Scenario:Unbound Asterism - Chapter 3: Trajectory - Episode 1

Unbound Asterism - Chapter 3: Trajectory - Episode 1

The crew gather once more to share their findings for the day. The Accordants are unsure what to think after learning the truth behind their Horoscopes. Manamel tries to talk to Cupitan, but is confused by the incoherence in Cupitan's words. In another place, an expressionless Lodi talks with Nereus—his producer—and explains how he is empty inside. Nereus tells Lodi that she will fill his empty cup.

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When evening comes, (Captain) and company gather in a sitting room at the inn to share their findings for the day.

Vyrn: Nereus appeared, we found out about the price of becoming accordant with Horoscopes, we got to talk to Lodi, and looked around the ruins...

Feather: Everything's still a jumble in my head, but sounds like we got a lot done!

Randall: What about the traitor? Did they do anything today?

Fiorito: Who knows...

Cupitan: Anyway, I'm glad we got some answers! That's one step forward!

Troue: Cupitan? I heard you collapsed at the ruins... Um, are you all right?

Cupitan: Hehe... I'm great, just like always!

Tikoh: ...

Lyria: Um... Horoscopes aren't just weapons, are they? They're things that require a price...

Lyria: Wouldn't it be better if we just let go of them once and for all?

Accordants: ...

The Horoscope wielders exchange looks, as if to gauge whether the feeling was the same between them.

Fiorito: Our Horoscope... is our wish itself. We can't just let it go... and even if we did, I have a feeling it'd just come back to us.

Tikoh: I feel the same, though it might be incomprehensible to you, (Captain)...

Ragazzo: My wish, huh...

Feather: You remember something?

Ragazzo: Um, not exactly... But I was an Accordant too, right?

Ragazzo: If I had a wish that important too, it's something I shouldn't forget...

Randall: It's okay if you don't remember. That's what I think.

Ragazzo: Randall?

Randall: A wish... is like a curse. Something you can't give up on even if you wanted to.

Randall: If you were able to cut loose from it, then maybe you should leave it that way.

Ragazzo: ...

After the meeting, the crew splits up into two groups. One group goes out to buy their dinner for the night, while the other stays at the inn.

The air is heavy as Feather, Randall, Ragazzo, Tikoh, Kolulu, and Troue sit quietly in their room.

Kolulu: Um, I wanted to ask... Are all of you aware of what powers your Horoscopes possess?

Kolulu: I may be wielding Gisla, but to be honest, there's nothing in particular that I sense from it...

Troue: Me too... I don't know what Durandal's power actually is.

Ragazzo: Really? But what about your Gift of Visions?

Troue: Apparently that's something I got from breathing in the phantomblooms' poison back home... It seems unrelated to my Horoscope.

Feather: Hm? Speaking of which, I just noticed—what happened to your Horoscopes?

Troue: The thing is... After hearing about the price we have to pay for using it, we got scared...

Kolulu: The two of us don't know the powers of our weapons. We can't abandon them... so we've decided to put them away for now and distance ourselves a bit.

Randall: That's a good idea... Don't go and get yourself cursed if you don't need to.

Randall gazes at the glowing Joyeuse on his leg.

Randall: (Will I... be able to let go of this?)

Meanwhile, (Captain), Vyrn, Lyria, Manamel, Cupitan, and Fiorito are out buying ingredients for dinner.

Lyria: Hmm... I think the broccoli at the shop earlier was cheaper...

Fiorito: I can go back and get it! I'll be quick—

Vyrn: Hold it! We shouldn't go off on our own.

Fiorito: Oh yeah, that's right...

As the group continues walking, Manamel suddenly turns to Cupitan.

Manamel: I'm sorry about yesterday. I said too much.

Cupitan: Manamel?

Cupitan: It's fine, Mana! I shouldn't worry so much about Ris!

Manamel: Huh? Um... what?

Cupitan: It's like you said, Manamel. There's no point in me chasing after Ris now!

Manamel: Cupitan? Are you... feeling okay?

Cupitan: Of course! I have to keep working hard so I can find Ris!

Manamel: ...

Cupitan: Speaking of which, were you able to get Lodi's autograph when you saw him?

Manamel: A-autograph? No, I don't really care much about autographs...

Manamel: Oh, but he sang a song for us before he left.

Cupitan: Wha! I'm sooo jealous!

Manamel: He sang it while saying goodbye. I feel like it reminded me of something, but his singing was so good I completely forgot what I was thinking...

Manamel: I wish I could've listen to it with my sister-boo...

Someone silently enters a performer's green room.

Lodi: Good morning, Producer...

Nereus: The concert was an incredible success. Well done.

The producer—Nereus—appears pleased with Lodi's performance.

Lodi: ...
Are you sure you don't want to see her? She's your...

Nereus: Lodi... What is an idol to you?

Lodi: Someone who brings happiness to everyone even at their own expense!

Nereus: Yes, one who saves everyone... That is me, the producer. Thus, there is no need for me to see any single person.

Nereus: Hehe. You did not need to ask something you do not genuinely care for, Lodi.

Lodi: ...
You see through everything, Producer.

Nereus: Libra... The connection between your neutral disinterest and self-imposed starvation is intriguing indeed.

Lodi: I have nothing. No hope, no despair, no desire...

Nereus: Not possessing the "self" that must be sacrificed in order to bring everyone happiness is the biggest advantage to an idol.

Lodi: Can I save the skies... even when I have nothing?

Nereus: A foolish question. Your cup may be empty... but I am here to fill it.

Lodi: ...

After Nereus has left, Lodi abruptly reaches into his pocket and takes out something.

Lodi: Bread, huh...

Kolulu: The idol Lodi, and the Lodi I talked to before... Which one is the real you?

Kolulu: That's the Lodi I gave my bread to.

Lodi: ...
Bleh.

Lodi tries to eat the bread, but immediately presses a hand to his mouth. He returns the bread to his pocket.

His face is cold and emotionless— completely different from the idol who stood on stage just a while ago.