens his eye, the shrine enters his sight...

Man: Heheh, hahahaha!

Along with the form of a man changing into Leviathan...

Apollonia: Aaaghh!

And Apollonia, trapped and hurting within a magic circle.

Eugen: Apollo! What's goin' on here!

Nora: Mister? How did you get inside?

Eugen: The girl from earlier? What the hell are you doin'?

Eugen: Damn it... Get away from Apollo!

Man: Afraid I can't do that.

The transformed man steps in front of Eugen as he tries to rush for Apollonia.

Man: Connection with the dark essence is stable... I'm resonating well with Leviathan's power.

Man: Not that I expected any less considering I'm using someone who's bonded with the sea.

Apollonia: Guh... Agh!

Groaning in pain, Apollonia starts to glow the same color as the dark essence circle binding her.

Man: Eugen, it's thanks to you that Apollonia shares a bond with Auguste's waters. I'm in your debt.

Eugen: Cut the crap! What're you tryin' to pull, turnin' into Leviathan like this?

The transformed man wriggles his new body with unrestrained joy.

Man: My beloved wife Elena rests within this god.

Eugen: What in the world...

Man: Just as the folktales taught us, the people of Auguste are born from the sea and return to it one day.

Man: Ten years ago, I buried Elena in the sea, and her soul returned to Leviathan.

Man: And now... Now she will come back to me, and we'll live out the days that were stolen from us.

Eugen: Are you crazy? Look at what you've done to yourself...

Man: I already lost everything the day that my beloved left me... You understand, don't you?

Eugen: ...!

Man: There's no use denying it. The sea knows all.

Man: I offer you a token of kinship—I could search for your wife's soul as well, if you'd like.

Man: What will it be?

Eugen, without hesitation, opens his mouth to retort.

Eugen: Trust me, I get where you're comin' from!

Eugen: I know exactly what it's like to turn your eyes away from reality and give everythin' for your last hope!

Eugen: But if you think I'm willin' to sacrifice Apollo, then you better think again!

Drawing his gun, Eugen fixes a sharp eye on the man.

Man: I see... A shame.

Eugen: Gah!

A brutal hit strikes Eugen directly.

Man: You were wrong about one thing.

Man: I am fully aware of reality... That my wife died.

Eugen: Augh!

Man: It is exactly because of this that I knew I had to bring back our happiness!

Eugen: Argh!

Eugen collapses to the ground, helpless against the man's overwhelming power.

Nora: Father, surely that's enough!

Man: ...

Man: The sea remembers you. How you lived carefree, running away from your wife and child.

Man: How your daughter left you behind today when you made a fool of yourself.

Man: And yet you thought to teach me a lesson? Heh, don't make me laugh!

Eugen: ...!

Man: Farewell.

Eugen: Aaaarrrgh!

The man's next swing sends Eugen off the cliff and into the churning waters below.

Darkness swallows Eugen's consciousness as he sinks into the sea's depths.