Scenario:Sen - Mixed Messages

Mixed Messages

Sen and the cats browse numerous cat shops on an island famous for its feline population and products. However, Rivera and the others don't seem interested in anything the shops are carrying, making it even harder on Sen to come up with a great gift idea.

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The crew's journey rolls on, but today they make a pit stop at a certain island.

Out on the Grandcypher's deck, Sen fidgets with anticipation as the ship pulls into port.

Sen: Wow! We finally made it. Thanks for taking a detour to bring me here.

Lyria: Anything for the cats! Actually, I was looking forward to visiting this place too after I heard about it.

Vyrn: According to Siero, this island is known as a popular hub for cat supplies.

Sen: That's right. Not only are there lots of shops that cater to cats, many cats themselves call this island home.

Sen: I just know I'll find something nice for Rivera and the others.

Lyria: Hehe, I hope you find the perfect gift to show them how much you care, Sen!

Sen: Thanks. I'll search high and low!

Dante: There you are, Sen. Before you leave, I have a favor to ask.

Sen: A favor? What is it, Dante?

Dante: Lord Rivera and the others wish to stretch their legs on dry land.

Dante: Would you be able to take the lords and ladies with you on your excursion into town?

Vyrn: Huh? Can't you take them like you always do?

Dante: I intend to perform a thorough cleaning of their quarters while they're out.

Sen: Wouldn't it be better if I helped you clean? After all, I don't want to bother the cats on their walk...

Dante: Do not think that way. They would love nothing more than to spend time with you.

Sen: In that case... Okay! I'd be happy to take them!

Once the gangplank is lowered, Sen and her furry friends disembark.

They enjoy a leisurely stroll through the streets.

Somewhere along the line, a new member joins their entourage.

Ewiyar: Meow.

Sen: Hm? Hey, when did you...

Sen: Hehe. You didn't want to go on a walk by yourself, huh?

Ewiyar: Meow, meow!

Ewiyar: (Hehe. I heard that the mortals on this island have established facilities to serve a cat's every need.)

Ewiyar: (For the singularity to intentionally make landfall here, it's a clear sign they wish to curry my favor.)

Ewiyar: (It's only fair that I acknowledge the entreaties of the singularity and this child.)

Ewiyar: (Now then, shower me in scrumptious vittles.)

Sen: You look like you're in a good mood. Is it because you're hanging out with us?

Ewiyar: Nyah?

Sen: Back on the ship, you seemed to be keeping your distance, but you actually wanted to make friends, right?

Sen: Don't be shy. Rivera and the others are super nice and kind. You'll become close in no time.

Ewiyar: (Huh? What use would I have for associating with those furballs?)

Ewiyar: (You're terribly mistaken, girl. I never once felt the need for their company!)

Ewiyar: (I see now that expecting treats from you is a waste of my time. Time to strike out on my own.)

Ewiyar: Meeow.

Sen: Hm, it walked away... Maybe it wants to say hi to the island cats?

Before long, Sen and company arrive at the heart of town.

The area is filled with felines going about their business.

Street Cat: Meow...

Sen: Whoa! They're everywhere!

Street Cat: Mrrow...

Sen: Hello there. My name's Sen. Nice to meetcha, meow.

Rivera: Meow.

Following Sen's lead, Rivera and the others greet the island's four-legged residents.

Sen: We're skyfarers, and I came here looking for cat snacks and accessories.

Sen: So, Mr. Cat, are there any stores worth visiting?

Street Cat: Meow...

The cat seems to think for a moment. It then meows and walks over to a store.

Sen: Wow, this place is huge. Thanks for the recommendation, Mr. Cat!

Sen: Excuse me!

Shopkeep 1: Hello! You won't find a better selection of toys and anything else for your beloved pet!

Sen: H-hi! I'm a traveling skyfarer who heard about this island.

Sen: I'm looking for something special to give my cat crewmates. Can you help me out?

Shopkeep 1: Oh my, a skyfarer, you say? I suppose you'd prefer to travel light, so bulky toys are out of the question...

Shopkeep 1: Then how about this cute little cat teaser? Just apply a smidge of wind magic, and it wiggles on its own.

Shopkeep 1: Never know which way it'll swing. Cats go nuts for it!

Young Cat (Event) not in crew

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Go to "Continue 1"

Sen: Gosh, that is cute! Young Cat is pretty active; I bet he'd get a kick out of it!

Go to "Continue 2"

Continue 1

Sen: Ahaha! Look at it go!

Continue 2

Shopkeep 1: Or if it's food you're looking for, consider this fish paste that comes from Auguste. See how creamy it is?

Shopkeep 1: I've seen cats get into wrestling matches just to get a lick!

Sen: That sounds amazing... It's so hard to choose from all these interesting products.

Sen: What do the rest of you think? Anything catch your fancy?

Sen turns to look behind her.

Sen: Huh?

However, she discovers she's the only customer in the store.

Rivera: Meow.

Sen: Phew! There you are! You were just waiting for me outside.

Sen: Guess it wasn't too comfortable in there, huh? Sorry I didn't notice sooner.

Rivera: Meow...

Rivera lets out a soft meow, then heads over to join the rest of the waiting cats.

After that, Sen visits a few more shops, but the results are always the same.

Shopkeep 2: Welcome! Cat goods are my passion!

Sen: Good afternoon.

Sen: Er, where'd the kitties go?

Sen: Let's try this one.

Shopkeep 3: How may I help you?

Sen: Ah... Not again...

Rivera: Meow...

Sen: Every time we step into a new shop, everyone immediately leaves.

Sen: I figured we could pick out your gifts together, but...

Sen: Maybe nothing in these stores is up your alley?

Sen: (On the other hand, the island cats seem to love the products these stores carry.)

Sen: (I guess our cats have different tastes. If only I had some hints as to what they are...)

Sen stands outside the shop, staring at the cans of cat food in the window display.

Mixed Messages: Scene 2

While Sen struggles to figure out what to gift the cats, Rivera and the others discuss giving Sen a Valentine's gift of their own. A bemused Ewiyar joins them in searching for the ultimate afternoon napping spot, and they bring Sen there after finding it. However, Sen misinterprets this gesture, thinking it's her fault for exhausting the cats by dragging them from shop to shop, and she becomes dejected.

---

As Sen hops from cat shop to cat shop, she struggles with what would make a good gift for the cats.

Meanwhile, the cats are viewing the situation from a completely different perspective.

Afaka: Sen's sure in a food shopping mood today. Is she that hungry?

Vapaus: She's too polite to eat any treats in front of us, so it's not hard to imagine she gets the munchies from time to time.

Vapaus: We oughta tell Dante to buy the poor girl some treats when we get back to the ship.

Mukuta: Use your brain, Vapaus. She can't eat the food we eat.

Mukuta: So logically that means she isn't shopping for herself.

Rivera: Agreed. In all likelihood, she's trying to purchase Valentine's gifts for us.

Afaka: Wait, you mean that smelly stuff?

Afaka: Then I don't want any of it, even if it comes from Sen.

Rivera: No, a Valentine's gift needn't be in the form of chocolate.

Rivera: Think back to how Dante presents us with a special feast around this time each year. Couldn't we call that a Valentine's gift?

Vapaus: Ah! When you put it that way, yeah, it does taste fancier than the stuff we usually get!

Aselia: Well, I'm convinced. With that being the case, shouldn't we also think about getting Sen something?

Mukuta: Yeah. Let's see if we can't come up with a gift that'll make her happy.

Having grasped the meaning behind the special day that skydwellers celebrate once a year, the cats begin throwing out ideas.

Ewiyar: ...?

Elsewhere, Ewiyar watches them in amusement.

Ewiyar: (They've suddenly become quite upbeat for some reason.)

Ewiyar: (Do they think they can have a rousing good time without my presence? Outrageous...)

Ewiyar: What do we have here? I demand to know what you're all plotting.

Mukuta: What the! So you can understand us!

Aselia: Since you never said hello back whenever I greeted you, I naturally assumed you weren't able to communicate.

Ewiyar: Insolence! Of course someone of my bearing has mastered your simple tongue!

Vapaus: Uh... Sure, whatever that means... You wanna get in on this gift for Sen too?

Ewiyar: And why in the skies would I voluntarily bribe mortals with gifts when they already do my bidding without question?

Ewiyar: Now, if they provided me with something of reasonable value like the singularity does on occasion, that I could understand.

Ewiyar: Yet that girl doesn't understand my commands. You can't expect me to reward someone who can't grasp the simple fact that I'm hungry.

Afaka: Um, what are you talking about? I don't need anything back from Sen.

Ewiyar: The fact that you don't expect any benefit in return only baffles me even further.

Rivera: Exchanging Valentine's is a furless ritual that shows mutual respect. Do not denigrate what you do not understand.

Aselia: Mm-hm. Sen is our dearest friend. We're not trying to take advantage of her kindness.

Rivera: She may be somewhat absentminded at times, but her heart is always in the right place when it comes to how she treats us.

Rivera: There's nothing wrong in wanting to thank her for all she's done.

Mukuta: Yeah, she's like a little sister to us, and it's so not cool to mooch off of family members.

Mukuta: Especially as her elder siblings. We should be the ones watching over her.

Ewiyar: Hmm, to watch over a lesser being, you say... In other words, asserting one's superiority. I can respect that.

Ewiyar: Well? What is this special gift you've come up with?

Mukuta: Yeah, about that... I thought about catching a fat, juicy rat for Sen, but that probably won't go over too well with her...

Vapaus: Isn't she big on napping out in the sun?

Afaka: She always joins us on the deck for a midafternoon snooze.

Mewmew: Works for me! I love lounging around in the sun with Sen!

Aselia: Perfect. Let's find the most comfortable spot on the island where one can catch a sunny nap.

Rivera: An excellent idea. I'm sure the residents of this town can provide us with insight if we ask.

Ewiyar: Ah, I see. By finding things that a dull mortal can't, we can vaunt the gap in our abilities.

Vapaus: Nothing you say makes a lick of sense.

Sen marvels at how easily Ewiyar has mingled with Rivera and the others.

Sen: I can't believe you won the new cat over already! That's amazing, everyone!

Mewmew: Ehehe... Sen complimented me!

Mukuta: It's not like we're actually buddies or anything... Eh, whatever makes you happy.

Mukuta: C'mon, let's find that hot spot already.

Afaka: Hey, hey! I think I found it!

Aselia: Really? Did the locals give you a tip?

Afaka: Sure did. According to them, there's a big open field in town.

Afaka: And it's got lots of pretty flowers in bloom. They swear any girl furless will like it.

Rivera: That's music to my ears. Then let us bring the child to her gift.

Rivera takes charge and whaps his tail against Sen's shin.

Sen: Erm, is there something you want, Rivera?

Rivera: Off we go, child.

Sen: Are you telling me to go this way?

Rivera: Meerow.

Sen: G-got it! You can stop pulling on my tights now!

Sen: Oooh! The flowers here are so, so pretty!

Sen: Is this what everyone wanted to see?

Vapaus: Hehe, bull's-eye! I think she likes it!

Afaka: I was the one who asked the locals, you know. It was all me.

Mewmew: Hold me, Sen! Let's nap in the sun together!

Sen: I wonder if the cats were looking for a place to rest because they were tired?

Sen: That makes sense. It's a lot quieter here compared to the marketplace.

Sen: (And whose fault was it for making them go to the shops? Mine...)

Sen: (I guess I just have to accept that nothing I do on my own is going to make them happy...)

Mewmew: Wait, what's going on? Sen's supposed to be happy, but she looks sad.

Vapaus: Nyooo! Did we screw up somehow?

As Sen sinks into a pit of disappointment, the cats themselves begin to panic.

No matter how hard they try, they can't seem to figure out why Sen is down in the dumps.

Mixed Messages: Scene 3

After returning to the ship, Sen and Yaia, with the help of Lyria, Dante, and others, prepare a feast for the cats. However, it's too much food for the cats to finish themselves. Wanting to wipe away the look of disappointment on Sen's face, the cats invite the island's felines to partake in the feast. The sight of so many happy kitties is the best present Sen could have received.

---

After spending some time loafing under the sun, Sen and company return to the ship.

Once the cats leave to do their own thing, Sen lets out a deep sigh.

Sen: Sigh... I knew I'd need help coming up with good gift ideas...

Sen: I should probably stop wasting time and just ask Dante what the cats like...

Lyria: Oh? Back already, Sen?

Vyrn: You look like someone who dropped their ice cream cone. What happened? Where's Rivera and the rest of the gang?

Sen: They went back to their room, I think.

Sen: I couldn't figure out what to buy them...

Sen: So I'm gonna ask Dante for advice. Do you know where he is?

Dante: I'm right here, Sen.

Sen: Oh, good. Did the cats make it back to the room? What are they doing right now?

Dante: They appear to be conducting a meeting of sorts.

Dante: I left so as not to intrude on their discussion. Is there something I should know?

Sen: No, not really. It's just that I have to thank them for bringing me to a very nice resting spot.

Sen: The problem is I can't seem to come up with a good present to give them.

Dante: That's unfortunate. By the way, Yaia was saying she could use your help.

Dante: Perhaps it may prove fruitful for you as well. She should still be in the kitchen.

Sen: Yaia was looking for me? Okay! I'll go find her!

Lyria: We'll come with you! Right, (Captain)?

Vyrn: Righty-o! Off to the kitchen we go!

Yaia: There you are, Sen! Did you think of a good present for the kitties yet?

Sen: Um, actually... No, I haven't.

Yaia: No problem! I wanted to give them a present too!

Yaia: Let's think of something together!

Sen: Sure, that'd be great. I'm all out of ideas though... Do you think food is good enough?

Yaia: Yeah! Why not? I'll help you make something!

Lyria: Hm... As long as it's different from their usual meals, right? Valentine's Day only happens once a year, after all.

Vyrn: A fancy-schmancy dish that doesn't show up on the menu sounds pretty great if you ask me.

Yaia: Um... Fancy... Fancy... Ooh, you know how chocolate has different flavors and fillings? It's fun trying them all, right?

Yaia: So what if we make treats using different kinds of fish?

Yaia: Then the kitties can have a fun time eating too!

Sen: I think you're on to something there. Every cat probably has their own favorite type of fish.

Sen: An all-you-can-eat fish buffet is definitely something they don't see every day!

Vyrn: Sounds like a plan! And we don't have to just slap together a big pile of fish.

Vyrn: I mean, chocolate comes in heart shapes and stuff. I'm sure we can think of something clever.

Sen: Actually, I learned something new today that could be useful.

Sen: If I can copy what I learned, I think it'll make the cats even happier!

Yaia: Yay, yay! Let's get cooking!

Rivera: ...

Dante: Ah, Lord Rivera. As you can see, Sen is currently in the kitchen. However...

Rivera: Meow.

The cats scratch at the door in an attempt to gain entrance.

But Dante shakes his head with a stern look on his face.

Dante: Forgive me, but I'm afraid I must restrict your freedom on this occasion.

Dante: For Sen's sake, would you patiently wait until she's finished?

Dante: Please relax elsewhere. I shall summon you when the time is right!

Mewmew: Come out, Sen! I'm sooo bored!

Mukuta: Urrgh, did our crappy gift piss her off so much that she won't even look us in the eyes?

Aselia: But she has always enjoyed basking in the sun with us.

Aselia: Besides, she looked more sad than angry to me.

Afaka: So how do we turn her frown upside down?

Rivera: Even if we were to come up with another gift, there is no guarantee it will restore her spirits...

Ewiyar: What is the meaning of all this distress when we're the ones to be waited on paw and foot?

Rivera: I don't understand...

Ewiyar: What's not to understand? I can't make myself clearer.

Ewiyar: The problems mortals face don't serve us in any meaningful way.

Ewiyar: You should simply wait for her to eventually deal with her issues.

Ewiyar: In my estimation, if the end result makes me happy, then it makes the mortals happy.

Mukuta: Listen here, you pompous buffoon. We're not unfeeling monsters.

Rivera: Wait, Mukuta. There is some truth in her words.

Afaka: Which part?

Rivera: If there is something Sen wants us to do, she will surely tell us.

Rivera: Otherwise, it is her intention to solve the conundrum by herself.

Rivera: In that case, we must respect her wishes and trust in her capability.

Aselia: You're right. Let's wait, and if she needs us, we'll do whatever we can.

Sen: Yes! The cat buffet is all finished!

Lyria: I'm glad we molded the minced fish to look like cats, fish, and other cute shapes.

Sen: Yeah. I got the idea from a shop that was selling these creamy cat treats.

Sen: I think what happened was the packaging made it not look like food, so the cats were wary of it.

Sen: But now that we've shaped it into things they recognize, I think they'll be much more receptive.

Yaia: These are all the ones I made! Here's one of Charley Horse, and this one's Vyrn!

Sen: And last but not least, I mixed in medicinal herbs to keep everyone healthy and strong.

Dante: Hm. The fish scent covers the herbal smell very well.

Sen: Yep. Plus the fish we minced are all fish they've liked in the past, so there shouldn't be any problems with taste.

Sen: We couldn't have known that if you hadn't told us, Dante. Thank you.

Dante: It was the least I could do. Besides, you were the one who gathered all the fish.

Dante: As for the flavor, I wager it will taste like candy to the lords and ladies. I think they will enjoy themselves.

Sen: Really?

Sen: Hehe, coming from you, that makes me feel a lot better.

Lyria: Well, if we're ready, why don't you go take this to the cats!

Vyrn: Yeah! But just go easy on the surprise factor.

Sen carries the massive plate of food over to the cats.

Sen: Hey, everyone! I made a treat for you all. Hope you like it!

Mewmew: Whoa! There's so much food! Feed me, Sen!

Vapaus: It'd take us all day to scarf this down! Is it really all for us?

Vapaus and the others stare at the food platter that practically takes up the entire table it sits on.

Ewiyar: Nyaaaah! Chomp, chomp...

Since Ewiyar has started digging in, the other cats decide to join her.

Mewmew: Mm... Yummy yum...

Rivera: Indeed. The child's sentiments come through in every bite.

Ewiyar: (Mm-mmm! Most excellent! I have no objection to the taste nor volume!)

Vyrn: Haha, looks like it's a big hit! This was a great idea! The only problem is...

Sen: Oof...

There's so much food that it even towers over Sen's head.

Sen: We were so focused on making something amazing that we ended up making too much.

Sen: There's no way they can finish this all by themselves...

Once again, a look of frustration crosses Sen's face.

Rivera's sharp eyes catch the sudden mood shift, and he turns to his compatriots.

Rivera: The child faces another dilemma. It seems our time has come.

Aselia: She's worried about leftovers, isn't she? Truthfully, we don't have the stomach for this much food.

Afaka: It'd be a shame to let the rest rot and go to waste...

Afaka: I know! Remember the locals Sen talked to in town?

Afaka: If they got a piece of this feast, that'd make Sen happy, wouldn't it?

Vapaus: I like it. If no one has any objections, then let's get out there and spread the word.

Suddenly the cats leap off the table and sprint away.

Ewiyar: (Excellent. While they're in town wrangling up others, I shall finish the entire—)

Ewiyar: (Oh, well. On second thought, I'm feeling charitable today. I'll make an exception just this once.)

Sen: Where'd everybody go? Are they full already and want to play?

Dante: No, I believe the lords and ladies have a plan in the works.

Dante: I suggest we wait until they return and see what happens.

Sen: ...?
O-okay. If you say so.

Rivera: Meow.

Sen: Rivera! You're back! And who's that with you?

Street Cats: Merow.

Lyria: Eeee! It's a kitty parade! Did they all come from the town?

Yaia: I think our kitties wanted to share Sen's treat with the rest of their kitty buddies!

Dante: So that's what they were up to.

Dante: They didn't want Sen's hard work going to waste.

Sen: Aw, how nice of them. What an awesome turnout!

Sen: Eat and be merry, everyone! There's plenty to go around, meow!

Sen begins to serve fish to the new arrivals.

Street Cats: Meow!

Yaia: Look at how happy they are! You did it, Sen!

Sen: Yeah! I'm glad they could all share in the joy of my gift.

Mewmew: Sen! I want hugs! Then feed me!

Sen: Hang on, Mewmew! One hug coming right up!

Sen: Did you get enough to eat? If not, I can always make more!

The Erune girl can't seem to dish out food fast enough.

Sen: Ahaha! Help! I'm drowning in cats!

Like a choir from heaven, blissful meows and satisfied purrs rain down on Sen, who seems to be the happiest cat of them all.