Like a Dog
Vajra plans on performing a war dance at the Canine Temple's combined festival and Halloween party. But after Garjana injures himself, he asks (Captain) to take his place as Vajra's partner. The clan elder agrees, but only on the condition that the two live together until the day of the event.
A cold, crisp air envelops the early morning forest.
Vajra: Hey, (Captain)! It's time for our morning walk!
- Ruff!
Choose: Ruff!Vajra: Haha! You're getting pretty good at barking!
Vajra jogs forward, with (Captain) following close behind.
Vajra: Who's a good doggie! You're doing a great job keeping up!
(Captain) predicts every one of Vajra's moves, from the direction she'd go down to the very branches she'd leap over.
Vajra: Hehe, nice! I think I've got a feel for your moves too!
Vajra: I'm sure we'll perform an amazing war dance now!
A while back, around the time of the year when the evening air started to feel chilly...
Vajra and Garjana made what appeared to be a formal visit to (Captain)'s quarters.
Vajra: Hey, (Captain)... Wanna dance with me at the Halloween party?
Vyrn: Wait... You're not talkin' about some normal dance, are you?
Lyria: She must be referring to that ceremony at the Canine Temple—the one wishing for good health.
Vajra: No, that's not it. I'm performing a war dance at the temple for a festival.
Lyria: A war dance?
Vajra: We throw a festival to honor the brave souls who fell during the War.
Vajra: And since I'm the current war deity, it's my job to make sure we pay our respects to those warriors.
Vajra: At this point though, we've just combined it with Halloween to make it one big festival where we honor our ancestors.
Imagining the potential fun that's about to manifest, Vajra reflexively perks her ears up.
Vajra: So, the purpose of this war dance is also to honor the fallen warriors...
Vajra: Back when it all started, the Divine Canine at the time partnered up with a dog for the performance.
Lyria: Like you and Gar! Then those pretty clothes you're wearing must be related to the festival too...
Vajra: Exactly! These matching outfits are also for the war dance!
- It looks great on you!
- So cute.
Choose: It looks great on you!Vajra: Thanks!
Choose: So cute.Vajra: Is it really? All I did was add a few extra touches since it's Halloween...
Vajra: But thanks for the compliment, anyway!
Continue 1Vajra: I was looking forward to celebrating with Gar, but he just had to get himself injured during our dance practice.
Lyria: What! Is he okay?
Garjana: I am perfectly well.
Vajra: ...
Vyrn: Hm? Wait a sec... So when ya say you wanna dance with (Captain), what you really mean is...
Garjana: That is correct. My master is requesting that you dance with her in my stead.
Garjana: There is precedent for a non-canine partner... And considering the performance's difficulty, (Captain) would make for an ideal replacement.
Vajra: At first, I wanted to ask Shan, but Gar specifically wanted it to be the captain.
Vajra: I think dancing with (Captain) would be super fun though! You can always count on our captain to step up!
Vajra: So what do you say, (Captain)? Will you be my partner?
- Of course!
- But I'm not a dog.
- I've always wanted to be a dog.
Choose: Of course!Vajra: Thanks, (Captain)! I knew you'd have my back!
Choose: But I'm not a dog.Vajra: Right... I guess I kinda sprung this on you out of the blue.
(Captain) agrees to play the role of Vajra's partner—albeit in a bipedal form.
Vajra: Really? Thanks, (Captain)!
Choose: I've always wanted to be a dog.Vajra: Whoa! That means you'll do it, right? Thanks!
Vajra: But it's okay. You don't have to become a dog.
Continue 2Garjana turns toward (Captain) and bows deeply, as if to express his gratitude.
Garjana: ...
Please take good care of my master.
Vyrn: Ya don't even have to ask! It'll be a walk in the park for (Captain)!
Vajra: ...
As Vajra stares at Garjana, (Captain) notices the Divine General frowning ever so slightly.
Vajra, realizing that (Captain) had caught on, leans in and whispers to the captain.
Vajra: I don't think Gar actually injured himself.
Vajra: But I know he isn't lying to hurt me. As for why he'd do that, I have no idea...
Vajra: Sorry for mixing you up in my business.
Vajra: I am looking forward to dancing with you though.
The following day, (Captain) and the others pay the clan elder a visit to share the news with him.
Elder: I see... So you wish to have your captain stand in as your new dance partner.
Shanamka: Garjana... How poor must your constitution have been to injure yourself during practice!
Shanamka: Yet you dare call yourself Lady Vajra's partner? I would make a far better—
Vajra: Shanamka?
Shanamka: Whimper...
Shanamka: In any case, how did you end up hurt? I thought playing it safe was your forte.
Garjana: ...
Seeing Garjana avert his gaze, the elder claps his hands to garner the others' attention.
Elder: I believe I've heard enough. As an accomplished fighter, (Captain) is a perfectly acceptable replacement.
Vajra: Is that a yes!
Elder: My only concern is the compatibility between you two.
Vajra: Don't worry. (Captain) and I spar all the time. We have a good grasp of each other's abilities.
Elder: In that case, I have a question for (Captain).
Elder: The dogs here at the Canine Temple have lived together with Vajra. Put simply, they're nothing short of family.
Elder: Are you confident that you can keep pace with Vajra—just like them? Will you show us a true war dance?
(Captain) falls silent under the weight of the elder's sharp gaze.
Elder: By Halloween, (Captain) is to become a "dog" under Vajra's lead.
Vajra: Huh? What do you mean by that?
Elder: Have I not made myself clear? You both must live alongside each other and train as one.
Elder: Should you fail, I'm afraid I cannot permit you two to perform together.
Vajra: What the heck! Do you seriously have that little faith in me and (Captain)!
Elder: U-urgh... I did not mean to imply anything of the sort...
Before the situation could escalate any further, (Captain) begins to respond.
Vajra: We're here. This is the hut.
Vajra: Sure takes me back... When I was little, I used to come here all the time with the dogs and spend the night.
Vajra takes a slow look around the cramped quarters.
Vajra: Sorry again. I didn't think we'd have to spend our time together at a place like this...
Vajra: But still, I'm glad you agreed to help.
Vajra: Anyway, let's get this place all tidied up. There's so much dirt and dead leaves everywhere.
In a small forest hut near the Canine Temple, (Captain) and Vajra begin their harsh training together.
The question remains whether the two will be able to perform their war dance in tandem.
Elder: Phew... One wrong move, and I would have fallen out of my beloved granddaughter's graces.
Elder: So... I believe you owe me an explanation, Garjana.
Garjana: ...
Garjana bows respectfully, then hastily leaves the elder's presence.
Staying Together
To deepen their bond, (Captain) and Vajra spend time together at a small forest hut nearby. They dedicate themselves to dance practice while interacting with the villagers, who claim that Vajra had been pure ever since she was a little girl. Hearing those words, she begins to feel uneasy.
Vajra prepares for her war dance at the Canine Temple's combined memorial and Halloween festival.
However, her dance partner Garjana ends up injuring himself, which results in (Captain) stepping in as his replacement.
Elder: By Halloween, (Captain) is to become a "dog" under Vajra's lead.
Elder: Should you fail, I'm afraid I cannot permit you two to perform together.
And so, (Captain) and Vajra stick it out in the woods in order to foster a mutual understanding of each other.
Vajra: Good morning!
Now awake, (Captain) returns the greeting.
Vajra: (Captain), you sure slept like a log! Your face looked super peaceful!
Vajra: But I guess that makes sense. We were cleaning for a while yesterday.
(Captain) stifles a large yawn before getting up, the cool air indicating that it was still early morning.
Vajra: Let's start by going for a walk! That's what Gar and I did whenever we were here.
Vajra: It's how you get closer to your dog—according to Elder, at least.
Vajra: Haha! (Captain), you're really keeping up!
Keeping up was the easy part. The real difficulty came from trying to understand Vajra's erratic movements.
Vajra: All right then! Let's take it up a notch!
Vajra: Phew... Time for a quick breather.
Vajra: Gar and I used to chill in the shadow of that big tree over there. We'd even climb the thing when we felt like it.
Vajra: Huh?
Vajra comes to an abrupt halt. The tree had fallen to the ground and lay before her, as if slumbering.
Vajra: Oh... It fell...
Vajra: Well, what can you do... The flow of time spares none, I guess. Nothing is permanent...
The canine deity stares at the tree for a while, then quickly turns toward the captain and flashes a smile.
Vajra: I'd mess around with the dogs on our walks.
Vajra: As for Gar, I used to ruffle his coat and pet him all the time...
Vajra: Wanna give it a try, (Captain)?
Seeing the captain nod, Vajra responds by placing her hand on (Captain)'s head.
Vajra: There, there... You did a great job keeping up!
- Woof.
Choose: Woof.Vajra: Hm? Are you trying to mimic a dog?
Vajra: "Woof" is wrong though. It should be more of a "ruff" kinda sound!
Vajra: Not that it matters either way. Garjana can talk, y'know.
Though at first amused by (Captain)'s continued attempts to act akin to a dog, Vajra soon begins to frown.
Vajra: Hrm... I really don't think you need to be a dog...
Vajra: But at the same time, if you're gonna do it, you might as well do it properly...
Vajra crosses her arms to think, and after a few moments, her face lights up.
Vajra: I know! I'll just show you how!
Vajra: It's my turn to be a dog. Watch closely, okay?
Vajra: Arf, arf!
Vajra: Pant, pant, pant...
Vajra: Hey, no spacing out on me. When I'm panting like this, it means I want head pats.
(Captain) happily complies, and the Divine General squeezes her eyes shut to enjoy the captain's gentle touch.
Vajra: ♪
- What a cute dog!
- Who's a good girl!
Choose: What a cute dog!Vajra: Hehe, right?
Choose: Who's a good girl!Vajra: Hehe. Hahaha! That tickles!
Rubbing her smiling face up against (Captain)'s hand, Vajra plays the role of a dog to perfection.
Continue 1Vajra: Elder was right about one thing though. I've spent my whole life around dogs.
Vajra lowers her ears and brings her mouth close to (Captain)'s arm.
Vajra: When Shan wanted to play, he'd bite my arm at this exact spot.
Vajra: Meanwhile, Gar would lean in and press his body up against mine.
Grabbing (Captain)'s hand, the Divine General spreads it wide open and comfortably nestles her chin in it.
Vajra: Sometimes, he'd brush his chin against my hand just like this.
Vajra: Eka would lick my face, Dvi would roll on the ground in front of me, and Tri would run around in circles nearby.
Vajra: How about we test it all out?
The two plop themselves on the ground, trying their best to roll around, but the action proves to be more challenging than they had initially assumed.
Vajra: Haha! This is way harder than it looks!
Vajra: But it was fun practicing to be a dog with you!
As she laughs, Vajra stretches her arms upward.
Vajra: I gathered some food in the forest before you woke up, (Captain).
Vajra: Let's head back to the hut and eat. We can start our training after that!
Vajra: Phew... That's enough for now.
Vajra: I see you're as talented as ever, (Captain)! You've already memorized all the dance moves!
Vajra notices (Captain)'s labored breathing and decides to cut their training session short.
Vajra: Let's see... You can tell how tired a person is by their breathing or their scent.
Vajra: You must be hungry from all that exercise. How about we grab lunch back at the village?
(Captain) and Vajra leave the forest behind them in search of sustenance.
Vajra: Good afternoon!
Old Lady: Well, if it isn't Lady Vajra! So you've returned.
Vajra: Yep, I was practicing for the upcoming war dance. The Halloween party is just around the corner, after all!
Old Man: Ah, yes. The festival... Is it already that time of the year?
Old Lady: Oh? And who might that young fellow be?
Vajra: That's (Captain)—skyfarer and travel companion! We'll be performing together this time!
Old Man: I see, I see... Your friend's presence is quite similar to that of Gar.
Old Lady: Now that you mention it, he also used to patiently wait by Lady Vajra's side when she was out for a walk.
Squinting their eyes, the two elderly villagers turn their gaze toward (Captain) before continuing to talk.
Old Man: Lady Vajra is a remarkable individual. She's always been pure and honest, like fresh spring water.
Vajra: ...
Old Lady: That being said, everyone naturally wishes to follow close behind her.
Old Lady: It isn't just the village dogs who adore her. She means the world to us residents as well.
Old Man: Long ago, during a particularly harsh storm, all the villagers gathered to check up on Lady Vajra.
Old Man: After hearing our voices—as well as that of the spirits—the gales were finally quelled.
(Captain) looks at Vajra with an astonished expression.
Vajra: It's no big deal. I just did what I felt needed to be done.
Old Lady: You've always been honest to a fault... That aspect of you has never changed.
Vajra: Yeah, I guess I'm still the same...
(Captain) and Vajra finish eating lunch with the other villagers, then head back to the small forest hut.
After a short nap, the pair resume training for their war dance, which they continue until the sun begins to set.
For dinner, they enjoy a simple take-out meal they had bought earlier. Then, after washing up, the two spend their last waking moments chatting.
Vajra: Ngh... Mmph...
Finally, with a long day of hard work behind them, (Captain) and Vajra get into bed and immediately doze off.
Staying Together: Scene 2
The duo's training pays off, and (Captain) notices that something is on Vajra's mind. The Divine General admits she's worried about never changing. However, she then confidently declares that she'll find her own answer—as long as (Captain) stays by her side.
With only a few days remaining until the Halloween party, (Captain) and Vajra's dance practice is going smoothly.
Vajra: Okay! That's enough training for today...
Vajra: Is what I'd usually say. Let's do a little bit more!
Drenched in sweat, (Captain) asks why.
Vajra: I know you're drop-dead tired now.
Vajra: But I can also tell that you've still got a bit more in you.
(Captain) pauses, realizing that Vajra's assumption was correct.
During past training sessions, the captain had always managed to push forward, even when on the verge of passing out.
Vajra: I told you, didn't I? It's like we're connected!
The following morning, (Captain) also experiences the fruit of the duo's joint labor.
Vajra: Who's a good doggie! You're doing a great job keeping up!
(Captain) fully understands every one of Vajra's moves, from the direction she'd go down to the very branches she'd leap over.
Vajra: Hehe, nice! I think I've got a feel for your moves too!
Vajra: I'm sure we'll perform an amazing war dance now!
While out on a walk, (Captain) and Vajra decide to take a short break by the fallen tree.
Vajra: Phew...
The rest spot had become a part of their daily routine, though the reason why was beyond (Captain)'s knowledge.
Vajra: ...
Vajra glances at the giant trunk for a brief moment.
Initially, (Captain) had assumed that she was merely reminiscing. But now, it's clear there was something on her mind.
Curious, the captain prods the Divine General with a question.
Vajra: Huh? You wanna know why I keep looking at that tree?
Vajra: Was I really doing that? I didn't even notice.
Vajra: Hrm... Good question...
- Is something bothering you?
- Maybe I'm just imagining things.
Choose: Is something bothering you?Vajra: Bothering me?
(Captain) senses a chilly shade emanating from the otherwise bright and sunny bundle of joy that is Vajra.
Choose: Maybe I'm just imagining things.Vajra: No... If you noticed something, I should probably think hard about it.
Continue 1Vajra: But still... I usually just act according to how I feel...
Vajra: It's no big deal. I just did what I felt needed to be done.
Old Lady: You've always been honest to a fault... That aspect of you has never changed.
Vajra: Yeah, I guess I'm still the same...
Vajra: ...!
In a moment of realization, Vajra brings her hand up to her chest.
Vajra: I see... Of course you'd be the one to notice, (Captain).
Vajra: I've never really thought about putting this feeling into words, but...
Vajra: How long do I have to stay "pure"?
(Captain) listens thoughtfully as Vajra continues to pour her heart out.
Vajra: After all my travels with you and recent talks with Brosara, I've come to realize something.
Vajra: People are constantly changing.
Vajra: Brosara's fate was forced upon him by war. That's one kind of change.
Vajra: But he's kinder and stronger now, and I respect his strive to better himself.
With a warm expression, Vajra turns her gaze toward her blade.
Vajra: But everyone always tells me that I'm pure—like I'm some sort of flawless being.
Vajra: Until now, I've never questioned why the voices of spirits told me I was special.
Vajra: But then it dawned on me.
Vajra: Is it really okay for me to keep going like this? For things to stay as they are?
Vajra: I think that's why the fallen tree was bugging me.
The Divine General stares at the remains of the once magnificent tree.
Vajra: You sure are amazing, (Captain)—picking up something about me that even I myself couldn't.
(Captain) denies Vajra's claims, pointing out the fact that Garjana had also taken notice.
Vajra: Gar did too?
Vajra: That explains everything! He pretended to hurt himself so I'd spend time with you!
Having finally understood her canine subordinate's true intentions, Vajra lets out a short sigh.
Vajra: What do you think, (Captain)? Should I stay as I am, or—
Vajra: Actually, never mind.
Vajra: This is my own problem to face. I get the feeling that I'll come up with an answer as long as you're around.
(Captain) nods, then suggests that the two start heading back.
Vajra: Good idea! We'll get right to training after breakfast!
As always, the two spend the rest of the morning in the forest, head back to town for lunch, then return for more grueling dance practice.
The ensuing days fly by in the blink of an eye, and soon enough, the night prior to the Halloween party rolls around.
Vajra: ...
Vajra finds herself unable to fall asleep.
(Captain) shuffles a bit closer to the canine deity, but is otherwise silent.
Vajra: Gar does the same thing—lying by my side like that without saying a word.
Vajra: Hehe... Maybe all this dog training is finally paying off.
Vajra: Thanks, (Captain). And good night.
With a smile on her face, Vajra finally succumbs to her drowsiness and drifts off to sleep.
Staying Together: Scene 3
On the day of the Halloween party, the two perform their war dance flawlessly. Afterward, Vajra invites (Captain) back to the forest. She confesses that, even if she were to change later, her core beliefs would stay the same. With a renewed outlook on life, she then returns to the party with a smile.
The next day, the time comes for the Halloween party to commence.
At the Canine Temple, (Captain) and Vajra take to the stage adorned in flamboyant attire.
Vajra: Hah! Hragh!
(Captain): ...!
Vyrn: Yikes! It looks like they're really gonna cut each other down!
Old Lady: They're perfectly in sync. Truly an astounding connection!
Vajra: (I can feel (Captain)'s pulse like my own...)
The pair move in lockstep, prancing across the stage, their blades clashing brilliantly.
Elder: Sniff... My little Vajra has finally grown up...
After a spectacular finish, (Captain) and Vajra bow together as the audience erupts into an applause.
With the show now over, Lyria and the others run over to greet the two performers.
Lyria: Great job out there! You both were amazing!
Garjana: Master!
Garjana dashes to Vajra's side, his tail waving back and forth in excitement.
Vajra: Whoa there, Gar! Were you lonely while I was gone?
Vajra: What a cutie! Get over here!
Eka, Dvi, Tri: Woof, woof!
Vyrn: Haha, they're dogpilin' Vajra—literally!
Shanamka: Excuse me... I'd also like to join...
Vajra: Okay then! Let's get this party started!
Vajra: We'll start by grabbing some pumpkin pies! C'mon, everybody!
Following Vajra's lead, the crew visit the festival's various food stalls, then gather at the main square to eat.
Lyria: Nom, nom... The pumpkin pie and twisted potatoes are so good!
Vyrn: Careful with the puppies! There's a bunch of stuff they can't eat.
Shanamka: Worry not. Every dish here has been prepared for safe consumption by all—dogs included.
From a short distance away, (Captain) and Vajra watch the rest of the crew enjoying themselves.
Vajra: Hehe! Everyone's having so much fun.
Vajra: I owe you one, (Captain). Thanks for everything!
Thoroughly enjoying the Halloween festivities, (Captain) thanks Vajra back.
Vajra: Hey, (Captain). Can we slip away for a second? I wanna talk.
Vajra: It's something private, and now's our best chance.
Vajra pulls at (Captain)'s sleeve, and the two head into the dark forest nearby.
Finally, they arrive at the fallen tree they had passed many times on their morning walks.
Vajra: Those twisted potatoes are a recent addition.
Vajra: They taste great though—and look fun too!
Letting out a relaxed laugh, Vajra gently plops down on the fallen tree.
Vajra: Remember what I told you? About things staying the way they are?
Vajra: Well, I was up pretty late last night thinking about it...
Vajra: But after our performance today, I think I've figured it out!
Vajra: I really have no idea whether or not I should change!
(Captain) can't help but chuckle at the sight of Vajra's smile.
Vajra: But well... Even if a part of me were to change somewhere down the line, my core beliefs would stay the same.
Vajra: Hearing Gar and the others cheer me on during our performance, as well as dancing together with you...
Vajra: It sure was fun...
Vajra: I won't ever forget anything that happened today.
Vajra gently runs her hand across the decaying tree trunk on which she sat.
Vajra: Those times when I'd climb this tree with Gar, and the memories I made with the other villagers...
Vajra: They're precious to me—and I'm right there at the heart of it all.
Vajra: Ah, I get it now...
Vajra: The reason why I'm able to use spirit channeling isn't because I'm a blank slate.
Vajra: It's because everyone around me shaped who I am today.
The Divine General gives her head a few nods, before abruptly jolting upward.
Vajra: Thanks again, (Captain)! Our time together really cleared things up!
Vajra: And while I'm at it... I'd also like to thank the doggie hiding over there whose ears I see poking out!
Garjana: My sincerest apologies. I was following your scent and ended up here.
Vajra: It's okay, Gar.
Vajra: You were the first one to notice my heart wavering. That's why you had (Captain) be my dance partner, right?
Garjana: That is correct.
Garjana: I presumed a fresh perspective would push you to reflect on yourself as you spent some time here at home...
Vajra: No one understands me better than you do, Gar.
Vajra: Anyway, lie or not, hearing that you got hurt really made me worry. I know you had good intentions, but next time, please take a different approach.
Garjana: Very well... I will bear that in mind going forward.
Vajra: All righty then, how about we head back to the party? It'd be rude to keep everybody waiting!
Noticing Vajra dart in the direction of the village, (Captain) gets up to follow her.
Vajra: I've got an idea, (Captain). Wanna hit the haunted house later?
Vajra: Apparently, Elder goes all out with the decorations every year.
Met with a look of pure joy, (Captain) naturally accepts the invitation.
Suddenly, the captain is hit with the realization that the reason why everyone loves Vajra is because she loved them first.
Garjana: (Captain), I see you've finally come to understand the truth behind my master's being.
Garjana: Pardon my insolence, but not once did I doubt that you would succeed.
Garjana: Thank you for everything. Come what may, I leave my master in your capable hands.
With an enthusiastic nod, (Captain) runs alongside Garjana as the two catch up to Vajra.