A Festive Flight
Zeta takes up a job as a security guard on a luxury holiday cruise, but bores of the first-class atmosphere bereft of even a hint of incoming trouble. Out on the deck, her mind drifts back to her friends on the Grandcypher as she gazes at the clear winter sky. She is soon brought back to reality by a sudden blizzard that she finds suspicious.
Zeta: ...
A small vessel drifts gently through the holy night sky.
Refined Guest 1: Hehe...
Within the luxurious, lavishly decorated hall, pleasant conversations can be heard among the guests.
Refined Guest 1: What a delight, spending the holy night in such a magnificent cruise.
Refined Guest 2: Indeed, it isn't often we can relax and take a scenic ride aboard a sky vessel like this.
Refined Guest 2: And on the holy night to boot.
Refined Guest 1: I'm really glad to be able to participate.
Amid the radiant hall and its elegant melodies, Zeta leans alone against the wall.
Zeta: Phew...
Refined Guest 3: My, what a striking young lady.
Refined Guest 3: Are you alone, perchance? Might I buy you a drink?
Zeta: Huh? You talking to me? Sorry, I'm actually—
She blinks in momentary shock, then gives a casual shrug and smiles at the man.
Zeta: Working.
Zeta: Yawn...
Shortly before the holy night, life aboard the Grandcypher is peaceful as usual.
Zeta: Aaah...
Vyrn: Hey hey, why're you talking like you just woke up from a nap?
Lyria: Are you tired, Zeta?
Zeta: Nope. If anything, it's the opposite. I'm bored...
Zeta: Hey, (Captain), any cool jobs we can take on?
Zeta: At this rate, my skills are gonna dull. I wanna do something.
Vyrn: A job, huh? Have we got anything?
Lyria: Let's see... most requests have something to do with the holy night, since it's so close.
Vyrn: Hmm, I don't think there's anything dangerous enough for you to have fun with.
Zeta: Well, excuse you! I never said anything about wanting a brawl!
Zeta: All right, fine! I'll just pick something myself.
Zeta: Eeny, meeny, miny, moe... This one!
Zeta plucks one sheet from the pile of requests.
Vyrn: Hold up, you're not even gonna look inside before choosing?
Zeta: Come on, it's fun to be spontaneous now and then! Now, let's take a look.
Zeta: It's a security job. Looks like we hop on a cruise ship doing a scenic flight for the holy night.
Zeta: Perfect! I'll go do this on my own.
Lyria: Wait, really? Are you sure you'll be okay alone?
Zeta: It's a small-time security gig—not like I'm going to fight monsters or primal beasts.
Zeta: Seems like a total breeze. I'll be fine without you babysitting me.
Vyrn: Fair enough. Still, watch yourself, okay?
Zeta: (Just like I told (Captain), nothing risky here... Should be a walk in the park.)
The hall aboard the cruise is filled with a calm, classy air—not a sign of trouble anywhere.
Zeta: (It's so calm it's actually getting kinda boring.)
Zeta: (At least I look good in this getup, so there's that.)
Zeta lowers her eyes to check her appearance.
Her red suit was issued by the client to ensure she blends in with the cruise's refined festivities.
Zeta: (It's classy and flashy, but still easy to move in.)
Zeta: (And it being red? Major points. This client actually has some solid fashion sense.)
Zeta: Still...
Zeta performs another visual scan of the glamorous hall.
Zeta: (All this fancy upper-class atmosphere is kinda not my thing.)
Zeta: (Come to think of it, Bea's from a family of nobles. She'd be perfect for this mission.)
Zeta: (On second thought, her forcing a classy little chuckle in this group would be a riot.)
Zeta: (But I can definitely imagine her wiping out an hors d'oeuvres table and causing chaos.)
Zeta: Hehehe...
Zeta: (Eustace, though... I bet he'd fit in without even trying.)
Zeta: (Those silent types who give off a good vibe by doing nothing... So unfair.)
Zeta: Ack, focus, Zeta! You're on the clock!
Zeta gives her head a quick shake, brushing away the thoughts that drifted to her absent crewmates.
Zeta: (I've got to keep it together.)
Zeta: Right.
Zeta: (Maybe I should take a lap and clear my mind. Patrolling's part of the job, after all.)
Zeta: Wow...
Leaving the hall behind, Zeta makes her way onto the deck.
Zeta: It's a little chilly, but it feels pretty nice.
Zeta: (Guess quite a few passengers stepped out here as well.)
Refined Guest 1: My, the stars are absolutely stunning.
Refined Guest 2: This scenery is truly ideal for the holy night.
Refined Guest 1: It really is. Oh, look.
Refined Guest 2: It's beginning to snow!
Soft snow starts to flutter over the deck as the craft moves calmly through the starry night.
Zeta: Snow on the holy night...
Zeta: Huff...
Her sigh rises in a puff of steam and gently disappears into the night.
Zeta: Hmm...
Zeta: (It is pretty and all, but still not really doing it for me.)
Zeta: Guess that's what happens when you're a skyfarer. Scenery like this doesn't hit as hard anymore.
Zeta: (I bet Ilsa would appreciate this.)
Zeta: (She'd keep that calm face, but inside she'd be melting over how beautiful this is.)
Refined Guest 1: Oh dear, the snow is picking up.
Refined Guest 2: Well now, that came on fast.
Refined Guest 1: Goodness!
The gentle scene vanishes as the snow suddenly surges, blanketing the onlookers below.
Zeta: Uh-oh, looks like a storm's brewing.
Zeta narrows her eyes, watching the sky become shrouded by the rapidly intensifying snow.
In the Eye of the Blizzard
As Zeta helps the passengers on the deck take refuge from the blizzard, the captain of the vessel considers docking at a nearby island to keep everyone safe. Zeta uses Arvess to cut through the heavy snow, giving the captain just enough visibility to make a safe landing. Amidst the furious storm, she senses an unsettling presence accompanied by a faint roar.
Zeta takes on a security job in a high-class cruise ship in the middle of its holy night tour.
The vessel's peaceful flight is suddenly struck by a fierce snowfall.
Refined Guest 1: Gyaaah!
Refined Guest 2: It's a full-blown blizzard!
Zeta: This is bad!
Realizing the danger, Zeta shouts toward the crowd on the deck.
Zeta: Everyone! Take shelter inside, right now!
Zeta: Get away from the storm, quick! Back into the ship!
Refined Guest 2: I can't see anything!
Refined Guest 1: I'm going to get blown right off the deck!
Zeta: This way!
Zeta: Hold onto me! Stay close!
Once all the passengers are safely inside and accounted for, Zeta makes for the bridge.
Client: No, no, we can't afford to disrupt our flight schedule.
Captain: We are in no position to worry about that. Safety has to come before the schedule.
Zeta: Hey, what's going on? You two arguing about something?
Client: Ah, Zeta! Are the guests all okay?
Zeta: They're fine. I got everyone off the deck and confirmed they're all safe.
Client: That's a relief. However...
Zeta: The blizzard, right? It's clearly not natural.
Captain: This kind of blizzard is beyond our forecasts. A ship this light can't maintain a safe course.
Captain: We should dock at the nearest island and wait for the blizzard to pass.
Client: But that would ruin the schedule! Our passengers would be terribly inconvenienced.
Client: These people spent good money for this. I can't put them out...
Captain: None of that means anything if they aren't alive to care.
Client: That may be true, but...
Zeta: Ahem. In case you forgot, I'm a skyfarer.
Client: Ah, yes indeed. But what of it?
Zeta: Speaking from experience as a skyfarer, this blizzard is seriously dangerous.
Zeta: The captain's right. A vessel like this won't last. We need to land, stat.
Client: I... I see...
Captain: I'm grateful to hear that from someone who knows the skies.
Captain: So then that settles it, yes?
Client: Sigh... Very well.
Captain: Prepare for an emergency landing. There should be a small island nearby.
Crewmember: Yes, but Captain...
Crewmember: The snow's so thick we can't see a thing! We're struggling just to keep the vessel on course!
Captain: Can you pinpoint the island's position?
Crewmember: According to our last heading before the storm hit, it ought to be close at roughly two o'clock.
Crewmember: We've completely lost visual contact with it.
Zeta: I'll scout from the deck and take a look around.
Captain: What?
Zeta: There's a speaking tube out on the deck, isn't there?
Crewmember: Yes, ma'am!
Zeta: I'll relay what I find through that, so stay alert.
Crewmember: We're grateful, but are you sure you'll be safe out there in this storm?
Zeta: I've handled worse than this. This storm's no big deal.
Zeta: Leave it to me!
Zeta: Nngh, this storm is getting real nasty!
Crewmember: Zeta! What do you see?
Zeta: Hold on!
Zeta: He wasn't kidding, visibility's totally shot...
Zeta: That's it!
Zeta grips Arvess tight, bracing herself against the storm as she stands solid on the deck.
Zeta: I just need one moment... A hit that blows this snow away!
Zeta: Let's do this, Arvess!
Zeta: Hyaaah!
Zeta cuts through the storm with Arvess's might, the snow parting for a brief moment of sight.
Zeta: There!
Zeta: Direct right! Island at three o'clock! We're nearly on top of it! Maintain altitude!
Crewmember: So we were drifting off course after all! Thank you!
Heeding Zeta's directions, the cruise ship turns hard toward the island.
Crewmember: Commencing descent! Zeta, brace yourself!
Zeta: Roger!
Zeta: Whew! We made the landing.
???: ...
Zeta: ...?
Zeta: (I felt a presence out there in the snow, I'm sure of it.)
Refined Guest 1: What a predicament, stranded in a blizzard like this.
Though the emergency landing succeeds, unease spreads among the passengers who can do nothing but wait inside until the weather clears.
Refined Guest 2: No use stressing about the weather. It's bound to let up sometime.
Refined Guest 3: How can you be so carefree at a time like this?
Refined Guest 3: This kind of delay is unacceptable! Someone's going to answer for it!
Refined Guest 2: There's no need to raise your voice. Making a scene won't solve anything.
Refined Guest 3: I have important business tomorrow! I can't afford to be delayed! Who's taking responsibility?
Refined Guest 2: You expect me to answer that?
Refined Guest 2: Calm yourself! This is disgraceful...
Refined Guest 3: Excuse me? Who do you think you're talking to!
Zeta: Okay, that's enough!
Zeta: You're making the lady uncomfortable, so let's cool it, yeah?
Refined Guest 1: ...
Refined Guest 2: My apologies.
Refined Guest 3: I'm sorry. I was getting frustrated...
Zeta: I understand how you feel, but we're all in the same boat here. Let's work together and get through this, okay?
Confined by the storm, the passengers who had been calm earlier start to bicker.
Zeta: ...
While watching over the guests and breaking up disputes, Zeta repeatedly glances outside with a wary eye.
???: ...
Zeta: (The sound is masked by the wind's howl, so the passengers haven't noticed it.)
Zeta: (It sounds like some kind of roar...)
In the Eye of the Blizzard: Scene 2
With no end in sight, the captain comes to the conclusion that the blizzard may be more than just a bout of bad weather, and reveals that the route they were taking was a detour mapped to open up the skies for Santa Claus. Zeta then sets out to find the cause of the blizzard and sails into its eye—where she confronts a primal.
Crewmember: It doesn't look like the storm will die down anytime soon...
Captain: ...
Client: This is a disaster... We were meant to be docked by now. The delay and damages will be outrageous.
Client: Is there nothing you can do?
Crewmember: We wish there were, but we can't control nature.
Zeta: Are we totally sure this storm is natural?
Client: What do you mean? It's the weather—of course it's natural.
Captain: Well... there is one possibility.
Captain: We plotted a course through airspace with as little traffic as possible, correct?
Client: Correct. Our goal was to ensure the passengers wouldn't be disturbed by anything...
Client: To offer our guests the most splendid view of the night and a perfectly comfortable holy night voyage.
Captain: Right. So we're flying a route that's rarely used.
Captain: We did our due diligence. There's nothing inherently off-limits about this airspace.
Captain: However, there is a reason other ships avoid this route at this time of year.
Crewmember: Captain, you mean—
Zeta: A reason? What is it?
Captain: Because this airspace is Santa Claus's flight path.
Captain: This course stays clear on the holy night so Santa can deliver gifts throughout the skies without disruption.
Captain: It's an unspoken rule among skyfarers around here.
Client: Wh-what nonsense is that? For Santa Claus?
Client: Supposing Santa truly does pass through here, what does that have to do with the storm?
Client: You mean this storm hit us as punishment for getting in Santa's way?
Client: So who's causing the blizzard then? Santa Claus himself?
Client: Ridiculous! I refuse to believe such a tale.
Zeta: Not so fast. That story's sounding more believable by the minute.
Crewmember: Zeta?
Client: Explain yourself. How could it be even remotely believable?
Zeta: Truth is, there was a weird presence in the blizzard when we touched down.
Zeta: It felt like there's something massive out there, observing us from the storm.
Zeta: I also heard some kind of a growl or roar mixed in with the wind.
Zeta: It blended with the storm, but I'm certain it was a creature's cry.
Crewmember: What do you think is out there? And how is it tied to this blizzard?
Zeta: I think that thing is the one causing the blizzard.
Client: Then tell us, what is this thing supposed to be!
Zeta: Something with the power to cause a blizzard? Only one thing it could be.
Zeta: A primal beast.
Client: A p-primal beast? Impossible!
Captain: That would explain why the blizzard is so unnaturally fierce.
Zeta: If I'm wrong about all this, I'll be the first to celebrate.
Zeta: But if a primal beast is involved, simply waiting out the storm isn't an option.
Crewmember: But what are we supposed to do if it's a primal beast? Are we just stuck here?
Zeta: That's where I come in!
Zeta flashes a fearless grin, resting Arvess on her shoulder with a casual swing.
Zeta: I'm way better at fighting monsters than breaking up petty squabbles.
Client: Surely you don't intend to confront it by yourself?
Zeta: If I pull this off, you'd better have a hefty bonus for me!
Zeta: Ugh...
Zeta ventures alone into the blizzard, the storm howling wildly around her.
Zeta: This is brutal... But no way I'm going to whine after acting so tough!
Zeta pushes forward through the storm, her steps slow and heavy as she heads toward the eye of the blizzard.
Zeta: (If only Lyria were here...)
Zeta: (She'd know exactly where the primal beast is.)
Zeta: (And if (Captain) were here...)
Zeta: (I wouldn't have to watch every angle alone, and I'm sure we'd be joking and laughing to shake off the nerves.)
Zeta: Ah... If only Vaseraga were here right now!
Zeta: I'd stick him in front and have him take the brunt of this freezing wind!
After venting her frustration, Zeta readjusts her hold on Arvess with renewed focus.
Zeta: ...
Okay.
Zeta: (I'm the one who said I'll be fine by myself...)
Zeta: Get it together!
And—
Frostclops: ...
Zeta: Aha! I knew it!
Zeta: Gotta say, it's a bit different from what I imagined...
Frostclops: ...!
Zeta: Whoa, someone's in a bad mood. Okay, lesson learned: appearances mean nothing.
Zeta raises Arvess amid the storm, fixing a sharp gaze on the enemy before her.
Zeta: Kinda takes you back, eh Arvess?
Zeta: It feels like old times, when the two of us are against a primal beast.
Zeta: Hehe... Time to shut my brain off and cut loose!
In the Eye of the Blizzard: Scene 3
Upon defeating the snowman-shaped primal, the blizzard weakens. The Grandcypher crew arrives on the scene, and Zeta asks Lyria to confront the primal about the weather. It reveals that it only wanted to protect Santa, and when Zeta says the cruise meant no harm, the blizzard stops. Holiday hiccup resolved, Zeta promises to set aside time to party with the crew—but only after her job is done.
Zeta: Ha! Hiya!
Zeta's assault drives the primal beast into a corner amid the raging storm.
Zeta: Hyah!
Frostclops: ...!
Zeta: How about some of this!
Frostclops: ...!
Zeta: Huff, huff, huff...
Frostclops: ...
Zeta: Huh?
Zeta: The blizzard's easing up. Guess that confirms you're the source of this mess.
Frostclops: ...
Zeta: Hmm...
Zeta wavers, seeing the primal beast brought low before her.
Zeta: The old me would've ended it here without a second thought...
She rubs her head in frustration, then crosses her arms and turns back toward the beast.
Zeta: Making a storm and blocking our ship... What are you after, anyway?
Zeta: What ticked you off? I mean, you are angry, right?
Frostclops: ...
Zeta: Ugh... What am I supposed to do? I don't know if I can just leave you like this...
Zeta: Seriously, I really wish Lyria were with me right now!
Lost for answers, Zeta lifts her gaze to the storm-torn sky.
Zeta: No way! Is that the Grandcypher?
Above her, the silhouette of a familiar airship comes into view.
Vyrn: See? Told ya! It's Red!
Lyria: Zetaaa!
Zeta: I don't believe it!
Zeta eagerly welcomes (Captain) and the crew as they disembark.
Zeta: I was just seriously wishing you guys would show up... Especially you, Lyria!
Lyria: Me?
Zeta: Long story short, this primal beast whipped up a blizzard and stranded the cruise ship.
Zeta: I got it to chill out and the blizzard's letting up.
Zeta: But I don't feel right leaving it be without figuring out the reason behind the storm.
Lyria: I see... I'll try asking!
Zeta: You're a lifesaver!
Lyria: Leave it to me!
Lyria: Hmm...
Lyria: Ah, okay! So that's how it is...
Zeta: Understood something? What did it say?
Lyria: So, its duty is to guard over the holy night.
Lyria: It was trying to keep Santa Claus safe.
Zeta: Whoa, seriously? So it really was about Santa after all.
Lyria: It panicked when it saw an unknown ship show up in Santa's airspace.
Zeta: I see... Guess I was kinda rough on it, then.
Zeta: Um...
With a careful pause, Zeta studies the primal beast before speaking.
Zeta: Sorry for knocking you around like that. And for passing through your airspace.
Zeta: But worry not! We've got no intention of harming Santa!
Zeta: If anything, we're just folks who wanna enjoy the holy night to the fullest. Promise, nothing malicious!
Zeta: I'll explain everything... So could you please allow us passage?
Frostclops: ...
Zeta: Did it understand?
Lyria: Hehe, don't worry. Look!
Vyrn: Whoa, the snow's totally stopped!
Zeta: Whew, thank goodness!
Frostclops: ...
Zeta: Still, makes you wonder what the Astrals had in mind creating this beast.
Zeta: Not that I'm complaining, mind you. It's just... kinda cute, y'know? Look at it. How'd it end up like this?
Zeta: Were they just caught up in the holiday spirit? Or were they total Santa superfans or something?
Vyrn: Who knows... but regular Astrals ain't the holiday-lovin' type.
Zeta: True. You got a point there.
Zeta: Eh, whatever! Guess primal beasts come in all kinds!
Zeta: By the way, how'd you all figure out I was here?
Lyria: Well...
Lyria and Vyrn meet (Captain)'s eyes, a wry smile crossing their faces.
Lyria: We were hoping to sneak up and surprise you...
Vyrn: We got to the harbor early to meet ya when your cruise docked.
Lyria: Then we found out the ship never showed and you'd gone silent.
Vyrn: We got worried and traced the route back to look for ya.
Zeta: I see... Sorry for worrying you.
Lyria: We spotted the stranded ship, got the quick rundown, and rushed out to find you!
Vyrn: With that red outfit, you stand out like crazy in the snow, y'know! Found ya in no time!
Zeta: Haha! Makes perfect sense!
Lyria: Your usual armor's really stylish, but you look amazing in that outfit as well!
Zeta: Hehe, thanks!
Zeta: Anyway, I better get back to work.
Zeta: It's running late, but the ship'll get back on course soon enough.
Zeta: I've gotta see this security job through to the end—no slacking.
Vyrn: Guess that's our cue to return to the Grandcypher!
Lyria: Right! Zeta, please be careful and good luck finishing your work!
Zeta: I'm on it!
Lyria: Oh! Look, everyone! Dawn's just about to break!
Sunrise spills its radiance over the white expanse as the last snow clouds fade.
Vyrn: Gah! All that sunlight on the snow's blinding!
Lyria: But it's gorgeous!
Zeta: It's really beautiful... Really...
Zeta: Hahaha!
Vyrn: What're ya laughin' at now?
Zeta: It just hit me... the sky's prettiest when we're all together like this!
Zeta: Right then, I'm heading out! I'll wrap this job up quick!
Zeta: After I finish up and return, we're having a big party!
Lyria: Hooray! I can't wait!
Zeta: Call in Bea, Vaseraga, and the whole crew! I wanna make some serious noise!
With a radiant smile on her face, Zeta waves boldly at (Captain) and company amid the glimmering snow.
