Two-Timing Rat
Vikala musters the courage to accept (Captain)'s invitation to a festival, only to later impulsively agree to hold a handshake event when asked by a festival staff member. Torn between these two commitments, Vikala resolves to manage both without either side finding out.
While stopped in a town on their journey, (Captain) and the crew learn that a festival is going to be held there the next day.
The captain eagerly sets out to invite members who might be able to attend.
Vikala: Huh? A-a festival?
Vikala: D-don't worry about including me... I, um... h-have something to do anyway...
Vyrn: There ya go with the excuses again. Betcha your schedule's actually wide open.
Vikala: N-no, I r-r-really am super busy! I need to write a letter to Mistress Medicine, and... stuff...
As usual, Vikala chooses to stay behind on the ship alone.
Dormouse: What're you chickening out for? Just go!
Vikala: But...
Dormouse: No buts. Deep down you really want to join them, right? Just like at Halloween.
Vikala: W-well... they did say they were going to invite the other Divine Generals too...
Vikala: B-but my first instinct is to politely decline any invitation I receive...
Dormouse: Ever considered just saying yes for a change?
Dormouse: Think back on everything that's happened. You've grown a lot since you started out.
Vikala: I... I have?
Dormouse: You've served as year spirit, attended Divine General assemblies, and even started showing up to crew events... at least sometimes.
Dormouse: You have plenty of friends who accept both your yin and yang sides. That's something you can feel confident about.
Vikala: Dorrie...
Vikala: (Maybe Dorrie's right... I have gotten to be pretty close with the other Divine Generals...)
Vikala: (And I think I've been doing okay workwise... Probably... Maybe... Just barely...)
Vikala: D-do you think it's okay for a Yintopian like me... to go to the festival with everyone?
Dormouse: Of course. Your friends won't think less of you, even if you puke your guts out in the middle of the crowd.
Dormouse: If you want to go, then go! Now's the time to muster up your courage!
Vikala: O-okay! I mean, I'd really rather not puke... but thank you, Dorrie!
Vyrn: So you can come? That's awesome news! We're gonna have a blast!
Vikala: Y-yes! Thank you for inviting me! Ehehe...
Vyrn: You bet! See ya then. And I dunno where Lyria ran off to, but I'll make sure to fill her in.
Vikala: I-I did it, Dorrie! D-does this mean I'm finally on my way to becoming a Yangtopian?
Dormouse: Don't celebrate just yet. Going to the festival means you'll need to prepare. What's the plan for your yukata?
Vikala: Gyah!
Vikala: I can't possibly finish making a yukata in time! Wh-wh-what should I do?
Vikala: I-I do have one I sewed ages ago, thinking it would help me harness my inner Yangtopian... but it's pretty plain, so it doesn't really go with my rat ears...
Dormouse: Why're you acting like making one is your only option? If you need a yukata to match your ears, then put them on and go buy one.
Vikala: R-right! That would work, wouldn't it!
Vikala: All righty, there's no time to waste! Come on, Dormouse! Let the quest for the perfect yukata... begin!
Dormouse: Sigh. This girl, I swear...
Vikala makes her way through the crowds of excited townspeople in search of an outfit for the festival.
Shop Clerk: What do you think of this one, Lady Vikala? This yukata was crafted using our finest fabric!
Vikala: Wow, it's absolutely gorgeous! Did you make this? Your craftsmanship is amazing!
Shop Clerk: Th-thank you so much!
Vikala: But it might be a bit too fancy for me. It's so refined and elegant...
Vikala: Yeah, I think I'd prefer something more vibrant and easy to move around in!
Rival Shop Clerk: In that case, come take a look at our selection! Right this way, Lady Vikala!
Shop Clerk: Hey, Lady Vikala is still browsing here! Be quiet and wait your turn!
Vikala: Hm?
Rival Shop Clerk: It's your fault for hogging her attention!
Vikala: Hmmm?
Vikala: No need to fight, you two. I'll make sure to visit your shop next, miss!
Vikala: It's a festival, so we should keep things happy! Come on, let's all share a handshake!
Both: L-Lady Vikala!
As Vikala continues her search—occasionally causing a stir among fans along the way—a woman calls out to her.
Woman: E-excuse me, Lady Vikala! We heard you were here, and we need your help!
Vikala: Hm?
Vikala: The parade was canceled because the float got damaged, so you want to hold a handshake event with me instead?
Festival Staff: We feel terrible asking this when you came here to enjoy the festivities...
Festival Staff: But at the very least, we can provide a yukata for you to wear!
Vikala: Haha! That's A-OK with me! A handshake to remember, right here at the festival!
Dormouse: (Aren't you being too quick to commit?)
Festival Staff: Th-thank you so much! This will make for a fantastic event! We really appreciate it!
After ironing out the details, Vikala waves goodbye and heads back to the ship.
Dormouse: What were you thinking?
Vikala: Wh-what do I do now?
Dormouse: You'll have to make a decision. Either help out with the event or enjoy the festival with your friends.
Dormouse: And why'd you even agree to such a bizarre request in the first place? You could've just said no.
Vikala: W-well... When I'm wearing my rat ears, I want to wholeheartedly accept any invitation I receive...
Vikala: S-so I got swept up in the moment... and forgot I already had plans...
Dormouse: Why does it have to be one extreme or the other? You need to manage your schedule better.
Vikala: Urgh... I'd better go... apologize to (Captain)...
Dormouse: Are you sure you're okay with that choice?
Vikala: Y-yes... This must be my punishment for trying to become a Yangtopian...
Vikala staggers toward the door of her room with wobbly steps. But just then...
Vyrn's Voice: Hey, Vikala! You in there? It's about the festival.
Vyrn: Hm? You're lookin' even more down in the dumps than usual.
Vikala: Oh, um, well... I actually needed to talk to you about tomorrow too... See, the thing is...
Lyria: The thing is, I won't be able to go to the festival with you!
Vikala: Huh?
Vyrn: Turns out all the other Divine Generals got roped into helpin' with the festival last minute.
Vyrn: I get that they're famous, but still—all of 'em?
Vikala: Th-that's quite a coincidence... So, um, what about you, Lyria?
Lyria: I promised Vajra I'd lend a hand with her work. But don't worry—I'll catch up with you later!
Vyrn: So yeah. At the start, it'll just be me, you, and (Captain).
Lyria: You guys just forget about me and have fun! I'll join you as soon as I can!
Vikala: Huh? Um, um... Uhhh...
Vyrn: It's a good thing you decided to come, Vikala. Would've felt guilty if me and (Captain) were havin' all the fun by ourselves!
- Glad we can all go together.
- I can't wait for tomorrow.
Choose: Glad we can all go together.Choose: I can't wait for tomorrow.Vikala: Oh, h-hehe... S-same here... Teehee!
Lyria: By the way, you were about to say something earlier, right? What was it?
Vikala: Oh, nothing important... Anyway, I need to get ready for tomorrow... So I'll see you later...
Dormouse: Uhh, what happened to bowing out?
Vikala: ...
Vikala: I-I have no choice...
Vikala: N-now that it's come to this, I'll just have to handle both the job and the festival without either side catching on!
Dormouse: What! There's no way you can pull that off!
Vikala: B-b-but... going back to refuse an invitation I already accepted is impossible for a Yintopian like me...
Dormouse: Why do you always dig in your heels over the strangest things?
Thus, Vikala's battle begins, unbeknownst to anyone else.
Panic! at the Festival
On the day of the festival, Vikala tries to juggle her commitments by removing her rat ears to spend time with (Captain) during breaks in the handshake event. The captain's encouragement to enjoy herself briefly eases her anxiety, until the end of her break forces her to rush away with a flimsy excuse.
Vikala: Lucky! Cookie! Vicky! Join me in my yukata for a festival handshake to remember!
Festival Staff: Magnificent! You look absolutely adorable, Lady Vikala! I love it!
When asked to hold a last-minute handshake event at the festival, Vikala had impulsively agreed despite having a prior commitment.
She now dons the provided yukata in her dressing room before the event.
Vikala: Haha! It's all thanks to this yukata you brought for me!
Vikala: It's exactly what I was looking for! I'm totally in love with the cute design! And it complements my rat ears perfectly!
Vikala: But is it really okay for me to use this? The fabric feels really high-quality. It must be worth a lot, right?
Festival Staff: That yukata is a one-of-a-kind piece crafted by a master artisan. They were thrilled to know you would be wearing it, Lady Vikala.
Vikala: Wow, I'm touched! I'll have to thank them later!
Vikala: Just so I know, were you able to handle those other arrangements?
Festival Staff: Absolutely! We've made sure to schedule in plenty of breaks!
Festival Staff: We've also limited any promotion for the event to the venue itself. Is that all right?
Vikala: Sounds great. Sorry for being so demanding. Some of my friends are here, and I don't want them to find out I'm working.
Vikala: Knowing them, they'd probably offer to help. But I'd rather they enjoy the festival.
Festival Staff: Please, it's no trouble at all! We're the ones who made the sudden request, so feel free to ask for anything you need!
Vikala: Thanks! Let's work together to make this event a rousing success!
Festival Staff: Of course! You can count on our full support!
Dormouse: There's no one else around. If you're going to slip out, now's your chance.
Vikala: Thanks, Dormouse. Looks like I'll make it in time to meet up with (Captain).
Dormouse: Are you really sure about this? Seems like a pretty risky plan to me. You ought to back out of this gig while you still can.
Vikala: I'm determined to make this work! If I take off my headband, no one will even know it's me.
Vikala: Besides, you heard, right? All the other Divine Generals are working hard at their jobs!
Vikala: I can't be the only one going out with (Captain) on a... on a...
Dormouse: A date.
Vikala: I-I can't be the only one enjoying some quality time with (Captain)!
Dormouse: Just call it a date already!
Vikala: All that said, it does feel like I'm cheating a bit by going off to have fun...
Dormouse: It's not cheating. There's nothing wrong with taking a break to enjoy yourself.
Vikala: The most important thing is to keep (Captain) away from the plaza! As long as I do some subtle steering, then...
Dormouse: Your secrets from both (Captain) and the festival staff will be safe. In theory, at least.
Dormouse: But I seriously doubt you can keep it up until the very end.
Vikala: No, Dormouse. This isn't about whether or not I can do it!
Vikala removes her rat-ear headband and quickly changes clothes.
Vikala: I-I have to do it... There's no turning back now...
Vikala: A-anyway, Dorrie... I should be going.
Dormouse: M'kay. I'll come find you when it's time for work. Have fun on your date!
Dormouse: Or y'know, maybe I ought to just "forget" to fetch you so you can stay and enjoy yourself to your heart's content!
Vikala: I-I won't stay either way, so please make sure you come get me!
Vikala: A-and it's not a date!
Using her innate ability to go unnoticed, Vikala discreetly exits the dressing room.
Vikala: I-I think we're supposed to meet around here... But with all these people, it's hard to tell if this is the right spot...
Vikala: (Th-things are already falling apart... While I'm wasting time, the clock is steadily ticking toward my work shift...)
Vikala: (If I miss our meetup, I'll be nothing but a complete jerk who stood up (Captain)!)
Vikala: Blergh... Just the thought of it is making me queasy!
- Vikala!
Choose: Vikala!Vyrn: Hey! Over here!
Vikala: Oh, (Captain)!
Vyrn: Phew, glad we spotted ya! Did ya find the place okay?
Vikala: Oh, yes... U-um... That yukata looks really good on you, (Captain)...
- You look good in yours too.
Choose: You look good in yours too.Vikala: N-n-no, I'm nothing special! A pebble on the roadside is more impressive than me!
Vyrn: Nah, ya look great! Have some confidence!
Vikala: Th-thank you...
Vikala: (Th-this is amazing... I'm actually acting like a Yangtopian for once...)
Vikala: W-w-well, um... where should we start?
Vikala: I scoped out the area earlier, so I can show you around! J-just tell me what you want to do!
Vikala: (I need to casually route them away from the event area...)
Vyrn: Oh yeah? Then let's start by grabbin' some candy apples! They're a festival must-have!
Vikala: Y-yes, absolutely! The stall is right this way!
Vyrn: Whoa, hold on! If you go into that crowd...
Vikala's Voice: Um, p-pardon me... I-I need to get...
Aaaaahhh!
Vyrn: Yep, called it. We'd better go save her, (Captain).
Vikala: Hic... Sob...
I'm sowwy... I got carried away... Literally...
Vyrn: Hey, it's all good. We know you were just tryin' to help us out.
Vikala: I-I'm really sorry... I didn't mean to cause trouble right off the bat...
- Which way to the stall?
- The fun is just beginning.
Choose: Which way to the stall?Vikala: Huh? Oh, um, you just take a right... then go straight from there...
Vyrn: After we get the candy apples, you can pick the next place, Vikala! We gotta make the most of this festival!
Vikala: (Captain)... Vyrn...
Choose: The fun is just beginning.Vikala: Y-yes... That's true...
Vyrn: The festival's barely even started. We gotta make the most of it!
Continue 1Vikala: (Th-that's right... (Captain) and Vyrn came here to have fun with me...)
Vikala: (All I need is to enjoy it at my own pace...)
Vyrn: So did you find any cool spots while you were checkin' things out?
Vikala: W-well, let's see... Um, there was one place that caught my eye—
As Vikala turns around, she spots a familiar face in the crowd.
Dormouse: Er...
Vikala: Oh.
Vikala: (Is it... time?)
Dormouse: ('Fraid so.)
Vikala: This blues me out...
Vyrn: H-hey, what's up with you all of a sudden?
Vikala: Just contemplating the fleeting nature of this world...
Vikala: Urk! Um, actually, my hand—wait, no... Er, see, the thing is...
- You want to hold hands?
Choose: You want to hold hands?Vikala: Fwuh? Wh-wh-what are you saying!
Vikala: N-no, my hand... Th-that's right! My hands are all sweaty... I need to go wash them!
Vyrn: Huh? Hey, wait! We're gonna get separated!
Vikala: I might be a little while, but I promise I'll meet you back here!
Vikala: Forgive meee!
Vyrn: Seriously, what's with her? She's actin' even weirder than usual.
Panic! at the Festival: Scene 2
Vikala's effort to balance work and leisure begins to take its toll, leading her to try holding (Captain)'s hand due to a misunderstanding. When the festival staff member later sees her without her rat ears, she is mistaken for a replacement worker and whisked away to help at the information booth.
Vikala: All right, it's time to kick things off! Let's make this handshake event absolutely electric!
Vikala: Ta-daaa!
Vikala: Hey, you two made it! I'm so glad to see you! Come on, put 'er there!
Shop Clerk: Ohhh myyy gooosh! Thank you, Lady Vikala!
Rival Shop Clerk: We're honored!
Vikala: Oh, that reminds me...
Vikala glances around before dropping her voice to a whisper.
Vikala: I'm sorry for deciding on this yukata after you went to the trouble of showing me such beautiful ones yesterday.
Vikala: I'll come back to check out your yukatas again soon—promise!
Both: We look forward to it!
Festival Staff: (Oh my... Lady Vikala is apologizing to those shopkeeps. I feel bad for making her bend over backward like that...)
Vikala: I can't believe so many people showed up without any real promotion. I'm so grateful!
Dormouse: You're really pulling it off.
Vikala: Of course I am! Once I commit to a job, I have to see it through!
Festival Staff: The event is a huge success, Lady Vikala! I'm so relieved... We were right to ask this of you!
Vikala: You can count on me! I'll work hard to put your mind at ease!
Vikala: By the way, was there something you needed?
Festival Staff: No, nothing in particular!
Festival Staff: It's just... I happened to catch you talking in secret (with those clerks) earlier, trying not to be found out...
Vikala: Huh? In s-secret? Found out?
Vikala: (It can't be... can it?)
Vikala: Whatever do you mean?
Festival Staff: Hehe. You don't have to hide it.
Vikala: H-hide what?
Festival Staff: It makes me happy to know you're enjoying the festival too, Lady Vikala.
Vikala: (W-well, I am enjoying it... but does this mean she saw me without my rat ears on?)
Vikala: Y-you noticed?
Festival Staff: Yes, I did.
Vikala: ...!
Festival Staff: But there's no need to be so secretive (with those clerks) anymore.
Vikala: S-since the cat's out of the bag, you mean...
Festival Staff: Exactly. So from now on, you should be more assertive (with your fans)!
Vikala: Be more assertive (with (Captain))?
Festival Staff: Take the initiative (with your fans)!
Vikala: Take the initiative (with (Captain))?
Festival Staff: Yes, really put yourself out there! Mark my words, it will be a big hit (with your fans)!
Vikala: Really? Doing that will be a big hit (with (Captain))?
Festival Staff: Of course! People love that sort of thing! That's what festivals are all about!
Vikala: Y-you're right... This is a festival, after all! Okay... I'll give it a try next time...
Festival Staff: Great, good luck! See you later!
Vikala: B-be more assertive... take the initiative... and put myself out there...
Dormouse: (Somehow I get the feeling they weren't quite on the same page...)
Vyrn: Man, the candy apples and yakisoba were super tasty! I'm stuffed!
Vikala: Be assertive... Be assertive... Be assertive...
Vyrn: Sheesh, you disappeared and came back actin' all funny again... though I guess that's actually normal for you.
Vikala: (Wh-what should I do? How am I even supposed to be assertive?)
Vikala: (W-wait, I know! I'll do like (Captain) did earlier, and casually offer to... h-hold hands!)
Vyrn: Uh, Vikala? Hello? You still with us?
Vikala: U-um! Hey!
Vikala: Y-y-you know... I just washed my hands! So, um...
Passing Shop Clerk: That's right! There's actually a handshake event going on in the plaza with one of the Divine Generals—
Vikala: Please shake my hand!
Vyrn: Where'd that come from!
Bowing her head, Vikala extends her hand forward, and (Captain) shakes it uncertainly.
Vikala: Urgh... Th-thank you very much... I'm a big fan...
Vyrn: The heck?
Noticing the sadness in Vikala's eyes, the captain nods with sudden comprehension and adjusts the handshake.
Vikala: Bwuh-huh? Wh-wh-what... (Captain)? This feels more like... holding hands!
(Captain) starts walking, turning to tell Vikala that it's to prevent them from getting separated.
Vikala: O-ohh, I see now... Yes, we wouldn't want to lose each other in the crowd!
Vyrn: By the way, earlier when you started yellin', I could've sworn I heard something about a Divine General shakin' hands...
Vikala: R-really? I kinda feel like I maybe possibly didn't not catch that myself...
Vikala: (N-not good! The staff is one thing, but I can't let (Captain) and Vyrn find out too!)
Dormouse: (Vikala, it's time...)
Suddenly, Dormouse pops out from the shadows to inform Vikala that her time is up.
Vikala: (Wh-why now!)
Vikala: Oh, maybe what you heard was that one of the Divine Generals had finished with their work.
Vikala: I-I have a, um, friend on the staff, so I'll go check real quick!
Vyrn: Something's fishy. She's always weird, but today she's takin' it to a whole new level.
Against all odds, Vikala's reckless struggle continues.
Vikala: Thank yew, thank yew! Come on, put 'er there! I'm so happy to meet you!
Vikala: S-so, the cotton candy up ahead is pretty tasty... It has a really unique flavor...
Vyrn: Oh yeah? Did ya try it while you were off on your own?
Vikala: Whahuh? N-no, um, I think I must have heard about it from someone else...
Vikala: (Th-that was close... I accidentally started talking about a gift I got from a fan earlier!)
However, it becomes increasingly obvious that she is reaching her breaking point.
Vikala: Huff... Puff...
Let's see, um... Next I need to change clothes, and then... What was it again?
Vikala: ...
Dormouse: You okay, Vikala? Snap out of it.
Vikala: Hwah! Oh, s-s-sorry, Dorrie... I think I spaced out for a moment...
Festival Staff: Lady Vikala? Are you there?
Festival Staff: What! Who are you?
Vikala: Huh?
Vikala: Ack!
Vikala: (O-oh no! I haven't put on my rat ears yet!)
Vikala: W-wait, but... you should already know who I am (since you gave me advice), right?
Festival Staff: Are you perhaps the fill-in for the information booth?
Vikala: What? No, actually, um...
Festival Staff: Come to think of it, we did request for the new replacement to wear a plain yukata! It's a huge help that you came so early!
Festival Staff: Now, come along! This is Lady Vikala's dressing room! You're supposed to be over here!
Vikala: Wh-whaaat!
Panic! at the Festival: Scene 3
At the information booth, Vikala encounters a troublemaker who planted a grasshopper in his food. But her genuine concern—rooted in memories of her childhood—moves him to confess that he was upset by delays at the handshake event. Just then, (Captain) and Vyrn find Vikala working at the booth, plunging her into despair.
Vikala: (Wh-why is this happening!)
While juggling both a handshake event and festival visit with (Captain), Vikala is mistaken for an information booth attendant.
Festival Staff: All right! That should cover everything you need to know for the job!
Festival Staff: Just to reiterate, the lost child center—which you'll inevitably be asked about the most—is right over there. So, all good?
Vikala: Y-yes, I think so!
Vikala: (Urgh... Nothing about this is "good"... But I can't help but say yes when someone asks that...)
Festival Staff: Great! Then get out there and give it your best!
And so, Vikala finds herself working at the information booth, following the path of least resistance.
Vikala: (Aaahh... This booth is way too close to where (Captain) and Vyrn are!)
Vikala: (I'm not even supposed to be here, but I still can't say no when someone in authority gives me orders... Stupid me...)
Vikala: (A-anyway, I just need to keep a low profile and get this over with! Keep moving the conversation along!)
Vikala: S-sorry for the delay! H-h-how can I help you today?
Arrogant Man: Finally! Sure took you long enough! Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?
Vikala: Um, the lost child center is that way...
Arrogant Man: The hell! Do I look like a lost child to you? If anything, I'd be a parent looking for a kid!
Vikala: S-s-sorry! My mistake! It just slipped out!
Festival Staff: (Is she going to be okay? He seems like one of those guys who complains to get free stuff...)
Arrogant Man: (Did she instantly peg me as a scammer and try to blow me off?)
Arrogant Man: (I've been perfecting the art of scamming for ten solid years! I won't be brushed aside so easily! Time to step up my game...)
Vikala: S-so what can I do for you?
Arrogant Man: Look at this. I bought this yakisoba from that stall over there.
Arrogant Man: And there was a grasshopper in it! The stall was too crowded, so I came here to file a complaint instead!
Festival Staff: (Ah, the classic foreign-object-in-the-food scheme. He probably put it there himself, but there's no way to prove it.)
Festival Staff: (A basic tactic, but he's a tough customer. This might call for someone with my twenty years of professional scammer-handling experience...)
Vikala: It's really tasty, isn't it?
Arrogant Man: Tasty? The grasshopper?
Vikala: Oh, n-no, that's not what I meant! It's just... I ate some yakisoba from that same stall earlier... Hehe...
Arrogant Man: Why's a staff member out leisurely enjoying the festival!
Festival Staff: (What in the skies is she doing! She's completely missing the point! Argh, this is so frustrating to watch!)
Arrogant Man: I said there was a grasshopper in it!
Vikala: A grasshopper?
Vikala: Th-then I might have eaten one too... I never expected them to be selling yakisoba with grasshoppers in it...
Arrogant Man: They weren't! They were selling regular yakisoba! Yours didn't have a grasshopper in it!
Vikala: Oh, I see... That's a relief... I was afraid (Captain) might have eaten one too...
Arrogant Man: It's not a relief! Mine had one in it!
Arrogant Man: I'm telling you, there was a foreign object in my yakisoba! Something that shouldn't have been there!
Vikala: Wait, but didn't you just say they were selling regular yakisoba?
Arrogant Man: Uh...
Vikala: S-so why did you think they were selling regular yakisoba if yours had a grasshopper in it?
Arrogant Man: W-well, I just assumed it... h-happened by accident!
Festival Staff: (Wh-whaaat!)
Festival Staff: (She baited him with that seemingly nonsensical conversation, then struck at the weak point in his argument? That girl's good!)
Arrogant Man: Y-you know how it goes! It probably got mixed in when they were serving it! That's why I'm complaining!
Vikala: B-but then... why were you sure there wasn't a grasshopper in my yakisoba?
Arrogant Man: Because, er...
Vikala: Th-there could have been one in mine too, right?
Arrogant Man: Well, I mean...
Festival Staff: (She's relentlessly pressing him, all while looking so innocent!)
Arrogant Man: Y'know, sounds like you've made plenty of time for fun at the festival. That (Captain) your sweetheart? You two on a date or something?
Vikala: A d-d-date? N-n-no, it's nothing like that!
Festival Staff: (Tch, he bounced back fast. Changing the subject is an annoyingly effective strategy when you're feeling cornered!)
Arrogant Man: And another thing! What's with all the breaks during Vikala's handshake event? I still haven't gotten my turn!
Festival Staff: (A valid complaint! It's Lady Vikala's own request though, so there's not much we can do. How will she respond?)
Vikala: M-maybe she's here with a friend?
Festival Staff: (Hmm... Not the best move.)
Arrogant Man: Oh, so Lady Vikala is too busy gallivanting with her friends, huh? Must be nice being so popular!
Arrogant Man: And the rest of us are just supposed to stand around munching on grasshoppers alone, is that it? As if I could eat those!
Festival Staff: (Uh-oh, he's launched into full complaint mode. This could drag on forever now.)
Festival Staff: (She did her best, but this is probably as far as she goes. Did I overestimate her?)
Vikala: B-but grasshoppers are edible...
Both: Huh?
Vikala: I mean, they have some spiky parts that I recommend removing beforehand...
Arrogant Man: W-wait... These are grasshoppers we're talking about.
Vikala: Ah, yes, I know... They're edible...
Arrogant Man: They sure as hell aren't!
Wait, are they?
Vikala: Um, y-yes, as long as you clean and cook them properly... I read about it in a book at the orphanage...
Vikala: Y-you see, I was poor and had no parents, so when I was on my own after leaving the orphanage, I sometimes caught them to eat...
Vikala: But the spiky bits didn't taste very good...
Vikala: Eating those parts filled me with a deep sadness... so I'd rather not do it again...
Arrogant Man: Uh, I-I see...
Vikala: Th-that's why I don't want (Captain) to eat them either...
Vikala: When you said there was a grasshopper in your food, I thought about asking if you'd fared all right with the spikes...
Vikala: B-but I'm glad to hear you didn't actually eat it!
Vikala: Hehe!
Arrogant Man: ...!
At that moment, the man clearly sees a radiant glow shining from behind Vikala.
Arrogant Man: H-hold on... Have you been genuinely worried about me this whole time?
Vikala: W-well, of course... I am part of the guide staff, after all... for some reason...
Arrogant Man: I don't believe it... Oh, I've been such a fool!
Festival Staff: (Heh. Completely and utterly bested.)
Festival Staff: (Instead of just driving him off, she actually reformed him... She's truly a natural at handling scammers.)
Arrogant Man: What the hell am I even doing? Maybe this is why my wife left me.
Arrogant Man: We used to come to these festivals together all the time, but I got so preoccupied with work that she walked out.
Arrogant Man: I was hoping that shaking Lady Vikala's hand today might give me the courage to talk to my wife again.
Arrogant Man: But as time passed and my turn never came, I started to get all worked up... and now look at the mess I've made.
Vikala: (S-so does this mean... he was angry because of me?)
Arrogant Man: Planting something in my food just so I could file a complaint... I'm such an idiot. Forgive me, young lady.
Vikala: W-waaah! I'm so sowwy!
Arrogant Man: H-hey, why are you apologizing? I'm the one at fault here.
Vikala: No, that's not true! It's my fault for goofing off instead of doing my job properly!
Arrogant Man: You mean how you were out on a date during your shift? You're too honest for your own good, haha.
Arrogant Man: But you know, maybe Lady Vikala really has been slipping away from the event to enjoy the festival with her friends too.
Arrogant Man: That'd make sense. And hey, that's way more important than shaking hands with a guy like me anyway.
Vikala: No, you've got it all wrong! That's definitely not the case!
Vikala: (Oh no, the handshake event! I've got to get back right away! But first, I need to get out of here somehow—)
Vyrn: There you are!
Vikala: Bwuh!
Hearing a familiar voice, Vikala freezes in place.
Vyrn: What the heck! We've been waitin' around forever!
Vikala: Vyrn... (Captain)...
Vikala: (That's it...)
Vikala: (It's all oveeer!)
Panic! at the Festival: Scene 4
After some initial commotion, (Captain), Vyrn, and the staff member come to grasp the situation, allowing an apologetic Vikala to successfully complete her handshake event. She later thanks (Captain) for helping her bring joy to others and enjoy the festival herself, and the two enjoy a date together.
Vikala: (Wh-wh-what am I going to do? Now even (Captain) and Vyrn know about my stupid mistake!)
Vyrn: What're you doin'? Did you sign up to work here or something? I'm totally lost, so explain.
As (Captain) and Vyrn turn to approach Vikala, the man suddenly blocks their way.
Arrogant Man: Hey, I'm talking to you, girlie! What're you gonna do about this grasshopper in my yakisoba?
Vikala: What! S-sir?
Arrogant Man: I wasted your time by hassling you, didn't I?
Arrogant Man: If you play along, you can avoid an argument with your sweetheart there. Consider it my way of making amends.
Vikala: B-but then what about you!
Vyrn: What's with this guy? Is he makin' trouble for you on purpose? You're always gettin' tangled up in something crazy the moment we look away...
(Captain) circles around and steps in between the man and Vikala.
Arrogant Man: Well, what do we have here! Standing up to protect the little princess? How heroic of you!
Vikala: (Wait, huh? Is that my role here?)
Vikala: U-um... (Captain)?
Arrogant Man: Heh... Parading your lovey-dovey relationship for everyone to see? You make me sick!
Vyrn: Hey, knock it off! Their relationship has nothin' to do with you!
Arrogant Man: Oh yeah? Either way, it still ticks me—
Arrogant Man: Whoa! What's with this lizard?
Vyrn: I-I ain't no lizard!
The commotion grows, drawing even more attention from the surrounding crowd.
Vikala: (Oh no... Th-this is turning into a huge disaster, and it's all because of me!)
Vikala: (Wh-wh-what do I do? If this keeps up, that man might even get arrested!)
Arrogant Man: Hah! Like I'd be scared of some puny lizard trying to start something with me!
Vyrn: That's it! You're askin' for it now!
Vikala's Voice: Ta-daaa!
Arrogant Man: Whoa! Wh-what the!
Vikala: Haha! Looks like I've caught some naughty troublemakers!
Arrogant Man: Oh, c'mon. Who is it this—
Arrogant Man: No way!
Vikala: A delightful festival like this is no place for fighting, you two!
Vikala: You there, Mr. Grumpy Pants! Fate brought us together, so put 'er there!
Arrogant Man: Wait, wh-what! L-Lady Vikala?
The bewildered man suddenly finds himself pulled into a handshake with Vikala herself.
Vikala: Enough huffing and puffing! You're going to go see your wife, aren't you? If you cause a scene, your plan will be ruined!
Arrogant Man: How do you know about that!
Vikala: Nothing escapes my notice! I've been keeping an eye on you all along!
Vikala: Someone willing to sacrifice himself for another couldn't possibly be a bad person! Just be more honest with your feelings, okay?
Arrogant Man: O-oh... Ohhh, thank you! Thank you... so much!
Vyrn: Hang on, Vikala. That guy...
Vikala: Don't worry! He's not as bad as you think, Vyrn.
Vikala: More importantly, let's continue the handshake event! Everyone, join me for a handshake to remember, right here at the festival!
Vyrn: Wait, what's this about a handshake event?
Festival Staff: Oh, I see. You had a prior engagement with these two...
Vikala: (Huh? Didn't she already know about that?)
Vyrn: So that's why you were actin' so weird. If you'd just told us, we could've worked something out.
Vikala: Sorry. I should have been honest, just like I told that guy from before.
Vyrn: Heh, we're not mad or anything. (Captain) here was worried about ya, so we're just glad you're okay.
Vyrn: Besides, we know you're not gonna bail on this halfway. We'll stick around 'til you're done!
Festival Staff: Leave the arrangements to us! We'll make sure Lady Vikala gets back on time!
Vikala: You guys! Thank you so much!
Thus, the handshake event resumes without further issue and ends on a high note.
Festival Staff: Now, I wonder where my new customer service prodigy disappeared to?
Vikala: Come on, you two! The shooting game is this way! And after that we can try the ring toss!
Vyrn: H-hey, slow down! How're you still so peppy after that meet and greet?
Vikala: I got a boost of energy from all those handshakes! And my fans told me about lots of stalls to check out!
Vikala: On that note, there are still two more candy apple stands left! They're just around the corner to the right...
Vyrn: For real? Meet ya there!
Vikala: Wow, look at him go. We'd better hurry and catch up!
- Let's take it slow.
- I feel like a nice stroll.
Choose: Let's take it slow.Choose: I feel like a nice stroll.Vikala: Are you sure? Well, I guess we'll see him at the stall when we get there.
Vikala: Wow, fireworks! They're beautiful!
(Captain) and Vikala pause for a moment to admire the fireworks lighting up the night sky.
Vikala: Hey, (Captain). I had a flashback to my past today... all because of a silly grasshopper.
Vikala: Er, we don't need to delve into the whole grasshopper thing! Anyway...
Vikala: This was back before I met you and Dormouse.
Vikala: I lived alone in a tiny, freezing room. Sometimes I wouldn't speak to anyone for days on end.
Vikala: But things are different now.
Vikala: Just so you know, any joy I bring to those around me these days is all thanks to you guys.
Vikala: And being able to come to the festival with you and everyone else makes me incredibly happy.
Vikala: Sorry for getting all sentimental out of nowhere...
Vikala: But thinking about the old days made me realize it all over again. So I just want to say...
Vikala: Thank you, (Captain)!
Having said her piece, Vikala turns to start walking again, but (Captain) gently stops her.
- That yukata looks cute on you.
- I liked your other yukata too.
Choose: That yukata looks cute on you.Vikala: Wha!
Vikala: Haha, thank you! The festival staff gave it to me as a gift!
Vikala: It's an instant favorite! Apparently it was handmade by an amazing artisan!
Vikala: Oh, right! I haven't really shown it off to you yet, have I?
Vikala: What do you think? Spinny-spin!
As Vikala does a little twirl on the spot, they suddenly hear a voice.
Festivalgoer: Look! Lady Vikala is on a date!
Vikala: Whuhhh?
Vikala: N-no, it's not like that! This is the captain of my crew...
Vikala: Wait, what? Why is everyone staring?
Rival Shop Clerk: Ohoho...
Shop Clerk: Hehe!
Vikala suddenly realizes she and (Captain) are the center of attention, with everyone watching them instead of the fireworks.
Vikala: I think there's been some misunderstanding, everyone! This isn't the kind of touching moment you seem to think it is!
Vikala: I-I'm telling you...
Vikala: This isn't a daaate!
Vikala's frantic protests are drowned out by the next round of fireworks bursting in the sky.
The cascading embers overhead bathe her face in gentle light, revealing cheeks flushed crimson with embarrassment.
Choose: I liked your other yukata too.Vikala: Huh? R-really? I didn't expect you to say that...
Vikala: Um, then... c-could you wait here for a bit?
Vikala: H-hey... Sorry for keeping you...
Vikala: A-are you really okay with this plain-Jane yukata? I-I made it myself, you know...
As Vikala clumsily explains the circumstances behind its creation to a surprised (Captain), they suddenly hear a voice.
Shop Clerk: My, what an adorable couple.
Rival Shop Clerk: Come on, don't tease them when they're having a moment. How tactless can you be?
Vikala: Hwhuh!
Vikala: (D-do we really look like a couple? E-even with me in this super plain yukata?)
Vikala: (When I made this... I never dreamed I'd wear it in this kind of situation...)
Vikala: (I was just absentmindedly wishing I could become a Yangtopian... without any concrete idea in mind...)
Vikala: A Yangtopian...
Slowly but surely, Vikala's wish from those lonely days begins to resurface within her heart.
Vikala: (I know it's presumptuous of me... but right now I'm really curious... to find out my full Yangtopian potential...)
Vikala: (The urge to test myself is taking over!)
Vikala: (There's still a bit of a walk to the stall where Vyrn is waiting... and Dormouse isn't around for some reason...)
Vikala: (S-so does that mean... anything I say right now... won't be heard by anyone else?)
Struck by this realization, Vikala turns to (Captain), seemingly emboldened by the lively festival atmosphere.
Vikala: U-um... (Captain)!
Vikala: (Wait, what am I even about to blurt out? Is this what it means to become a Yangtopian?)
Vikala: (Oh no, no, no... Here comes a new personal record for cringe!)
Vikala: ...!
At that moment, a spectacular burst of fireworks lights up the sky, the thunderous boom blending with the crowd's cheers to completely drown out Vikala's voice.
(Captain) looks at her quizzically, but she has no energy left to repeat herself.
Vikala: Oh, um... I was just saying the fireworks sure are beautiful... Hehe...
Vikala: A-and also... um, thank you for coming to my rescue earlier!
Vikala: It made me... really happy.
At this moment, Vikala's smile is softer and more genuine than ever before.
Amidst the commotion and crowds of the festival, the warmth of (Captain)'s hand that had so naturally found hers feels like a precious reward.
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