Scenario:Vira - Bonds Forged in Chocolate
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Bonds Forged in Chocolate
The next year, Vira gets roped into taste testing Katalina's chocolates alongside (Captain). They are able to remain conscious in front of Katalina but end up passing out later. Afterward the pair renew their determination not to faint the following year, sharing a firm handshake.
Vira turns the pages of her diary, eventually coming to the entry she had been searching for.
Described there in detail are the events of yet another very strange Valentine's Day shared by (Captain) and Vira.
Vira: Hehe, this really brings back memories. I'd almost forgotten this happened.
Vira: Yes, (Captain) is... very important to me...
Vira: (Captain)... You know how important you are to me, don't you?
Vira: I'm proud to call you my captain. No. More than a captain...
Vira: A comrade in arms. One who can never be replaced. I'm truly thankful to have you in my life.
Vira: Now then, you know what time of the year it is don't you?
Vira: Would you be so kind as to help me taste test the chocolates Katalina and I are making this year? Your time will not go unrewarded, of course.
Vira: Being the dependable comrade that you are, I'm sure you wouldn't possibly abandon me in this time of need, would you?
Looking past the thinly veiled threat, the captain notices that her eyes and lips are trembling.
Katalina: Here for another round, (Captain)? Hehe, been bitten by the bug, have you?
Vira: That's right, Katalina. (Captain) eagerly volunteered to be our taste tester once again.
Katalina: I didn't realize you were such a big eater. Or maybe you just couldn't wait to get your hands on my chocolates?
Vira: That's definitely it.
Vira: Isn't that right, (Captain)?
The captain has no choice but to smile vaguely, and before long the chocolate-making is underway. However...
Vira: Now then, Katalina. Let's make them according to the recipe. By following the recipe, they'll be sure to turn out delicious.
Vira: Katalina! Wait... Why are you adding that to the mixture?
Vira: Katalina! When it says to heat it in hot water, that doesn't mean to put the chocolate directly into the water!
As the chaotic cooking session comes to an end, Katalina seems pleasantly satisfied. Vira, meanwhile, struggles to catch her breath.
Vira: Huff... Puff...
Katalina: Thanks for your help, Vira.
And sorry to keep you waiting on those chocolates, (Captain). Here, tell me what you think.
And sorry to keep you waiting on those chocolates, (Captain). Here, tell me what you think.
Vira: Yes, let's hear your thoughts, (Captain).
Vira: (At the very least, please try to avoid passing out right in front of her, won't you?)
Katalina: You too, Vira.
Vira: What? M-me... too?
Katalina: To thank you both for everything you do on a daily basis, I'd like you to be the first to taste them.
Vira: Oh, Katalina!
Vira: Very well...
Well then, (Captain). Shall we go on the count of three?
Well then, (Captain). Shall we go on the count of three?
Vira: One, two, three!
(Captain) and Vira bite down on Katalina's chocolates at the same time.
Vira: Mgh... Grgh... Gah!
Katalina: What do you think? I'm pretty proud of how they turned out.
Vira: It... It's absolutely scrumptious...
Katalina: Is that so? Glad you like them. I guess they're ready to wrap then.
Katalina: Whoops... I must have left the wrapping paper back in my room.
Vira: Th-then I'll clean up the kitchen... (Captain), would you... mind assisting me?
Katalina: Thanks, I appreciate it. See you later.
As Katalina's footsteps fade into the distance, (Captain) and Vira fall to the floor at the same time.
Vira: Sigh... I can't believe I blacked out after eating Katalina's chocolates for a second time.
That night, (Captain) and Vira go into town for a postmortem session.
Vira: It's fortunate that Lyria and Vyrn happened to find us and wake us up.
Vira: But the fact remains that I lost consciousness. It was nothing less than an act of treason against my dear Katalina.
Vira: I cannot... forgive myself...
Vira: It's true that Katalina's cooking was infamous at the academy... in a bad way.
Vira: But I adore her. And as such, I want to accept everything about her... including her cooking.
Vira: You know, (Captain). Despite your bravado last time, you ended up losing consciousness again, didn't you?
Wincing slightly as Vira hits a nerve, the captain once again resolves not to let the same thing happen again next time.
Vira: I cannot... forgive myself...
Choose: There's always next time.
Vira: Hehe... Since you've already blacked out two years in a row, you're hoping the third time's the charm, are you?
Vira: No, I'm not criticizing you. Katalina's cooking was infamous at the academy... in a bad way.
Vira: But I adore her. And as such, I want to accept everything about her, including her cooking.
Vira: I want nothing more than to spend next Valentine's Day smiling alongside Katalina... without any fainting spells...
Continue 1
Vira: You feel the same as I do, I'm sure.
Nodding, (Captain) and Vira reach out and share a firm handshake.
Bonds Forged in Chocolate: Scene 2
The following Valentine's Day, the two comrades in arms manage to avoid fainting thanks to a clever plan by Vira—at least until Katalina brings out a second batch of chocolates. After regaining consciousness, Vira admits she has come to enjoy the tradition, and they resolve to spend next year the same way.
Vira smiles as she peruses her diary, remembering the handshake that day.
Vira: That's right... When we shared that handshake, it felt as though we were true comrades.
Vira: Then a year passed, and the next Valentine's Day was yet another... memorable event.
Vira: (Captain), what is the significance of Valentine's Day for you?
Vira: Is it a day to show love... Or appreciation... Or something more?
Vira: For me, it is something else entirely.
Vira: Yes... It is a day of wishing well for one another.
Vira: Would you help me make chocolates this year for my Katalina?
Vira: I have decided to try Katalina's chocolate. Should I not pass away...
Vira: We can hope for our continued health and prosperity, (Captain).
Following this foreboding exchange, (Captain) and Vira once again set to work helping Katalina make her chocolates.
Katalina: All done! You're up, (Captain)!
Vira: Congratulations, Katalina.
A black substance born from chaos itself is placed in front of the captain.
Vira: Go on and try it, (Captain). And I'll join you.
Katalina: Dig in, you two.
Vira: Don't mind if I do.
Vira: ...!
Katalina! Vyrn's outside the window, and he's... belly dancing!
Katalina! Vyrn's outside the window, and he's... belly dancing!
Katalina: What!
As Katalina rushes to the window to catch a glimpse of the belly dancing Vyrn, Vira reaches into her pocket.
Vira: Now's our chance, (Captain)!
Vira hurriedly shoves something into each of their mouths—a piece of very sweet chocolate.
Such was the plan she had thought up to prevent them from blacking out.
Vira: (Captain), the other day I was able to acquire some of those super-sweet chocolates that are the talk of the town.
Vira: Their sweetness should neutralize the taste of Katalina's chocolates enough that we can swallow them in one gulp.
Vira: Of course, I know this is a betrayal of her pure heart...
Vira: But it's still far better than fainting. After we've eaten, I hope to pass the rest of the day smiling together with my Katalina.
Katalina: I can't see anything out there...
Vira: Forgive me, Katalina. It must have just been a bird.
Vira: Now then, back to taste testing.
The flavor of Katalina's chocolates—worthy of the slogan "Straight out of Pandemonium!"—spreads through their mouths...
But the super-sweet chocolates they had just eaten dull the mysterious taste to some extent, just as Vira had planned.
Vira: It... It's simply... delectable, Katalina...
Katalina: Really? I'm relieved to hear you say that.
Vira: (Oh, thank goodness... This year I can spend Valentine's Day with my Katalina, fully conscious.)
Katalina: While you're at it, would you mind tasting these chocolates as well?
Vira: ...!
(Captain) and Vira watch, frozen in horror, as Katalina produces another plate of chocolates.
Katalina: I was actually making some by myself before you two arrived.
Katalina: I've gotten the hang of the basics, so I thought it might be nice to try making them on my own.
Vira: Oh no...
The taste of the super-sweet chocolates has already dissipated.
Katalina: I'm not sure they're any good, unfortunately. I made a lot of mistakes since I was doing everything by myself.
Katalina: Still, I put a lot of work into them. So do you think I could ask you to taste test them for me too?
In response to Katalina's timid request, Vira smiles.
Vira: Of course, Katalina.
With shaking hands, (Captain) and Vira reach out for Katalina's handmade chocolates.
Their memory of the event ends there.
Vira: Phew... I'm finally starting to feel a bit better.
Vira: That follow-up attack—er, or rather, follow-up chocolate was certainly unexpected.
Vira: Did I... pass out? My memory is quite hazy, but I managed to avoid collapsing at least... right?
Vira: We most likely lost consciousness halfway through, but remained standing on sheer willpower alone, like soldiers on a battlefield.
Vira: However, Katalina's actions are thoroughly unpredictable. Cheap tricks like sweet chocolates will only end in failure.
Vira: It seems I'll need to change my approach for next Valentine's Day...
Choose: You seem to be enjoying yourself.
Vira: Do I? Hehe... Perhaps I am.
Vira: When I served as the Lord of Albion, we celebrated a number of traditional events, but most of them were stiff and tiresome.
Vira: But eating Katalina's chocolates together with you is the exact opposite of all that.
Vira: It's very exciting to say the least, yet somehow peaceful as well.
Vira: It's become an important tradition to me. I suppose you could say it feels similar to a festival.
Vira: There's no doubt I enjoy it deep down.
Vira: Hehe...
Vira: Oh, forgive me. I lost my head there for a moment...
Vira: Surviving Katalina's chocolates with you has become an important tradition to me.
Vira: Don't you find our chocolatey struggles rather peaceful and enjoyable somehow? Despite the fact that we keep failing...
Vira: If nothing else, it's something I never could have imagined doing while I was serving as the Lord of Albion.
Vira: So I want to enjoy myself as much as possible... and tell Katalina that her chocolates are delicious from the bottom of my heart.
Vira: I'd do anything to that end.
Continue 1
After hearing Vira speak of her past, (Captain) suggests that they spend next Valentine's Day in the same way.
Vira: Yes, I look forward to it.
The pair shake hands once again, failing to notice a shadowy figure lurking outside the window.
Katalina: ...
Bonds Forged in Chocolate: Scene 3
The subsequent year, (Captain) and Vira eat chocolates containing a special herb before the taste-testing session. However, it turns out Katalina had included the same herb in her chocolates, causing the pair to pass out due to overdose. Undeterred, they set their sights on the next battle.
Vira: I can see the determination in your eyes... Yes, the time for us to join hands has come once again.
Vira: A day of battle that comes once a year—a day of happiness and trial, on which one has the chance to receive Katalina's homemade sweets...
Vira: No need to worry. Surely both you and I can overcome this day. We will survive.
Vira: Oh, but before you proceed to the kitchen, please accept this gift from me.
Vira: This is chocolate from a batch I made earlier for sampling.
Vira: It contains herbs that should aid in building up strength. I hope it can be of help to you.
Vira: Now, let's head to the kitchen. Valentine's Day starts here for us.
Vira's chocolate is so bitter that it makes (Captain) grimace involuntarily.
But shortly afterward, the captain's entire body is overflowing with warmth and energy.
Vira: The extract of a single leaf of this particular herb is said to help one survive the battlefield.
Vira: As long as the effect lasts, we should be able to maintain consciousness, even if Katalina's chocolates drive us to the brink...
Katalina: Okay, they're ready for tasting. Help yourselves.
Vira: Certainly, Katalina.
Are you ready, (Captain)?
Are you ready, (Captain)?
After trading glances to confirm the herb is still working, they pop the chocolates into their mouths.
Vira: Gngh!
Katalina: Hm? Is something wrong?
Vira's eyes begin to roll back in her head, but suddenly she jerks upright.
Vira: It... It's delicious... Absolutely delicious!
Thanks to the effect of the herb, (Captain) also manages to remain conscious.
Katalina: Th-they are? I'm glad to hear it. I felt really good about them this time around.
Vira: (Oh, thank goodness... I was able to tell her they were delicious. And look how happy she is!)
Welling up with emotion, Vira brings a finger to her eye to wipe away the tears.
However, what she wipes away are not tears, but drops of cool sweat.
Vira: (Wh-what's happening? My body feels like it's on fire... We're both drenched in sweat...)
Beside her, (Captain) is sweating profusely as well.
Katalina: Whew, I really am glad they turned out okay. It was my first time using that secret ingredient, so I wasn't sure how it would go.
Vira: Th-that's...
Vira's eyes widen with shock as Katalina takes out a small jar.
Katalina: It's an herb that helps build strength. I got it from the apothecary in town and thought I could use it in my chocolates.
Vira: (That's the same herb I used!)
Vira: K-Katalina? When did you...
Actually, no...
Actually, no...
Vira: Tell me... How much of that herb did you add to the chocolates?
Katalina: Hm? That's a good question... Let's see...
Katalina: I put in the extract I got from boiling about thirty leaves...
Vira: You have to follow the usage and dosage instructions!
Too much of a drug can be poison.
(Captain) and Vira develop a wide range of symptoms from the overdose, including headache, stomachache, dizziness, nausea, and heart palpitations.
Gradually their consciousness begins to fade.
Vira: K-Katalina, if I may be so bold... The excess of herbs seems to be interfering with the taste...
Katalina: Is that right? But I thought you just said it was delicious...
Vira: Well, yes... I did, but...
Vira: It... It's the aftertaste! So I didn't notice at first! It's just a teensy bit bitter...
Katalina: Ah, that makes sense. The mild flavor of chocolate does tend to linger afterward.
Katalina: All right, got it. I'll take your advice and reduce the amount of herbal extract by about half.
Vira: I think one thirtieth would be plenty...
As Katalina resumes cooking, (Captain) and Vira sneak away from the kitchen.
The moment they're far enough away, they collapse in tandem, unable to go on any farther.
Vira: Luckily the other crew members woke us up again this year, so Katalina didn't notice anything was amiss...
Vira: But still, I never dreamed she'd use the same herb...
As has become customary, (Captain) and Vira hold a debriefing session in preparation for the next year's battle.
So ends the most recent Valentine's Day entry in Vira's diary.
Bonds Forged in Chocolate: Scene 4
This year Katalina decides to put an end to their yearly taste-testing sessions and instead sends (Captain) and Vira out to dinner as a thank-you gift. But it turns out Katalina had simply misunderstood their relationship, and when they return to the ship, she surprises them with her homemade chocolates.
Vira: Each and every one is a fond Valentine's Day memory...
Vira: And yet...
Just moments before, Katalina had stopped by Vira's room to tell her something.
Katalina: I think it's time I bowed out of our chocolate-making sessions. But I'm truly grateful for all the help you've given me. I can't thank you enough.
Vira: Where is this coming from? Have I done something to upset you?
Katalina: No, not at all. You and (Captain) have been incredibly good to me.
Katalina: Yes... Too good, in fact.
Vira: ...!
Katalina: It's not like I didn't notice how you two felt. But I took advantage of your kindness and continued to ask for your help.
Katalina: I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused you both. I'd like to end it all here and now.
Vira: No... I don't want it to end, Katalina! I like my Valentine's Days being all about you!
Katalina: Please, Vira... I regret my callowness.
Vira: Katalina...
Katalina: Oh, I almost forgot. I'd like to treat you to dinner as an apology. Leave the restaurant reservation and everything to me.
Vira: I was trying to be considerate of Katalina, but I ended up being on the receiving end...
On Valentine's Day, Vira arrives at the designated restaurant alone.
Vira: ...
She is clad in a chic dress newly purchased for her special dinner.
Though she attracts a great deal of attention from those around her, her mind is full of thoughts of Katalina alone.
Vira: (I ended up arriving a little early. But I wonder why Katalina insisted on meeting me here?)
Hearing footsteps approach the table, she looks up to see an unexpected face.
Vira: (Captain)! Why are you here?
The captain explains to Vira what Katalina had said a few days prior.
Katalina: It was a lot of fun making chocolates with you two. I'd like to treat you to dinner as a token of my appreciation.
Vira: Katalina invited you here? But there are only two chairs...
Vira checks with the waiter, but apparently the reservation had been made for two.
Vira: It seems this is a gift from Katalina. Let's enjoy it to the fullest, shall we?
And so they do, savoring every bite.
Vira: Apparently this is their special Valentine's Day full-course meal. All the dishes are so rich in flavor... It's delicious, but...
Choose: ...
Choose: There's something missing.
Vira: You feel the same way, (Captain)?
Vira: That's right. What we're lacking are Katalina's homemade chocolates.
Vira: They've been an indispensable part of our yearly trial known as Valentine's Day.
Vira: But now it's all over. Spending Valentine's Day fully conscious is rather sad somehow...
After dinner, they are served a sumptuous chocolate dessert.
Vira: It's delicious. The mild sweetness gives it a silky, gentle flavor.
Vira: By the way—Katalina has apparently been aware of her lack of cooking ability for quite some time.
Vira: I foolishly failed to notice, and it seems I ended up hurting her.
Vira: I had been planning to apologize for that here tonight, but then you appeared in her place.
Vira: No, I'm not blaming you in the slightest. It's just, I realized something...
Spoon in hand, Vira pauses.
Vira: I had been eagerly anticipating Katalina's arrival, yet for some reason, I wasn't disappointed when you turned up instead.
Vira: And, well...
Vira: Perhaps I feel a bond with you that is more than that of a comrade.
Vira: I'm not exactly sure what name to give this feeling, however...
Vira: Hehe... The liquor in this chocolate seems to be going straight to my head. Please forget what I just said.
Vira: Let's finish our meal. We need to get back and thank Katalina for tonight, don't we?
Though it still feels somewhat incomplete, the pair enjoy their Valentine's Day dinner and head back to the ship.
Katalina: Welcome back—I've been waiting for you two. Here, have some of my homemade chocolates.
Vira: What!
Katalina: Hm?
Vira: What?
Katalina: Hmm?
Vira: Katalina... Wh-why did you make chocolates?
Katalina: Because today's Valentine's Day. Isn't that the normal thing to do?
Vira: I thought you said you were putting an end to the chocolate-making sessions...
Katalina: Right—the three of us together, I mean. I feel like I've improved a lot, so I should be able to make them on my own from now on.
Katalina: Besides, Vira... I got the feeling you wanted to spend Valentine's Day with (Captain).
Vira: Wh-what gave you that impression?
Katalina: Well, you brought (Captain) with you every year, for one... but the biggest clue was how you always went out together afterward.
Vira: (That was just to talk about you!)
The captain had always accompanied Vira on Valentine's Day, and they'd gone out to eat after every chocolate-making session.
Looking at it from Katalina's point of view...
Vira: (I can see how she could have misunderstood the situation, but still!)
Vira: No, you're mistaken! My devotion lies with you, Katalina!
Vira pleads with Katalina, who responds by offering her a bizarre substance emanating a strange odor.
Katalina: Here, try one.
Vira: ...!
Vira: (Captain)... It seems our Valentine's Day trials are not yet over...
Vira: On the contrary, they've only just begun!
Katalina: What's wrong? Do you want me to feed you? Fine, if you insist...
Katalina: Ahh...
Vira: Ahh...
Vira and (Captain) bite down on Katalina's handmade chocolates.
What happens next goes without saying.
Thus the world's strangest Valentine's Day tradition continues...