Scenario:Monika - Lovely-Heart Monika's Debut

Lovely-Heart Monika's Debut

The day before the play, Monika sits with Lecia in her office, struggling to concentrate on her paperwork. Lecia laments that she can't watch the performance because of an important mission escorting prisoners, and Monika is secretly relieved Lecia won't see her in her magical girl outfit.

---

It's the day before the Crew of Enforcer's first performance of their magical girl play.

Monika sits in her office as always, working on paperwork with Lecia by her side.

Monika: Sigh...

Lecia: Um... Monika? You made a mistake here.

Monika: ...!
Apologies. I'll fix it right away.

Lecia: Are you feeling all right? You seem distracted today...

Monika: Sorry, I just can't keep my mind off tomorrow's play...

Lecia: Oh, come to think of it, that is tomorrow, isn't it?

Lecia: I wish I could've gone to watch, but I have a pretty major mission to take care of...

Monika: You're escorting a group of prisoners being transferred to another island, correct?

Lecia: If only it didn't start first thing in the morning. I would've given anything to see you as a magical girl.

Monika: Is that so...

Monika: W-well, I wish you the best of luck on your end. I'll be acting my heart out for the play in the meantime.

Lecia: Thanks. Nothing us Enforcers can't handle, right?

Monika: (So Lecia can't come because of a mission... Which means she won't see me looking ridiculous...)

Monika: (That's one good thing, at least...)

Monika heaves a sigh of relief and begins clearing away the remaining paperwork.

Lovely-Heart Monika's Debut: Scene 2

On the day of the play, the crew arrives at the orphanage to watch the performance at Lecia's request. As Monika's first scene approaches, (Captain) and company find her backstage, fretting that she's going to be a laughingstock. But with some encouragement from the crew, Monika finds her courage and prepares for her entrance.

---

The day of the Crew of Enforcer's magical girl play has arrived.

When Monika arrives at the orphanage, she is surprised to find (Captain) and the crew there waiting for her.

Monika: (Captain)? Why are you here?

Drusilla: Why, we're here to watch the play, of course!

Lyria: Also, Lecia asked us to come cheer you on.

Remembering Lecia's face the previous day, Monika smiles wryly.

Monika: That Lecia... She really stuck her nose where it doesn't belong.

Monika: Actually, I imagine anyone would have done the same thing after seeing the state I was in yesterday.

Vyrn: By the way, we heard about your rehearsals from Lecia.

Vyrn: She said nobody but people involved in the play were allowed to watch.

Monika: That's right. I wanted to limit my subordinates seeing me dressed like that as much as possible.

Vyrn: Are you gonna be okay in the real thing? You're gonna have an audience today, y'know?

Monika: It won't be an issue. I've steeled myself for whatever comes.

Monika: Sorry for causing you all so much trouble.

Lyria: Ahaha, no worries. We wanted to see the play anyway.

Ladiva: And if there's anything you need us to help with, just say the word, okay?

Ladiva: After all, we basically ended up forcing that magical girl outfit on you. This hardly makes up for that, but it's the least we can do.

Monika: I appreciate that. Well, since you're all here, I might as well show you the backstage area before the play starts.

(Captain) and the crew nod and follow Monika into the orphanage.

The time comes for the curtain to rise, and the performance begins without a hitch.

(Captain) and the crew watch from the side of the stage.

Lyria: It's almost time for Monika's first scene.

Ladiva: You're right! We'd better let her know...

Ladiva: Oh? Where could she have gone?

Drusilla: Come to think of it, she left her seat earlier and hasn't been back since!

Worried, (Captain) and company frantically set out to look for her.

Drusilla: Oh, there she is!

Drusilla points to a corner of the stage wing, where Monika sits curled up in a ball.

Lyria: Um, Monika? It's almost time—

Monika: The whole audience is going to see me like this. Urgh, I just know they're going to laugh...

Monika: No, it'll be fine. After all, this is a play for children.

Monika: I'm sure they won't laugh, no matter how absurd I look...

Vyrn: Yeesh, what happened to steelin' herself?

Lyria: U-um... It'll all be okay! That costume looks really good on you, Monika!

Drusilla: Lyria's right! You look like a full-fledged magical girl.

Drusilla: There's no need to worry! I guarantee it!

Monika: This cutesy outfit looks good on me? Ahaha... That's kind of you to say, but I have mixed feelings.

Monika: I'm an adult, for crying out loud...

Lyria: U-um... W-well...

Ladiva: Knowing you, you must have poured everything you had into your rehearsals. That much is certain.

Ladiva: So have confidence in all your hard work! I'm sure your magical girl performance will be nothing short of an inspiration to the children!

Monika: ...

Monika: You're right. Sorry for losing myself for a moment there.

Orphanage Matron: Um, excuse me... It's almost time for your debut. Will you be all right?

Monika: Yes, I'm fine.

Lyria: Good luck out there!

Ladiva: We'll be rooting for you!

1. Just do like you did in rehearsal!
2. Break a leg, Lovely-Heart Monika!

Choose: Just do like you did in rehearsal!

Monika: Thanks. I'll show you the fruits of my efforts, (Captain).

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Break a leg, Lovely-Heart Monika!

Monika: I-I'd prefer if you wouldn't call me that. Hearing it from you just makes it all the more embarrassing.

Monika: Heh... But the butterflies seem to have disappeared from my stomach. I appreciate it, (Captain).

Continue 1

Monika: All right, here goes nothing!

Monika salutes the crew and heads off toward the stage.

Lovely-Heart Monika's Debut: Scene 3

Just as Monika is about to step on stage, a group of prisoners infiltrate the orphanage, having escaped from the Crew of Enforcers. When the inmates take the children hostage, Monika and the crew decide to defeat the prisoners while pretending it's all part of the play.

---

Monika heads toward the stage in preparation for her first scene.

But the moment she's about to step out into the spotlight, the door of the orphanage slams open.

Inmate 1: All right, nobody move.
Hey! Do the thing already!

Inmate 2: Yeah, yeah, I'm doin' it!

Without a moment's hesitation, the man grabs one of the children from the audience and holds a dagger to his neck.

Inmate 1: Okay! Everybody put your hands on your head and sit on the floor. Resist, and the kid gets it!

Boy: Ungh...

Girl: I-I'm scared!

Enforcer 1: A-all right, we'll cooperate. Just leave the kids out of this!

Inmate 2: Then you'd better put your hands on your head and your butt on the floor!

Enforcer 1: Kgh!

The enforcers who had been performing in the play sit down as instructed, grimacing at their own powerlessness.

Once the inmates have confirmed the enforcers' compliance, they open a nearby window and yell outside.

Inmate 1: Listen up, Enforcers! We've got two demands!

Inmate 1: Number one—bring us an airship! Number two—don't even think about chasing us!

Inmate 1: Refuse, and I can't guarantee these kids'll make it outta here alive! Got it?

Enforcer 3: We've finished surrounding the orphanage.

Lecia: Thank you.

Enforcer 2: Apologies, Lecia. It's all my fault they escaped while we were in transit...

Lecia: No, you're not the only one guilty here.

Lecia: I'm just as responsible for not being able to back you up because of work.

Lecia: Let this serve as a lesson for you to do better next time—I, too, will remember today's incident so something like this never happens again.

Enforcer 2: Yes, ma'am...

Enforcer 3: So what's our next course of action, Lecia? Apparently the inmates are demanding an airship to make their escape.

Lecia: The Crew of Enforcers will not give in to their demands.

Lecia: We'll continue to stall for time while making preparations to rush in.

Lecia: The safety of the hostages is our top priority. Keep that in mind.

Enforcer 3: Understood!

Lecia: We'll save them all, no matter what. The children, Monika, (Captain)'s crew—everyone.

Vyrn: H-hey, what's goin' on? This isn't part of the play... right?

Lyria: I-I don't think so. I'm pretty sure this wasn't in the script.

Monika: I know who they are. Those are the prisoners who were being transferred to another island today.

Monika: If I'm correct, Lecia should have been on that escort mission...

Monika: I can only assume something must have gone south on their end.

Lyria: What should we do? If we make a wrong move, it'll put the children in danger...

1. We have to save the kids!
2. We should lay low for now.

Choose: We have to save the kids!

Vyrn: B-but we gotta think about their safety first—

Monika: I agree with (Captain).

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: We should lay low for now.

Lyria: Th-that's a good idea. We need to prioritize the children's safety.

Monika: No, this is a time for action.

Continue 1

Monika: As you can probably guess from how those prisoners are acting, the orphanage has already been surrounded by the Crew of Enforcers.

Monika: That's why they've taken the children hostage and barricaded themselves in.

Monika: However, it seems unlikely that the Enforcers will accept their demands.

Monika: Right about now, they're probably developing a plan to storm the building, rescue the hostages, and capture the escaped inmates.

Vyrn: How do you know that?

Monika: This isn't our first rodeo. There are protocols set in place for when these incidents arise.

Monika: But even if there weren't, I doubt someone with Lecia's strong sense of responsibility would be standing around doing nothing.

Monika: Anyway, these types of situations usually go on for a while. The Enforcers will likely try to stall until they're prepared to rush in.

Monika: But this time around, we have your crew on the scene. Meaning with have both the skill and numbers to fight back.

Monika: Those prisoners would never suspect there's another seasoned crew here, completely separate from the one managing the play.

Vyrn: So basically you want us to save the day?

Monika: Correct. Fortunately their numbers are few. And even better, they have yet to notice our presence.

Monika: If we can utilize our advantages, we should be able to save the children on our own.

Monika: I have an idea, actually. If it pans out, we'll be able to resolve this without scarring the children for life.

Monika: (Captain), everyone. Sorry, but I could really use your help.

1. Just tell me what to do.

Choose: Just tell me what to do.

Monika: I'm in your debt. All right, here's what I need you to do...

Monika goes on to fill the crew in on her plan.

Inmate 1: Tch. The airship's still not ready yet? This is definitely taking too long.

Inmate 2: What now? At this rate...

Inmate 1: ...

Inmate 1: Guess we're outta options. We'll just have to make a beeline for the port using the kids as shields.

Inmate 1: Then we'll steal an airship and get the heck outta dodge.

Inmate 2: But what about the hostages? Are we gonna bring them on board?

Inmate 1: Yeah. As long as we've got kids on board, they won't start firing at us willy-nilly.

Having settled on a plan, the inmate grabs the arm of a nearby child.

Girl: Eek!

???: Hold it right there!

Just then, a voice echoes from the stage.

The prisoners immediately turn to look in the direction of the sound.

Drusilla: If you dare hurt those children, Magical Girl Lovely-Heart Monika will punish you in the name of the skies!

Inmate 1: Tch. One of the kids must've been hiding.

Inmate 2: Magical girl? The heck is that brat talking about?

Inmate 1: Sounds like a bunch of nonsense to me. Never mind all that—just go catch her.

Inmate 2: Tch. What a pain.

Inmate 2: Hey, kid. Don't move a muscle.

Inmate 2: As long as you do everything we say, we'll let you live.

Drusilla: You're lying! As soon as I've fulfilled my use, you'll dispose of me!

Drusilla: That's what a magical girl's villain always does!

Inmate 2: We're not gonna kill you. You won't make much of a hostage if you're dead.

Inmate 2: Come on, be a good little girl and—

The man reaches out to grab Drusilla.

Drusilla: Save me, Lovely-Heart Monika!

???: I've heard your cries for help, and I'm here to answer the call!

???: You villains will regret bullying those children! In the name of the skies, I'll punish you!

Inmate 2: Wh-what the! The lights...

???: Lovely Brave Cure! Infinite Magic!

Lovely-Heart Monika: Magical Girl Lovely-Heart Monika, at your service! In the name of the skies, I'll lead you!

Inmate 2: Huh?

Lovely-Heart Monika: You're wide open! Magical Power, Full Drive!

Lovely-Heart Monika: Lovely Sky Hurricane!

Inmate 2: Ngh!

Inmate 1: Y-you brat! Don't you care what happens to your little friends—

Ladiva: Sorry to disappoint, but I've already put all your friends down for a nap.

Inmate 1: What! When did you...

Ladiva: Hehe. Looks like it's time for the magical girl's sidekick to shine...

Ladiva: Magical Love-Serving Bomb!

Inmate 1: ...!

Ladiva: And with that, the children are safe!

Ladiva: Now then, Moni—ahem, Lovely-Heart Monika. It's time for the big finish.

Lovely-Heart Monika: There's nothing to worry about, everyone! The villains have all been defeated by Lovely-Heart Monika and her magical friends!

Drusilla: Thank you, Lovely-Heart Monika!

Lovely-Heart Monika: No need to thank me. It's my duty as a magical girl to rid the world of bad guys and save people in need!

Boy: Wait a sec. Was all that... part of the play?

Girl: Wow. That's so cool.

Believing that everything had been part of the play, the children applaud for Monika—or rather, Lovely-Heart Monika.

Realizing their plan was a success, Monika and the crew breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Lovely-Heart Monika's Debut: Scene 4

(Captain) and company turn over the inmates to the Crew of Enforcers, who apologize for their grievous mistake. Monika commends Lecia for her response... until suddenly she realizes she's still in her magical girl costume. The children clamor for her to strike a pose, which she does grudgingly, her face bright red.

---

After the play, (Captain) and the crew turn over the inmates to the enforcers waiting outside.

Vyrn: Whew... Things were kinda touch and go there for a little while.

Lyria: You said it...

Lyria: But I'm glad all the children and enforcers made it out unscathed.

Ladiva: Not only physically, but mentally as well. All thanks to Monika's brilliant idea!

Ladiva: The children believe everything that happened was just part of the play.

Monika: Is that so? Glad to hear it. That was one of the things worrying me the most.

Seemingly relieved, Monika stands up straight and bows deeply before the crew.

Monika: (Captain), everyone—you're the true heroes of the day. Allow me to thank you again.

Lyria: Oh no, please raise your head! Friends are supposed to help each other when they're in trouble!

Monika: That doesn't cover it this time. Whatever the reason, this all happened due to a failure by the Crew of Enforcers to complete their mission.

Monika: Friends or not, I can't allow myself to just sweep it under the rug.

Monika: I'll have the Enforcers issue a formal apology later—

???: Monika! (Captain)!

Monika: Lecia?

Turning toward the voice, (Captain) and company see Lecia and the enforcers running toward them.

Lecia: Huff, puff...
(Captain), Monika! You're okay!

Lecia: Thank goodness... I'm so glad...

After making sure Monika and (Captain)'s crew are unharmed, Lecia and her subordinates lower their heads.

Lecia: Due to a grave oversight on our part, we caused you nothing but trouble. You have our deepest apologies.

Monika: You can fill me in on the details later. And I'll leave your punishment to the higher-ups. Understood?

Lecia: Yes...

Enforcer 2: Wait! The prisoners escaped because of me! I'm the one responsible here!

Enforcer 2: So please let Lecia and the others off the—

Monika: We share a collective responsibility. And as such, the person in charge should be the one to face the consequences.

Enforcer 2: B-but—

Lecia: Monika's right.

Monika: However, I suppose I could put in a good word.

Lecia: Huh?

Monika: Take the rapid siege of the orphanage. Not to mention, the personnel stationed here and their placement...

Monika: Even if (Captain)'s crew and I hadn't taken action, you all would've been able to rescue the children without issue.

Lecia: ...

Monika: Disciplinary action will need to be taken. After all, it ended up endangering the lives of innocent children.

Monika: However, it can be argued that the handling of the resulting situation was more than appropriate.

Lecia: Thank you...

Monika: Well, just make sure to reflect on what went awry, and put that knowledge to use in the future.

Lecia: Right...

Lecia nods solemnly in response to Monika's words.

Lecia: By the way, um... Monika?

Monika: Yes?

Lecia: What is that you're wearing?

Monika: Wearing?

Monika: ...!

Monika: Th-this is, well... You see... Er...

Drusilla: She's Magical Girl Lovely-Heart Monika!

Lecia: Lovely-Heart Monika? Oh, I see. So this is—

Monika: S-stop looking at me like that!

Girl: Look, it's Lovely-Heart Monika! Hey, do that pose from earlier!

Boy: Yeah! I wanna see it too!

Monika: Th-that was just part of the play. I'm not really—

Ladiva: Now, Monika. You can't crush the children's dreams.

Monika: Geh. B-but still...

Vyrn: What's the harm in strikin' a pose? You looked so cool when you did it earlier.

Lyria: Hehe. I'd like to see it again too!

Drusilla: Me too!

Monika: Urgh...

Ladiva: Please! You musn't betray the dreams of the children!

Monika: A-all right. I'll do it.

Monika: Sigh...
Here goes.

Monika: Lovely Brave Cure! Infinite Magic!

Monika: Magical Girl Lovely-Heart Monika, at your service! In the name of the skies, I'll lead you!

Drusilla: She's the absolute coolest!

Girl: Wooow...

Boy: A magical girl, huh? Lucky. Wish I could be one...

Enforcer 2: (Lovely-Heart Monika, huh? I like it.)

Enforcer 3: (I think I could totally get into this magical girl thing...)

Ladiva: Thanks, Monika. It really does suit you!

Ladiva: And I don't just mean the outfit. The whole magical girl theme fits you perfectly.

Lyria: I'd love to try being a magical girl too someday...

Vyrn: I gotta say, you're really startin' to look the part.

Lecia: (M-Monika... She's so cute!)

Monika: ...!
S-stop looking at me like that! I—

Suddenly the center of attention, her cheeks turn an even brighter shade of crimson.

The others stare at Monika—or rather, Lovely-Heart Monika—with sparkling eyes.

From out of the Crew of Enforcers, Magical Girl Lovely-Heart Monika has been born.

And so her battle rages on... or does it?