Scenario:Vikala - Vicky Rises

Vicky Rises

(Captain) and company are asked to find the bandits who stole money meant for paying the orphanage's debts. Delilah appears to fill the crew in on the details, and expresses how worried she is that Vikala may feel uncomfortable helping the orphanage and island that had abandoned her. But to Delilah's surprise, Vikala tells her she does not think of herself as unfortunate nor does she harbor any hate whatsoever. The crew begins investigating into the bandits.

---

(Captain) and the crew suddenly find themselves with a letter from the orphanage Vikala once stayed at.

It turns out to be a request for them to find a thief who has stolen money from the orphanage.

Director: Thank you for coming. I heard that Lady Vikala's skyfaring crew was nearby and decided to try writing to you.

Vikala: No worries at all! We'll definitely get the money back!

1. Let's hear more about this.
2. What was the money for?

Choose: Let's hear more about this.
Choose: What was the money for?

Director: The money was for repaying our debt... When we looked into what happened, we learned the ones who stole it are likely professionals.

Vyrn: You guys borrowed money?

Director: Yes, it's quite normal. Orphanages are able to run through donations and fundraising.

Director: We have very limited financial resources. The children might get some side jobs, but the work we receive isn't stable.

Vikala: ...

Director: Meanwhile, our facility continues to deteriorate over the years. Holes start appearing in our roof and walls, and those become necessary expenses as well.

Director: That's why we decided to borrow a significant sum of money from someone with the resources. And now, the date to return the money is getting close...

Director: The orphanage and plot of land it sits on act as collateral, so they'll be seized if we can't repay our debt.

Lyria: So the orphanage will be gone? That's terrible... Could you talk it over and have the deadline pushed back?

Director: We tried talking to the person we borrowed the finances from, but it doesn't seem possible...

Vyrn: Wha, why? Pretty petty of 'em not to give you more time. I mean, they're rich already!

Director: To be honest, we've already had the deadline extended nine times... A tenth time would be rather impossible...

Vyrn: Okay, on second thought, maybe they're not that petty.

Vikala: Leave it to us! All of my friends are super dependable and will be sure to do their best to help!

Director: Thank you very much, Lady Vikala! I truly appreciate it!

The director of the orphanage prostrates himself, gripping Vikala's hand with both hands. (Captain) and the others look at him curiously.

Vyrn: (Wait... This is supposed to be the orphanage that Vikala stayed at, right?)

Lyria: (It doesn't seem like the director recognizes Vikala...)

Kid's Voice: Mr. Director! The wall over here's collapsing!

Director: What!
My apologies... You'll have to excuse me!

Vyrn: Must be hard bein' director of an orphanage...

After introducing the resident who had suggested asking (Captain)'s crew for help, the director hurries out of the room.

Delilah: I'm Delilah. Nice to meet you.

Lyria: It's nice to meet you, Delilah!

When it's (Captain)'s turn to say hello, Delilah smiles.

Delilah: I'm actually very interested in skyfarers and what they do. It's an honor to be able to meet an actual skyfarer like this.

Vyrn: Hey, I couldn't help but notice—compared to all the other kids around here...

Delilah: I'm pretty tall, right? I've worked on getting taller since I was really young.

Delilah: People tend to look down on you when you're small, you see. I can fight with a spear, so I don't need any protecting from others.

Vyrn: Ooh, you sound pretty dependable.

Vikala: Thanks for having us, Delilah!

Delilah: Lady Vikala... Or, I mean, Vikala...

Vikala: Haha! Sure takes me back to the old days!
If you don't mind, I'm gonna go take a walk around town, (Captain)!

Delilah: Huh? Wait!

Vyrn: But we're just about to talk about the job... What's gotten into her?

Dormouse: Why'd you run off like that? It's been a while since you saw each other.

Vikala: I know, but... Well...

Delilah: I see you're talking to your imaginary friend again.

Vikala: Eep! D-Delilah! H-h-how did you kn-know I'd be here?

Delilah: Where else would you be? I brought the captain and your crew too.

Lyria: So this is where you live, Vikala!

Vikala: Huh? Ah, um, yes... Welcome... I guess...

Delilah: Why did you run off like that all of a sudden?

Vikala: It felt incredibly embarrassing having someone I know from way back see me acting as a full-fledged Yangtopian...

Vikala: I'm s-sorry... I usually don't get that flustered when I have my rat ears on...

Vikala: Wait a second. Delilah, you recognized me when I had my ears on?

Delilah: Uh, of course... I've known you for quite a while now, after all.

Vikala: R-right... Well that in itself is embarrassing...

Delilah: But you're right. Not a single person at the orphanage but me has noticed that it's you.

Vyrn: Ooh, so this is your house, huh? It's pretty run-down!

Lyria: Vyrn! Be nice!

Vyrn: Oh, whoops... Sorry, I didn't mean it like that.

Vikala: Oh, no, it's okay... It's true that it's old...

Delilah: It's a storage shed that used to belong to someone in the area. Vikala got it pretty much for free since they were planning to demolish it anyway.

Vyrn: And that's how you started livin' here, huh? The draft comin' in through the cracks is pretty bad though... How about we fix 'em for ya?

Delilah: I saw a home and furniture shop on our way here—we can probably get anything else we might need there.

Lyria: Oh, I saw it too! Since we're going to fix some things up anyway, let's put up some decorations and make the place nice!

Vikala: Ah, um... Huh?

Despite just having met one another, the crew and Delilah find themselves getting along immediately.

Vikala: (E-even though they supposedly met through me, they're all friends already even without my help!)

Vikala: (Those are some true communication skills... I guess Yangtopians just call out to each other. Wouldn't really make a difference even if a Yintopian like me wasn't here...)

Vikala: (I don't want to interrupt their conversation, so I'll just do my best to get out of their way...)

Vikala: ...

Delilah: I know a shop that sells everything you'll need for stocking up for your journey too. I'll show you later.

Lyria: That would be wonderful!

Vyrn: I gotta restock my apples too!

(Captain) gently puts a hand on Vikala's shoulder.

Vikala: Oh! Um, (Captain)?

The captain redirects the conversation to resolving the incident they came here for.

Delilah: Right... We'd really appreciate your help in getting the money back.

Delilah: Except you, Vikala. No need for you to get involved.

Vikala: Huh? B-b-but... Um... D-did I do something to u-upset you?

Delilah: No... That's not what I meant. Sorry... I've always wanted to apologize to you, Vikala.

Vikala: To me?

Delilah: Back then, you came when I was having a hard time fitting in with the others at the orphanage.

Delilah: Since you came after me, you were easier to talk to compared to the other kids. And that's how I started getting along with everyone else.

Vikala: R-really?

Delilah: You were really young, so it's only natural that you wouldn't remember.

Delilah: I noticed early on that you weren't a Harvin like the rest of us.

Delilah: And I thought to myself how you'd eventually end up looking conspicuous once you started growing.

Delilah: That's why I wanted to grow taller. I thought if I was tall, maybe then you wouldn't stand out so much on your own.

Delilah: So I did a ton of jump squats and other things to try to make myself taller.

Vikala: Th-that's why you always did so many jump squats...

Vyrn: (I thought Vikala was pretty crazy already, but so's this girl...)

Delilah: But you ended up not being able to stay at the orphanage after all... I'm sorry, Vikala... I couldn't stop it.

Delilah: Honestly, I was worried when you said you were gonna join a skyfaring crew, but I thought it might be better for you than sticking around this island.

Delilah: This place hasn't given you the best memories... You had to deal with misfortune after misfortune—of course you'd hate us.

Lyria: Delilah...

Delilah: So I think you should just leave us behind. Then we won't be able to give you any more burdens to bear...

Delilah: But before that... I have a favor to ask. All that unhappiness and rage stored up inside you... Just let it out on me.

Delilah: Vent all your emotions in the form you're in right now—the Vikala I've always known! I'll listen to anything you have to say... so tell me...

Vikala: Um, sorry... Who exactly are you talking about?

Delilah: You!

Vikala: Whaaa!

Delilah: Were you not listening at all? Why would I be talking to you about all this if it wasn't about you!

Vikala: O-oh, it was about... m-me? You started talking about hate and misfortune, so I thought you'd moved on to someone else...

Delilah: Wha... What! You're the only one here who'd fit that description!

Vikala: Um, but I'm not that unfortunate... and I don't h-h-hate anyone, so...

Delilah: Huh?

Vikala: It's true my parents aren't alive anymore, but that g-goes for everyone at the o-orphanage too...

Vikala: I-I got too big for the orphanage, so it's only natural that I needed to leave...

Vikala: But they went out of their way to arrange a place for me to live, as well as a job... Not to mention...

Vikala: Y-you come to visit me sometimes too...

Delilah: ...!

Vikala: I th-think I've been pretty fortunate... to have all of those things.

Vyrn: ...

Lyria: ...

Delilah: Your...

Delilah: Your standards for happiness are way too low!

Vyrn: (The usual Vikala always looks really gloomy, but she's actually pretty positive inside!)

Vikala: Um, d-did I say something strange?

Delilah: Everything you said was strange...

Vyrn: Heheh, well, don't sweat it too much! If that's what Vikala is thinking, then it's all good! You wanna help save the orphanage, right, Vikala?

Vikala: Yeah... O-of course! If I-I can actually be of any help, that is... I'd be glad to...

Delilah: Sigh... Fine. Then we could use your help too.

Delilah: I don't believe it... I guess all that worrying I did on my own was for nothing.

Vicky Rises: Scene 2

The deadline for repaying the debt is set for the next day at sunset. The crew catches a thief who happens to sneak into the orphanage and hears about a suspicious group on the island from him. The following day, (Captain) and company split up to keep watch on the various possible locations the bandits may be hiding at. A member of the bandits shows up at the place Vikala is in charge of, and mistakes her for a candidate applying to join their group. She takes Vikala to the bandits' hideout.

---

While Vikala is changing in the back, Delilah turns to the crew.

Delilah: Actually, I noticed some suspicious-looking people hovering around the orphanage before.

Delilah: Now that I think about it, they must have been doing some poking around before committing the crime... If only I'd realized and done something about it then.

After thinking for some time, (Captain) tells Delilah there's a chance the culprits might return to the orphanage.

Delilah: But why? There's no more money at the orphanage.

Vyrn: But there's still the kids. (Captain)'s probably worried about them.

Delilah: ...!

Vyrn: The culprits might try to kidnap 'em. So you need all the help you can get to keep watch.

Delilah: You're right... I was so focused on finding the people responsible that I didn't even think about guarding the orphanage.

Vikala: I guess we'll look for clues during the day, and stand watch at night to make sure the orphanage is safe.

Delilah: We've already notified the port to keep a lookout, so the culprits shouldn't have left this island. There's a chance they'll show themselves again...

Dormouse: And this time, you've got us to help you.

Lyria: Oh! D-Dormouse... You can talk now?

Dormouse: I usually just make it so only Vikala can hear me.

Dormouse: But this seems like it's going to be a big task for Vikala, so I want in on it too.

Delilah: Wait, wasn't this the thing that pulled the floats at the Eccentrical Parade? Don't tell me...

Dormouse: That "imaginary friend" you refer to is none other than myself, the Divine Rat's shikigami. No need to be scared.

Delilah: So it was you...

Vyrn: If you could talk this whole time, you shoulda just talked to us... Don'tcha get bored stayin' quiet like that?

Dormouse: I'm not a living creature like all of you, so I don't think the way you do.

Vyrn: Okay... You're all business, aren'tcha?

Vikala: So when's the deadline for returning the money, Delilah?

Delilah: If we don't have the money by tomorrow sunset, the land and orphanage are gonna be put up for sale, and we'll probably be evicted the day after...

Delilah: The children will be left on their own. I should be fine since I can work, but there are a lot of kids that are still really young...

Vikala: The day after tomorrow...

Vikala: Don't you worry! I'll get the money back for sure! The orphanage is going to survive!

And so (Captain) and company spend the afternoon looking for information on the culprits until the night settles in.

???: Heh heh heh...

The orphanage grounds are dark when a single shadow sneaks in quietly.

Vikala: Gotcha!

Vyrn: Ya can't run now!

Delilah: It's time to catch some criminals!

Lyria: Please be careful!

(Captain) and company all throw themselves at the enemy at the same time.

Delilah: Who'd have thought you'd actually come back! You were planning to kidnap the children for ransom, weren't you?

???: Wh-what are you talking about?

The captive claims to be a thief who happened across the orphanage and decided to break in to steal some valuables.

Unsure of whether the man is the culprit who stole the money, the crew hesitates.

Petty Thief: This is my first time here... I didn't even know something had already been stolen from this place...

Delilah: Drop the act! Spill it, or this spear is going to poke some holes in you!

Petty Thief: Eeeek!

Vyrn: Hey, calm down! Let's just listen to what he has to say first.

Delilah: Sorry... I've only ever hunted animals or monsters, so I'm not sure how to deal with people...

Delilah: But I'm pretty good at dissecting. I've got a knack for skinning things with my knife too.

Petty Thief: I'm telling the truth! I haven't stolen anything yet! I thought I'd just snag something as a little present...

Delilah: Present?

Petty Thief: There's an infamous group of bandits lurking on this island right now. I'm trying to get 'em to let me join...

Petty Thief: Us baddies are all about results. If you want to join someone, you gotta bring 'em something to prove what you're capable of.

Petty Thief: So I decided to steal some money—and that's how I came across this orphanage.

Vikala: Where on the island are these bandits staying?

Petty Thief: I don't know that much... I only know when to meet, but the place isn't specified. There were hints to a few spots...

Petty Thief: But the letters we exchanged beforehand suggest there's only one right place... They made it so that if I find 'em, I find 'em.

Vyrn: It's probably so no one can track 'em. They seem to be taking quite a few precautions, so they must be hiding something big.

(Captain) and company all agree that there is a high possibility these bandits are the culprits who stole the money from the orphanage.

Delilah: Okay, then how about you tell us all the places they hinted at in the letters, hm? If you wanna keep your skin on, that is.

Petty Thief: Eeeek...

The next day.

Vikala: ...

(Captain) and the crew have split up to position themselves at each of the places the thief had mentioned the previous night.

Dormouse: Are you sure you're going to be okay all by yourself here?

Vikala: Haha! Not a problem at all! I just gotta let (Captain) and the others know if the bandits show up, right?

Store Manager: Lady Vikala?

Vikala: Huh?

Store Manager: Wow, who'd have thought I'd get to see you in a place like this! Lady Vikala! U-um, do you think... I could get a handshake?

Vikala: You got it! A handshake to remember, right on the streets!

Store Manager: Yaaay!
Oh, and if you don't mind, could I get your autograph on my chest right here?

Store Manager: I also have a pair of rat ears! They were a steal at three rupies—I feel kinda bad... Was it really okay to buy them at that price?

Vikala: Of course! Take good care of them!

Being the Divine Rat, Vikala can't help but attract attention in the town streets where residents come and go.

Dormouse: I told you... At this rate, we'll never be able to get close to the thieves.

Vikala: But all the places that thief yesterday mentioned were located in town, right? Would bandits actually come out into the open like this?

Dormouse: You know what they say—the best place to hide a leaf is in the forest. Bandits are people too, so they probably go unnoticed on a street like this in broad daylight.

Vikala: That's true... Okay, then I should get changed!

Vikala: ...

Dormouse: Now you'll be inconspicuous. No one's going to take a second look at you. It's like you're not even here.

Vikala: Um, right... Heh heh... No one bothers to look my way...

Vikala: But wh-what should I do? I accidentally snapped my rat ears when I hurried to change...

The rat ears lie broken in her bag.

Vikala: I-I've got extra at the Rat Temple, so maybe I can go get a pair... Oh, while I'm there, I should clean up and open the windows to let in some air...

???: You passed the first test.

Vikala: Huh?

???: I've been watching you for a while—your ability to hide your presence is extraordinary. You're practically transparent.

A woman suddenly appears and stands in front of Vikala, looking at her as if waiting for an answer.

Dormouse: Could this lady be...

Vikala: Um, are you... one of the... bandits?

???: Heh, looks like I was right after all. I was worried for a second that you were just a regular person, but I'm relieved to hear you know who I am.

???: I have to say, I didn't expect a little girl—though I shouldn't be one to judge. I did make it to being the boss.

Bandit Boss: Anyway, staying around here won't do. I'm going back to our hideout—come with me if you want to join us.

Vikala: (Wh-what should I do? She found me before I found her...)

Dormouse: Leave it to me! I'll go let the others know where you are! Stall for time and wait for my return!

Vikala: Huh? Dorrie?

Bandit Boss: What's the matter? Come on, let's get a move on.

Vikala: Huh? Ah, um, r-right... Coming...

Dormouse discreetly leaves the place to notify the crew, and Vikala follows the lady to the bandits' hideout on her own.

Vicky Rises: Scene 3

Vikala does her best to stall for time while she waits for (Captain) and the others to find her. She tries to convince the bandits to give up their criminal activities, but they misunderstand her words and begin to see her as a merciless villain who murdered the Divine General Vikala. Frightened, the bandits eventually ask her to leave. On her way out, Vikala spots the money the bandits had stolen from the orphanage and successfully sneaks it out of the hideout.

---

Vikala trails behind the bandit boss, following her into a thick forest.

Vikala: (I wonder if they're keeping the money at the hideout... I have to do my best here for the orphanage!)

Bandit Boss: We're here. It's this hut.

A single small cabin stands abandoned in the middle of the forest.

Bandit 1: Welcome back, Sis!

Bandit 2: That the new person who wants to join? She's still a kid.

Inside the hut are a crowd of men with threatening expressions on their faces. They all glare over at Vikala.

Vikala: (Oh... I don't know if I can do my best here...)

Bandit Boss: I know what I see. Her ability to completely snuff out her presence is that of a professional.

Bandit Boss: Besides, she managed to decipher the code in my letter and got to the correct location out of the ones I included as decoys.

Bandit 1: Whoa! She even deciphered your code, Sis? That's pretty impressive!

Vikala: (I-I-I'm sorry... I have no idea what that is... We just decided to split up!)

Bandit Boss: Hold your horses. She's only passed the first test.

Vikala: (O-oh no... Wh-what do I do? I have to stall until (Captain) and the others come...)

Bandit Boss: Now, let's have you answer a few questions.

Bandit Boss: So how much can you steal? What's your speciality? What kind of notable things have you done in the past?

Vikala: Oh, um... I can't really s-say I have... m-much to tell you...

Bandit Boss: Hm... Not gonna show your cards that easily, huh? Looks like you've got the basics down. That's good.

Bandit Boss: A bandit's gotta be cautious at all times. People who answer whatever they're asked are average at most—we don't let in that kind of riffraff here.

Vikala: (Okay... Sh-she seems happy with what I said, but it's still only a matter of time before she realizes I'm not the one...)

Vikala: (Wait... No. I have to convince these people... A-after all... I'm a Divine General!)

Bandit Boss: So what do you want to do by joining us? You wanna steal something big?

Vikala: U-um!

Bandit Boss: What is it?

Vikala: Wh-why don't we make society into something s-sustainable... in a more p-p-peaceful way? You know, without having to... steal...

Bandit Boss: ...!

Bandit Boss: By sustainable... you mean you want to find a single target we can continue taking from? Not killing them, but not quite keeping them alive...

Bandit 1: Damn, that's vicious...

Bandit 2: Even I wouldn't go that far...

Vikala: H-huh? Um, n-no, I meant...

Bandit Boss: Listen up, all right? Stealing is about taking from someone only once. That's our rule here.

Bandit Boss: We're bandits. Keeping someone hostage and continuously extracting money from them is cowardly and taboo.

Vikala: U-um, what I wanted to say was... why don't we all qu-quit stealing... and w-w-work like everyone else... fair and square?

Bandit Boss: You're telling me... you wanna live among normal society and base your jobs from there? That's a pretty risky grey zone...

Bandit 1: The audacity of that idea...

Bandit 2: Just how were you raised...

Vikala: N-no... I mean getting everyone together and creating a place where everyone can smile and have a good time...

Vikala: M-money isn't something meant to be stolen... Everyone only needs to contribute a little bit of it... Um, so—

Bandit Boss: Gathering people together and letting them have some fun, then taking a bit of money from everyone—you mean like a gambling den?

Bandit Boss: It's true that running a gambling den brings in more cash...

Vikala: Erm, no... I didn't mean it like that...

Bandit Boss: Hey, I know you're trying to live as a baddie, but you can't forget the thing most important in life. Something warm that sits inside you—your heart!

Vikala: Oh, um, right... Sorry...

Bandit 1: Hey Sis, I don't know about this girl... She's playing with fire on a totally different level...

The others peer at Vikala with disgust, now believing her to be a heartless villain.

Bandit 2: But wait... something's not right. How's a kid like her supposed to accomplish all those crazy things anyway? Pretty impossible, I'd say.

Bandit 2: Hey, kid! Give us some proof of what you can do!

Vikala: P-p-proof?

Bandit 1: Oh yeah, that's true! You wanna join us, right? Then you gotta bring us something to prove that you're worthy!

Vikala: (I-I-I don't have anything! Wh-what do I do now...)

Thoughts race through her head, but Vikala is unable to come up with a plan on the spot.

Vikala: (Ah... I guess... I'll just give up. I mean, there's nothing I can do here but apologize... I'll tell them the truth about who I really am...)

Vikala: S-sowwy... I'm n-not who you fink... I am...

As tears spill down her cheeks, Vikala reaches into her bag and pulls out something, holding it out to the bandits.

Bandit Boss: No way...

Vikala: The D-D-Diwine Genewal... W-Wigala... D-dat's who I—

Bandit Boss: The Divine General Vikala... You... You killed her?

Bandit 1: Holy crap... Hoooly crap...

Bandit 2: Th-this kid's a murderer...

Vikala: U-um...

Bandit Boss: Whoa, whoa! We're bandits here, and stealing's as far as we go! This kind of thing's outta our hands!

Bandit 1: What're we gonna do, Sis? This kid's trouble... Big trouble! She killed a Divine General!

Bandit Boss: I have no idea... She's new to the business and skilled, but with the kind of stuff she does, we can't take her in!

Bandit 2: She looks harmless at first sight, but this kid's dangerous! If we get involved, she's gonna pull us down with her!

The bandits furiously discuss among themselves before coming to a conclusion. They turn back to Vikala nervously.

Bandit Boss: Right, um... On behalf of all of us, I would like to thank you for your application to our... association.

Bandit 1: After careful consideration from our... association members, we regret to inform you... that...

Bandit 2: That we are unable to offer you a position in our team at this time...

Bandit Boss: We wish you the best... in your future endeavors...

Vikala: Um... Huh? I'm sorry, what... are we talking about?

Bandit 1: We believe that, surely, there's a more suitable workplace out there... that will allow you to shine to your fullest potential...

Bandit 2: Yes... And that will be all for today... Please be careful on your way out. The door's this way...

Vikala: (A-are they... telling me to leave? Oh, good... Looks like I can get out of this mess after all...)

Vikala: (Oh, but I can't just leave these bandits to do what they want either... They need to make up for what they did...)

Vikala: U-um... I'm sorry for being so persistent, b-but do you think you could reconsider your actions?

Bandit Boss: The decision was already very difficult for us...

Vikala: I-if you keep doing this kind of thing... someday y-you're going to get into... a lot of trouble...

Vikala: Like... th-this... See?

Vikala shows the bandits her rat ears once more.

Vikala: S-someday, you just might end up like these ears... All battered and broken...

The bandits begin to tremble, certain of the meaning behind Vikala's words...

That the next thing she breaks will be them.

Bandit Boss: Are you saying you're gonna finish us off?

Bandit 1: Is it 'cause you told us you killed off one of the Divine Generals? You wanna make sure the cat doesn't get outta the bag, huh?

Bandit 2: Mommyyy...

Bandit Boss: Please... Just go! Your secret's safe with us, we swear. I beg you, spare us!

Vikala: Huh? U-um, okay... Sorry...

Failing to convince the bandits to renounce their ways, Vikala is forced to leave the hideout as prompted.

Vikala: Um, well... G-goodbye then...

Vikala: ...
Oh!

Standing near the door, Vikala notices a cloth bag carelessly tossed to one side.

Vikala: (Th-that's... the money! The name of the orphanage's written on the bag... I-I'm sure this is it!)

Bandit 1: Erm... Is something wrong?

Vikala: N-no, um... It's n-nothing! G-goodbye...

Vikala reaches out from behind, grabbing the bag of money without the bandits noticing. Concealing it behind her back, she backs out of the door and leaves.

Vicky Rises: Scene 4

Although (Captain) and company find Vikala and manage to take back the orphanage's money, the deadline for repaying the debt had already passed and the orphanage facilities are to be sold off. It is then that Vikala proposes the Rat Temple to be made into a new orphanage for the children, solving their problem. When Vikala tells everyone that today is, in fact, Delilah's birthday and tries to celebrate it, the captain and the others suggest Vikala's birthday be made the same day so they can celebrate for her as well. Vikala is overjoyed and makes a promise within herself to continue expanding her horizons from here on out.

---

Dormouse: Hurry! They're inside this forest! Straight ahead!

Delilah: Straight from here? I'll go on first then! I'll see you there, (Captain)!

Spear in hand, Delilah kicks off from the ground and the surrounding tree trunks, diving through a thicket and out of sight.

Lyria: D-Delilah's so fast! She disappeared just like that!

Vyrn: Oh yeah, didn't she say she goes huntin' sometimes? She probably knows the forest like the back of her hand!

Bandit 1: Wait! What happened to the money we stole from the orphanage? Pretty sure we put it right here...

Bandit 1: Don't tell me that... murderer took it? I can't believe she has the nerve to rob from robbers...

Bandit 2: Well... we could see it as a peace offering so she doesn't get involved with us anymore. What d'you say, Sis?

Bandit Boss: No, we're gonna go after her! I don't care if she's capable of murdering people—if we let her steal from us, we're going to be a laughingstock among bandits!

Bandit Boss: C'mon! We're gonna get that kid!

Vikala: Eep!

Bandit 1: Whoa, she's still here!

Vikala: Um, th-thanks for e-e-earlier... I was just about to... get going...

Bandit 2: How slow can you be...

Bandit Boss: Hey, girlie. You got anything you swiped from us just now?

Vikala: Huh? I-I-I have no idea what you're talking about...

Bandit 1: Drop the act already! You've got guts to steal our money, you murderer!

Bandit 2: You're a monster who kills for fun... Just what color is your blood!

Bandit Boss: No matter how much of a villain you are, we have our own pride to protect too! You really crossed the line when you stole what we'd already stolen!

Vikala: I-I'm not really sure what you mean, but I'm n-n-not returning this money to you! This belongs to the orphanage!

Delilah: Vikalaaa!

Vikala: Delilah?

Delilah: I'm here to save you! I can't believe you just dove right into a bandits' hideout all by yourself!

Vikala: Oh, well, it just turned out that way...

Bandit Boss: Don't piss your pants just 'cause we've got one more enemy to handle! Are we bandits or what? Show 'em what we're made of!

As the bandits gradually close in on them, Delilah raises her spear, ready to fight. However, Vikala steps in between them.

Vikala: N-no... I won't let you harm Delilah! I-I'll... I'll protect her!

Delilah: Vikala?

Vikala: I'm d-definitely going to bring the money back, a-and everything's going to be fine tomorrow!

Vikala: B-because tomorrow's a special day... It's Delilah's birthday!

Delilah: Wha...

Bandit Boss: Ha... Haha. Birthday? Please, you've gotta be kidding.

Bandit 1: Let's teach 'em a lesson, Sis! I was terrified at first when I found out what a psychopath she was, but I'm not so scared anymore!

Bandit 2: What a joke! You're telling me you've got friends even with those filthy, bloodstained hands?

Delilah: These guys are just spouting nonsense... They know nothing! I'm gonna hunt them all down!

Dormouse takes this opportunity to jump out from a thicket, throwing something over to Vikala.

Dormouse: Vikala! Here, new rat ears!

Vikala: Huh? O-oh, rat ears... Th-thanks... Did you go all the way to the Rat Temple to get them for me?

Dormouse: Don't worry about it! Just put them on!

Vikala hurriedly puts on the rat ears as prompted and changes as fast as she can.

Vikala: Ta-da! Say hello to Divine Rat Vikala of the Twelve Divine Generals! Thank you, thank you!

Bandit Boss: The Divine General Vikala? Impossible! Isn't she supposed to be dead?

Delilah: Wait, wha?

Vikala: Come on, bandits! It's time to stop doing bad things and give yourselves up!

Vikala: Haaah!

Bandit 1: Gwah!

Vikala does a flip in the air, landing on the head of a bandit. The man collapses onto the ground.

Bandit 2: Why you...

(Captain): ...!

Bandit 2: Gaaah!

Vikala: (Captain)! You're here too!

Lyria: Are you all right, Vikala?

Vyrn: So these are the bandits, huh? Let's put a stop to 'em!

Bandit Boss: Why're there suddenly so many people? And the Divine General Vikala's alive... Just where did we go wrong?

Unable to resist for long, the bandits are quickly subdued and captured by (Captain) and company.

Vikala: Here's the money, safe and sound! Let's head back to the orphanage immediately!

Vyrn: Sorry... We tried to convince 'em otherwise, but we couldn't make it in time...

Delilah: It's already been decided... They're seizing the orphanage. We have to leave the facilities tomorrow.

Vikala: What... No way...

The following day.

Vyrn: Sorry we couldn't get it back in time...

Director: Not at all. Thank you very much for your help. We can still use this money to support the children, wherever they go from here on.

Director: Now, I'm afraid I still have some things to wrap up, so you'll have to excuse me.

Delilah: (Captain). You guys. Thanks a lot for going through all that trouble to help us.

Vikala: U-um, Delilah... I'm sorry I couldn't... be of much help...

Delilah: Vikala...
Why do you remember my birthday?

Vikala: Well, I-I... don't have a birthday myself, s-so... I like to c-celebrate other people's birthdays instead...

Delilah: ...

Vikala: Oh, it's still really fun even if it's not my own birthday. Somehow it feels... refreshing.

Vikala: It g-gives me a kind of positive and happy feeling...

Vikala: Th-that's why I give out stickers to people on their birthdays in Utopia...

Vikala: Actually, I... like imagining all k-kinds of things when I'm celebrating others' birthdays... as if it's my own.

Delilah: So that's why you're always celebrating for other people, being considerate of them, and helping them out...

Vikala: Um, yes... Sorry... In the end, it's just about myself...

Delilah: What, no!

Delilah: You're so stupid! Stupid, stupid! You're always thinking about other people, when you should really look after yourself more!

Vikala: Delilah?

Delilah: Don't say "I don't have a birthday" like it's nothing... You're here right now—you must have a day when you were born!

Vikala: Oh... You think so?

Vikala: Anyway, I couldn't even protect the orphanage... It's your birthday, and I couldn't save the very place that you call home...

Delilah: I can live out there by myself just fine. But... some of the children are still really young, and I'm worried whether they can find places at other orphanages...

Vyrn: Yeah... (Captain) says we'll help out if there's anything we can do.

Vikala: Oh, um, but it's okay now... Sorry, I forgot to mention this earlier...

Lyria: What do you mean it's okay now?

Vikala: I-I have a place in mind, so, um... if you could follow me...

Delilah: What're you talking about?

Director: Erm... Lady Vikala! Isn't this...

Vikala: Haha! Yep, it sure is—the Rat Temple!

Vikala: This can be the new orphanage, starting today! Welcome to the "Rat Temple Children's Home"!

Director: Change the highly respected Rat Temple into an orphanage? But... is that even allowed?

Vikala: No problem at all! Nobody's living here, after all!

Delilah: A-are you sure?

Vikala: Yep, it's actually better this way! I've been cleaning the place all on my own and could really use some help from all of you!

Lyria: You mean you've been living at your current house even though you had the option of staying here at the Rat Temple all this time?

Vyrn: Come to think of it, the first time we met Vikala, we were talkin' about how it didn't look like anyone was livin' here.

Vikala: There's no reason for me to live in a place this big all by myself!

Vikala: We used the Rat Temple to rehearse for our dance at the parade, and I clean the place regularly. But I don't know what to do with it otherwise!

Dormouse: I wish you wouldn't just forget about me.

Vikala: Oops, sorry about that, Dormouse! Would that be all right with you?

Dormouse: If the Divine Rat says it's okay, I suppose I'll have to go along with it. I must say, this kind of thing is a first.

Delilah: Thank you, Vikala... How can we even begin to express our gratitude?

Vikala: That's not everything! I've got a favor to ask of all the children!

Vikala: You see these ears I'm wearing? How about you help me make more of them?

Delilah: Huh? Make... ears?

Vikala: The orphanage is going to need some form of revenue! If you could make some of these ears and sell them for three rupies each, that would be fantastic!

Delilah: You mean... as a side job?

Vikala: That's right! I can teach everyone how to make them. What do you say?

Delilah: Hehe... Of course. There's no reason to say no.

Vikala: Meanwhile, I'm going to go all around with (Captain) and the others and spread the word!

Vikala: That should get a lot of people coming to the Rat Temple, and create plenty of business for you!

Delilah: Thanks so much, Vikala... I never expected to receive so much on my birthday.

Vikala: Haha, my pleasure! I'm happy to do this!

1. But that's not all.
2. There's one more birthday girl here.

Choose: But that's not all.

Vikala: Huh? Was there something I missed?

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: There's one more birthday girl here.

Vikala: Another birthday girl?

Continue 1

Vyrn: We were just talkin' with (Captain), and we had the idea of makin' today your birthday too, Vikala.

Lyria: That's right! Will you let us celebrate your birthday with you?

Vikala: Wha! My... birthday?

Vyrn: Today's the day the Rat Temple gets reborn into a place with people livin' in it. That's pretty memorable and easy to remember, right?

Delilah: That's a wonderful idea! Both the Rat Temple and the orphanage are being reborn, after all!

Vyrn: Haha! I guess you're right!

Vikala: My birthday... Um, are you... sure about that? Y-you don't need a birth certificate or anything?

(Captain) smiles and tells Vikala that her presence is proof enough.

Lyria: And we're here with you!

Delilah: I'll be a witness too. I'll verify that we have the same birthday.

Vyrn: We're not about to let anyone say no!

Vikala: You guys...

Lyria: It's decided then! Let's have fun celebrating Delilah and Vikala's birthday today!

Vyrn: Yeah! We can start makin' some rat ears while we're at it too!

And so, (Captain) and the crew spend the rest of the day helping the children make rat ears at the temple as they commemorate Delilah and Vikala's special day.

The next day, the Grandcypher departs from the island once more.

Vikala: Um, (Captain)... Th-thank you for everything yesterday...

Vikala: I f-feel like Delilah and I got to know each other better... and that's all because of you...

Vikala: Huh? The orphanage and the director? Oh, right... I never told them my true identity...

Vikala: Oh, but I'm okay with that... I'll tell them one day, when I've grown up and can bring myself to talk about it...

Vikala: I-in any case... Thank you for giving me a birthday...

Vikala: You gave me a birthday as my birthday present... That m-makes me so happy...

Vikala: I'll t-treasure it forever... Um, I promise!

Vikala: (Captain)... Thank you so much for finding me that day.

Vikala: I was already b-blessed to have met you and everyone in the crew... And now, you've even given me my very own birthday...

Vikala: I h-hope I can celebrate... y-y-your birthday with you too from now on, (Captain)!

Vikala: Would that be... all right with you?

The Grandcypher soars into the skies with the Divine General Vikala onboard.

Glad to have taken another step forward from her past, Vikala makes a promise within herself to continue growing and expanding her horizons from here on out.