Scenario:Vajra - What Makes a Partner

What Makes a Partner

Due to Garjana's absence, Vajra finds a new sparring partner in (Captain). After the match, she reveals that she'll have to take a trial back in her hometown to prove her worth as the war deity. This causes some anxiety for the crew, however, as she still retains her ability to channel souls—a dangerous skill that all previous Canine Temple guardians have lost before taking the trial.

---

Vajra: Haaaaa!

Vajra: Raaaagh!

Katana and katana clash, producing sonorous bladesong throughout a distant forest.

The duel comes to a pause. Sweat drips down (Captain)'s brow as Vajra laughs like a joyful puppy.

Vajra: Great work! Let's finish today's spar on that note!

Vyrn: Was that supposed to be practice? From where I'm flyin', it looked like one of you coulda cut the other's head off...

Vajra: Really? Gar and I usually go this hard, and we never have any problems.

Vajra: Then again, I guess there aren't too many two-leggers who can keep up with my speed.

Vajra: Anyway! Thanks, (Captain), for taking Gar's place! I learned a bunch!

Vyrn: Well, you did look super bored after Big Dog took off. It was our pleasure.

Vajra: Ahaha. Yeah, haven't moved in so long that I was about to become more sloth than warrior.

Lyria: What's Gar up to anyway?

Vajra: Hmm. I think he said something about a meeting back in our village.

Vyrn: Big talk for Big Dog, huh? What are they discussin'?

Vajra: If I had to guess, I would say my training. I've got my trial coming up, after all.

Lyria: Your trial?

Vajra: Every Canine Temple guardian has to undergo a few trials to prove she's worthy of being the deity of war.

Vajra: But I haven't taken my final trial yet. So I'm more like a skirmish god than a war god.

Lyria: But you're already super strong, Vajra!

Vyrn: Even with a bite as strong as yours you still gotta prove yourself? That's ruff, dog.

Vyrn: What's this last trial like, anyhow?

Vajra: I'm not so sure myself. But it's called "Trial of the First."

Vajra: Rumor has it the first war deity will judge whether or not I'm worthy of the title myself.

Lyria: Huh? The first? Wouldn't that person be ancient by now?

Vajra: Yep. Probably several hundred years.

Vyrn: Hold on, how is a bag of bones s'posed to judge you?

Vajra: No clue. All I know is, the trial's conducted in the Cave of Trials.

Vajra: Heh, but I'm sure I'll find out what I need to know just by going through it!

Vyrn: Either you've got guts, or you're not taking this seriously. Isn't this kind of a make-or-break moment for you?

Vajra: Of course it is. If I fail the trial, I'll have to give up my position as guardian and war deity.

Vajra: If that happens, then I'll have to start training the next potential guardians. I won't have time to travel with you anymore, (Captain)...

Vyrn: Whoa, now! These stakes are even higher than I thought!

Lyria: I'll be so sad if we have to say goodbye to you...

Vajra: You won't be the only one.

Vajra: But it's okay! You don't have to look sad yet!

Vajra: The trial is taken with a canine companion at your side.

Vajra: With Gar there, I can overcome whatever it throws at me!

The canine guardian smiles innocently, no hint of distress on her face.

Vyrn: You even take the trial with your dog? You get to do everything with your buddy.

Vajra: It's common for the people of my clan to be raised with a pack from birth.

Vajra: I remember taking care of Gar when he was half of Vyrn's size.

Vajra: He's grown so much I can ride him now, but he used to be the runt of his litter.

Vajra: He wouldn't eat anything at all, so I had to soak his food in hot water and feed him nibble by nibble.

Vajra: And when he got sick, I would nurse him all day long, patting off his burning body with a wet towel. That was so long ago.

Lyria: You went through a lot together. But it's thanks to you that Gar was able to grow up so strong and healthy.

Vyrn: But weren't you just a squirt back then yourself? Pretty good job for a kid.

Vajra: I was, but I was also Gar's master. I had to look out for him.

Vyrn: Duty aside, not every tyke could have done what you did.

Lyria: I'm sure Gar was—is—overjoyed to have a kind, caring partner like you, Vajra.

Vajra: Hehe. He would never admit it. He's a shy boy who doesn't talk about his feelings a lot.

Vajra: Sigh... All of this talk about Gar makes me want to see him even sooner.

Vajra: With my final trial coming up, I want to start my training with him.

Vajra, full of nervous excitement, begins playfully practicing her sword forms in the glade.

Vyrn: Haha! With all that energy you got, I'm sure you'll cream the trial!

Vajra: Hope so! I've started to hear the spirits' voices more clearly. And when they draw near, it's like I'm lighter on my feet.

Vajra: But to get my body stronger, I've gotta train harder!

Vyrn: Hmm... By spirit, you mean some kinda being that resides in nature, right?

Vajra: Yep. I'm not sure why, but whenever I come here, I can feel those spirits reaching out to me.

Vajra: If I continue my training, I get the feeling that I'll be able to channel them no matter where we travel.

Vyrn: Hmm...

Garjana: I would prefer my master to refrain from using spirit channeling.

Garjana: For it to work, one needs not only a sound mind and body, but also a strong heart.

Garjana: In other words, the complete trust and willingness to make yourself entirely vulnerable.

Garjana: My master gives herself over too easily.

Lyria: And that scares you because of how precious Vajra is to you, I see.

Vyrn: Yeah, that definitely sounds like cause for concern.

Vyrn: If I remember right, channeling anywhere may not be such a good thing...

Lyria: Who knows? Vajra seems excited about it, though...

Heart brimming with expectation, Vajra's expression is full of bright innocence.

Despite their friend's happy exterior, (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn can't help but feel uneasy about the upcoming trial.

What Makes a Partner: Scene 2

Back in Vajra's village, Garjana tells the elder that he is against his master taking the trial. Shanamka, Garjana's brother, recoils at the thought and accuses Garjana of being scared to accompany Vajra through the trial. The elder suggests a duel to see which canine will have the right to face the test with their master.

---

Garjana: ...

Back in Vajra's home village, within a resplendent country manor, Garjana sits before the elder.

Elder: Forgive me for calling you back from your travels alone.

Elder: There's something that I had to check with you about Vajra.

Elder: You see, had I called her back with you, I fear we wouldn't have been able to get to the heart of the matter.

Elder: I need to hear your thoughts, Garjana. But I need to hear them independent of your master.

Garjana: ...

Garjana nods in understanding of the elder's words.

Elder: Let's get to it then... I shall ask with no frills.

Elder: Can Vajra still hear the voices of spirits?

Garjana: ...

Garjana: She can. Just as she did when she lived in the village.

Elder: Meaning she can hear them outside the village?

Garjana: Yes.

Elder: Well... This is a first. Never have we had a child of her age who still carried the power.

Quiet contemplation sweeps over the elder.

The pair stand locked in silence until, uncharacteristically, Garjana opens his muzzle.

Garjana: Do you intend to have the trial commence as planned?

Elder: Of course. With Vajra's power to invoke the spirits, she may become the most powerful war deity we've ever seen.

Elder: It would be like the second coming of the first deity. Nothing would bring more joy to our village.

Garjana: Can you tell me more?

???: Vajra can still channel spirits. Which means she has the potential to invoke the soul of the first.

When Garjana turns to acknowledge the dignifed voice, he sees a fellow hefty canine leisurely walking into the hut.

Elder: Ah, Shanamka.

Shanamka: Elder, I beg your pardon for entering your quarters unannounced.

Elder: Think nothing of it.

Elder: You're from the same litter as Garjana, so Vajra's well-being might as well be a family matter for you.

Garjana: The soul of the first?

Shanamka: Garjana. Your jowls droop with concern. Why are you conflicted so?

Garjana: ...

Shanamka: Is there something you cannot accept? Don't tell me you believe Lady Vajra unfit to complete the trial!

Elder: Enough, Shanamka. I forbid conflict inside my estate.

Shanamka: Forgive me, Elder.

Shanamka takes a calculated step away from Garjana.

Garjana: Elder, may I suggest something impertinent?

Elder: Speak freely, Garjana.

Garjana: I am against putting Master through the trial.

Elder: What? Why?

Garjana: She, well...

Unable to put instinct to words, Garjana's protest dies in his throat.

Shanamka: ...

Shanamka: The elder has asked you a question. Bark up and answer him.

Shanamka: Or shall I speak for you?

Shanamka: "I believe I am unfit to accompany Lady Vajra on her trial." Correct?

Garjana: ...

Shanamka: ...

Shanamka: Elder, Garjana is a runt. Indecisive, dim-witted. He is altogether unworthy of the brilliant Lady Vajra.

Shanamka: Please, allow me to be Vajra's partner in his place. I swear to assist her in ways he never could!

Elder: Sigh... Whenever you two catch whiff of each other, it always comes to this.

Garjana: ...

The elder stoops down to peer into Garjana's eyes, looking for any amount of resolve.

Elder: As I said before, our clan's hopes reside with Vajra. She must take the trial.

Elder: So what say you, Garjana? Do you have any counter remarks for Shanamka?

Garjana: ...

Garjana: No matter what position I serve, I will always do my utmost for Master.

Shanamka: ...

Elder: Very well.

Shakily, the elder rises from his chair, his eyes shuffling between the two dogs.

Elder: If it's come to this, then... Shanamka, Garjana, you will face each other.

Elder: The winner will become Vajra's companion. Is this clear to all?

Garjana: Yes.

Shanamka: Clear as crystal, Elder.

Vajra: Huh? What's that smell?

Eka, Dvi, Tri: Arf, arf!

Trekking through the forest back to the Grandcypher, three small shadows come darting out of the underbrush toward Vajra.

Vajra: Hah! I should have known it was you three! How did you escape the village this time?

Eka, Dvi, Tri: Arf, arf! Bork!

Vajra: Huh? No way!

No sooner had the puppies arf'ed out the bad news, Vajra's expression turns from glee to horror.

Lyria: What's the matter?

Vajra: Sorry, everyone. I have to get back to my village as soon as possible.

Vyrn: Seems serious—we'll help. Let's beat it back to the Grandcypher, (Captain)!

Vajra: Thanks, I could use the aid. Let's hurry back to the ship.

(Captain) and company race through the forest trail, board their airship, and set an immediate course to Vajra's hometown.

What Makes a Partner: Scene 3

The duel between Garjana and Shanamka begins. Shanamka is vicious; Garjana is evasive. Just as the older dog's teeth are about to sink into the younger dog's throat, Vajra appears—puppies in tow—to put a stop to the violence. Before explanations can be heard, monsters appear from the Cave of Trials.

---

The elder leads the dogs along a small trail, occasionally brushing aside thick verdure as he ambles. He stops when they come to the mouth of a cave—the Cave of Trials.

In front of the cave is a ceremonial fighting ring. The elder turns to address the pair of dogs.

Elder: We will now begin the duel to determine who has the right to accompany the current war deity, Lady Vajra.

Elder: You shall conduct yourselves according to the precepts, as if the first herself were here to see your bout.

Elder: Naturally, the results of this match will be final.

Elder: Garjana, Shanamka. If you are willing to risk your life to see yourself the victor, dignify yourselves with silence.

Garjana: ...

Shanamka: ...

Elder: Good. You may both enter the ring.

Garjana and Shanamka enter the ring on opposing sides and slink their bodies into battle ready postures.

Elder: Breathe true and... begin!

Instantly, Shanamka bears down on Garjana with a direct charge, but Garjana manages to eke out a dodge.

Shanamka: You haven't changed a bit, Garjana. Still running away from your problems?

Garjana: ...

Shanamka: Just like a runt. You always were like this. Dumb, dull, and useless.

Shanamka: Lady Vajra is a kind master. I have no doubt that she grew attached to you while caring for your frail body.

Shanamka: But that's the only reason she wants you by her side—to protect her weak little friend!

Garjana: ...

Shanamka lands a bite, painting Garjana's ear red while splitting open his cheek.

The dog's wounds are painful—pitiful, even—but still he retains his resolute silence.

Shanamka: What's wrong? Fight back already! Or are you so scared you can't even bear your fangs?

Garjana: ...

Shanamka: Oh, little runtling Garjana! You're not fit to accompany Lady Vajra!

Shanamka: I shall be the one to protect her during the trial!

Shanamka: Accept your loss! Or prepare to face death!

Garjana: ...

Elder: (Shanamka is relentless. But Garjana merely attempts to evade him—he's yet to attempt a counterattack.)

Elder: Hmm. Some things never change. Certainly neither of you have.

Shanamka: I'm warning you! This next bite will be the final moment of your life!

Garjana: ...

Shanamka: ...

Vajra: Stop now! I command it!

Shanamka: Huh! Lady Vajra!

Shanamka stops mid-bite, fangs almost tickling Garjana's neck fur as he pulls away.

Vajra: Pant... Pant... Wh-who permitted this dumb fight!

Vajra: Huh! Elder, why are you here?

Elder: Vajra. I ask the same of you: why are you here? I did not call for you, and your trial is so very close.

Tri: Arf...

Elder: I see. You three pups alerted Vajra to this duel.

Vajra: Forget about that, Elder. Just tell me what's going on.

Vajra: Why are Gar and Shan fighting like this?

Elder: Shanamka claims he is the most befitting companion for you as you face your trial. Thus, he must face Garjana to prove himself worthy.

Vajra: Shan wants to be my partner? What's this all of a sudden?

Vajra: Hold that thought! I sense something!

Reacting as one, Vajra and Garjana turn in the same direction, drawing together into a familiar defensive stance.

Elder: What's gotten into you two?

Monster: Grrrr...

Shanamka: Monsters! From the Cave of Trials!

Vajra: We'll handle this! You get out of here, Elder!

Vajra: Come on, Gar!

Garjana: ...

What Makes a Partner: Scene 4

After the monsters are dispatched, Vajra scolds the dogs and the elder for proposing such a preposterous duel. She then suggests starting the trial immediately to investigate the appearance of the monsters.

---

Vajra: Hraaaagh!

Monster: Groar...

Vajra: Ack! Oh no!

Monster: Graaaargh!

Elder: Ngh, you fiend!

Monster: Grr...

Shanamka: That was the last of them.

Vajra: Good work, Shan! You saved Elder!

Shanamka: N-no... I'm not worthy of your praise! I did only what had to be done.

Vajra scratches behind the good boy's ears, sending wags of ecstasy directly to his tail.

Though they are victorious, the elder doesn't celebrate. Instead, he examines the monster corpses, eyebrows furrowed.

Elder: Monsters have never appeared from the Cave of Trials. What in the skies has happened?

Vyrn: Pant... Pant... We finally—hoo boy—caught up to you!

Vajra: Sorry, you guys! I had to rush ahead.

Lyria: Don't worry about it! Is Gar doing okay?

Vajra: Yeah, he's fine. I think, at least. Our conversation got cut off.

Vajra calls Garjana and Shanamka over before calmly explaining the situation.

Vajra: I understand that something's going on between you two.

Vajra: Shan, I know you were worried for me. I appreciate that.

Shanamka: No, it was just—

Vajra: But I decided a long time ago that I wanted to go through the last trial with Gar by my side.

Vajra: So, would you back down for me?

Shanamka: Lady Vajra, do you not see that I am more powerful than Garjana?

Vajra: I'm sorry, I don't, Shan. It's not about who's stronger.

Vajra: I love you and Gar just the same. And I trust you both as much. You're family.

Vajra: But I know that I have to do this with Gar.

Vajra: I've known forever. I'm not even sure why myself, but I'm sure I'll figure it out once we've started the trial.

Vajra: I'm sorry, Shan. I need you to believe in Gar—for my sake, if not for his.

Shanamka: ...

Shanamka: If that is what you truly wish, my lady, then I will entrust Garjana with your protection.

Shanamka: That being said, I am ready to step in at a moment's notice. Should Garjana falter—

Vajra: You got it. I'll be counting on you if I need you.

Shanamka: Very well. I look forward to serving you.

Vajra: Hah, which leads me to you, Gar. What do you say? Want to do the trial with me?

Garjana: Yes...

Vajra: Atta boy!

Vajra: There, problem's solved! Elder, let's pretend like this little duel never happened, okay?

Elder: Of course. But I have a bigger concern, Vajra.

Elder: Namely, the monsters that appeared from the cave. I've never seen this happen before—surely it's a bad omen.

Vajra: Who's to say if it's an omen or not? But I agree that this situation doesn't bode well.

Vajra: Okay... I'll just start the trial now!

Elder: Vajra! Listen to yourself!

Vajra: If we get this show on the road, Gar and I can enter the cave, can't we? Then we can investigate the monsters.

Elder: I forbid this! It's still too soon for you to begin—and with monsters to contend with, heavens...

Vajra: Elder, I'm not a pup anymore. You can let me lead the pack.

Vajra: I know the only reason you wanted Gar to return alone was because you were afraid you wouldn't be able stop me, right?

Shanamka: Is this true?

Elder: Ahem... It's a perilous trial. You can't blame me for being cautious.

Vajra: It'll be fine! As long as Gar's by my side, we can overcome any obstacle!

Vajra: We'll figure out what's wrong with the cave. All we need to begin is your blessing, Elder.

Elder: ...

Elder: Are you sure about this, Vajra? If you fail, you will lose your position as war deity. You will lose the only way of life you've ever known.

Vajra: I'm ready. Gar and I will face this challenge.

Elder: So be it... Once the trial has begun, no one is allowed to interfere.

Elder: Return to the hut with Gar and make your final preparations.

Vajra: Thank you, Elder!

Vajra: Ah, but before we go...

Vajra: Gar, Shan. Come here, boys.

Shanamka: Right away!

Garjana: ...

Vajra: Hyaaa!

Shanamka: ...!

Garjana: ...

Vajra: I understand your positions, and I know that you got permission from the elder...

Vajra: But no fighting between brothers! Not in this pack!

Shanamka: Y-yes, my lady.

Vajra: Doesn't matter who starts it—I'll blame both of you if it happens again. I mean it! No more!

Shanamka: You have my word.

Garjana: ...

The fight for Vajra's sidekick has been quelled—at least for the moment.

But, more pressingly, rumors of monsters at the Cave of Trials quickly spreads throughout the clan.

Alongside these rumors, however, is the clanspeoples' unshakeable faith in the war deity and her pup as they await the Trial of the First.