Scenario:Nezha - Wish of the Stars

Wish of the Stars

Nezha's primal pals show up on the Grandcypher to congratulate his induction into the crew. Using this chance to talk about their pasts, Nezha relates the story of how Medusa's sisters once saved him during the War.

---

It is a sunny day on the Grandcypher.

Medusa: Good to see Nezha fiiinally join us aboard the ship.

Nezha: Yes, I think this will be fun.

Satyr: Having your strength and smarts with us is gonna be a huge plus! The captain must be overjoyed at having you come along!

Baal: As knowledgeable as Nezha is, there's no way he beats the others in the crew when it comes to common sense.

Nezha: This is my first time on an airship. Fortunately, they're kind enough to show me the ropes at every chance they get.

Medusa: I'm pretty sure Baal's referring to something else by "common sense."

Nezha: Huh?

Medusa: Anyhoo... I'm always glad to field any questions you might have about how things work around here.

Medusa: After all, we've stuck with the crew for a long time now!

Baal: Heh... As haughty as ever for the heck of it.

Baal: Nezha would be better off asking the crew directly rather than you.

Medusa: What are you trying to get at, Baal!

Satyr: Teehee! Don't mind 'em, Nez! Meddy and Baally are just being their good ol' selves.

Nezha: Yes, that's plain as day. It's nice to see them getting along so well.

Baal: Gimme a break...

Medusa: Took the words right out of my mouth!

Lyria: Hey, Nezha! Hey, everyone!

Vyrn: Nice to see you four in one place!

Satyr: (Captain), Lyria, Vyrn! How's it going?

Satyr: We got together to celebrate Nez's induction into the crew!

Lyria: Haha, it's no wonder you're called the primal pals.

Nezha: Indeed.

Medusa: Always goes back to that, doesn't it? Well, it's fine by me.

Satyr: Hey, I've got a cool idea!

Satyr: Why don't we spend the day telling the crew all about our history as the primal pals?

Satyr: We can start by taking questions.

Vyrn: Hm, I'll need a moment to think of somethin'...

Lyria: Um... Medusa and Baal were the first to become friends, right?

Medusa & Baal: Friends? Nuh-uh!
Friends? Nope.

Medusa & Baal: Ah...
Geh...

Medusa & Baal: ...
...

Nezha: Spoken like true friends.

Satyr: Aw, wasn't that lovely!

Medusa: Grr... Forget the story about us two!

Baal: Why not talk about Nezha instead?

Medusa: Good point!

Nezha: Me? Do I have any stories worth talking about?

Medusa: It was before you met us, but how about that time my sisters saved you?

Vyrn: Yeah, we're missin' the details on that one.

Nezha: Okay then, let's go with that story.

Nezha: It was a long, long time ago, in the midst of the War.

Skydweller 1: Surround him!

Nezha: Hrgh!

Skydweller 2: Gwah!

Skydweller 1: Damn it! Call for reinforcements!

Nezha: Hyuh! Hraaah! Oh, no you don't!

Skydweller 1: Rgh!

Nezha: Is that all you've got? You're boring me!

Skydweller 1: Crap... We need reinforcements, on the double!

Skydweller 3: But he doesn't even flinch, no matter how many people we charge at him with!

Skydweller 1: Don't lose hope! We have to stop him here no matter what!

Skydweller 1: I'm sure we'll get our chance as long as we stay on the offensive!

Nezha proves his extraordinary versatility as he takes on armies from every direction, but the skydwellers keep coming in force.

The battle soon reaches a turning point.

Nezha: ...?

Nezha: Ngh!

Skydweller 1: Now! Hit him with everything you've got!

Skydweller 3: We can do this... Finish him off!

Nezha: That's the way I like—

Nezha: ...!

Euryale: We're here to help.

Stheno: Hehe, talk about a close call.

Nezha: You two are...

Stheno: Fellow primal beasts who've come to your aid.

Nezha: But why! This battlefield has been entrusted to me...

Stheno: Yeah? But don't you think a retreat would be the smarter choice right now?

Stheno: Or would you rather go down fighting?

Stheno: Here in the middle of nowhere, without having accomplished anything.

Nezha: ...

Euryale: No time to waste, you two!

Stheno: Off we go.

Nezha: You have my thanks...

Medusa: Aah... Are my sisters just the coolest or what?

Baal: You've heard the story so many times already.

Medusa: Well, guess what? I never get tired of hearing how cool my sisters are!

Satyr: Ooh yeah, I know the feeling! I love hearing my favorite stories over and over again too!

Vyrn: Snake Girl didn't show up at the time?

Nezha: It was just Stheno and Euryale, and they disappeared immediately after.

Nezha: Even after meeting Medusa much later, it took me some time to realize that the three were sisters.

Vyrn: Heh, go figure.

Lyria: It's like fate brought the two of you together.

Wish of the Stars: Scene 2

The crew is surprised to learn how belligerent Nezha used to be—a stark contrast to his current self. The primal exclaims that deep down—because he was created to do battle—he's as bellicose as he's always been.

---

Satyr: To give you guys a basic picture of the timeline...

Satyr: Meddy and Baally met some time after that battle during the War. Then they met Nez...

Baal: Try me.

Medusa: Let's settle this the good old fashioned—

Nezha: You there. Trespassers.

Baal: ...!

A third party arrives on the scene.

Medusa: Who're you?

Nezha: I am Nezha. What is the purpose of your presence here?

Medusa: Huh? Can't you see we're in the middle of something?

Nezha: A complete lack of decorum in addition to trespassing onto my land...

Nezha: I suppose you must be confident in your abilities.

Baal: ...

Medusa: A-and? What's your point?

Nezha: I've been searching for a way to pass the time, and a bout would do perfectly.

Medusa: A fight, huh? You think you can handle us?

Baal: "Us"? Don't drag me into this!

Nezha: It will only be a fair fight if I face the both of you at the same time. Now come!

Satyr: And I was the last to join the primal pals.

Lyria: So how did you and Nezha meet?

Satyr: I've never talked about that, have I? It all started when I was lost in a forest...

Satyr: Oh, what am I ever going to do... There's no one around to ask for directions either...

Satyr: Ah!

Nezha: ...

Satyr: Thank goodness I found someone. Hello there!

Nezha: Hello.

Satyr: Hm? Are you, by any chance, a primal beast?

Nezha: Indeed, I am.

Satyr: Hooray, I knew it! That makes two of us! You just made my day! Erm, what's your name?

Nezha: Nezha.

Satyr: Nez! I'm Satyr!

Satyr: What were you doing out here, Nez?

Nezha: Just taking a walk.

Satyr: A walk? Wait, that's it?

Nezha: Mm, I especially enjoy hiking.

Satyr: That's great! It's a wonderful day for a hike!

Nezha: You think so?

Satyr: I sure do! We've got great weather and vibrant greenery, the perfect complements to a rejuvenating walk.

Satyr: I was enjoying the scenery myself, until I lost my way...

Nezha: I know the way back to town. Shall we head back together?

Satyr: Really? Aw, you're such a sweetheart!

Satyr: But I wouldn't want to get in the way of your hike...

Nezha: No worries. I quite enjoy walking with someone by my side.

Satyr: Good to know! Thanks, Nez!

Satyr: You see that, Nez? Aren't those butterflies adorable? I wonder what they're called.

Nezha: They show up quite often around these mountains. Though I do not know their proper name...

Satyr: And that's how the two of us became friends.

Satyr: Some time later, Nez took me to one of Baally's concerts.

Satyr: Which is where I met Meddy!

Medusa: Mm-hm. You were all buddy-buddy with me from the get-go.

Satyr: Well, that's only because you were unbelievably cute from the get-go!

Medusa: Rgh... Stop clinging to me already!

Baal: Sigh...

Baal: Medusa was an arrogant earsore from the moment I met her.

Medusa: Please, you're the one who's stuck-up all the time!

Vyrn: Ahaha! It never gets dull around you guys!

Lyria: Teehee. This must be the secret to their lasting relationship.

Satyr: Yep, we primal pals are forever!

Nezha: As primal beasts, it's only natural that we remain largely the same over time.

Lyria: Oh? Is that a given for primals?

Nezha: As we are created by the power of stars, it is difficult to imagine us showing great change.

Vyrn: Hm, that might be true for Snake Girl...

Vyrn: But I'd say you're a much calmer person now than you used to be, Nezha.

Nezha: No... Despite appearances, I am the same person I've always been.

Nezha: What you perceive as changes within me are simply fluctuations within a set personality range.

Lyria: Not changes, but fluctuations...

Nezha: Yes. Be it past or present, I exist to do battle.

Medusa: With the age of the War being long past us...

Medusa: It's only normal that Nezha seems more carefree compared to then.

Baal: Carefree, eh? That's a nice way of putting it, coming from you.

Medusa: You could've left out that last part, you know! Gah, always trying to pick a fight!

Satyr: Haha, my favorite thing about Nez is how he's knowledgeable in all things!

Satyr: Whether you're in an aggressive or carefree mood, we love you all the same, Nez!

Nezha: And I love you for being the sunshine of our group.

Satyr: Aww! You're making me blush!

Medusa: Sigh... Actually, I think you might be the carefree one, Satyr...

The cheery voices of the crew and primal pals resound on the Grandcypher's deck.

Wish of the Stars: Scene 3

The crew goes to the aid of a fort under attack by a giant monster. They investigate a cave to track it down. Inside, Lyria senses a strange presence—separate from the monster that attacks them.

---

Days later, the crew is on a new assignment.

Vyrn: So this here's the fort mentioned in the job listing.

(Captain) and company have come to defend a fort being terrorized by a giant monster.

Victim: Rgh...

Fort Soldier 1: Someone bring me painkillers, stat!

Fort Soldier 2: The west-side wall's taken major damage. We need to get it repaired as soon as—

Fort Soldier 3: I know, but we don't have the resources or manpower to get it done!

Nezha: This doesn't look good.

Lyria: Everyone's in a panic, and many are hurt...

Nezha: Let's get a proper update on the situation.

Lyria: Right! I think their leader's...

Fort Leader: Could it be? You must be the skyfarer crew!

Vyrn: Yep, we're the reinforcements! You the fella who put in the request?

Fort Leader: In a way, yes. Please follow me.

Fort Leader: The giant monster appeared all too suddenly.

The crew are led to a plain, nondescript room, where they receive a briefing on the current situation.

Fort Leader: Those of us in the fort have traditionally dealt with highwaymen and small monster attacks.

Fort Leader: This is our first time taking on such a large, violent monster... We don't stand a chance.

Nezha: Your soldiers are worn out, with a high number of casualties.

Fort Leader: Yes... We lost a few men after suffering so many attacks.

Fort Leader: Even the former leader of the fort lost his life shortly after sending a call for help from your group...

Lyria: I'm sorry we didn't make it in time...

Fort Leader: No, what matters is that you're here now.

Fort Leader: I'm doing my best in my late father's stead, but I'm afraid we won't last much longer if things don't start changing soon...

Vyrn: You mean the former leader's—

Fort Leader: Yes, he was my father.

Fort Leader: Past this fort is a town full of civilian families.

Fort Leader: We must stop the monster at all costs!

According to the fort leader, the monster has made a home out of a nearby cave.

Fort Leader: A local legend says a rampaging god was sealed away in the cave.

Nezha: The fort appears to be several centuries old, but it doesn't look sturdy enough to last against a rampaging god.

Fort Leader: The locals have always considered it a mere fairy tale.

Fort Leader: That's been the prevailing belief even in my own family for generations now... But we've never faced a threat as big as the current one.

Lyria: So you don't believe there to be any connection between the monster and the sealed god?

Fort Leader: I can't be certain.

Fort Leader: Though we were able to confirm the monster's hideout, we lack the military strength to carry out a proper investigation.

Nezha: Maybe we can handle the investigation, (Captain).

1. You think we'll come back in one piece?
2. Sounds good to me.

Choose: You think we'll come back in one piece?

Nezha: Judging from the damage to the fort, our opponent will not be an easy one. But fortunately I am with you.

Nezha: If things get out of hand, I can defend you while you retreat.

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Sounds good to me.

Nezha: Splendid. You can count on me in there, (Captain).

Continue 1

Vyrn: All righty! Time to pay the cave a visit!

Fort Leader: Thank you. Please let us know if there's anything you need for the trip. We'll supply you as best as we can.

Fort Leader: Stay safe...

Nezha: There might be a primal beast inside the cave...

Vyrn: You sayin' the one assaultin' the fort is more than a monster?

Nezha: What he said about sealing a rampaging god rung a bell.

Nezha: It resembles the stories of primal beasts stuck in various lands long after the War.

Lyria: I was wondering the same thing actually...

Lyria: But I don't think there are any primals nearby.

Vyrn: You don't sense any?

Lyria: Other than Nezha, no.

Nezha: Hm... If that is what you've intuited, then I have little reason to doubt it.

Nezha: All that's left is to see the truth with our own eyes.

Nezha: Haah!

Vyrn: (Captain), behind you!

The crew proceeds through the cave while fending off the occasional monster.

Vyrn: These little critters are a lot more violent than the ones we see elsewhere.

Nezha: Yes, that does seem to be the case. It's no wonder the soldiers struggled to defend the fort.

Lyria: Huh?

Having proceeded deep into the cave, Lyria stops in her tracks.

Lyria: Just now...

Nezha: Everything okay?

Lyria: Something felt a bit off for a moment.

Vyrn: You sense a primal?

Lyria: No, it's not a primal, but something like one...

Nezha: Could it be the presence of a slumbering core?

Lyria: No, that's not it either.

Lyria: Then again, I can't detect primal cores as precisely as Baal can, so I can't say for sure...

Nezha: I see...

Nezha: It's here.

Giant Monster: Gwaaar!

Vyrn: So this is the big baddie causin' problems for everyone?

Nezha: Most likely. Its appearance matches up with what we heard at the fort.

Giant Monster: Grr...

Vyrn: This thing is huge!

Giant Monster: Gwooaah!

Nezha: Watch out!

Nezha: I'm curious about the presence Lyria felt...

Giant Monster: Gwoooh!

Nezha: But we can save that for later!

Wish of the Stars: Scene 4

(Captain) and company find remnants of a primal core deep in the cave, which reminds them of the story from the picture book earlier. Nezha expresses his lament at being an unchanging existence meant to do battle for all eternity. However, Lyria's remark that interactions with others can change anyone stirs something in Nezha.

---

Giant Monster: Gwooh....

Vyrn: We did it! The baddie's down for the count!

Lyria: Everyone in the fort and the town should be safe now!

Nezha: I certainly hope so.

Nezha carefully surveys the defeated monster's surroundings.

Nezha: It's dead—and definitely not a primal.

Vyrn: You mean the tingly sensation Lyria got has nothing to do with this monster?

Nezha: That's the most logical conclusion... After all, no primal beast would "die" in a manner like this.

Nezha: ...

Lyria: Nezha? What's wrong?

Nezha: Hm?

Lyria: Um, you looked kind of upset...

Nezha: Upset, you say?

Nezha: Hm, I'm not sure I'd call it that.

(Captain) ponders the meaning behind Nezha's words.

Lyria: Ah!

Lyria: I felt something again...

Lyria turns her gaze to something deeper in the cave—a broken piece of a crystal.

Nezha: What's this...

Lyria: It's giving off a trace of a primal beast's presence...

Nezha: I suspect this was once a primal's core.

Vyrn: It's cracked...

Nezha: While primal beasts are said to be immutable and immortal, there's no coming back when your core is this damaged.

Nezha: This must be the remains of the primal beast we heard about at the fort.

Lyria: It was already dead...

Nezha: It's no exaggeration to say there were once as many primal beasts as there were stars.

Nezha gently picks up the core fragment.

Nezha: But many have since passed on as this one has.

Lyria: Ah... The Twin Stars...

Nezha lifts his eyes at Lyria's words.

Nezha: That crossed your mind too, huh?

Lyria: Yes. This core fragment reminds me of the picture book's last page.

Lyria: "After an arduous journey, the lone star finally found its companion. Though a husk of its former self, the fragment still glowed as brightly as ever."

Lyria: "At the peak of a mountain where stars fall, the twins went to sleep."

Lyria: "Both stone fragments at this point, the two never left each other ever again."

Lyria: I wonder if the "twin stars" mentioned in the picture book is actually a reference to primal beasts...

Nezha: I was thinking the same thing.

Nezha: At the end, the twin primals must have entered into a permanent resting state.

Nezha places the core fragment on a boulder in the cave.

Lyria: Um, Nezha, about the picture book...

Lyria: On the first page, the twin stars had the very same color and shape.

Lyria: But on the last page, the two fragments were of slightly different color.

Nezha: Come to think of it, that's true.

Lyria: You mentioned that primal beasts are unchanging...

Lyria: But I think the leading star's color slightly changed over the course of its travels.

Nezha: That's certainly possible...

Lyria: You mentioned something about personality fluctuations before. Maybe the change occurred because of these fluctuations...

Nezha: ...

Lyria: Sorry, I'm not very good at explaining it.

Nezha: No, you're doing fine. I understand you perfectly.

Vyrn: What about you, Nezha? Do you wanna change?

Nezha: You ask a good question... I've long grown tired of my immutability.

Lyria: What do you mean?

Nezha: I was created for the purpose of battle. But what lies at the end of battle for a primal who knows no end?

Nezha: Warfare has become so tasteless for me that it feels I'm simply going through the motions.

Vyrn: All that talk about meetin' your end sounds kinda grim to me.

Nezha: I hope you don't misunderstand me.

Nezha: I know full well what a dreadful thing death can be for mortals.

Nezha: I have the utmost respect for those who do not hesitate to brave the many dangers of life, knowing that death could be right around the corner.

Nezha: Perhaps this is also why I'm a bit envious.

Lyria: Um, again, I might not be getting my point across very well...

Lyria: But even if primal beasts really are unchanging, they meet so many people over the course of their lives...

Lyria: Surely all those interactions affect them in one way or another.

Nezha: Interactions with others, you say...

Lyria: You wouldn't argue or make up with strangers or people you don't care about. You wouldn't treasure them enough to.

Lyria: There are many emotions that surface only by making a connection with others.

Lyria: I believe that's a form of change as well.

Nezha: You may very well be right, Lyria.

Nezha: I look forward to great things in our travels together.

Nezha: May our road ahead be enlightening and fruitful...

Nezha: And heaven willing, may it last until the day I meet my proper end.

Nezha turns on his heel to leave the cave, with the others trailing behind him.

Albeit faint, Nezha may very well have just found a hint to what he truly seeks in life.