In Wolf's Clothing
A town has hired the crew to spice up its Halloween festivities, but there's a problem—the costumes of the townspeople are so good, the crew worry their own costumes are inadequate. To solve this, Wulf will go as himself, but to others it'll look like he's wearing an authentic werewolf costume. He invites Renie, seeing this as a chance for her to bond with the crew. She refuses at first but slowly comes around.
Halloween is approaching, and a lupine figure busies himself carrying cargo from the Grandcypher's deck to its storage hold.
Wulf: There. That's the last of it.
Wulf: The crew members won't be able to enjoy their little holiday without these important supplies.
The crew had been stocking up on loads of Halloween essentials.Wulf happened to be passing by, and when he saw how much they'd bought, he volunteered to help carry everything.
The werewolf wipes the sweat from his brow. His name is Wulf.He used to live in a forest with a little girl named Renie.
Unfortunately, conditions on their island turned against them, and the pair could no longer safely remain in the forest.
(Captain) and company happened to be on the same island for a mission. They offered to let Wulf and Renie come aboard.
And so the mismatched duo travel with the crew while searching for a quiet place to call home. Wulf lends the crew a hand when he can.
Wulf: (Captain), all the cargo is—
Wulf: Hm? Looks like something is amiss...
When Wulf steps out onto the deck, he sees (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn huddled in a serious meeting.
Lyria: Hm... How should we handle this?
Vyrn: Who knew the island was already in full Halloween mode.
Lyria: Yeah... It's like the entire town is swarming with monsters. The makeup makes them look so real.
Vyrn: We're gonna need to rethink our plans now that we know what we're up against.
Lyria: Sigh... We haven't even started yet, and we've got problems. Siero trusted us with this job though.
Vyrn: Yep. How're we supposed to jazz up this town's Halloween even more than it already is?
(Captain) and Lyria both nod in agreement with Vyrn.
Wulf: I see. So that's what those costumes and supplies I put away are for.
Lyria: Oh! Hi, Wulf!
Wulf: Sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop.
Wulf: Are you worried that your costumes aren't up to the task?
Lyria: Yes. It looks like the people of this island take Halloween very seriously.
Lyria and Vyrn tell Wulf what they saw while they were shopping in town.
Wulf: Halloween isn't even here yet, and people have already put up decorations and donned their costumes. What a strange bunch.
Vyrn: So every year, crews like ours are hired to kick the festivities into high gear.
Wulf: But from what you've told me, what's adequate for the islanders isn't good enough coming from outsiders. They expect better.
Wulf: I think I can help you with your problem.
Lyria: What do you mean?
Wulf: Don't I naturally have the perfect costume?
Wulf: Dressing up as a werewolf is a popular choice from what I've seen on other islands.
Vyrn: Oh yeah! We saw plenty of people wearing wolf masks!
Lyria: I think it just might work!
Lyria: Oh, but do you think Renie will join us too?
Vyrn: Good question. That girl always stays in her room during any holiday season. Still, we should probably at least ask, right?
Lyria: Hm... Probably...
Wulf: I'll try to convince her to come with us, if that's okay.
Vyrn: Whoa! You sure 'bout that?
Wulf: Renie's getting used to life on the ship. It's not much, but it's a start.
Wulf: She's a hard girl to understand because she keeps to herself.
Vyrn: Hm, she barely says anything whenever we manage to catch a glimpse of her.
Wulf: Which is why I think this is the opportune time for her to get to know everyone.
Wulf: I can walk around in public without drawing attention under the pretext of Halloween. No one will question why she's with me.
Wulf: Renie isn't going to suddenly open up to you, but as long as I'm there, she might find it easier to talk.
Lyria: Yay! Halloween with Renie sounds like so much fun!
Vyrn: Hehe, you've been wanting to hang out with Renie for ages.
- This'll be great!
- I'm happy to hang out with Wulf too.
Choose: This'll be great!Wulf: I hope she starts to feel the same way about you people too.
Choose: I'm happy to hang out with Wulf too.Wulf: What an interesting captain.
Wulf: Ah, I don't mean that in a bad way. Thank you, (Captain).
Continue 1Vyrn: Those townspeople are gonna wet their pants when they see Wulf!
Lyria: Uh-huh! There's nothing realer than an actual werewolf!
Wulf: I'll try not to disappoint. Anyway, I'll go talk to Renie.
Lyria: Okay! Oh, and thanks for carrying everything to storage!
Wulf: Think of it as a small favor for all the hospitality you've shown us.
Wulf waves goodbye and goes to Renie's room.
Renie: I don't wanna.
Wulf: Renie...
Wulf tells Renie about the event in town, but she shuts him down with a firm no.
Wulf: This island is a burgeoning place that's much bigger than our old one. What's the harm in some sightseeing?
Renie: A town is still a town. The only difference is how many people live in it.
Renie: Besides, I can see all the Halloween stuff from the deck. Why do I need to leave the ship?
Wulf: Well, that's true, but considering how this town celebrates Halloween, I'll be able to go into town too.
Renie: Really?
Wulf: According to Lyria and the others, the islanders put a lot of effort into their costumes. In fact they're already wearing them.
Wulf: I should have no trouble blending in. No one will suspect I'm a real werewolf.
Wulf: Think about it. How often do we get to stroll through a town without incident?
Renie: ...
Renie: Why do you need to help the crew with their job then? You and I could just go by ourselves.
Renie: Being with the crew means they'll have to talk to other people.
Renie: We'll get caught.
Wulf: That could happen, yes.
Renie: Right, so...
Wulf: But what about the things they've done for us?
Wulf: (Captain) and the others took us in and gave us shelter.
Wulf: We're still together because of them. (Captain) saved you.
Wulf: The least you can do is show a little appreciation.
Renie: I know what you're trying to say, but...
Renie: Sigh... Let me think about it.
Wulf: All right. There's still time before Halloween. Sleep on it.
Wulf: Anyway, you must be hungry. Shall we go to the mess hall?
Renie: Okay.
Wulf: I just lugged bags of Halloween candy there too. I'm sure you could grab some treats.
Renie: Candy! Did they really buy that much?
Wulf: You won't believe your eyes. Sure, most of it is for the job, but I assume they bought enough for the whole crew to enjoy as well.
Renie: Is Halloween that fun?
Wulf: I wouldn't know. I've only heard of the holiday.
Wulf: Although I've never participated in the activities, that doesn't mean I hate the taste of sweets.
Renie: I... also don't hate Halloween sweets.
Renie: Hey, Wulf?
Wulf: Yes?
Renie: What if I did go into town? What kind of costume would look good on me?
Wulf: Renie!
Renie: I said, "what if." How can you invite me without even thinking about my costume?
Wulf: S-sorry...
Renie: We can't walk around looking like we normally do, even if it is Halloween.
Renie: And it'll look weird if you're dressed up and I'm not.
Wulf: I can't argue with that logic. The thought never even occurred to me.
Wulf: How about we brainstorm a few costume ideas?
Renie: Okay.
Renie gives a small nod and takes his paw as if to signal she's ready to go get some food.
Wulf nods back without a word, and they leave the room in a cheerier mood than usual.
A Spirited World
On Halloween night, Wulf and Renie accompany the crew into town, and their new costumes are a huge hit with the townspeople. Renie struggles to put up with the fawning trick-or-treaters, but when her relation to Wulf is questioned, she falters and runs back to the Grandcypher. Wulf chases after her, leaving the night's job in (Captain)'s capable hands.
Halloween night is finally here.
Before heading into town, (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn wait on the deck for Wulf and Renie.
Lyria: Wulf never got back to us, did he? I wonder if he's coming?
Vyrn: Other crew members are helpin' out, so we ain't shorthanded, but I'd feel a lot better having Wulf around...
Wulf: Sorry to keep you all waiting.
Wulf: I don't mind expending the effort to make costumes, but I can't say the same for wearing them. Putting this on was a struggle.
Lyria: Wow! You look so cool, Wulf!
Wulf: Ah... Thanks. That makes it all worthwhile.
Lyria: Ehehe. It fits your look nicely, even more than your usual clothes!
Lyria: So I guess Renie won't be joining us then?
Looking around the deck, Lyria sees no sign of the girl.
Wulf: Renie, how long are you going to hide for?
Wulf calls out gently to someone behind him.
Renie: ...
Lyria: Gasp! Oh my gosh! Renie, you look sooo cute!
Vyrn: Hehe! Finally got her into a costume, eh? Go on, (Captain), tell her how good she looks!
- Very cute!
- You look like Wulf.
Choose: Very cute!Renie: I guess...
Choose: You look like Wulf.Renie: It's not like I was trying to...
Renie: I just thought werewolves should travel in packs.
Continue 1Vyrn: So those costumes are handmade, huh?
Wulf: Yes, I learned to sew and such while living in the forest.
Vyrn: Gotcha! But I didn't know you were gonna change too, Wulf.
Wulf: Is that so? I suppose I didn't have to wear something different after all.
Lyria: No, no! It's totally fine! Dressing up is part of what makes Halloween exciting!
Renie: I'm not exactly doing this for fun.
Renie: If Wulf doesn't make it look like he's wearing a costume, people are going to get suspicious.
Lyria: Yes, we have to be careful not to blow his cover! This is just the thing we need for a stress-free evening!
Wulf: Speaking of which, it looks like the night's activities are beginning.
They can hear the townspeople in the distance, oohing and aahing at the dazzling colors and sights.
Lyria: Mm-hm, everyone else already went ahead. Let's go catch up to them!
Viewing the lit-up town from the ship is one thing, but actually being among the displays is an eye-popping experience.
Vyrn: Jeepers creepers! Look at this place. It's way crazier than the time we came by to shop.
Wulf: Pretty much everyone is in costume. This is more than I originally imagined.
Wulf: Stick close, Renie. It'll mean trouble if we get separated.
Renie: I'm fine...
Renie: (The street's packed with dummy grown-ups not acting their age.)
Renie: (It's too loud.)
Renie: (But it looks like Wulf's having an okay time...)
Lyria: Renie? Are you okay?
Renie: I said I'm fine. There's nothing on my mind.
Lyria: O-oh, okay... That's... good.
Lyria: Ah, I have an idea! There's so many yummy candy shops around here! Do you want to take a look with me?
Renie: I don't mind eating candy, but you don't have to invite me out of pity.
Lyria: Oh...
Vyrn: Uh... Is Renie okay? She seems like her normal self, but...
Wulf: It's her first time being in a crowd this large. She's understandably nervous.
Vyrn: Oh yeah. You two used to live on a pretty rural island.
Renie: I'm not nervous.
Trick-or-Treater 1: Awoo! Slick costume!
Wulf: Hm? Are you talking about me?
Trick-or-Treater 2: Yes, who else? Your werewolf costume looks like the real thing!
Wulf: Is that so? Thank you.
Trick-or-Treater 2: Gosh, it's too good! That's what we get for resting on our laurels!
Vyrn: Nah, your costumes are pretty darn good too, ya know.
Lyria: Yeah, I can't tell the difference between you two and real monsters...
Trick-or-Treater 1: Say, are you that crew the town hired?
(Captain) nods.
Trick-or-Treater 2: No wonder. We saw some other members from your crew earlier. This year's crew knows a thing or two about quality!
Trick-or-Treater 1: Sure, sure, but this guy's got the best costume, hands down!
Wulf: It's a good thing I took the time to make it then.
While Wulf converses with the townspeople, Renie looks at the scene around her with disinterest.
Renie: (See? I knew we'd get roped into talking. This is such a pain. Let's get going already.)
Trick-or-Treater 2: Ooh-la-la. My, what a lovely little werewolf we have here!
Renie: ...!
Trick-or-Treater 1: Hello there, cute pup. Isn't Halloween fun?
Renie: Eh... Sort of...
Trick-or-Treater 2: Aw, isn't that wonderful! What's your name? How old are you?
Renie: (This is dumb. Bugging me with questions just because I'm a kid.)
Renie: (There's no point in being nice to any of these people.)
Trick-or-Treater 1: Wait, don't tell me. You're just shy 'cause there's so many people around, huh?
Wulf: She was raised on an island with very few people. Big crowds tend to make her uncomfortable.
Renie: ...
Lyria: I think her mood is getting worse...
Lyria keeps her voice low so that only (Captain) and Vyrn can hear.
Vyrn: Renie hates gettin' showered with questions.
Lyria: Yeah. It's too bad we can't talk more with the townspeople, but we'd better go.
Vyrn: Easier said than done. Wulf's and Renie's costumes worked like a charm. How do we escape this ring of gawkers?
(Captain) walks over to Wulf and taps him on the shoulder.
Wulf: Hm? Ah, yes. We should really be going to see the job requester now...
Renie: (Sigh... That should free us up finally. Sometimes (Captain) comes through.)
Trick-or-Treater 1: No problem! In fact, we'll take you there! Then we can keep chatting on the way!
Trick-or-Treater 2: That should help the little one get adjusted to the crowds so she can enjoy Halloween with her daddy!
The woman drops down to Renie's eye-level and gives her a big smile, prompting Wulf to step between them.
Wulf: No, I'm not her father, though I suppose we have a familial relationship in a way.
Renie: ...!
Trick-or-Treater 2: Really? But you both get along so well, I just assumed—
Renie: That's it. I'm going back.
Wulf: Renie!
The young girl takes off in the direction of the airship.
Wulf is the first to recover from surprise and runs after her.
Wulf: Renie, wait!
- We'll meet you later!
Choose: We'll meet you later!Wulf acknowledges the captain's words as he continues to track Renie through the crowd.
A Spirited World: Scene 2
Back on the Grandcypher, Wulf apologizes to Renie, and they patch things up while thinking about the time they made their costumes together. Wulf says he'll treasure their trip into town, however short it was, and Renie expresses a similar sentiment. The girl dozes off just as Lyria knocks on the door; Wulf slips out of the room to speak with her.
Wulf scrambles onto the Grandcypher in search of Renie.
She's holed up in her room with the door locked tight.
Wulf: Renie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you.
Renie: I didn't say you did. I was just getting in the way, so I took myself out of the picture.
Wulf: That's not true, Renie. When I'm with you...
Wulf: No, sorry. I know you don't like situations like that, but I still asked you to go. I'm sorry.
Renie: Wrong. You don't get it. Stop apologizing for something you don't understand.
Wulf: Renie?
Renie: I'm fine. Go have fun in town with everyone else.
Wulf: Renie, we both have to—
Renie: Leave me alone. I'm never going back there.
Renie: Don't tell strangers whatever you feel like about our personal stuff.
Wulf: ...!
Renie, I—
Renie: Stupid Wulf.
Wulf: Renie, please open the door and let me apologize face-to-face.
Renie: ...
Renie: I'm not asking you to apologize.
Wulf: I see...
Renie: I don't really care about having a family or parents.
Renie: Just because we're not family, does that mean we can't be together?
Wulf: No, it doesn't.
Renie: All that matters is you're Wulf.
Wulf: Mm. And you're Renie. And we have each other.
Renie: Don't forget it...
She buries her face into Wulf's soft fur.
Renie: What happened to the crew? Are they still in town?
Wulf: Yeah, they said they'd take care of the request.
Renie: Mm... Then this costume was a waste of time.
Renie fidgets with her costume, muttering to herself.
Wulf: You want a werewolf costume?
Renie: Mm-hm. Then it'd look completely natural when I walk with you.
Wulf: Good point. How do you want it though? You'll need a mask that goes over your head.
Renie: I hate those. They're hot and heavy. Just the clothes.
Wulf: Okay. I'll go pick out some fabric.
Wulf: Actually, why don't you help me? You'll be the one wearing it after all.
Renie: Fine. I can handle that.
Renie: No... Can it be fluffier?
Wulf: Something fluffier...
Wulf stares contemplatively at the work in progress sitting on the desk.
Renie: That way I'll look more like a wolf girl instead of a werewolf.
Wulf: Hm... That probably won't be as scary.
Renie: It should look like I'm wearing your fur. It's cuter that way.
Wulf: I... see...
The two push on with the costume, and soon it's done.
Wulf: How does it feel, Renie?
Renie: Super warm and fuzzy. I think it's good.
Wulf: As long as you like it. It's not a bad look.
Renie: Thanks. There's still material left.
She eyes the pile of unused fabric.
Wulf: I took extra just in case, but I guess it was too much.
Renie: Why don't you wear something too?
Wulf: Do I even need to?
Wulf: I thought we decided my natural appearance was convincing enough to pass off as a werewolf costume.
Renie: But there's still so much material left. It's not fair if I dress up but you don't.
Wulf: If you say so... I don't know what to be though...
Renie: Forget about being something different then. Just make some fresh new clothes.
Wulf: So I'm basically changing my outfit.
Renie: Changing into a costume or changing clothes, they're both still "changing," right?
Wulf: Hrm... With logic like that... Well, let's see how it turns out.
Although he's unsure how to proceed, Wulf picks up his needle and a pawful of fabric.
Wulf: How's this, Renie? Does it look new and fresh?
Renie: Mm. Not bad.
Wulf: Hm. This should let us walk together on Halloween without incident, right?
Renie: Yeah, should be fine.
Wulf: I'll never forget our short trip into town.
Wulf: Making the costumes together was fun as well.
Renie: Yeah, the town wasn't boring at least...
Renie: And my costume is pretty okay.
Wulf: I'm glad to hear that.
Renie: I prefer quieter towns though.
Wulf: Agreed. This town is perhaps a bit too lively for our liking.
Renie: Yeah... It tires me out.
Renie leans her small frame against Wulf.
Wulf steadies her gently.
Wulf: Do you want to rest?
Renie: Yeah. I need a nap.
Wulf: Okay. Sweet dreams.
Renie: Mm.
Soon the little girl's soft snores fill the room.
Wulf: Good night, Renie.
Wulf gently picks her up and tucks her into bed.
Renie: Snore...
Wulf: It probably isn't too comfortable sleeping in that costume.
Wulf: I should fetch her a snack for when she awakens—
Wulf: Who is it?
Lyria: I-it's me! Are you with Renie right now?
Wulf: Yes. Don't worry. She's sound asleep.
Lyria: Phew, that's great! Um, there's something I'd like to talk to you about...
Wulf: Sure. Let me get the door.
Wulf tiptoes over to the door and slips out of the room.
A Spirited World: Scene 3
Renie wakes up the next morning to an empty room, so she rushes to the mess hall in search of Wulf. There she finds Wulf and the crew standing by a mountain of sweet treats that's meant for her. Although Renie's heart remains closed off to some extent, she expresses interest in hanging out more with the crew.
Renie: Nnh...
Renie: I fell asleep... Yawn...
Renie stretches out on her bed. She blinks a few times, looking around the room.
Renie: Wulf?
She'd expected Wulf to be by her side, but he isn't there.
Renie: Where'd he go? Ah, there's a letter here.
She picks up a piece of paper placed on the table.
Renie: I thought you might be hungry, but I didn't want to wake you. I'll bring you back something soon.
Renie: It doesn't take that long to go to the kitchen. Why did he bother leaving a letter?
Renie takes a seat on the edge of her bed, still holding the letter.
Renie: He's really thoughtful.
Renie: I am feeling a bit hungry...
Muttering to herself, she gets off the bed and runs out of the room.
Renie: Wulf, what's taking so—
Lyria: Oh! Um, t-trick or treat!
Renie: Huh? What?
Lyria: Oh no! I think we failed...
Wulf: Good morning, Renie.
Renie stares wide-eyed at Lyria, who's shaking her head.
(Captain) and Vyrn are there next to her, all three dwarfed by a mountain of sweet treats.
Renie: What's with all the candy?
Lyria: This is from the townspeople to thank us for completing their request.
Vyrn: Hehe. Those two monster look-alikes we were talking to wouldn't stop fillin' our buckets!
Wulf: Since you left early, we brought back your share to enjoy on the airship.
Lyria: Yes! It was supposed to be a big surprise, with decorations and everything.
Wulf: You've heard of the trick part in "trick or treat," right? We had one in store for you, but—
Renie: But I came in too early.
Vyrn: Eh, this is fine. At the end of the day, it's all about piggin' out on that sweet, sweet candy.
Renie: I don't really care about tricks, but why go through all this fuss?
Lyria: Because we want you to have a memorable Halloween experience!
Wulf: Renie, I know you've been wanting to sink your teeth into something sweet.
Renie: I can take it or leave it...
Lyria: We can go if you don't want us to stay. We don't mind!
Vyrn: Yeah, if being alone with Wulf makes ya feel better, we'll just skedaddle.
Lyria: Mm-hm. As long as you have a fun Halloween, that's good enough for us!
Renie: ...
Renie remains quiet. She gives Wulf a look of hesitation.
Wulf: Don't worry about what we think. Go ahead and make your own choice.
Renie: My own choice...
Renie: ...
Lyria and Vyrn: ...
Renie: I don't like noisy parties. Like the one last night in town.
Lyria: Oh... Okay then. I understand.
(Captain) and Vyrn console the saddened Lyria, and the trio prepare to leave.
Renie: But...
Renie: A small gathering like this isn't too bad compared to that.
Renie: So I don't mind if you guys stay.
Renie: If you have stuff to do in town, I won't stop you though...
Lyria: Gasp! Renie!
Lyria's dismay evaporates in a flash, and with a huge smile she runs over to Renie.
Lyria: Yay! I'm so happy! Here, try this cake! Ooh, doesn't this macaron look yummy? And these candies too!
Renie: S-stop! I can't eat all this at once!
Renie: And what're you so happy about anyway?
Lyria: I'm happy because this gives me a chance to chat with you while we eat yummy treats!
Renie: Oh...
Renie: Yeah, this stuff is pretty yummy.
Lyria: Ehehe. I know, right? There's plenty of other kinds too, so don't be shy!
Vyrn: Hehe, I'd call this a win for Lyria! Now if I could only remember where I put my apple cookies...
Renie: You mean these right here?
Vyrn: Yep, that's them all right! Thanks, Renie!
Mm... Applelicious!
Renie: Are they really that good?
Vyrn: Definitely! Hang on, I'll break you off a piece!
Renie: Wait, I'm still not done with—
- This'll really tickle your taste buds!
- Open wide!
Choose: This'll really tickle your taste buds!Renie: Even the captain is being pushy... Fine, I'll get to it later.
Choose: Open wide!Renie: Wh-who do you think you are!
Continue 1Wulf: That's great, Renie.
Renie: Wulf!
Renie: How long are you just gonna to stand there watching? Help me! Ugh. You're all so... annoying.
Wulf: Okay, okay, I'm on it. Everyone, which confectionary would you recommend for me?
With the mini Halloween party in full swing, Renie takes her place by Wulf's side.
Wulf: What is it, Renie?
Renie: A get-together like this doesn't bother me that much.
Renie: If you still want to visit another town for Halloween, I'll come with.
Wulf: In that case, how about joining everyone on an outing that isn't related to a mission?
Renie: Okay.
A noticeable smile spreads across Wulf's face when he hears her positive reply, making the candy taste even sweeter.
For now, they have a small circle of associates, but with time it'll surely expand.
With that optimistic thought in mind, Wulf savors the laughs and conversations of a budding relationship.