Scenario:Sandalphon - Bittersweet Memories

Bittersweet Memories

(Captain) and company spot Sandalphon making coffee one day and ask him why he enjoys the drink so much. He simply responds that he's forgotten the reason and walks off, but really the archangel reminisces fondly of times past spent with Lucifer.

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Some time has passed since an unprecedented catastrophe struck the shrine of Canaan, located in a land that no man had previously set foot in.

As a sense of normalcy gradually returns to the world of the skies, an archangel stands tall on the deck of the Grandcypher one peaceful day.

Sandalphon: ...

The archangel's name is Sandalphon, and his eyes are fixed on the azure skies above. He has depleted his power, inherited from the supreme primarch Lucifer, in an earlier battle.

Realizing that he'd be unable to fulfill his promise with Lucifer while in his current state, Sandalphon has decided to travel with (Captain) and company.

Vyrn: Heyo, Sandalphon! Whatcha doin' up here?

Lyria: Um... Would you like to have some tea with us, Sandalphon?

Sandalphon: No, I'm good.

Sandalphon excuses himself from their invitation, preferring to walk off somewhere in solitude rather than partake in the crew's frivolity.

Lyria: There he goes...

Vyrn: Not much point trying to get him to join us. I'm sure he's got a lot on his mind.

Lyria: I know, but it's just...

The party looks on with concern at Sandalphon in the distance.

Days later, a fragrant smell wafts from belowdecks, drawing the attention of (Captain) and the others.

Lyria: Sniff, sniff... I smell something good in this direction...

Vyrn: Must be from the kitchen!

They follow the rich scent to its source.

Sandalphon: You guys again?

Lyria: Ah, so you were making coffee here!

Vyrn: No wonder your eyes light up every time you rave about coffee! You live for the stuff!

Sandalphon: When did I ever rave about coffee? But that's besides the point.

Sandalphon continues walking away after giving the others a sharp glare.

Vyrn: Aw, c'mon now. Do you really have to avoid us like that?

Lyria: H-hey, wait! Can we talk for a bit?

Sandalphon: What is there to talk about?

Sandalphon: Have you uncovered anything about Lucifer?

Lyria: Not yet...

Sandalphon: I'm off then.

Sandalphon: And just so we're clear on this, I'm not trying to avoid you. But also know that I didn't join your crew to make small talk.

Vyrn: Geez, what a way to put us down...

Sandalphon turns around, coffee maker tucked under his arm. (Captain) calls out to him, explaining that the rest of the crew also wish to indulge in a morning jolt.

Sandalphon: Sigh...

The archangel's brows furrow in response before he concedes and makes his way back toward the others.

Sandalphon: I'll have my coffee here then. Happy?

(Captain) nods emphatically.

They spend some time chatting while waiting for the coffee to percolate.

Lyria: It's always coffee you're drinking, huh.

Sandalphon: Mm-hm.

Vyrn: Sandalphon's gotta have his cuppa joe.

(Captain) inquires as to the archangel's strong preference for the caffeine kicker.

Sandalphon: ...

Sandalphon is deep in thought, staring pensively at the drip-feed coffee.

Lucifer: ...

Sandalphon: Um... Lucifer? What is it that you're doing?

Lucifer: Sandalphon, you've come.

Lucifer: I'm just... brewing some coffee.

Sandalphon: Coffee?

Lucifer: Yes. It is a by-product arising from the evolution of plant life, discovered through my extensive research.

Lucifer: A special plant known as coffea gives rise to fruit, from which beans are harvested and extracted.

Lucifer: Then those beans are roasted and ground into a fine powder. Pour hot water over this powder, allow it to percolate, and voila: coffee.

Sandalphon: Sounds like a lengthy process.

Sandalphon: Mm... But I must say I love that smell.

Lucifer: Why not try it for yourself?

Sandalphon: Hm? Would that be okay?

Lucifer: Of course. That's what I called you here for.

Sandalphon: Th-thank you. I'd love to test out this, um, coffee for myself.

Lucifer: Hah... Coming right up.

Sandalphon curiously eyes Lucifer's movements as the supreme primarch pours the coffee into a cup.

Lucifer: Enjoy.

Sandalphon: Thank you, I shall.

Sandalphon gently takes the cup from Lucifer and sips it.

Sandalphon: (...!)

Sandalphon: (Wh-what is this foul bitterness! I may as well be drinking mud water!)

Lucifer: Well, Sandalphon? How do you like my homemade coffee?

Sandalphon: I-it's delicious...

Lucifer: ...

Lucifer: I'm glad to hear it.

Lucifer's countenance breaks into a soft smile.

Lucifer: I could not be more pleased with our mutual satisfaction of its taste.

Sandalphon: A-and I could not be more pleased for the opportunity...

Lucifer: That was actually my first time making coffee for someone else, but I'm relieved it went well.

Sandalphon: Huh?

Sandalphon: (I don't know if I'd say it went well...)

Lucifer: I'll call you back again the next time I acquire a fresh batch of coffee beans.

Sandalphon: O-of course! I look forward to it!

Sandalphon: (Oh no... I'm not sure I'll be able to pull the wool over his eyes next time...)

From there on, the shared coffee-sipping time between the two had become a custom of sorts.

Although Sandalphon could not stand the taste at first, he gradually grew accustomed to the pungent bitterness.

The topic of coffee became one way for Lucifer and Sandalphon to communicate with one another.

As the coffee finishes percolating, Sandalphon focuses his attention on (Captain).

Sandalphon: You know, I can't really remember why I like coffee so much.

Sandalphon: Anyhow, I'm done here.

Sandalphon begins to walk away, coffee cup in hand.

But (Captain) calls out to him, hoping for hands-on advice on how to make good coffee.

Sandalphon: ...

Sandalphon does not offer a response and continues on his way.

Vyrn: Geez, what's up with him?

Lyria: He seemed kind of lonely.

Vyrn: Meh, let's not get too worried about that.

Vyrn: Hey, we ought to have some coffee ourselves!

Lyria: Okay! I'll make some!

Vyrn: Thanks! I like mine with lotsa milk and sugar!

Lyria: Sounds yummy! I'll probably go for the same!

(Captain) and the others feel a bond with Sandalphon over their mutual appreciation of coffee.

But not wanting to come off as prying, their relationship with him changes little in the end.