Scenario:Uruki - Protecting Friends

Protecting Friends

After temporarily repelling Xuanwu, the crew pays Uruki's estate in North Vast a visit by her invitation. Upon arriving, they witness a shocking sight: Uruki, frozen in ice.

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With a graceful, gravity-defying nimbleness, Uruki leaps into Xuanwu's reach.

Xuanwu: ...

Uruki clutches the cardinal beast's body and encases it in ice.

Vyrn: Wow, you did that in an instant... I guess you were the one who handled Xuanwu that time too, huh...

Uruki: I know you never wanted to do this... or even thought about it...

Uruki: I'm sorry that this is all I can do for you.

Lyria: U-Uru!

Uruki: Wha? But how...

Noticing the concern in Lyria's voice, Uruki turns around and is rendered speechless.

Xuanwu: ...!

There stands Xuanwu, who should have been encased in ice just moments ago, letting out a deafening roar.

Vyrn: No way... There's more than one Xuanwu?

Lyria: Its presence was non-existent until it appeared... as if it was born right this instant.

With surprising agility belying its massive frame, Xuanwu extends its three heads towards Uruki.

Uruki: It's too fast... What should I do...

As Uruki stands frozen in shock, (Captain) quickly steps in with sword swinging.

Xuanwu: ...!

(Captain) lops off all of its heads in a single stroke.

With the vanquished cardinal beast dissipating into thin air, the captain extends a hand to the fallen Uruki.

Uruki: Wow...

Lyria: Thank goodness you're not hurt.

Vyrn: Hehe, you probably coulda handled that yourself. Sorry for buttin' in.

Uruki: Huh?

Vyrn: I mean, you're crazy strong. It was pretty obvious just now.

Uruki: Ehehe, maybe you didn't need my help after all. Sorry if it seemed like I was butting in.

Uruki: I mean, you guys are obviously crazy strong. Just one light touch, and I could tell.

Uruki: Ahaha... Is that your idea of getting back at me?

Uruki: Hm-hm... You know, I think I'm starting to like you guys.

Uruki: Except that was never the plan; in fact, I'm pretty sure it's a bad idea.

Lyria: Please don't say such a thing! We want to get to know you better! In a way, we're already friends!

Uruki: Well, how could I possibly refuse when you're just overflowing with goodwill...

Uruki: Okay then... It's time I came to terms with this.

Uruki tightly grasps (Captain)'s outstretched hand and gazes into the captain's face.

What initially appears to be a cold expression begins to warmly blush, eyes now filled with kindness.

Uruki: Will you... be my friends?

Lyria: We're friends already! Can you stand?

Uruki: Mm... Hm... Friends... Ehe... Good...

Uruki stands up, her gleeful expression tinged with a hint of sadness.

Uruki: I'm inviting you to my home. We can go right now.

Vyrn: Well, that came outta nowhere. Then again, this is you we're talkin' about.

Uruki: Oh, but this suggestion's not coming out of nowhere. We're friends now and need to nurture our friendship!

Uruki: There's so much we haven't talked about yet. I hope you feel the same way...

Vyrn: Sure... I still wanna hear more about the missing person and Xuanwu.

Lyria: I'm also curious about the Huanglong that you mentioned earlier.

Uruki: Not a problem. Off we go to my home then!

Under Uruki's guidance, the crew arrives in the arctic lands of North Vast.

In the depths of this world of white, where the blizzard never stops, her solitary estate stands as refuge.

Lyria: What a wonderful home you have in this place...

Uruki: I come from a rich family, but it's just me now.

Vyrn: Yeah? Can't be easy livin' in such a huge place all alone.

Lyria: Ah, is that why you go out to work in town and make friends with everyone at the restaurant?

Uruki: ...
Ehehe, I guess you could say that. It's embarrassing to have my secrets revealed.

Uruki: But I'm not alone.

Vyrn: Huh? Didn't you just say it's only you here?

Uruki: I did? Maybe I did. Or not. Ahaha. Anyway, make yourselves at home while I go make sure I'm a good host.

Lyria: Oh, don't mind us!

Vyrn: Welp, you know how she is. Best to let her do as she pleases. That's Uruki for ya.

Lyria: Haha, I guess you're right...

Lyria: Ah-choo.

Vyrn: Sure is awfully chilly in here, huh... And is it just me, or is there some strange presence in the room?

Lyria: Uru said she's not alone... Who else could be here?

Vyrn: My gut tells me someone or something's hiding behind that door.

Vyrn's gaze is directed toward a majestic door which likely leads to the basement.

That door slowly begins to open on its own, as if inviting the crew inside.

Vyrn: I think we'd better stay put...

Lyria: Y-yeah... We would want Uru's permission anyway to wander off elsewhere on the estate.

Though nodding in agreement, (Captain) recognizes the eerie presence peeking from the door's narrow opening and, without thinking, breaks into a run.

Vyrn: Ah, wait! (Captain)!

At the end of their path...

Lyria: Eeep!

There sits Uruki, who had been all smiles just moments ago.

She is transformed—frozen solid on a chair.