Scenario:Naoise - What Waits Beyond Repentance

What Waits Beyond Repentance

Following Medb's defeat, Scathacha is restricted to bed rest in order to recover from the injury to her core. She questions Naoise to see if he is suffering any side effects after awakening as a dragonian. He claims that he feels fine at the moment. As he aids the island in its rebuilding efforts, he marvels at the enormous strength and regenerative abilities that his dragonian powers now grant him, and swears to only use his powers for good.

---

After an initial failed assault on Alster Island, True Dragon Medb returned once more with a fury.

Her destructive efforts were repulsed, thanks to the help of (Captain)'s crew and the people of the island.

Gravely injured during the fighting, True Dragon Deirdre—otherwise known as Scathacha—is confined to bed rest for the time being.

Naoise: Pardon the intrusion. Scathacha, how are you feeling?

Scathacha: Naoise, again? I am not doing so poorly that you need to visit multiple times a day.

Scathacha: Elisheba impressed upon me the importance of my own recovery and leaving the rebuilding efforts to others.

Scathacha: But my mind grows numb with boredom, and I tire of even the act of yawning.

Naoise: I'm afraid there's only so much we can do when we have no method of effectively healing damage to a true dragon's core.

Naoise: We are only able to rely on your regenerative abilities, and for that I must ask you to please remain patient.

Scathacha: I fully understand. It is not my intention to cause you more concern, and so I will behave.

Scathacha: Though I am not the only one here who should be avoiding strain...

Scowling, Scathacha not-so-subtly refers to how Naoise's blood is infused with her own blood and mana.

Scathacha: You have little to no compatibility with my power, and yet you accepted a large quantity of my blood and awakened as a dragonian...

Scathacha: There is no telling what kind of adverse effects it will have on your flesh, let alone your very soul.

Naoise: At present, I feel no discomfort. In fact I might be doing better than ever.

Naoise: But if anything changes, I'll be certain to let you know.

Naoise: Worry not about me. Focus on your recovery first and foremost.

Scathacha: Your "worry not" tends to be unreliable at best. I'm starting to understand what Seruel has had to put up with all his life.

Naoise: S-surely you exaggerate...

Scathacha: For your sake I hope I am, but that is enough of that. I shall rest now. Give everyone else my greetings.

Naoise: All right. May you sleep well.

Naoise watches over Scathacha long enough for her breathing to even out, before he quietly slips out of the room.

Hardworking Youth: There we... go! Sir Naoise, could you move this debris next?

Naoise: Leave it to me. Should I just clear this whole area?

Hardworking Youth: If you wouldn't mind! But that's an awful lot for one person to carry. I'll give you a hand too.

Hardworking Youth: Huh?

The young man blinks in astonishment as Naoise easily picks up the large piece of debris on his own.

Hardworking Youth: A-amazing... Isn't that heavy?

Naoise: I suppose it is... But it's not too much for me.

Naoise: I apologize for startling you.

Hardworking Youth: I-it's okay! I guess I should've expected as much from a knight that protects our home.

Naoise: I can only strive to be worthy of the respect that's been given.

Naoise: Where should I bring this to?

Hardworking Youth: Oh, that alleyway over there will do just fine!

That evening, Naoise retires to his room and spends a long while staring at his hands.

Naoise: My physical strength has grown, I hardly ever tire, and my wounds heal rapidly...

Naoise: This is the power of a dragonian—the power Scathacha has bestowed upon me.

Naoise: I swear I shall never misuse it!

He clenches his fists tight as the oath leaves his lips.

What Waits Beyond Repentance: Scene 2

When Naoise wakes, he finds himself in True Dragon Deirdre's lair. Having fulfilled King Connor's orders to exterminate the dragon, he drags his battered body back toward the capital, but discovers that the monsters across the island have gone mad without Deirdre's influence and are attacking the kingdom. He wanders away, filled with guilt from the sin he has committed.

---

Naoise: Where am I?

Naoise wakes deep inside a forest, completely covered in blood.

Naoise: This is Deirdre's lair, isn't it...

Naoise: (I remember now. I came here because King Connor ordered me to hunt down Deirdre.)

Naoise: (Deirdre and I fought, and I was injured...)

Naoise: Am I still among the living?

In a sudden panic, he searches himself for the fatal wound he should have sustained, but finds only deep bruises marring his body instead.

Naoise: How...

Naoise: Perhaps I shouldn't think too deeply about this and be glad that I live at all.

Naoise: Returning to the castle and reporting my success to the king is my top priority.

Despite the disappearance of his grievous wound, he rushes back to the capital, body bruised and racked with pain.

But that is where his good fortune ends.

Raging Monster: ...!

Naoise: What... Why are the monsters attacking people?

Raging Monster: ...!

Naoise: Curse you...

Naoise: What is happening here? Is the capital safe?

Naoise frantically asks one of the citizens fleeing down the road away from the capital.

Fleeing Citizen 1: Mister, you gotta be crazy walking around with those wounds!

Naoise: I have to make haste for the capital!

Fleeing Citizen 2: You're only going to put yourself in danger there!

Fleeing Citizen 1: Yeah, the capital's overrun by monsters. You'll probably only find your own death if you go!

Naoise: What?

Fleeing Citizen 1: The king and the knights told us to get the heck out and evacuated us first...

Naoise: No... How could this have happened?

Fleeing Citizen 2: There's no need for you to sacrifice yourself too. Come with us. We'll treat those injuries of yours.

Naoise: I cannot. I am a knight... I must...

Naoise: Fulfill... my...

Fleeing Citizen 2: Oh, no! Hang on!

Naoise: ...

Naoise wakes to finds his body treated, as voices outside the door speak.

Citizen's Voice 1: How's he faring?

Citizen's Voice 2: The doctor took a look at him, but he's still sleeping.

Citizen's Voice 1: I see... The way he's dressed means he's a knight, right? He must've fought many monsters before he collapsed in front of us...

Naoise: (No, that's not what I...)

Citizen's Voice 1: Folks from Entre Island are flying over Alster to try and check how things are from above.

Citizen's Voice 1: Walking around is out of the question since there are monsters everywhere on the ground level.

Citizen's Voice 2: That's a good idea... I wonder why the monsters suddenly attacked in the first place.

Citizen's Voice 1: I heard rumors that it's because the king had Deirdre hunted down.

Naoise: ...!

Citizen's Voice 2: Deirdre? As in... the dragon that inhabited the forest?

Citizen's Voice 1: Yeah. Theory is that when Deirdre's healthy and hearty, the monsters are too scared to run amok.

Citizen's Voice 2: But as soon as Deirdre is gone, they have no reason not to do as they please... It seems plausible.

Citizen's Voice 1: No way to know for sure, but that's what people're thinking. Whatever the cause is, we've got our hands full with plenty of other issues right now.

Citizen's Voice 2: There are still people to evacuate off the island, and we've only got so many airships. Not to mention all the food and other necessities we'll have to transport...

Citizen's Voice 1: Would be nice if the monsters could calm down at least a little bit.

As Naoise listens to the conversation, remorse gnaws away at his insides.

Naoise: What... I...

Naoise: What have I done...

Naoise: I don't deserve to set foot again on Alster Island...

He soon leaves the residence, guilt clogging his conscious, and wanders away.

What Waits Beyond Repentance: Scene 3

Startling awake from the dream of his past, Naoise heads to the kitchen for water and finds his mother Elisheba there. Naoise expresses his regret for blindly following King Connor's command, but Elisheba refutes that equal blame lies with her for not stopping the king. Despite their guilt, Elisheba reminds him that they must keep living the lives they've been given, and Naoise once again swears to repay the people who have given him reason to live.

---

Naoise: ...!

Naoise wakes with a start in the middle of the night.

Naoise: Pant...

Naoise: It was merely a dream...

Naoise: Or rather... a reminder of a sin that I bear.

Haunted by his stained past, Naoise catches his breath, then gulps the nearby cup of water. He leaves his room not long after.

Elisheba: Well, well. Come to the kitchen this late to sneak a quick bite, have you?

Naoise: Mother... I am here to refill my cup of water.

Elisheba: If that is the case, then take a seat. I shall prepare a pot of tea.

Naoise: Sigh...

Naoise: It has been a while since you've brewed me tea. Its taste is as refreshing as ever.

Elisheba: The compliment is appreciated, but I'm afraid I cannot trust the accuracy of your appraisal when everything tastes fine to your tongue.

Elisheba: You resemble Uisneach in that aspect, in addition to your prowess with a spear.

Naoise: Is that so...

Elisheba: When I first started to practice making sweets for Lady Mugain, I had Uisneach taste them for me.

Elisheba: He was entirely unhelpful, as he claimed everything was delicious.

Elisheba: In the end, I had to ask Sir Connor to judge instead.

Naoise: You truly approached him for such a thing?

Elisheba: He was not yet king at the time. Regardless, I was not one to allow differences in social standing curb my tongue.

Naoise: I suppose that is true...

Elisheba: Well, I cannot entirely fault you for your senses. It must be useful for a knight to enjoy whatever he can eat.

Elisheba: Especially out in the field, where flavors are often secondary to nutrition.

Naoise: Father once taught me a similar lesson—being particular about food is unbecoming of a knight.

Elisheba: You and Uisneach make the perfect knights by that definition then.

Elisheba's lips curl over the edge of her teacup.

Naoise: Father always gave the highest praise for your cooking.

Naoise: (Perhaps his last meal consisted of rations... assuming he had a moment to eat at all.)

Naoise: (My foolish transgression gave him no moment to rest. He gave his life defending the people against monster after monster.)

Naoise: (He was the epitome of an honorable and just knight, beloved by everyone, and yet...)

Elisheba: Naoise.

Elisheba: You dishonor Uisneach's sacrifice by your despondent behavior.

Naoise: Mother...

Elisheba: It falls to us as his family to remember him with pride—he was an exemplar of a knight, drawing his last breaths in defense of our kingdom.

Elisheba: You would do well to realize that lamenting his last moments is a stain upon his honor.

Naoise: Indeed... You speak the truth. He was a true knight among knights who gave everything he had for his people.

Elisheba: In comparison, we have much to atone for. You, who obeyed King Connor's orders to hunt Deirdre without question...

Elisheba: And I, who failed to protect King Connor in the midst of the chaos.

Naoise: The cause of Irestill Kingdom's ruin was not our king's command, but my own ineptitude as a knight.

Naoise: I never considered why he would wish to hunt Deirdre...

Naoise: I obeyed, chasing honor as a knight, but I was a fool. This I won't deny.

Elisheba: You are self-aware at least. A knight's duty does not call for blind obedience.

Elisheba: On top of that, I informed Seruel you had gone to deal with Deirdre...

Naoise: You were not in the wrong.

Naoise: The fault lies entirely with me. I was King Connor's counsel when he made his decision.

Elisheba: Then I am equally as guilty for anticipating his judgment and failing to change the outcome.

Elisheba: Naoise.

Naoise: Yes?

Elisheba: I had steeled myself to never face you again after you raised your hand against our guardian Deirdre and brought ruin to our kingdom.

Elisheba: It was to be my punishment as the one who raised you.

Naoise: I recall...

Elisheba: But Deirdre, kindhearted as she is, has allowed us a second chance. She is why I find myself able to speak with you now...

Elisheba: We must live the lives we have been granted. You understand what I mean, don't you?

Naoise: I do, Mother.

Naoise: Seruel, Heles, Scathacha, (Captain), and Lyria...

Naoise: They have given me this life, and so I swear I shall use it to repay my debts owed.

Elisheba gives an approving nod of Naoise's vow.

They spend the rest of their evening quietly drinking the remaining tea.

What Waits Beyond Repentance: Scene 4

Naoise and Chulainn join the reconstruction efforts for the castle town a few days after they begin. While the two clear debris from the streets, Scathacha shows up as True Dragon Deirdre, having snuck away from Elisheba's watchful eye to bring monsters to help. As monsters and citizens work together to repair the damaged town, Naoise uses his dragonian powers to aid as much as possible.

---

A few days have passed since reconstruction efforts for the town began. Today Naoise joins Chulainn to participate in the hard labor.

Chulainn: Are we helping the townspeople, Sir Naoise?

Naoise: We are. Ferdia will be helping Mother clean up the Great Court.

Naoise: I hope you don't mind if we clear up some of the debris in town. There is still quite a lot left.

Chulainn: No problem! I'm strong! I'll carry stuff for everyone!

Naoise: That is certainly the spirit. This way, Chulainn.

Chulainn: Oh! Hi, Granny! We came to help out!

Old Woman: Hello there, Chulainn! And hello to you too, Naoise. I see you've come to assist again today.

Naoise: I am happy to. If you need any manual labor done, do not hesitate to ask.

Old Woman: That is much appreciated. Well then, shall we clean up the main street first?

Chulainn: Sounds good to me! Me and Naoise are strong enough to handle the heavy stuff!

Old Woman: My, that was impressive! You tidied it all up in the blink of an eye.

Chulainn: Ehehe!

Naoise: That should be enough to clear a path... Is there anything else you need assistance with?

Old Woman: Thank you both for your hard work. I think we should take a little break before tackling the rest.

Old Woman: I'll go make us some tea.

The group finds a spot away from the other people still working and sits down.

Old Woman: By the way, Naoise, how is Scathacha doing?

Old Woman: I haven't seen her since all the commotion started. She isn't hurt, is she?

Naoise: Er... She's...

Naoise: (This kindly woman doesn't know Scathacha is actually Deirdre... How can I possibly give an honest answer?)

Chulainn: Granny, about that! Scathacha is okay!

Naoise: Chulainn?

Chulainn: She's helping Ferd and Lady Elisheba clean the Great Court!

Old Woman: Is that so? Now that you mention it, she does live there, doesn't she.

Chulainn: Yeah! She told me to tell you she's fine!

As Naoise blinks at her surprisingly swift and confident explanation, Chulainn leans in to whisper into his ear.

Chulainn: Lady Scathacha figured this might happen, so she prepped me ahead of time.

Chulainn: She didn't want to worry anyone since the town's busy with fixing things up.

Naoise: I see!

Naoise: Scathacha is always two steps ahead, isn't she? She must have predicted I would have a hard time answering...

Old Woman: Chulainn and Scathacha are both so young, but already this hardworking.

Old Woman: I have to make sure I keep up with you youngsters.

Chulainn: Let's all do our best to fix the town!

They finish their break, then go back to clearing the street. A little while later, most of the debris is gone.

Chulainn: Granny, where else should we clean up?

Old Woman: Let's see. Now that the main street is clear for the most part...

Looking around, the old woman spots a young man lifting debris into a cart.

Hardworking Youth: There we... go.

Old Woman: Oh dear! That's quite the load...

Naoise: Allow me.

Hardworking Youth: Oh, Sir Naoise! It's all right, I can handle this much on my own.

Chulainn: Hey there, mister! Let me help too! Where are you cleaning up?

Hardworking Youth: I'm trying to open up one of the clogged side streets to the west...

Scathacha's Voice: Tell me more.

Hardworking Youth: Lady Deirdre!

Scathacha swoops down from above, dropping off several monsters from her back as she lands.

Monster: Rawr!

Scathacha: These ones requested to assist with repairs. Would you mind letting them join?

Old Woman: Thank you, that's mighty kind of all of you! I know you must be busy with your own recovery, and yet here you are helping us.

Old Woman: Thank you too, Lady Deirdre.

Scathacha: Think nothing of it. All I have done is serve as a translator. Chulainn, can you show these ones what to do?

Chulainn: Sure can! Come on, guys, follow me!

After checking the location one more time with the young man, Chulainn leads the group of monsters to clear the side street.

Naoise quietly approaches Scathacha as they watch the group walk away.

Naoise: Scathacha, are you sure you should be out and about?

Scathacha: Lying in bed the entire day will drive me mad.

Scathacha: Besides, I cannot sit idly by while the children of this island require my guidance.

Naoise: Does Mother know about this?

Scathacha: We... should make sure our stories match later, when she eventually discovers my absence.

Naoise: I have never successfully deceived her once my entire life... I can only promise I will try...

Scathacha: Hm...

Scathacha chuckles, gazing at the townspeople and monsters with fond eyes.

Scathacha: I am prepared to offer anything, even my life, if it meant protecting the peace here.

Scathacha: You feel the same, don't you?

Naoise: I do.

Naoise: (I will never be able to fully atone for my sins in this lifetime.)

Naoise: (But at the very least, I can utilize my power to safeguard the strong, kind people of this island.)

Naoise: I should go help as well. Take care not to push yourself...

Scathacha: I know, I know. You do not need to nag me.

Chulainn: All right, are you ready?

Chulainn: Lift!

Monster: Grawr!

Chulainn: Hrrnnng!

Naoise: Chulainn, let me give you a hand.

Chulainn: Oh, Sir Naoise... Whoa!

Naoise walks up and easily lifts the rubble which Chulainn and the monsters were struggling to prop up with a lever.

Chulainn: Wow, that was awesome! You're so strong, Sir Naoise!

Monster: Rawr!

Chulainn: We can't let Sir Naoise do all the work! Let's keep at it, everyone!

Though the danger has passed, there is yet much work to be done. The people of Alster Island face the hardships ahead together.

Among them, the knight who bears the blood of a true dragon uses his newfound power to aid both the people and monsters of his home.