Su Fang

Su Fang: Whew! We finally made it to the legendary castle of Euden.
Traveler: Looks like my job's done, then. I hope you achieve that dream of yours, friend. Take care now!
Su Fang: Thank you again for the escort. Now let's go see Euden.
Elisanne: Hmm? Wait, is that...?
Su Fang: How good to see you again, Elisanne!
Elisanne: Su Fang! It IS you! Did you travel all the way from Peng Lai just to see us?
Su Fang: Indeed. You all did so much for me, and I wanted to thank you in person.
Elisanne: How thoughtful. In that case, let me show you into the castle. I know His Highness will be delighted to see you.
Euden: It's been a while, Su Fang. I'm happy you came to see us. The journey must have been exhausting. Did you come on your own?
Su Fang: I set out from Peng Lai on my own, but, er...got lost on the way.
Euden: Ah. I'm sorry to hear that.
Su Fang: I should have known this would be too great a journey for one who has rarely set foot outside of his hometown. Fortunately, I happened upon a kindly traveler who showed me the way.
Euden: That's quite a stroke of luck.
Su Fang: Yes, I truly am a fortunate man. Someone always seems to be there for me when I need it most. And while I owe all of your people a debt of gratitude, I owe you most of all. That's why I came here—to thank you.
Euden: I almost feel bad for the trouble.
Su Fang: Oh, please! The only one who's been troubled here is you. After all you did for me, I felt I needed to thank you in a truly personal way. Which is why I brought these pryroblossoms.
Euden: Oh wow! Are you going to set them off right here at the castle?
Su Fang: That's right. I know it's not much compared to what you did for me, but...
Euden: Are you kidding? That's GREAT!
Su Fang: Er...it is?
Euden: Absolutely. We don't ever get to see this kind of thing here, after all. I'm sure the others will be just as happy, so let's see what you've got!
Su Fang: V-very well! I'll show you the finest display I've ever done!

Su Fang: Whoa. There are SO many people here.
Ranzal: 'Course there are! Were ya expectin' anything different?
Elisanne: You have put on displays in front of larger crowds than this, surely?
Su Fang: Well, yes—but those were all at home. It's another thing entirely to create a show for so many strangers. But I can't let this chance pass me by. Not if I want to achieve my dream...
Euden: Hmm? What was that?
Su Fang: Er...nothing! Nothing at all. Now then! Let's get started. Three...two...one... Ignition!
Everyone: Aaaaaah! Ooooooo!
Su Fang: There certainly was a good deal of cheering there. This pleases me.
Euden: A lot of the people here have never seen a pyroblossom before. I imagine they found it awe-inspiring.
Su Fang: Yes, I suppose you're right—which means I simply cannot let this chance pass me by! Please allow me to become one of your companions, Euden!
Euden: Um...sorry?
Su Fang: Right, yes. I suppose I should explain my reasons for this request first. You see, I've long wanted to set off my pyroblossoms outside of Peng Lai. My dream is to spread them across the continent so everyone can know of them. I want this more than anything.
Euden: It's a lovely thought.
Su Fang: I'm glad to hear you say as much! Er, but that's where you come in. I learned the hard way that my dream isn't something I can bring true on my own. I'm not used to traveling, for one thing.
Euden: True. You had a tough time even finding this castle.
Su Fang: Indeed. But YOU intend to keep traveling the world, do you not? So if I accompany you, I can practice my craft in every new town we find!
Euden: Now I see why you're asking to join us. Well, I'm happy to help. Welcome aboard.
Su Fang: Do you mean it?
Euden: Of course. Let's show the world how beautiful your pyroblossoms are.
Su Fang: Oh, thank you, Euden! With your help, I'm going to light up the night skies everywhere!

Su Fang: Well now! This village is...um...
Euden: Smaller than you were expecting?
Su Fang: Oh, apologies! I don't mean to sound unappreciative after you brought me all the way out here. But when you said their harvest festival was supposed to be extraordinarily exciting, I was expecting something a little...larger.
Euden: That's natural. To be honest, I don't know many specifics of the festival myself. I'm guessing it involves that log they're setting up in the middle of the street?
Villager 1: Just a biiiit higher... Perfect! Fix it in place there!
Euden: I can't think of many uses for a log hanging horizontally just above everyone's heads.
Su Fang: I thought it might be to hold up the roof of a temporary building, but it's too low.
Euden: Either way, we should go speak with the village chief. We'll need his permission to set off those pyroblossoms.
Su Fang: I suppose we can ask him about the festival while we're there.

Village Chief: ...Nope. Not gonna happen.
Su Fang: What?! Why not?!
Euden: Are you worried about something?
Su Fang: I understand that pyroblossoms can be rather loud and startling—and perhaps even dangerous in untrained hands. But that's why I will take every precaution to ensure the people's safety. I will also let every villager know what's going on in advance so they aren't scared.
Village Chief: Oh, well that makes me feel ALL better! "Hey there, Chief! I know you've never met us before, but do you mind if we fire off a bunch of EXPLOSIVES?!"
Su Fang: W-well, when you put it that way...
Villager 2: I'm with the chief. This is a terrible idea.
Villager 3: This is OUR festival, outsiders. Now make like an egg and beat it!
Euden: Now hold on! If you just knew what he was trying to do here, I'm sure—
Su Fang: No, it's all right. What they're saying is perfectly reasonable.
Euden: But...
Villager 3: Well, at least one of you has sense. Now make like a bakery wagon and haul some buns outta here!
Su Fang: I'm not going anywhere; I will find some other way to take part in your festival.
Villagers: What?!
Su Fang: I might not be from this village, but I still want this festival to be a success. So let me help. If you then find me to be worthy of your trust, perhaps we can revisit the matter of my request.
Villager 3: I dunno about this guy, Chief. He's making like a tree—shady!
Village Chief: Tell me something, Su Fang. Why are you so obsessed with these pyroblossoms of yours?
Su Fang: Because I want to make people happy!
Village Chief: Hmm. I see. Very well. I'll permit your participation— and for you to set off your pyroblossoms.
Su Fang: Really?! Oh, thank you!
Village Chief: HOWEVER! I have a condition... You must win one of our festival's traditional contests!

Villager 1: Hah! Hyaah! *chomp*
Su Fang: So the competitors race to the dangling bread, and then try to grab a piece using only their mouths?
Euden: So THAT'S what the log is for!
Villager 3: Yep! It's the best part of the festival. It ALSO happens to be my best event, which is sad luck for you! Bwa ha ha! Now make like a loser and lose!
Euden: Uh oh. It sounds like he's really good at...er, whatever this is. AND I think he's in your group!
Su Fang: He will be a formidable opponent, but I will not lose. That bread shall be mine!
Euden: Looks like Su Fang's group goes next.
Su Fang: ......
Villager 3: Hah!
Villager 2: On your mark...get set...GO!
Euden: They're neck-and-neck on the race part, but here comes the bread!
Su Fang: Hah! Haaah!
Villager 3: This guy ain't bad... I better make like a ladder and step it up!
Su Fang: Uh oh. He's really good at jumping. Buuut... I'm going to jump further! Haaaaaah!
Villager 2: Whoa! Look at 'em go!
Su Fang: Haaaaah! *chomp*
Euden: Su Fang got the bread first! Now he just needs to make it to the end!
Villager 3: Raaaagh! *chomp*
Euden: But his opponent's right on his tail... Augh! I almost can't look!
Villager 2: And the winner is...

Villagers: Aaaah! Ooooo!
Village Chief: So this is what pyroblossoms look like. Gotta say, they're pretty great. I was motived by your dedication, Su Fang. I could tell how badly you wanted this. I apologize for saying you weren't worthy of trust—and I thank you for what you did. In fact, I'm wondering if you might be willing to come back next year?
Su Fang: Nothing would make me happier!
Su Fang: (Pyroblossoms can never bloom where there is no trust. I see that now. So I won't rush things—I'll spread them patiently, little by little.)
Villager 3: Hey there.
Su Fang: Er, hello. I'm sorry for stopping your annual winning streak.
Villager 3: You DID do that, didn't you? Which means... You gotta come back next year so I can BEAT you! I'll be waiting for you, Su Fang. Now make like a boot and...um... have a real safe trip home.
Su Fang: Oh, you will see me again for certain. I wouldn't miss this for the world!

Su Fang: So you want me to put on a display in your town? Certainly. I'll be along on the day of the festival.
Youth: Thanks a million! I can't wait! Your fireworks are supposed to be suuuuuper crazy beautiful!
Su Fang: Well, I don't know if I'd go THAT far.
Youth: Ha ha! I'm just trying to tell you how excited we all are. See ya!
Euden: Who was that?
Su Fang: Someone from another town who wants me to put on a pyroblossom display.
Euden: People are coming to you now? That's amazing!
Su Fang: He said he heard about me through someone else. It's all rather remarkable. It's humbling to know word is spreading, but it also makes me happy.
City Noble: I say! I hear there is some manner of pyroblossom artisan in this castle?
Euden: Sounds like you just got another visitor.
Su Fang: I am that artisan, sir.
City Noble: Then I shall get straight to the point. A festival will soon be held in the city where I live, and I want one of your displays to close the occasion.
Su Fang: I would be delighted.
City Noble: I did not expect you to agree so readily. We've not even discussed payment!
Su Fang: I require no payment.
City Noble: You would hand over something so valuable for free?!
Su Fang: People's happiness is reward enough.
City Noble: What utter madness! Still, if this is how you wish to do business, I'll not argue. And now, I must take my leave of you. Good day.
Su Fang: ......
Euden: Is something wrong?
Su Fang: It's just... Well, I find myself wondering if that man truly wants to see my work. Usually people tell me that they want to see them because they're beautiful, but that man used the word "valuable."
Euden: Hmm. I suppose he didn't seem excited in the same way other people usually are.
Su Fang: Oh, but I'm not going to give less than my best because of that, of course. I'd be a failure as an artisan if I gave anything less than 100 percent to a job! Well, I must get ready. Excuse me.
Euden: I have to respect the way Su Fang thinks. Still, calling his pyroblossoms "valuable" WAS a little bit odd...

City Noble: Ah, Su Fang! How good to see you again. The festival will be held a short distance from here. Might you accompany me?
Su Fang: Of course.
Euden: We'll be coming as well.
City Noble: Oh, that won't be necessary; I've readied the finest seats in all the city for you to watch the show!
Ranzal: Well, ain't that sweet of ya! C'mon, Euden.
Euden: We're being led somewhere else? Hmm...
Su Fang: Are we nearly there? We seem to be getting further and further from the center of the city.
City Noble: Actually, I think we have just arrived. Yoo hoo! Oh, boys! Come on out!
Su Fang: Wh-who are these people?!
Noble's Underling 1: Don't worry 'bout that none, little man! You just drop them fancy fireworks 'ere.
Su Fang: I'm sorry, but I cannot do that. These mean everything to me.
City Noble: Surely not more than your life?
Su Fang: You... This was your goal all along!
City Noble: Indeed! Oh, but I have heard SUCH tales about your magnificent creations. To think you would take such a powerful weapon and use it as a mere amusement! Ah ha! Aha ha ha! What madness! I have FAR better plans in store... Like taking over the city and laying waste to all who try to stop me! Aaaaa ha ha ha!
Su Fang: ...this...
Noble's Underling 2: 'Ow's that, little man? Couldn't hear ya!
Su Fang: YOU WILL PAY FOR THIIIS!
Noble's Underling 2: Aaaagh!
Su Fang: How dare you even THINK of using my pyroblossoms for something so shameful?!
City Noble: And here I was hoping we could reach a peaceful agreement. It's SUCH a shame. ...Ah, well. Teach him a lesson, boys!
Noble's Underlings: With pleasure, boss!
Euden: Stop right there!
Noble's Underlings: Aaargh!
Su Fang: Euden?!
City Noble: N-no! You're not supposed to be here!
Euden: Clearly I was right to be suspicious of you. That's why I followed you here.
City Noble: Argh! This is SUCH a silly way for my beautiful plan to fail! Run awaaaay!
Euden: Are you okay, Su Fang? Are you hurt?
Su Fang: I'm fine, but that lout escaped!
Euden: I don't care—I just need to know you're all right. I've never seen you so angry!
Su Fang: Ah, yes. That. I guess that man just raised something up in me. He was about to breach one of the key rules of a pyroblossom artisan, you see.
Euden: Key rules?
Su Fang: Yes. Before we learn how to create and light pyroblossoms, we learn the state of mind required to handle them. They can be exceedingly dangerous, and so a true artisan must clear the mind and heart of all possible distraction.
Euden: Interesting... I wish there were more people in the world like you, Su Fang.
Su Fang: Oh, I'm nothing special! I've done things I'm not very proud of, after all. Still, this taught me a valuable lesson: There are people out there who would use my craft for great evil. I must increase my vigilance and ensure they are used only to spread joy—not fear. It seems my dream is further away than I first supposed.

Fiend: Grrrrr!
Euden: This is the last one! Let's go!
Su Fang: Whew! We did it.
Elisanne: I feared the worst when so many of them surrounded us, but we made it through.
Euden: You all did well. Thank you.
Cleo: You're welcome—although I AM rather exhausted now.
Ranzal: Ain't there a village near here?
Elisanne: Yes. It is a lovely and peaceful place.
Euden: Sounds like our course is set. Let's go.
Su Fang: This is not what I imagined when you called this place "lovely and peaceful."
Elisanne: This isn't how I remember it at all... Whatever happened here?
Villager 1: Fiends happened here.
Euden: Fiends attacked this place?!
Villager 1: Yep. Group of 'em took up residence near here a little while back. And now they keep attacking without warning. We've already lost several good people. ...Good friends.
Su Fang: Do you think she could be referring to the fiends that just attacked us?
Euden: Likely as not. You have nothing more to fear, ma'am. We defeated those fiends earlier today.
Villager 1: Heavens! Is that true?!
Euden: It is. This village is safe now.
Villager 1: How can we possibly thank you?! Did you hear that, everyone? We're saved!
Villager 2: Thank Ilia! Now we don't need to live in constant fear anymore!
Villager 3: My fields will be safe once more! This calls for a celebration. Let's feast and make merry like never before!
Ranzal: Sounds like it's yer time t'shine, Su Fang!
Su Fang: Right you are. My pyroblossoms will make a happy day like this even happier!
Boy: Pffft. Gimme a break.
Ranzal: What's with the long face, kid? Ain't ya happy them fiends're gone?
Boy: Don't strain something patting your own back over this! If you guys were so strong, why didn't you come sooner?!
Su Fang: Wha?!
Boy: If you had, Mom and Dad would...would...
Su Fang: Then your parents are...
Boy: Dead, yeah. Killed protecting me from those fiends. How am I supposed to celebrate after something like that, huh?!
Su Fang: Wait, don't go!
Villager 3: Ah geez, I'm sorry. This is all my fault; I'm the one who suggested the party.
Su Fang: You have done nothing wrong, sir. Times like these ARE cause for celebration. And that's exactly what we should do. Will everyone please set about preparing for the upcoming festivities?
Villager 3: Y-yes... Of course...
Euden: Maybe it's just too soon for that poor boy to enjoy a festival like this.
Su Fang: It won't be easy for him to move on. But...
Euden: But? It sounds like you have an idea.
Su Fang: I think I might be able to give him the push he needs. And my pyroblossoms are the key!

Boy: Where are you taking me, man? I'm not interested in your dumb festival.
Su Fang: We're not going to the festival. We're going...here.
Boy: Oh hey, it's a hill. ...Yippee.
Su Fang: I'm going to launch my pyroblossoms from here, and I wanted you to have the finest seat in all the land.
Boy: I don't even know what you're talking about. Can I just GO already?
Su Fang: You see, I also lost my parents.
Boy: Stop it! I don't need pity from—
Su Fang: I had just given up on my dream when I learned the news, and that only made me feel even more strongly that there was nothing left to live for.
Boy: ......
Su Fang: And that's why I'll never forget the pyroblossoms I saw that night. Their beautiful light filled me with the hope to live again.
Boy: Yeah, well...I guess.
Euden: I think we should start, Su Fang. Everyone is waiting.
Su Fang: In that case, it's time to fill everyone's hearts with hope once more! The flowers in the sky will mark a new beginning...and bless the souls of all those who we have lost. Behold, my art!
Boy: Ah!
Su Fang: You know, we normally don't let people sit this close during our displays. But I figured I'd make an exception for you just this once.
Boy: Those were...amazing. I've never seen anything like them. They really are pretty.
Su Fang: They are, aren't they? And so as you keep on living, you can see even more beautiful things.
Boy: I hope you're right.
Su Fang: I know I am. After all, hopes and dreams are things you can never truly lose—you can only lose sight of them for a while.

Su Fang: Three...two...one...launch!
Child 1: Wow! They're so pretty!
Child 2: This is awesome!
Su Fang: ......
Euden: What's up, Su Fang? You don't look happy.
Notte: Did today's pyroblossoms kinda suck or something? Are you feeling like a bitter artist right now?
Elisanne: That's not a very nice thing to ask him, Notte. Someone as skilled as Su Fang would never—
Ranzal: Sure he would! If anything, his skill's likely to make him even MORE picky. Pros sweat the details and all that, yeah?
Su Fang: Worry not—my work is up to its usual high standard.
Euden: Then why did you look so serious?
Su Fang: Seeing those two reminded me of that boy we met a while back.
Euden: The one who lost his parents?
Su Fang: Just so. I feel as though I was able to cheer him a little with my pyroblossoms. I can't help but wonder how he's doing.
Euden: Yeah, I hope he's okay... Well, why don't we go check in on him?

Boy: ...Ah! Is that who I think it is?! You came back, Master!
Everyone: M-Master?!
Notte: I didn't know you'd taken on a student!
Su Fang: I haven't!
Boy: Then I get to be your first! But don't worry—I'll make sure your skills are passed down through me.
Su Fang: I'm not teaching you my skills! Pyroblossoms are very dangerous if handled incorrectly—I can't just start teaching people the art willy-nilly! If they were to get into the hands of someone with evil intent...
Boy: I'd NEVER do that! How dare you!
Euden: Easy, now. Let's not make assumptions. So you want Su Fang to take you under his wing and teach you how to be a pyroblossom artisan, right?
Boy: That's right. And I know it'll be hard or whatever, but like I told you earlier, I'm totally ready for that.
Su Fang: I don't recall you telling me anything of the sort.
Boy: Well, I'm telling you now. Please take me on as your student! I wanna use pyroblossoms to give others the strength to live on!
Su Fang: You... Wait, really?
Boy: The display you showed really moved me, you know? It made me feel like I could keep going.
Su Fang: ......
Boy: I want to be able to do that for other people in the same position.
Euden: Sounds like his heart's in the right place to me, Su Fang. What do you think?
Su Fang: How fascinating... The happiness of those who watch pyroblossoms is what should matter most to an artisan. It took me a long time to realize that, but he knows it right from the start.
Euden: I know what you're worried about, but I think he'll be just fine.
Su Fang: Very well.
Boy: Th-then you mean...
Su Fang: I accept you as my student.
Boy: Yesss! I did it! Thanks, Master!
Su Fang: I wouldn't be getting excited just yet. There is much work ahead of you.
Boy: That's great! ...Er, so what do I do now?
Su Fang: Nothing.
Boy: Then that's what I'm gonna do! ...Wait, NOTHING?
Su Fang: Your training begins with your mindset. Until I'm convinced you've fulfilled that condition, I'm not letting you touch a single pyroblossom. Now then...what is your name?
Kelvin: Kelvin—and don't forget it! I'm gonna get the mindset you want before you know it!

Kelvin: Wow! I didn't know they could change colors like this! How does it work?!
Euden: You have quite the passionate student.
Su Fang: Do you really think I'm up to being his master, Euden? I may have sounded clever when I spoke of starting training with a mindset, but I was just repeating the words my master once told me.
Euden: I don't think there's anything wrong with that.
Su Fang: What do you mean?
Euden: That's just how teaching works— you learn something and pass it down. Now you need to pass your knowledge to your own student.
Su Fang: I suppose you're right... Thank you. I think I finally understand my role now. I shall pass down the spirit and desires of those who walked before me to the next generation of artisans. Soon, my student and I will fill the night sky with wonder!