Scenario:Joel - Kindled Flames to Cool Dusk
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Kindled Flames to Cool Dusk
Joel feels guilty for dismissing (Captain)'s vision as fantasy, given that the captain has never mocked him for chasing a dream based on such stories. Following a late-night talk by the ocean, Joel starts the next day by taking on the role of (Captain)'s personal trainer.
Earlier that day, (Captain) had seen a vision of Vyrn and Lyria at the bottom of a cove.
Now, as night falls, a young man walks along the beach wearing a troubled expression.
Joel: I wonder if (Captain)'s managed to sleep at all.
Following a visit to the doctor for an examination, Joel had made sure that the captain was comfortably settled into bed.
Joel: (Captain) still seemed pretty upset. I guess a vision like that would weigh on anyone's mind.
Joel: The incessant heat must have really worn (Captain) down, in body and mind alike. Even the doctor diagnosed it as summer fatigue.
Joel: I wish I could have found something better to say at the time. But...
Joel: If I had to guess, the vision you saw was probably caused by fatigue. That "other world" I mentioned is nothing but a legend.
Joel: A legend, huh...
Joel: The ocean at the bottom of the sky is just a legend to other people too.
Joel: Yet here I am, trying to write off what (Captain) saw as mere fantasy.
Joel: Even though (Captain) has never once laughed at my dream.
Joel reproaches himself, not so much for denying his own wish, but more for his treatment of the captain.
Joel: All I ever did was dream idly by the seaside. But you actually boarded an airship and set out for the Island of the Astrals.
Joel: No matter how tough things got, you faced the truth and kept pressing on.
Joel: You've always shone so brightly in my eyes. You gave me courage... which makes my actions all the worse.
Joel: How could I dismiss what you saw and then try to fix everything with empty words of comfort?
Joel clenches his jaw and turns to look out at the sea, only to see a familiar figure.
Joel: (Huh? Is that (Captain)?)
Joel: (All alone, gazing out at the pitch-black waves... (Captain) must still be bothered by what happened earlier.)
Joel: Erm... (Captain)?
Choose: Sorry for worrying you.
Joel: You don't need to apologize. It's my fault for pushing you to come along when you were already exhausted...
Joel: Actually, never mind. I'm just making excuses.
Joel: Yeah. Sorry for leaving you by yourself.
Continue 1
Joel: Were you able to get some rest?
The captain responds with a tired nod, insisting that there isn't time to stay idle.
Joel: But your face is still pretty pale. You should let other crew members handle the requests and take it easy for a while.
Noticing (Captain)'s cheeks puff out in protest, Joel's expression softens slightly.
Joel: Sulking won't do you any good. Still, I understand how frustrating it is having to rest.
Joel: This reminds me of how I had to take a break once during lifeguard duty because I wasn't feeling well.
Joel: Lifeguards are everyone's safety net, so we can't work if we're not at our best. But knowing that didn't make it any easier.
Joel: I had a clear view of my colleagues from the first aid station. Seeing everything function so well without me was... hard, to say the least.
Joel: In reality, I think everyone had to work more efficiently than usual to cover for me.
Joel: But that didn't stop me from feeling left behind.
Joel: So I know how you feel, (Captain).
Joel: Even so, you need to prioritize taking care of yourself for the time being.
Joel: Your body can't keep up with your drive right now. If you force yourself forward, you'll only end up making things worse.
At Joel's thoughtful words, (Captain) gives a cheerful nod.
Joel: ...
Joel: ((Captain) is smiling. But...)
Joel: (I think it's just to keep me from worrying.)
Joel: (You always put others before yourself like this.)
Joel: (If only I could offer you some real support...)
After this, the two return to the Grandcypher, where they say their good nights and fall asleep in their respective beds.
The following morning, (Captain) gets dressed and steps into the hallway, only to see someone standing there.
Joel: How are you feeling, (Captain)?
Joel: Why don't we do some morning stretches together? It'll help loosen up your muscles and get your blood flowing.
Joel: Oh, there I go skipping the explanation again. You see, last night I was thinking about what I could do for you.
Joel: That's when I realized maybe I could help with managing your health. So I've been waiting for you to wake up.
Joel: A healthy mind comes from a healthy lifestyle, you know. When your body's weak, it's easy for your mood to sink too.
Joel: Obviously, you shouldn't push yourself too hard. But a little exercise before breakfast is good for your digestion.
Joel: Hopefully it'll help you recover. Don't worry, we'll take it slow since it's only the first day.
Joel: We need to strengthen your body to handle the heat. For that, regular training is critical.
Joel: Working out for one day would just be a token gesture. There's no meaning in that.
Starting from that day, Joel begins providing health and wellness support to (Captain), almost like a personal trainer.
Joel: Okay, that's enough for now. Nice job with the morning stretches.
Joel: Here, try this—it's a special smoothie packed with green and yellow vegetables. It'll get your digestive system moving before breakfast.
Joel: Good, I'm glad you like it. I made it with some fresh seasonal produce I picked up.
Joel: Great job today, (Captain). Go ahead and lie down if you want. I'll give you a massage.
Joel: It's really important to let your body unwind at the end of the day.
Joel: Easy... does it.
Your back feels a little tense. I'll teach you how to work out these knots yourself tomorrow.
Your back feels a little tense. I'll teach you how to work out these knots yourself tomorrow.
A few days into this routine, Joel spends an evening alone in his room, planning (Captain)'s training regimen.
Joel: That's (Captain) for you. Bounces back quickly and gets the hang of any workout right away.
Joel: Maybe I should up the difficulty a bit tomorrow and add some hills to our walking route.
Joel: Given the added leg strain, I'll switch up the nightly stretches to focus more on calves.
Joel: ((Captain)'s face definitely has more color now. That's a good thing, but...)
Joel: (Is this really what it means to support someone?)
Joel: (Captain) was out there again tonight, staring at the ocean alone.
Joel: (It seems (Captain) is still haunted by that vision of being left behind by Vyrn and Lyria.)
Joel: (Why does it weigh on (Captain) so much when the real Vyrn and Lyria are so close by?)
Joel: (They're right there... And yet... (Captain) is still...)
Joel: It's no use. My thoughts are all jumbled. Guess I should just call it a night.
Joel crawls into bed and forces his eyes shut as he listens to the sound of the gentle breeze outside.
Kindled Flames to Cool Dusk: Scene 2
While helping as a lifeguard, Joel earns his colleagues' respect anew after stopping a boy from swimming outside the safe zone. Joel considers if he should keep looking after (Captain)'s health the same way as always, but when the boy mentions the bottom of the sky, he is prompted to act further.
On yet another scorching day, Joel helps out as a lifeguard at the beach, all the while still worrying about (Captain).
Joel: The wind and waves are calm today. Swimming season must be winding down.
Joel: Huh?
Boy: Woohoooo! Outta the way, mister!
Joel: Whoa there. Where do you think you're going?
Boy: To swim, duh!
Joel: That area's outside the designated zone. Come on, I'll show you the right spot.
Boy: Nah, it's fine! I mean, look at all those rocks! That place has gotta be way more fun!
Joel: No way. You could get injured on the rocks. Or worse, the current could carry you out to sea.
Boy: I'll be okay! I'm super athletic!
Joel: Don't underestimate the waves. Even expert swimmers can get swept away.
Boy: Who do you think you're talking to? I'm the fastest swimmer in all of Auguste, y'know!
Joel: Still not happening. If you go, I'll just bring you back myself.
Boy: Geez, don't be such a spoilsport!
Joel: It's for your own safety. Though I do get the appeal of wanting to swim by all the rocks.
Boy: Then why are you stopping me? Seriously, you sound just like my mom.
Joel: Your mom?
Boy: Uh-huh. She's usually really nice, but sometimes she puts her foot down like this and won't listen to a word I say.
Joel: You mean, when you're doing something dangerous?
Boy: Not even! Like, one time I tried to climb this big tree, and she got all mad at me—kinda like you right now.
Joel: She probably just didn't want you to get hurt.
Boy: Really? From climbing a tree? And anyway, who cares about getting a few scrapes!
Joel: But once something bad happens, it can't be undone. I'm sure your mother is speaking from experience. I know I am.
Joel: That's why I refuse to back down. I won't let you do something you end up regretting.
Boy: Oh yeah?
Joel: Well... I guess that's not the entire picture.
Joel: If all lifeguards cared about was safety, we could just close off the beach entirely.
Joel: But we want everyone to be able to enjoy the sea.
Joel: I hope you can look back and remember how much fun it was to swim here, even after you grow up to be an old man.
Joel: I'd hate for your time here to become a source of painful memories.
Joel: I love the ocean, and I want you to love it too. That's why safety always comes first.
Gazing up at Joel's warm smile, the boy finally appears to be convinced.
Boy: Huh...
Boy: Okay, I'll stay away from the rocks! But just for today!
Joel: It has to be every day. Have all the fun you want, but only in the safe swimming area.
Boy: Rgh... Fine. But you'd better watch, 'cause my special Auguste swim style is super fast! Check it out!
Lifeguard: Joel. Hey, Joel.
Joel: Oh, is it the end of my shift already?
Lifeguard: Well, yes, but that's not what this is about! I just wanted to thank you!
Lifeguard: That kid never listens, no matter how much we warn him. He's always running off somewhere dangerous, forcing us or his parents to drag him back.
Lifeguard: This is the first time I've ever seen him go back to the designated swimming zone on his own!
Joel: Is that right? I'll make sure to keep a close eye on him if he comes again tomorrow.
Lifeguard: Sorry for putting so much on you. I know you're just filling in temporarily...
Joel: I don't mind. Thanks to your efforts, that boy is out there swimming happily as we speak.
Lifeguard: Really?
Joel: Absolutely. Don't worry, I'm used to lifeguard work. As long as I can help keep the beach safe, I'm happy.
Lifeguard: You're seriously a godsend! The whole vibe on the beach feels more focused on the fun whenever you're around.
Joel: You think so? Well, thanks. I'm glad to know I can still make a difference.
Lifeguard: Are you kidding me? Of course you can.
Lifeguard: We've all learned to take better care of ourselves thanks to your suggestions.
Joel: Oh, I do remember putting together some tips on preventing heatstroke and whatnot for beachside staff. That takes me back.
Lifeguard: Yes, we kept all your documents to use for reference. We even share them with our new hires!
Lifeguard: Everyone always says your guides are really thorough and well put-together.
Joel: Is that so...
Joel: (I'll admit, I am pretty confident when it comes to giving health advice and designing wellness routines.)
Joel: (And (Captain) is recovering too, which means the program I made is working.)
Joel watches as the boy swims to and fro in the designated area, sending up splashes of water behind him.
Joel: (All I really want is to keep (Captain) healthy and safe.)
Joel: (Though honestly, it'd be nice if I could provide some emotional support as well...)
Joel: (But maybe the best thing I can do is just keep looking after (Captain)'s health like I've always done—)
Boy: Hey, mister! I just finished swimming all the way from one end to the other!
Joel: I saw. You were really fast.
Boy: Right? I'm the best swimmer in all of Auguste, after all!
Boy: But honestly, Auguste's too small for me now! I wanna swim in that huge ocean at the bottom of the sky!
Joel: ...!
Joel: What... did you say?
Boy: Wait, don't tell me you've never heard of it! Aren't you supposed to be a pro?
Boy: They say there's this giant sea down at the bottom of the sky that never ends, no matter how far you swim!
Boy: After hearing something like that, I can't just not go and see it!
Joel: Yeah. There's no choice but to go.
Joel's expression suddenly grows determined, prompting a curious look from the boy.
Boy: Huh? Something wrong?
Joel: No, I actually need to thank you. I was on the verge of giving up and trudging along like I always have.
Joel: I'll be going now.
Boy: Wait, to where? You don't mean the bottom of the sky, do you?
Joel: Not this time, no. Somewhere much closer.
Joel: My shift is over now, right? I'll let you take over from here.
Lifeguard: Huh? Oh, right...
Leaving the confused pair behind, Joel hurries away from the beach.
Kindled Flames to Cool Dusk: Scene 3
After researching the cove's legends, Joel suggests the visions of Vyrn and Lyria had in fact appeared to guide (Captain). The captain expresses gratitude for the reassurance, but Joel insists it was (Captain)'s determination to reach Estalucia that inspired him to act.
Several days later...
(Captain) and Joel stroll along the beach just after sunrise.
Joel: Judging by your improved pace, it seems you've mostly recovered. Thank goodness.
Joel: I should change up our walking route starting tomorrow. Maybe we could even try jogging.
Turning to face the eagerly nodding captain, Joel's expression turns serious.
Joel: There's something I'd like to talk to you about.
Joel: After finishing my lifeguard shift the other day, I went around town to ask some questions.
Joel: Erm, what I mean to say is, I did a little digging into the legend about the cove where you saw Vyrn and Lyria.
When (Captain) asks why, Joel delves into the details.
Joel: Remember when we were looking out at the Crimson Horizon, and I told you about how the legends of Auguste started?
Joel: I mentioned that the concepts of the sea and motherhood blended together as the stories were passed down, becoming the versions we know today.
Joel: That got me thinking there might be an explanation for the vision you saw too. So I went looking for some local folklore experts.
Joel: Turns out, people have been claiming to have seen the deceased at the bottom of that cove for generations.
Joel: As a result, the cove has come to be known as a place where the dead dwell—in other words, a gateway to another world.
Joel: The unique structure and complex currents keep the water remarkably cold, even during the summer.
Recalling the feel of diving into the chilly water with Joel, (Captain) nods.
Joel: Someone who dives in unaware might struggle to swim and quickly exhaust their oxygen, causing them to see visions of the dead.
Joel: Also, a fisherman friend of mine shared something with me.
Joel: Apparently, there's a common thread among all the apparitions. Each one was precious to the person who saw them.
Joel: So the fisherman had a theory...
Joel: He wondered if maybe our loved ones cross over from the afterlife to warn us that the cove is dangerous.
Joel: Anyway, what I'm getting at is, even if they weren't spirits of the dead...
Joel: Lyria and Vyrn must have come to you that day for your sake.
Eyes closed, (Captain) calls to mind the faces of those two irreplaceable companions.
Joel: Or it could be the other way around.
Joel: Maybe you saw a vision of them because they mean so much to you... or something.
Choose: Because they mean so much?
Joel: I guess it could be argued that you saw exactly what you needed to see most down there on the ocean floor.
Joel: That's why, out of all the important people in your life, it was Vyrn and Lyria who appeared—your closest companions.
Joel: If that's the case, then they weren't leaving you behind. They were showing you the way.
Joel: After all, your wish is to face the future together with all of your friends. Isn't that right?
Joel: When I noticed something was off about you, I grabbed your hand...
Joel: But I'm pretty sure the apparitions of Lyria and Vyrn were actually headed toward the shore.
Joel: So I think your own feelings created those visions to guide you.
Joel: I'm glad I could offer you some peace of mind. I've been really worried about you, you know.
Joel: I noticed you were going out a lot at night to stare at the sea alone, so I figured you were feeling down.
The captain explains that it was just for a breath of fresh air.
Joel: Sounds like you were burned out enough to need that kind of escape.
Joel: As for your vision, that's just my interpretation. I obviously can't say what's really true, but I hope it gives you a little comfort.
(Captain) smiles, head gently shaking side to side.
Choose: What matters is you thought of me.
Joel: ...!
Joel: But...
Joel: I can't take the credit. It's all because of you.
Joel: You were always so determined to reach Estalucia.
Joel: Watching you made me realize it was okay for me to dream too. But just dreaming isn't enough—you have to actually take action.
Joel: The reason I looked into all of this in the first place is because I was inspired by you.
Joel: So thank you, (Captain).
The golden light of the morning sun illuminates Joel's face as he smiles widely.
Kindled Flames to Cool Dusk: Scene 4
Having recovered from summer fatigue thanks to Joel's wellness routine, the captain arrives to meet him after his shift. On the way back to the ship, Joel says he wants to be a place of comfort to (Captain) like the mother sea and continues to provide heartfelt health guidance to the crew.
Joel finishes another day of assisting as a temporary lifeguard.
Around the time the blazing sun is finally starting its descent into the sea, he spots the person he was waiting for.
Joel: Oh! There you are, (Captain).
Joel: Thanks for coming to pick me up. It's good to see you're feeling better.
Having overcome all summer fatigue thanks to Joel's wellness routine, (Captain) arrives to meet him after his shift.
Joel: I just finished up. Another day without any accidents, I'm happy to report.
Joel: Let's head back.
With this, Joel and (Captain) set off together.
As they stroll quietly beneath the orange glow of the evening sun, Joel clears his throat.
Joel: I think I finally figured out my own feelings today.
Joel: I wanted to protect your health and heal your heart, and I worked hard towards those goals.
Joel: But in the end, I just wanted to be there for you—because I care about you.
Joel: That said, you're way stronger than I gave you credit for. Just look at how fast you rebounded.
Joel: So maybe I was just meddling more than anything else. Maybe it was all for my own satisfaction.
Choose: I appreciated it, Joel. Really.
(Captain) grins and gives Joel a playful shoulder bump as they walk side by side.
Joel: (Captain)...
Joel: Seeing you smile brings me so much joy.
Joel: But the truth is, that's not enough for me.
Joel: I want to see every side of you, whatever expression you're wearing.
Joel: If you're ever feeling worn out, I want to be there to support you. Now and always.
Joel: Is that all right?
Choose: We'll support each other.
Joel: ...!
Joel: It means a lot to know you feel the same way.
Joel: Yeah. Until we're old and gray.
Continue 1
Joel: I want to be your...
Joel: Oh, whoops. I almost skipped straight to the end again. Sorry, let me start over.
Joel: The other day at the beach, a kid told me I was like his mom.
Joel: When I heard that, I thought of the ocean. It's kind yet strict, like a mother—somewhere you can always come home to.
Joel: So that's why...
Joel trails off, and both he and (Captain) pause in their steps.
Joel: I want to be your ocean.
Joel: A place you can come home to and feel safe.
He looks at the captain with a gaze as peaceful as the still waters at dusk.
As the two face each other, a damp sea breeze brushes against their cheeks.
Joel: Oh, the wind's gotten a little cooler.
Joel: Sorry for rambling. But I appreciate you hearing me out.
Joel: Let's head back before it gets too chilly.
The feelings in Joel's heart, once blazing like the evening sun, have begun to transition into a soothing breeze at summer's end.
Vyrn: Sooo hooot...
The next day, the crew continues to struggle against the relentless summer heat.
Vyrn: What happened to that cool weather last night? Talk about a fake-out...
Joel: It happens. The weather likes to tease us when the seasons are changing.
Vyrn: Is it just me, or do the summers just keep gettin' longer? C'mon, give fall a turn already.
Joel: Summer is my favorite season, but I get where you're coming from.
Joel: Now, how about we work on toughening up to beat this lingering heat? Since Lyria's on breakfast duty, (Captain) and I will go for a quick jog first.
Vyrn: Are you tryin' to melt?
Joel: It's fine. We can't control the seasons or the weather, but building up our stamina should make things more bearable.
Joel: All right, let's start with some stretches. Spread your arms out wide like this. That's it, (Captain). Deep breaths...
Vyrn: Well, I guess sittin' around gripin' isn't gonna change anything.
Joel: No pressure, but if you want to join us, I'd be happy to come up with a personalized workout routine for you, Vyrn.
Joel: And one for you too, (Captain).
Whatever the turning of the seasons may bring, Joel's desire to provide heartfelt health guidance to those he cares about remains unchanged.
Though sweat glistens on his forehead, his expression appears cooler and calmer than ever before.