Our Funny Valentine
Teena sneaks into the kitchen to prepare for Valentine's Day, only to find Anthuria, Yaia, Vania, and Narmaya all trying their hands at making chocolate. After teaching them the art of confectionery, the girls hold a taste-testing contest.
Teena: Okay... Looks like the coast is clear.
Carrying a basket of ingredients, Teena slinks through the halls of the Grandcypher under the cover of night, careful not to make a sound.
Teena: Here's my chance...
???: Teena?
Teena: ...!
A voice breaks through the silence of darkness, speaking her name. Teena nervously turns around to see who it could be.
Teena: L-L-Lucius?
Lucius: Yeah. What are you doing up at this hour?
Teena: I-I, uh, I could ask you the same thing!
Lucius: Me? I'm just making my usual rounds, of course.
Teena: Oh yeah... That's right.
Teena nervously looks around, unsure of what to do or say next.
This only further raises Lucius's suspicions.
Lucius: So, care to answer the question?
Lucius: What's that basket you've got there? And your outfit...
Teena: ...!
Teena: D-don't worry about it! I gotta go now, bye!
Lucius: Wait, Teena!
Teena: Hurry up and get some sleep already, or you'll regret it tomorrow!
Making a run for it, Teena dashes past her brother without another word.
Lucius: Hmm? That aroma...
Lucius: Oho... So that's what this is all about.
Lucius: Sigh... I suppose Teena's finally around that age now. As her brother, this is bittersweet indeed...
Having identified the familiar aroma, recognition dawns on Lucius's face as he smiles pensively to himself.
Teena: Huff... Puff... I think I lost him... I just hope he didn't notice.
Teena: It should be all right... He's pretty oblivious to this type of stuff. I think.
Teena: More importantly, I better get to the kitchen quickly so I can practice...
Teena: Huh?
Yaia: Owie... I burned my finger.
Narmaya: Oh dear! A-are you okay, Yaia? Do you want me to make it better?
Vania: Whatcha think? Deelish, right?
Anthuria: Um... Did you remember to put sugar in?
Vania: Huh? Sugar? You need to put sugar in chocolate?
The sound of pans and mixing bowls can be heard throughout the corridors as Teena arrives. To her surprise, it's bustling with activity even at this hour—well past suppertime.
Teena: W-what's everyone doing in the kitchen?
Teena: That smell... Is that chocolate?
Anthuria: Yep. We're all getting ready for Valentine's Day!
Anthuria: Teena, that basket you're carrying...
Anthuria: Heh, of course. You've also come to try your hand at chocolates.
Anthuria is quick to eye Teena's basket, which is chock-full of ingredients.
Teena: Ahaha... Yeah. I thought I'd get some practice in before the real deal.
Teena: I mean... If I'm gonna give chocolate to someone, it should be something really special.
Teena: Oh! I'll go ahead and use that area over there if it's all right.
Teena promptly gets to work on a batch of chocolate with clearly practiced hands.
Vania: Whoooa, amazing! You're super good!
Anthuria: Very impressive.
Teena: Hehe, making sweets is a bit of a hobby of mine.
Yaia: Teena, Teena... Can you show me how to make chocolate?
Yaia: I, uh, want to learn how to make yummy chocolates too...
Vania: Me too!
Teena: Ahaha... In that case, how about we all make some together?
Yaia: Yeah!
Yaia: Oh no... The chocolate's all burnt.
Teena: You don't want to apply heat directly when melting the chocolate—use boiling water to gently melt it instead.
Teena: Here, like this.
Teena puts her bowl of chocolate into a larger pot of boiling water, preventing the chocolate from scorching as it slowly melts.
Teena: And just like that, it'll melt nice and evenly.
Vania: Oho, so that's how it's done.
Anthuria: Ugh, another failure... How can I get the chocolate to have a nice, even sheen?
Narmaya: Hrmm... My chocolate's covered with white spots for some reason...
Teena: While the chocolate solidifies, keeping temperature in mind is critical.
Teena: Keep it dry and cool, otherwise it'll end up looking like that. Also make sure not to let too much air in when folding it.
Teena: If you want a nice coat of luster, the trick is to put some butter or oil in.
Anthuria: I see... So that's the secret.
Narmaya: Thank you. I'll give that a try.
Teena: Whew! That should do it. Now then, how's everyone else doing?
Anthuria: We're just about done here as well.
Vania: Ooh! We should compare our chocolates and see how they all taste!
Teena: Good idea. I'd like to hear everyone's opinions on mine too.
Anthuria: Let's get to taste testing then, shall we?
Vania: Heh-heh... Then we'll kick things off with chocolate from yours truly!
Vania presents her chocolates to the table and puts a piece in front of everyone.
Teena: Okay, let's see how this tastes...
Yaia: Thanks for the treat!
Vania: Well?
Yaia: Um... This tastes... kinda weird.
Anthuria: Did... What did you put in this?
Vania: Heh-heh. My very own special soup! Isn't it just deelish?
Teena: Ahaha... Maybe you could try leaving the soup out next time.
Vania: Whaaat?
Anthuria: Well then, do you think ours are ready for tasting?
Narmaya: Hehe, I think so.
Narmaya and Anthuria have both baked chocolate cakes, each cutting a slice for the others to try.
Yaia: Oooh... Something about this cake is weird...
Vania: Am I the only one who sees the ominous black aura?
Teena: A-ahaha... Well, here goes nothing, I guess.
Narmaya: How is it?
Teena: Well, how do I put this... It's good... but might be a litte undercooked...
Teena: Um... Oh! I can, uh, really feel the passion you put in this cake.
Narmaya: That's perfect—I was thinking of the crew the whole time while making it.
Anthuria: D-don't forget that mine is full of passionate feelings too!
Teena: Ahaha...
Teena: Okay then, that leaves just mine and Yaia's.
Vania: Here goes!
Anthuria: Let's see how this tastes...
Yaia: Well, is my chocolate yummy?
Anthuria: ...!
This is superb...
Narmaya: Both of your chocolates are delicious.
Yaia: Ehehe... Yay!
Teena: Isn't that great, Yaia?
Yaia: Yeah! Hehe... I really hope he likes it too.
Yaia: Yeah! Hehe... I really hope she likes it too.
Teena: Oh, will you be giving your chocolate to (Captain)?
Yaia: Yep!
Vania: I'm giving mine to (Captain) too!
Anthuria: Hehe, same here. These chocolates and feelings of passion are all for (Captain)!
Anthuria: And then surely (Captain) will become inflamed with passion just for me...
Narmaya: Of course, I'll be giving mine to (Captain) too... I just hope it's good enough.
Teena: Wow, so everyone's giving chocolates to (Captain), huh?
Anthuria: Oh? What about you then?
Teena: Me? Probably Lucius and (Captain)... I think.
Teena: It's thanks to Lucius and (Captain) that I've been able to become this strong.
Teena: So that's why I want to let them know how grateful I am with these chocolates.
Teena: And Lucius... He's all the family I have left.
Teena: I want to do everything I can to help him find his way to a new path.
Narmaya: Hehe... You two really are close siblings.
Teena: All we have is each other.
The girls continue to wax lyrical into the night about their plans for Valentine's Day.
Teena: Oof, look at the time. We should probably call it a night.
Anthuria: Agreed. We wouldn't want to miss out on our beauty sleep...
Yaia: Umm... I'm getting pretty sleepy, too...
Vania: Yawn... I can barely keep my eyes open either.
Narmaya: I think it's about time for us to retreat back to our quarters.
Yaia: Okay. Good night, everyone!
Vania: Nighty night!
Narmaya: Good night.
Anthuria: I should turn in as well. Good night.
Teena: G'night!
Teena: Well, I should probably head back too...
Teena: Whew... Making chocolates with everyone sure was fun.
Teena: Valentine's Day, huh...
Teena: I wonder if (Captain) and Lucius will like my chocolates?
Teena: Hehe... They'd better...
Muttering softly to herself, Teena drifts off to sleep with a gentle smile on her face.
Heartfelt Gratitude
After discovering a shortage of chocolate ingredients on the Grandcypher, Teena decides to gather more on her own. To her surprise, she finds Lucius on his way out to do the very same thing. Together, the two head out for a long-overdue hunt.
Valentine's Day is just one day away.
Teena checks her ingredients to make sure everything is in order for the big day.
Teena: Uh-oh... It looks like this might not be enough.
Teena: I may have been a bit overzealous with my practice runs... But it has to be perfect this year.
Teena: Sigh... I guess I need to go out and gather the stuff I'm short on.
Teena: Otherwise I don't think this will be enough to make the perfect chocolates.
Teena hangs up her apron and puts on her hunting gear.
Teena: Okay then...
Teena: Hm? Lucius?
Lucius: Teena...
Teena runs into Lucius on the way out, who also happens to be fully equipped and armed for some reason.
Teena: You're all geared up... Are you going somewhere?
Lucius: I was thinking I'd head out to gather some chocolate ingredients.
Teena: Huh? What would you need chocolate ingredients for?
Lucius: Well, rumors are going around the crew that we're running short on ingredients for chocolate.
Lucius: (Captain) brought in quite a haul, but unfortunately there still isn't enough to go around—not to mention the mission we've taken on from Sierokarte as well.
Lucius: As such, I decided I would help supplement the crew's inventory myself.
Teena: What?
Teena can't believe what she's hearing from her brother, her mouth frozen wide open in stunned surprise.
Teena: Oh! Maybe you just ate something weird.
Lucius: Teena... What's that supposed to mean?
Teena: It's just... I never imagined you saying anything like that.
Lucius: Yes, well... I owe much to (Captain) and the rest of the crew. Not only that, but they've taken good care of you as well.
Lucius: So it wouldn't be right if I didn't pay back the favor somehow.
Teena: I see...
Lucius: Yeah. Is that all you wanted to ask? I should be heading out soon.
Teena: W-wait! I'll go with you!
Teena: I mean... I need some chocolate ingredients too.
Lucius: Hmm? That won't be necessary. I'll bring back some for you.
Teena: It's fine! I'm going because I want to.
Teena: Besides, it's been a while since we've gone on a hunt together.
Lucius: Oh... I-I see.
Teena: Okay!
With a curt nod and bright smile, Teena joins her brother for their first excursion together in a long time.
Heartfelt Gratitude: Scene 2
Lucius finally musters the courage to confirm if Teena has found a romantic interest to give chocolate to this year. After revealing that there isn't anyone like that in her life, Teena suggests they both make chocolate for (Captain) together.
Lucius and Teena are on a hunt for the elusory chocolate sprite in order to obtain ingredients for the crew.
Lucius: Teena, do you think this will be enough?
Lucius shows Teena a respectable haul of ingredients.
Teena: Not even close. We need enough for everyone so try to double that.
Lucius: Humph, I see...
Lucius: I must say... Making chocolates for Valentine's Day is much more arduous than I could have imagined.
Lucius: Sigh... To think that even this much wouldn't be enough.
Teena: Hehe... Valentine's Day is a special day to show gratitude and let the people in your life know how much you care.
Teena: That's why everyone's giving it their all.
Lucius: ...
Lucius's responds with silence, his face hardening into a serious expression.
Teena: W-what's wrong, Lucius?
Lucius: Teena... I-is there someone in your life right now you want to share those... feelings with?
Teena: What?
Lucius doesn't react to Teena's surprise—his face still as serious as can be.
Lucius: Teena... If there is someone, would it be all right if I were to meet them?
Lucius: I... I just want to make sure it's someone who can make you happy.
Teena: Ah... Ahaha... Relax, Lucius. I don't have anyone like that in my life right now.
Lucius: Oh... I-I see.
Lucius breaths a sigh of relief after hearing his sister's answer.
Teena: Geez, Lucius... You worry too much.
Lucius: Humph, of course... We're family.
Teena: Hehe... Thanks.
Teena: How's this? If I ever find someone like that for me, I'll be sure to introduce you, okay?
Teena: I don't know when that'll happen though...
Lucius: Oh, r-right...
Teena: What about you, Lucius? Do you have a special someone in your life?
Teena: I mean... You're not as dark and brooding as you used to be, so maybe...
Lucius: Humph, I have no interest in such things.
Lucius: But there is someone I am indebted to.
Teena: It's (Captain), isn't it?
Lucius: Yeah. It's all thanks to (Captain) that we can spend time together like this.
Teena: Hehe, that's true.
Teena: Say, Lucius... What do you say we make some chocolate for (Captain) together?
Lucius: Me? I thought Valentine's Day was for...
Teena: Anyone can give chocolates on Valentine's Day to show their appreciation for someone.
Teena: So it's perfectly fine for you to give chocolate to (Captain).
Lucius: Hmm... so that's how it is. If you put it that way, it may be worth thinking about.
Lucius: But first things first—we need to finish hunting for ingredients.
Lucius has his eyes locked on a chocolate sprite that has appeared before them.
Teena: That's right. We've gotta get a whole bunch more...
Lucius: Yeah... Come on, Teena! Let's move!
Teena: Okay!
Heartfelt Gratitude: Scene 3
After giving their chocolates to (Captain), Teena gives Lucius some chocolate she made especially for him. It's more than a mere symbol of gratitude to her brother, but a gesture to let him know that she will always be by his side as they move toward a brighter future.
Lucius and Teena return from their hunt with a successful haul of chocolatey ingredients.
Lucius: I'll leave the ingredients here, Teena.
Teena: Okay. Thanks, Lucius.
Teena: Now then...
Teena: Oh! Narmaya—and Yaia's here, too. Are you girls making chocolate?
Narmaya: Oh... Yes.
Yaia: Me too, but...
Lucius: You seem troubled... Did something happen?
Yaia: Sniff... Um... There aren't enough ingredients for all of us...
Yaia: Auuugh... I don't think I can make enough for both daddy and (Captain) with just this...
Narmaya: I also wanted to make a big chocolate cake, but now I don't think it will be possible...
Narmaya: Considering that Valentine's Day is tomorrow, we won't have any time to hunt for new ingredients either. Sigh...
The two girls are simply at a loss concerning what to do, now on the verge of tears.
Teena: Lucius.
Lucius: Yeah, I know.
Lucius: Hey, listen up. Go ahead and use these.
Lucius takes out a pile of ingredients and hands them to Narmaya and Yaia.
Narmaya: Wh-where did you...
Teena: We just gathered these ourselves.
Yaia: Are you sure?
Lucius: Yeah... But be sure to leave some for Teena, will you?
Yaia: You got it!
Narmaya: Thank you.
Lucius: Don't mention it.
Pleased that he was able to be of service to others, Lucius leaves them with a satisfied grin.
Narmaya: Okay then, Yaia! Are you ready to make some chocolates together?
Yaia: Yeah!
Narmaya and Yaia find an open area in the kitchen and begin working in earnest on their respective Valentine's Day sweets.
Lucius: Teena, I'll be heading back to my quarters now... I'll just get in the way staying here.
Teena: You aren't going to make anything?
Lucius: No.
Teena: Why? Didn't you say earlier that it was worth thinking about?
Lucius: I did. After giving it some thought, I realized I have no experience or skills in making chocolate.
Lucius: And giving (Captain) subpar chocolate is simply out of the question, so I'll abstain this time.
Teena: Hmm... You can help me out with mine then.
Teena: You should be okay with just helping, right?
Lucius: Yeah... That shouldn't be a problem.
Teena: Okay! Let's get started then!
Teena: All right, so just go ahead and mix this chocolate.
Teena: Try not to let too much air into the pockets though.
Lucius: How does this look?
Teena: Yeah, just like that—until the luster is nice and smooth.
Lucius: Understood.
Teena: Ouch!
Lucius: Teena!
Teena: Ahaha, I'm fine... Just burnt myself a little is all.
Lucius: Come on now, be careful.
Teena: Haha, right...
Teena: Hmm...
Lucius: What's the matter?
Teena: Well, the chocolate's hardened... but it's not exactly how I pictured it coming out in my head.
Lucius: Hm. What were you hoping for it to look like?
Teena: Um...
Teena vividly explains in detail the design she had in mind.
Lucius: Understood.
Teena: Huh?
In a flash of an eye, Lucius takes a knife to the chocolate, elaborately carving it into the shape Teena had described.
Lucius: What do you think, Teena?
Teena: Incredible... Since when were you such a pro at this?
Lucius: Heh. Don't underestimate what I can do with a blade in hand.
Teena: Phew... All that's left is to wait for it to solidify, and we're done.
Lucius: Right. I must say though, your talents are impressive as ever.
Teena: You think? That means a lot coming from you, Lucius.
Teena beams at Lucius, her eyes gleaming with pride.
Lucius's expression softens into a smile in return.
Valentine's Day has come at last.
Teena: Happy Valentine's Day, (Captain)! These chocolates are for you.
- Thanks.
- Wow. Handmade?
Choose: Thanks.Teena: Hehe... You're always helping my brother and me. It's the least we could do.
Teena: Hehe, I've got a good feeling you'll really like this year's chocolates. My brother even helped out.
Choose: Wow. Handmade?Teena: Yep.
Teena: I... I wanted to give you something really special this year for always helping out my brother and me.
Teena: So, um, anyways... Will you take them?
(Captain) takes the chocolate with pleasure.
Teena: Hehe, I've got a good feeling you'll really like this year's chocolates. My brother even helped out.
Continue 1Lyria: Wow, Lucius helped?
Vyrn: Yeah, I can't even picture you in a kitchen making chocolate!
Lucius: Well... Teena said that Valentine's Day is also a special day for expressing gratitude, I believe.
Lucius: So I wanted to do my part as well.
- Thank you, this made my day.
Choose: Thank you, this made my day.Lucius: I'm glad you found it to your liking.
Teena: Anyways, we should probably get going soon.
Teena: I don't think the rest of the crew would be happy with us if we hogged you all to ourselves on Valentine's Day.
Teena and Lucius take their leave from (Captain)'s room.
Teena: Hey, Lucius. Come follow me for a sec.
Lucius: Hm? Fine, but where are we going?
Teena: Umm... The deck should be good right now, I guess?
Teena: Okay, it looks like we have it all to ourselves.
Lucius: What's going on, Teena? I don't see anything out here.
Teena: Um... Here. This is for you.
Teena takes out a chocolate she's been keeping in her pocket and hands it to Lucius.
Lucius: For me?
Teena: I made a special chocolate just for you.
Teena: It's to show my gratitude for everything you've done for me... I want you to know I'll always be here for you.
Teena: Would you accept it?
Lucius: That goes without saying. Thank you, Teena.
Teena: Yup!
Teena: Heh, I'm glad (Captain) liked our chocolate, Lucius.
Lucius: Indeed.
Lucius: Heh... It's been quite a long time since I've felt a sense of purpose doing something.
Teena: Hehe, maybe you could consider a future as a chocolatier.
Lucius: Who knows... I wouldn't be opposed to that, I suppose.
Teena: Someday when this journey's over, do you think we could both open our own patisserie together?
Lucius: With me?
Teena: Yeah. We could aim to go pro, even!
Lucius: Running a patisserie together... that may be worth thinking about...
A grin spreads across Lucius's face as he imagines himself as a pastry chef.
Teena: Not a bad idea, right? I thought that maybe that could be something we do someday.
Teena is also unable to contain a smile as she envisions such a future.
It's only a distant dream—but more attainable than ever before.
With the path of revenge and retribution now behind them, the siblings look toward the future where brighter paths await.