Scenario:Soriz - No Rest for the Wicked

No Rest for the Wicked

Bedridden, Soriz's condition steadily worsens as time passes. As doctor after doctor fails to help him, Jin suspects the illness might be one local to an island the crew visited once before. He sets off alone from the ship to retrace the crew's path as fast as possible.

---

Having been taken ill from a mysterious sickness, Soriz offers to leave the Grandcypher.

However, upon hearing what (Captain) and Lyria had to say, their words and tears were more than enough to persuade him otherwise.

Lyria: Soooriz! Ghandagoza's here to see you!

Ghandagoza is a crew member

---

Ghandagoza: I came back to the Grandcypher as soon as I heard what happened. So never fear, for Ghandagoza. Is. Heeere!

Ghandagoza: Soriz! I brought... you... something!

Soriz: The hell is this?

Ghandagoza: You know what they say! Food is life, and life is food! If you're feelin' sick, you need nourishment to feel better!

Soriz: Sure... but what the hell am I even lookin' at here?

Ghandagoza: Gahaha! It's an Auguste specialty—the king of shellfish dishes! None other than a deepflight oyster!

Ghandagoza: Not only is it mighty delicious, but it's brimming with nutrients. One might even call it the milk of the sea!

Soriz: Uh... huh...

Soriz: You caught this beast all by yourself? And all just for my sake? You shouldn't have.

Ghandagoza: You can thank me by getting better! Anything to save a fellow graybeard in need—there ain't many of us on board as it is.

Soriz: Heh... ain't that the truth.

Jin: I remember Kaz telling me about these once... While they can be enjoyed raw, you chance consuming a bit of poison, and you're in no position to risk that.

Jin: How about cooking it with porridge? That way we can extract its nutritional value into an easily consumable soup.

Ghandagoza: Agreed. Well then, time's a wastin'!

Lyria: We'll help out! Come on, (Captain)!

Jin: Many thanks. We should start by getting the meat out from the shell first.

Jin, (Captain), and Lyria begin preparing a meal in earnest using the oyster Ghandagoza brought.

Lyria: We made you porridge! How about it, Soriz? Feeling hungry yet?

Soriz: Uh... Yep. Famished! Thanks!

Lyria: That's great! I'll fix you up a bowl right away!

Jin hands (Captain) a bowl of porridge, who gently blows on it for Soriz.

Soriz: What's this? Are you gonna feed me too?

Soriz: ...!

Lyria: (Captain)! Don't just stick the spoon in like that!

Soriz: Mmm.... Mhm... Oho! It's delicious!

Soriz: If I didn't know any better, I'd say this was made by the finest chefs in Auguste!

Lyria: Hehe... Be sure to eat your fill, okay!

Soriz: Will do! Now where were we, (Captain)? Ahh...

(Captain) diligently continues to feed Soriz spoon after spoon of oyster porridge without respite.

Soriz: (Honestly, I don't feel like eatin' any of this. Just what the hell's happened to me?)

Soriz: (Either way, Ghandagoza's right—if I don't eat, I'll die!)

Soriz: (I'd better grit my teeth and bear it, otherwise I'm never gonna get better!)

Soriz: Huh? Oh, right... I can still eat! My bad, (Captain). It was just so good I lost myself there for a sec.

Soriz: So don't look so worried! Let's keep it goin', (Captain). Aaah...

Eugen: (Captain) and Lyria are doing their best for Soriz, but his condition hasn't gotten much better.

Eugen: You could say recovering takes time, but... we'd best find the source of his illness sooner rather than later.

Jin: About that, Eugen... I actually have an idea.

Jin: We've visited countless doctors on islands all over the skies—I find it strange that none of them had any idea what to do for him.

Eugen: I suppose that is strange... None of the medicines we tried did any good either.

Jin: Perhaps this sickness is unique to a particular island.

Eugen: A local disease, eh? Definitely plausible. That'd also explain why nobody's been able to help him yet.

Eugen: If it's something that's been contained to a single island, only a local doctor would be able to diagnose it properly.

Jin: Perhaps I should visit each island the Grandcypher has stopped at before Soriz fell sick and see if I can find a solution.

Eugen: Hmm... We don't know how much time he has left, and it wouldn't be efficient to have the whole Grandcypher backtrack through all those islands.

Eugen: Looks like I'll leave it up to you, Jin. We'll try and do our best with other doctors in the meantime.

Jin: Understood. Let's do everything we can to get Soriz back to health as fast as possible.

Eugen: Yeah... Let's do this.

No Rest for the Wicked: Scene 2

One evening, Randall keeps watch over Soriz. The two chat about the reason why Soriz wanted to forge his body into the ultimate weapon. As Soriz reminisces, he starts to feel that the end may be drawing near. A series of harsh pains strike him a few days later, leaving him in a critical state, but before his condition deteriorates any further, Jin comes bursting back onto the ship. He tells everyone that the cure is in North Vast.

---

Soriz: Still awake... Door's unlocked.

Randall: Coming in. I'm on watch duty tonight.

Soriz: Huh... I thought I told (Captain) there wasn't any need for that.

Randall: What do you think is gonna happen if you were to collapse in the middle of the night with no one around?

Soriz: Sorry... kids like you need their eight hours if they plan on growing big and strong.

Randall: Quit treating me like a kid already! Besides, we're basically the same size!

Soriz: Oh yeah? Heh... Sorry, your presence was just so small—guess I didn't notice. But I guess I've shrunk quite a bit as well.

Randall: If you've got the energy to make quips at me, hurry up and get better so you can get back into shape!

Soriz: Heh, you don't need to tell me twice. Nothin' more frustrating than a body not doing what you tell it to.

Soriz: Ironic, isn't it? My body was supposed to be the ultimate weapon.

Randall: Why'd you start thinking that, anyway?

Soriz: Huh?

Randall: You used to run a weapon shop, right? How did you end up deciding to forge your body of all things?

Soriz: Oh... It ain't much of a story, to be honest.

Soriz: But you're right—I used to run a weapon shop. I mean, all I did was inherit it from my folks.

Soriz: One day, some punks from the wrong side of town came into the shop.

Randall: Was it a robbery? They must've really done a number on you to trigger such a change in lifestyle...

Soriz: What? Hell no. Just some kids that thought they were tough stuff—my father actually taught 'em all a lesson before.

Soriz: Had to teach 'em with his fists, if you know what I mean. Anyway, he turned 'em in to the authorities and that was that.

Randall: You guys ran one hell of a weapon shop... What happened next?

Soriz: Right... It was a damn shame.

Soriz: They came back one day claimin' we sold them subpar weapons.

Soriz: Talkin' a whole bunch of mess about failing some mission on account of their weapons not doin' the job. Now they were out of work and money.

Randall: Fools... Obviously they weren't trained enough to use their weapons. That much was clear when they couldn't beat a mere shopkeeper.

Soriz: Don't need to tell me twice. Even went to check the ledger myself—they bought wares of the most pristine quality.

Soriz: But like you said, what they lacked was the proper training to wield them. A damn waste of steel, if you ask me.

Randall: An all too common story. How ridiculous.

Soriz: As ridiculous as it was—or maybe because it was so ridiculous I realized somethin' myself.

Soriz: No matter how sharp your blade is, if you don't know how to wield it properly, you might as well be holdin' a white flag.

Soriz: Forging your body and mind will strengthen your weapons more than any blacksmith ever could.

Randall: So you closed up shop just like that? Way to stick to your guns.

Soriz: Yup. Ain't no point believin' in your truth if you don't try and make it a reality.

Soriz: Not like I had anyone depending on me at the time or anything. I was lucky to be able to train like this.

Randall: Huh. I guess you do say wise things every now and then.

Soriz: Keh! The hell's that supposed to mean?

Randall: Sorry, it's just... I always thought you trained your body to get women to notice you or something.

Soriz: Hmph, show some respect! Eh... all this brawn ain't enough to get you a lady anyways.

Soriz: When it comes to the ladies... you need a brawny heart!

Randall: Yeah? How's that working out for you?

Soriz: Well, uh, you see...

Randall: ...

Soriz: I might've skipped a few heart days during my regimen...

Randall: You think so?

Soriz: Uh, well...

Soriz: (I could really use a strong heart right about now—all these muscles, but I'm more scared than I've ever been.)

Randall: Soriz?

Soriz: I need more...

Soriz: I need more ladies to fawn over my perfectly sculpted biceps! Otherwise... what's the damn point of it all anyway!

Randall: I knew it! Geez... If you're so obsessed with women, dial down the pervy old man act already.

Soriz: Pervy old... Hmph! You just don't understand true romance! Actually, while you're here, let me tell you about the fire that burns in the cockles of my heart—

Randall: Just go to sleep already!

Lyria: Rise and shine! Good morning, you two!

Randall: Morning... You're both up bright and early.

Soriz: Yawn... Sun's already up? Mornin', you two. And Vyrn, too!

Vyrn: Morning! It's one heckuva nice day outside too!

Soriz: Whoa... Ain't that somethin'. I never knew it could look like this so early in the day.

Lyria: How about you take in some sunlight on the deck? I'm sure it'll do you some good!

Soriz: You know what? I couldn't agree more. I've been cooped up in this room for far too long.

Vyrn: Awesome! We'll go find a chair for you. Randall, can you take Soriz up?

Randall: Yeah, I've got him. If you wanna bask in the sun, you need to get your bum outta bed first!

Soriz: Heh-heh...

Lyria: I brought you a blanket, Soriz! I'll just place it here, but please use it if you get cold!

Soriz: I'm getting the royal treatment out here, eh... Thanks, Lyria.

Eugen: Hey, (Captain)! Is the laundry good right here?

Lyria: Oh! I'll help you, Eugen!

Randall: All righty, then... Guess I could go for a morning warm-up.

Feather: Randall! There you are. You and me, spar on the Grandcypher deck—how about it?

Randall: What hole did you crawl out of? Way to spoil a perfectly good morning.

Feather: Heh! Less yappin', more punchin'! You ready? Cuz it's on!

Feather: Hyaaaah!

Randall: Shut up alreadyyyy!

Vyrn: Hey, watch it! You guys better not mess up the laundry!

Soriz: Haha! Nothin' like a healthy spar to start the day!

Soriz: ...

Soriz smiles to himself as he takes in the idyllic, yet everyday scene before him.

Soriz: Oh? Did you need something, (Captain)?

Soriz: You're wondering what's going on with me?

Soriz: Heh. Well... I'm just thinking about how I'm happy as can be right now.

Soriz: You know? Just look around.

Soriz: After everything I've ever done, every decision I've ever made—somehow I landed here with all of you. Pretty good deal, wouldn't you say?

Soriz: Of course, I suppose I have you to thank for that.

(Captain)'s fists tighten upon seeing Soriz's pensive expression.

Soriz: But you know...

Soriz: It's a damn shame you and I won't be able to share a drink together.

Soriz: A real damn shame...

Soriz: Ngh... Gahough!

Lyria: Soriz! Get a hold of yourself!

A few days have passed since Soriz's incident on the Grandcypher deck. (Captain) and the crew are helping Soriz manage yet another episode of pain.

Eugen: Vyrn! Go get us a towel—anything for him to bite onto!

Vyrn: On it! I'll be back in a jiffy!

Randall: I swear... if you die here, I'm gonna kill you!

Soriz: Ngh... Oogh!

The pain had ravaged Soriz throughout the night. Exhausted and face drained of color, Soriz finally passes out as the pain subsides.

Lyria: Soriz, h-he's in so much pain... Is there really nothing we can do for him!

Eugen: He's barely responding to us. At this rate...

Vyrn: ...

(Captain) draws Lyria near as they look upon Soriz's face, at a loss for how to help him any further.

Randall: I won't accept it. There's no way you're dying on me here, Soriz—not like this!

Eugen: Huh?

The sound of someone boarding the Grandcypher can be heard above.

Eugen: Could it be?

Jin: (Captain)! Eugen!

Eugen: Jin, you're back!

Jin: ...!

Almost completely out of breath from rushing, Jin takes one look at the situation and falls to his knees on the deck.

Eugen: Get a hold of yourself!

Jin: There is... a cure!

Eugen: ...!
Are you serious? Where? Where is it!

Jin: North Vast! On the double!

Jin: We can still... save Soriz!

(Captain), after a moment of shock, makes a mad dash for the steering room.

Finally a sliver of hope can be seen. But now it is a battle against time.

No Rest for the Wicked: Scene 3

A North Vast doctor treats Soriz and cures him, revealing that the root of his illness was a poison which solidified in his body after spending too much time breathing in hot spring fumes. The crew quickly pieces together that Soriz could have only breathed in so many fumes by trying to sneak a peep into the women's bath. Even as the crew punishes Soriz for his misbehavior, however, (Captain) feels a sense of relief at Soriz's recovery.

---

After receiving the news from Jin, (Captain) and the crew immediately make their way to a doctor located in North Vast.

Soriz lies on the examination table before the doctor as everyone watches with bated breath.

North Vast Doctor: Incredible... I simply cannot understate how painful this must have been. You're a real trooper, you know that?

Randall: Gulp... So what's the diagnosis, doc? Give it to us straight.

North Vast Doctor: Rest easy—he's in a lot of pain, but we can expect a full recovery yet.

Soriz: ...!

Lyria: A full recovery? Thank goodness! Oh... thank goodness, (Captain)!

Both misty-eyed from joy, (Captain) and Lyria share a hug in celebration.

North Vast Doctor: Indeed. This is a sickness you see now and then from people who work in the hot springs here in North Vast.

Lyria: Hot springs?

North Vast Doctor: Correct. It's a toxin that can be contracted by breathing in the vapors of the water.

North Vast Doctor: When that happens, it slowly becomes more and more toxic before solidifying in your body.

Vyrn: Hold on a sec... We all bathed in the hot springs too, but nothing happened to us!

North Vast Doctor: Most people's bodies naturally discharge the toxins after a few hours. However...

North Vast Doctor: If you stay in the hot springs for too long, the toxins will eventually overwhelm your immune system and continue to grow.

North Vast Doctor: And once it solidifies for good, you won't be able to expel it from your body without the right medicine.

While explaining, the doctor begins drawing a gnarled shape for the others to see.

Soriz: Is that...

Vyrn: Yikes... If I had something that prickly inside me, I'd be in a world of pain.

North Vast Doctor: Precisely. Especially for Soriz, who seems to have a number of them at this point.

North Vast Doctor: That means I'll have to up your dosage of the strong stuff.

Soriz: Yeah, bring it on, doc—anything to rid me of this damn pain!

Eugen: Wait just a second... There aren't any side effects, are there?

North Vast Doctor: There are, actually.

Eugen: Uh-oh.

Soriz: Keh! Whatever they are, it'll pale in comparison to what I'm dealin' with now!

North Vast Doctor: Well, let's see... I suppose you're already at that age, so it might actually not even be a side effect.

Soriz: What's age got to do with it?

North Vast Doctor: I can't speak for you personally, but let's just say that you won't be able to perform with your... lower half for some time.

Jin: Perform?

North Vast Doctor: Yes. Your... lower half.

Soriz: ...!

Vyrn: Not a problem, doc! He's already havin' trouble walking right now, so we can just have Randall lend him a shoulder in the meantime!

Randall: Oh, um... Right. Of course, I suppose I could do that.

Randall: Hey! Where the hell are you going!

Soriz: This guy's a quack! Let's go find another doctor!

Randall: Oh, hell no! We finally got you a doctor so act your age and take your damn medicine!

Soriz: Noooo, you can't make meee!

Eugen: Get a grip, Soriz! How are you gonna appreciate the ladies if you aren't even alive to do it!

Soriz attempts to make a break for the exit. However, thanks to his weakened muscles, (Captain) and Randall are able to restrain him.

Soriz: Have mercy, doc...

North Vast Doctor: Now, we'll start with your hips. Soriz, I'll need you to lay face down on the operating table.

Soriz: Not the hips!

Slowly grasping the situation, (Captain) takes Lyria out of the doctor's office and into the waiting room.

Jin: Understood, doctor. Randall, could you give me a hand here?

Randall: Yeah, I got him.
It's now or never, so be a man and take your pants off already!

Soriz: Eyeaaargh!

North Vast Doctor: Now just relax your muscles, Soriz... Ready?

Soriz's Voice: Aaaargh!

Soriz: Oof... What a nightmare...

Lyria: Was it really that rough, Soriz?

Lyria: Even so, I'm glad... Thanks to the medicine, we've finally cured you! Now we just need to nurse you back to health.

Soriz: This... this ain't nothin' to be glad about.

Soriz: Ah... My poor boy...

Randall: Sigh... But who could've thought it was the hot springs that caused everything.

Vyrn: I know you love your hot springs, but what were you doing in there for so long, anyway?

Soriz: Oh, n-nothing! I-I'll just be more careful next time.

Randall: Hm? (Captain), did you have something you wanted to say?

Randall: Considering how long he stayed in the hot spring, it wasn't nearly long enough to cause alarm?

Lyria: Hmm, now that you mention it...

Soriz: Urk!

Randall: It can't be...

Randall: Hold on just a second—don't tell me you tried to sneak into the women's bath again!

Soriz: Uh, no... You've got it all wrong! I, uh...

As Soriz struggles to find the words, a fiery aura can be felt growing around (Captain) and Randall's incensed forms.

Randall: You rotten old man!

Soriz: Ah, mercy! Mercy, I said! You wouldn't hurt a recovering old—ow, ow, ouch!

Soriz manages to escape Randall's punches, but encounters (Captain) instead, who grabs the old man by his sides.

Soriz: (Captain)! Be gentle, won't ya... please?

Vyrn: No way! Let him have it, (Captain)! It's the only way he'll learn his lesson for good!

Randall: Yeah, don't hold anything back, (Captain)! Make sure you really get in there!

Soriz: Aaaarrrgh!

(Captain) joyfully digs in without mercy, no longer taking moments like this for granted.

Even while administering righteous justice, (Captain) can't deny the feeling of pure joy from knowing Soriz has been saved.

Soriz: Let me go, already, (Captain)! I said I'm sorry!

Regardless of any side effects he might be experiencing, (Captain) is just glad to have everyone's favorite rascal of a codger back on board.

What helped Soriz overcome the pain was the love he felt from those most precious to him. He'll surely soon recover to wield his fists for them another day—the next chapter for Soriz has only just begun!