Scenario:Parashurama - Sins and Evil

Sins and Evil

(Captain) and company receive a request to look for skyfarers who have gone missing. Arriving at an island on the outskirts of the Tripla Archipelago, they are reunited with Parashurama, a disciple of Shiva who once fought alongside the crew against monsters called asura. Parashurama is on a mission from Shiva to grant salvation to a soul trapped on the island. The crew suggest that they work together.

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One day, (Captain) and company receive a request to search for skyfarers that have gone missing during an investigation.

The crew follow the skyfarers' trail and find themselves on a small island in the outskirts of the Tripla Archipelago.

Monster: ...

Monster Horde: ...!

Vyrn: Argh, not again! The second we take one out, more start poppin' up!

Lyria: What should we do... Our path's completely blocked now!

Outnumbered, the crew struggles to find an opening to escape the hordes of monsters.

???: Haaah!

Monster Horde: ...!

Vyrn: Cough, cough! What is it now?

???: Burn!

Monster Horde: ...!

A cataclysmic fire swallows the monsters, burning them to a crisp.

Gradually, the cloud of dust and ash clears to reveal a figure standing in front of the crew.

Lyria: This voice and presence...
Is that you, Parashurama?

Parashurama: Ah, so it is you! It has been a while, my friends! I'm glad to find you in good health.

The man with a smile on his face is Parashurama.

Parashurama was born as a mortal, but under some circumstances, he was turned into a primal beast and has since trained under Shiva as his disciple.

He once fought alongside (Captain)'s crew against monsters called the asura, when disaster had fallen on the Tripla Archipelago.

Vyrn: It's been a while, Disciple Mister! Didn't think we'd run into you in a place like this!

Parashurama: Likewise. I'm surprised to see you on this island. Are you here for a job?

Lyria: Yeah! We received a request to look for some people... What about you?

Parashurama: I'm here on Mahadeva's orders to grant salvation to a soul bound to this island.

Vyrn: Salvation?

Parashurama: That's right. You see, I was training with Mahadeva a while ago...

Parashurama: Hrg...

Shiva: Is it the phantom sound again?

Parashurama: ...!
Mahadeva! I apologize for breaking my concentration...

Shiva: Pay no heed, for it is not a matter you can control. The problem lies elsewhere...

Shiva pauses, gazing at Parashurama thoughtfully.

Shiva: Parashurama. Are you aware what the core within you is?

Parashurama: No... I've only heard it is something that belonged to a certain primal beast. I'm afraid I do not know anything outside of that.

Shiva: Ah. I wonder if the specifics were undisclosed by intention, or if their revelation was restricted.

Shiva: But considering the matter... I am almost certain everything is proceeding as intended.

Parashurama: Mahadeva... Is the core inside me of an evil nature?

Shiva: Hm... What makes you think so?

Parashurama: If I may... I do sense a slight resentment from your aura.

Shiva: ...
I merely have a history with the one who changed your body.

Shiva: What you harbor is one of many fragments Vishnu made based on his own core.

Shiva: Vishnu is one of the primal beasts which manifested at the same time as myself, tasked with the granting of salvation.

Shiva: He oversaw preservation and protection, granting salvation to the children of man by overthrowing all evil.

Shiva: As such, he is far from evil himself. You need not worry.

Parashurama: Salvation... In that case, he must be a compassionate being like yourself, as one who watches over the children of man.

Shiva: Compassionate...

Parashurama: ...?
Mahadeva?

When Parashurama blinks in confusion, Shiva sighs, a grave look in his eyes.

Shiva: Parashurama, you are my disciple. You are also one who grants salvation, whilst harboring a fragment of Vishnu.

Shiva: I ask you: what is salvation?

Parashurama: Um...

Shiva: Answer me, truthfully and with your own words. No matter your answer, I shall not lay blame on you.

At his master's quiet tone, the disciple closes his eyes and thinks for a while.

Parashurama: As long as evil exists, it will continue to threaten the peace of this realm. As such, purification of evil is salvation itself.

Shiva: Then, what do you define as evil?

Parashurama: There are outlaws and villains, of course... and those of authority who prove arrogant and greedy. Everyone who is considered wicked in the realm of mortals.

Shiva: But they may not always remain evil. A wicked person can mend their ways and become a virtuous person, while the opposite is also true. What do you think of such a case?

Parashurama: Well...

Shiva: Regardless of any change in heart, goodwill can bring about disaster, while evil can save a person's life.

Shiva: There are always two sides to good and evil. The line between the two is often unclear in a realm riddled with turmoil.

Shiva: I ask you again: what do you define as evil? What should you destroy, and what should you save? Answer me, Parashurama.

Unable to bear his master's steadfast gaze, Parashurama covers his face in silence.

Shiva: So you have no answer for me.

Parashurama: P-please, wait! I...

Shiva: Be at ease. If your heart is wavering, then you possess yet a choice on the path you are to follow.

Shiva pauses again, an undecipherable expression on his face, before continuing.

Shiva: Parashurama. I shall grant you a trial.

Shiva: Venture to an island where a pitiful soul drowns in grudges and hatred—and save it.

Shiva: Depending on your performance, it may be that you will leave my side and walk another path.

Parashurama: Another... path?

Parashurama: D-do you mean to say that... I am not adequate to be your disciple?

Shiva: No, the contrary. It is because I have high hopes that I wish for you to overcome this trial—for I could not save that soul myself.

Parashurama: Impossible... There are those even the great Mahadeva is unable to save?

Shiva: They do not wish, nor do they pray. I cannot save those who do not seek salvation.

Shiva: All I am able to provide is an end in the form of purification. But you...

Shiva: You were born from the mortal womb and have lived as one of them. There is a possibility that you can grant them salvation through a different means.

Shiva: What I am asking is for you to save what I could not. If you can carry out this task, then I will have reason to keep you by my side.

Shiva: If you intend to continue as my disciple and walk the same path, then overcome this trial and show me your conviction.

Parashurama: He told me, "I shall share my flame and entrust you with its embers. I pray you use this power fittingly."

Parashurama: That is how I received Mahadeva's embers and how we came to meet on this island.

Vyrn: Wow... But didja really need that Shiva plush to explain everything?

Vyrn points to the handmade doll in Parashurama's hand.

Parashurama: I thought it might be rather dull if I were the only one speaking. Isn't this quite the masterpiece?

Parashurama: I crafted it so that people of all ages, young and old, can know of Mahadeva and his splendid achievements.

Parashurama: After all, spreading his teachings is but another duty that I, as his adherent, should undertake!

Vyrn: Er, right... So you actually made that for a purpose. I thought...

Parashurama: Thought what?

Vyrn: Uh, n-never mind! Don't worry about it!

Vyrn: Anyway, so you can't be his disciple anymore if you don't get through this trial, huh? That sounds like a whole lotta pressure!

Parashurama: No matter the hardship, I must conquer the challenge in front of me.

He looks down at the toy resembling his beloved master.

Parashurama: I must find the answer to Mahadeva's question, and demonstrate that I am worthy to be his disciple...

1. Do you want to work together?
2. Let's get through it together.

Choose: Do you want to work together?

Vyrn: Yeah! The more hands we've got the better, and we can definitely help ya with your trial too!

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Let's get through it together.

Lyria: I'm sure we were meant to meet on this island. As long as we're together, we can definitely get through anything!

Continue 1

Parashurama: But are you not here for your own objective? I would hate to burden others with my personal matters...

Vyrn: Don't sweat it! We're friends, right?

Lyria: Yeah! Besides, we're Shiva's adherents too. I don't think he'll be upset if we pitch in!

Parashurama: ...!
Haha, you have a point!

Parashurama: Very well, then let us proceed together. It has been a while since we worked as one—I shall do my utmost to keep up.

And with that, (Captain)'s crew and Parashurama exchange a firm handshake.