Vixel

Ranzal: You look chipper, Euden. What's up?
Euden: I just heard some very interesting news about Vixel from a traveling peddler.
Ranzal: Ya mean that conductor we met a while back in the snowy town?
Euden: The very same. Apparently he's become quite the household name.
Ranzal: Guy MUST be a big deal if folks're talkin' about him all the way out here.
Euden: It makes me proud to hear about acquaintances doing well.
Cleo: Pardon me, you two, but we have a guest.
Euden: I don't remember having any visitations scheduled for today.
Cleo: He has come without an appointment. Let me show him in...
Vixel: Please forgive the sudden intrusion.
Euden: Vixel! What brings you here?
Ranzal: We were just talkin' about ya! Sounds like yer really rollin' in clover lately, yeah?
Mysterious Man: That's right!
Mysterious Woman: Vixel is a most wondrous conductor!
Ranzal: Who're these jokers?
Orchestra Member 1: We are but humble performers from an orchestra, good sir.
Orchestra Member 2: Vixel brought us to this castle in order to save us.
Ranzal: From what? Rogue bassoons?
Vixel: We come here today to beg a boon of you, Euden.
Euden: Oh? And what is that?
Vixel: It's a request for aid for this orchestra.
Euden: Sorry, but I'm confused. You're apparently the biggest conductor going right now. What can you possibly need from me?
Orchestra Member 1: Yes! Vixel is a wondrous conductor!
Ranzal: Enough'a the peanut gallery already!
Vixel: As you know, a conductor must have an orchestra—and this one is currently mine. And while they certainly have skill, they've also one rather grave issue.
Euden: And that is?
Orchestra Member 2: We're SUPER broke! And look, if that was the only problem, we'd be okay. We have instruments, so we could perform for money and eventually get square. But alas, the roof just collapsed at the old church we use for practice.
Orchestra Member 1: This was going to be SUCH a great chance, too. Imagine, working with THE Vixel! Anyway, just when we were about to give up, Vixel brought us here.
Euden: So you're looking for a sponsor, then? Financially, I mean.
Orchestra Member 2: With Vixel at our side, our next show is certain to pack the house—and I assure you that our talent is second to none! Your donation will NOT be in vain.
Cleo: And when IS your next performance?
Orchestra Member 2: Um, well, about that...
Vixel: A date has not yet been decided. However, I can vouch for this orchestra's skill. The concert is certain to be a success.
Euden: Well, I suppose it can't hurt to give you some money so you can—
Cleo: You cannot be serious. We're in the middle of a war, if you haven't forgotten—and it's not as if we're flush with surplus cash. We should see a demonstration of skill before we simply throw coins at these peoples' feet like common mummers.
Euden: That's a good point. Harsh, but good. Okay, guys. How about you perform a song for us right here? If we like what we hear, we'll give you the money you seek.
Orchestra Member 1: Eeek! It's an audition! I... Um...
Ranzal: Hey! Just a second ago you were struttin' around like ya owned the joint! What happened to "our talent is second to none" and all that malarkey?!
Orchestra Member 2: W-well, it's just that we haven't had a chance to practice recently, what with the collapsed roof and all.
Vixel: Enough of this—your skills are true. Follow my lead, and all will be well. Now believe in my baton and entrust yourself to the music.
Orchestra Member 2: O-okay, Vixel. We'll do our best!
Vixel: Then let us begin! On three. Ready?
Cleo: ...Incredible. That was incredible!
Ranzal: Ya got that right. It sounded pretty, but also packed a hell of a wallop.
Orchestra Member 2: That was so...surprising!
Ranzal: Whaddya mean, surprisin'?!
Orchestra Member 2: This is the first time we've ever played that song so beautifully!
Orchestra Member 1: I...can't stop my hands from shaking. Was that really US performing?! What have you done to us, Vixel?
Vixel: I simply conducted in a manner that drew out such a performance. You believed in my conducting, and thus played the piece majestically. Thank you for entrusting such a wonderful sound to me.
Euden: Well, after hearing that, I'm ready to offer you all whatever you need. Is that acceptable, Cleo?
Cleo: What other choice is there after that performance?
Vixel: Then our audition was a success. Thank you, Euden.
Euden: No, thank YOU. That was amazing. I'll be looking forward to the day I can hear you all perform on a grand stage.
Vixel: As will I. That was but the prelude, after all. No more than an overture.

Vixel: Haaah!
Fiend: Gyaaaaah!
Ranzal: Yer killin' it, Vixel!
Elisanne: It's quite dark out here, and yet you still see well enough to engage in combat. Most impressive!
Vixel: Well, I'm not exactly "seeing" my surroundings.
Elisanne: What does that mean, exactly? Oh, the torch! It went out.
Ranzal: That wind really came out of nowhere. Some fiend up to no good, maybe?
Notte: All I know is that I can't see a darn thing in all this darkness! Somebody fire that torch up already!
Cleo: In this wind, the torch would likely blow out the moment we relight it.
Euden: Well, there's no way we'll get back to the Halidom in this darkness. What's the plan?
Vixel: Allow me. I will guide the group.
Euden: Wait, really? How?
Vixel: As I mentioned before, I do not rely upon my eyes as others do. I am attuned to sound. So long as I can hear things, I can guide us. I will lead us through the forest. Once there, the moon can guide us home no matter how bad the wind may be.
Euden: Do all conductors have this skill...? Well, I suppose we'll see how this goes. Come on, everyone.
Notte: Everybody still with us?
Elisanne: It appears so, yes.
Vixel: The sound of the wind has changed. There should be a clearing just ahead.
Notte: You figured that out just from sound? You're like some kind of faerie tale hero! You crack fiend skulls AND make music! Is there anything you're NOT good at?!
Vixel: Ha ha! I fear you overestimate me. I've flaws just like anyone else.
Notte: Really? 'Cause it sure doesn't seem like it!
Elisanne: Where exactly did you learn your style of fighting, Vixel?
Vixel: Oh, it's just something I picked up in the rough and rowdy days after my voice changed. My memories of those times are rather... interesting, so I tend not to dwell on them. But I can tell you more if you like.
Elisanne: Er, maybe another time!
Vixel: Very well. Now, we must move on, so please stay close, everyone.
Notte: Yahoo! We escaped the darkness!
Vixel: Good work, everyone.
Euden: It's all thanks to you, Vixel.
Notte: You heard every leaf fall and every tiny animal footstep. That was AMAZING!
Ranzal: Do all you conductors have the ears of fruit bats or what?
Vixel: This is actually an ability I've possessed since I was young. For as long as I can remember, every sound has been like music to me. Thus, even when I stopped singing, I still heard music ever-ringing in my ears.
Ranzal: Well, ain't that a hell of a thing. Don't it get annoying?
Vixel: I suppose it has proven troublesome on occasion. And yet, it is precisely because I have this ability that I was able to return to the world of music. It has proven to be a most useful talent, as it was today. Ah. It seems we have guests.
Euden: Huh?
Vixel: Fiends approach.
Euden: What?! I don't see any fien—
Fiend: Graaaagh!
Ranzal: He's right! Fiends! And they brought all their friends, too!
Vixel: Ready yourselves, everyone!
Euden: Let's get 'em!
Fiend: Graaaagh!
Vixel: A good sound. Come, then! I shall conduct it for you!
Euden: You're taking two on at once, Vixel?! Don't be so reckless!
Vixel: It will be fine. Now come, beasts! Play your song for me!
Fiend: Raaaargh!
Vixel: Your energy is quite nice, but you lack delicacy!
Fiend: Raaaargh!
Elisanne: Vixel! Behind you!
Vixel: Yes, I hear them.
Fiend: Graaaaargh!
Vixel: And so ends our song, "A Rhapsody of Three Fiends"!
Elisanne: He lured the fiend to that spot and then launched a surprise attack...
Notte: Just like a true conductor—full of grace, even in the middle of a brawl!
Vixel: Is everyone all right?
Euden: Thanks to you taking out the big ones, we had an easy time of it.
Vixel: Well, I'm just glad you're unharmed. Perhaps we might take a break now?
Ranzal: A break? We're almost at the castle! I say we press on.
Vixel: You may be fine, Ranzal, but there are those among us who are not.
Cleo: *wheeze* M-my apologies. After all the walking and fighting, I fear I'm a bit winded.
Euden: Not only do you have amazing hearing, but you really look out for everyone.
Vixel: An orchestra is made up of many members, and each is essential. My work has taught me to pay close attention to everyone's needs.
Notte: Smart, attentive, AND thoughtful! You must have to fend the ladies off with a stick, am I right?
Vixel: Mmm, who can say?
Ranzal: Ha! Bein' coy like that is the TOTAL move of a ladies man! ...Hey, maybe I oughta try that next time.
Elisanne: Oh, by all means. Just don't expect success.
Ranzal: Guh...
Euden: ANYWAY, that was an impressive display, Vixel. It's adults like you that give the rest of us something to aim for.
Vixel: Even you, Euden? I am no adult. Nay, far from it...
Euden: Er, Vixel?

Euden: I can't seem to play it right. Well, try, try again... ...Hmm? Is someone there?
Vixel: It's Vixel. Might I come in?
Euden: Of course. What can I do for you?
Vixel: I heard you playing in here—it was so forlorn, it made me wonder if something terrible happened to you.
Euden: Er, it did?
Vixel: Sound is honest. It cannot deceive my ear. Supposing something is wrong, would you mind telling me?
Euden: I guess I'm just a little unsettled.
Vixel: What happened?
Euden: Oh, it's nothing too out of the ordinary. Sometimes I just wonder if I have the right to be leading all of these people. Am I really equal to the task?
Vixel: You're wracked with doubts not unlike those that plague others of your age.
Euden: Heh. Maybe, but I don't have the luxury of wallowing in them. I feel like my brothers were so much more impressive when they were my age. I'm still young, and I feel like there are so many talents I still lack.
Vixel: I see. Well, thank you for confiding in me. In the future, please don't keep such things bottled up inside you.
Euden: But if I show people how unsettled I am...
Vixel: They may be worried, yes. But they will be MORE worried if they see your face as you wear it now. You aren't alone, Prince—when times are hard, you can rely on those around you. I'm quite sure everyone would want to help you. I know that I do, at least.
Euden: No, you're right. I know I'm not alone. Thank you, Vixel. I feel better. And you're right—I won't keep these feelings bottled up anymore. Even though I tell people to rely on others, I didn't do it myself, and I regret that.
Vixel: It wasn't my aim to chastise you. I simply wanted you to be aware.
Euden: ...You're a curious fellow, Vixel. There are so many people here now, but none of them are like you. You're not like a brother or a teacher. It's more like... Hmm, how do I put it? You're more like a friend from a different class in school. An older one.
Vixel: Heh. You'd make a cute underclassman.
Euden: C-cute... I'm not sure how to feel about that.
Vixel: Heh. Apologies. In this case, let me give you a gift from one upperclassman to his junior.
Euden: Well, color me interested. What is it?
Vixel: Why don't you try playing your song from earlier and let me conduct it? I'll take the sad tune you played before and use it to put a smile on your face. Now...begin!
Euden: ...Amazing! It's the same song, but it feels like a totally different one! I had no idea it could be so...buoyant. Thank you, Vixel.
Vixel: I'm glad you enjoyed my gift. It's true that music can be played alone. However, playing with a friend can allow you to chance upon entirely new sounds. Life is much the same—if you cannot find the answer you seek while on your own, someone else might lead you to it.
Euden: That sounds like something you'd say, Mr. Conductor. But I happen to agree. If I have another uneasy day like today, would you advise me again? I mean, as an upperclassman you've likely already experienced anything that may trouble me. Ha!
Vixel: If my junior colleague ever seeks advice, he need but ask.

Orchestra Member 1: Attention, everyone! I have news!
Vixel: What is it?
Orchestra Member 1: The orchestra has received a letter— and look at the sender!
Vixel: It's from...Lucretia.
Orchestra Member 1: She's offering to perform with us!
Orchestra Member 2: Did you ask her to do this, Vixel? You were with her in the choir, right?
Vixel: I was, yes—but this wasn't me.
Orchestra Member 1: Well, we've been doing brilliantly lately, so maybe she's anticipating even greater things from us!
Orchestra Member 2: I don't know...although it IS true we've had a successful run since Vixel joined us.
Orchestra Member 1: Regardless of the reason, this is a fantastic opportunity for us. We would be fools to turn it down!
Orchestra Member 2: We're going to do it, right, Vixel?
Vixel: I need to think about this.
Orchestra Member 2: Geez, he just turned around and left. Do you think something's wrong?
Euden: Hello, everyone. No practice today?
Orchestra Member 2: Well, you see...
Vixel: ...Ah, Euden. Come in.
Euden: Heh. I can't believe you knew it was me just from the sound of my knock.
Vixel: Oh, that? It's nothing. Now then, what do you need? Based on your tone of voice, I assume the orchestra members implored you to come here and check on me.
Euden: Pretty much, yes. They also told me all about Lucretia's offer—in rather breathless tones, I might add. You'd be sure to draw a huge crowd if she sang with you, and the orchestra itself is practically bursting with excitement. So why are you hesitating?
Vixel: ......
Euden: You know, I had a friend who once told me that you can often find better answers WITH someone than you can alone. And look, I'll be the first to admit I'm an amateur when it comes to music... But I'd like to help you the way you helped me. ...Or would you rather talk to someone else?
Vixel: No, it's nothing like that. This is actually a great deal of hullabaloo for what is, at heart, a rather trivial matter. Honestly, if we were to discuss it, I fear you might end up disillusioned with me.
Euden: You're my friend, Vixel. That would never happen.
Vixel: Very well, then. I am frightened.
Euden: Of what, exactly?
Vixel: I know well what a talent Lucretia is. I was thought of as something of a prodigy in my choir days, but the moment she appeared, I was all but tossed aside. It was almost like she was blessed by some musical deity. Well, this gave me the excuse I needed to abandon singing when my voice changed. It was regrettable, of course, but also something of a relief. And yet, if I am to conduct, I must once again face the singer who unnerved me enough to force a change of career. Lucretia has actually offered to perform with me countless times before this. She doubtless sees through my cowardice. And yet, I've not once taken her up on it. I'm not confident I can deliver a performance that lives up to the singing voice of the person who drove me to quit.
Euden: Well, maybe you should turn her down this time, too.
Vixel: Come again?
Euden: This is an unmatched opportunity for the orchestra. But if their conductor is wracked with unease, I don't know how they'll be able to put on a good performance. Either way, the decision is yours. Just make sure you have no regrets.
Vixel: Yes, that...will be important. When my voice changed, it...hurt me. I didn't want to face that pain, and so I chose to run instead.
Euden: I understand that.
Vixel: I dedicated myself to finding a path through life where I would never again have to face such pain. But I was wrong—you can't run from something like that. It just follows you about like some kind of curse. I regret that I ran. I regret my cowardice.
Euden: It's strange to hear this coming from someone as accomplished as you.
Vixel: I've told you many times over that you think too highly of me, have I not? I'm not a man of any real import— in fact, I'm not even a man.
Euden: I'm not sure I agree. But even so, can you really keep going like this? The way you talk about this makes it seem like your mind is already made up.
Vixel: If I were to run again now, it would be the same as the first time I did. I cannot remain that young boy forever.
Euden: So you're saying...
Vixel: I will accept Lucretia's offer.
Euden: Really? That's great! Between you, her, and the orchestra, it's going to be a smashing success!
Vixel: I will give my all in order to live up to those expectations. I gave in to my weakness back then, and surrendered what most mattered to me. I don't want to lose anything else— least of all my career as a conductor. I won't run anymore. I'm going to fight through this and grow up in the truest sense of the term.

Orchestra Member 1: Wow, what an audience!
Orchestra Member 2: How many years has it been since we performed in such a large venue? I'm practically shaking!
Orchestra Member 1: I'm certain it will be fine. ...Ah, look! Lucretia has arrived!
Lucretia: It's been a long time, Vixel. I'm glad you decided to put aside your stubbornness and perform with me at last.
Vixel: Thank you for joining us today, Lucretia. I am finally ready to do this. All right, everyone. Deep breaths, now. Let's go put on our finest performance.
Orchestra Members: We will, maestro!
Vixel: (And so, the curtain rises once more—the same one I lowered on myself long ago. This song will echo into my future, and I shall guide it with my baton!)
Euden: Here's to a successful show! The singing and music were splendid. Great job to you all!
Orchestra Member 1: I stood on the stage today because of your support, Prince!
Orchestra Member 2: And with the profits we made tonight, the orchestra can make its comeback!
Euden: I really didn't do anything special, but I'm glad to hear it went well. Oh, that reminds me. Where's Vixel? I haven't seen him anywhere.
Orchestra Member 1: Say, that's right. I could have sworn he was here this whole time.
Euden: I'll go look for him. In the meantime, you should all enjoy the after-party. Vixel!
Vixel: What are you doing here, Euden?
Euden: Looking for you.
Vixel: Ah. I apologize if I worried you. I just wanted to...soak this in. Today's performance was an unmitigated success. Truth be told, I didn't believe either myself or the orchestra could reach such heights. Everyone firmly asserted their own sound in the face of Lucretia's singing. And my conducting harmonized those sounds and transformed them into a beautiful melody. I waved my baton as though in a dream, all of my earlier fears forgotten. It's not just Lucretia who has talent... I do, too.
Euden: I think it's always been that way.
Vixel: Yes. I was trapped in the idea that my abandonment of singing defined me as an abject failure. It probably seems like a simple matter to an outsider, but I struggled with it for so very long. How stubborn I was!
Euden: For what it's worth, I believed in you and the orchestra right from the start.
Vixel: Ha! The tables have turned, it seems; now I am the junior coming to YOU for sage advice!
Euden: Heh. Maybe so. ...Er, is that all right?
Vixel: Of course. I was clearly acting like a child in this situation. Ah, I've such a long way to go before I truly grow up.
Euden: Huh? What do you mean? After all, today you said goodbye to your past...
Vixel: Well, I can't be an adult just yet, because right now I'm as excited as a child on Dragonyule. It's as if I'm a small boy once more, brimming with excitement over the possibilities of sound and music!
Euden: Wh-whoa...
Fan 1: A-HA! There he is!
Fan 2: VIXEEEEL!
Vixel: It seems my adoring fans have arrived.
Fan 1: You were amaaaaazing!
Vixel: That's very kind, thank you.
Fan 2: Um, so what's the deal with you and that Lucretia woman? Is she your girlfriend?!
Vixel: Ha ha! No, she is merely an old friend. I'm in no relationship at the moment. Instead, I am adrift in a sea of sound, borne aloft by my feelings for music. I once believed those feelings were not reciprocated, but now I realize the music actually DOES return them in its own way. If it's all right, I'd like for you to come listen to me again; I will make the next performance even greater than today's! Shall we go, Euden?
Euden: You know it.
Fan 1: When I grow up, I wanna marry Vixel!
Fan 2: He's so cool and grown-up! Nobody can resist Vixel's charms!
Euden: (But that's not all he is. From now on, I think he's going to pursue opportunities the way he did when he was younger. He'll have the composure of an adult, but also the passion of youth.)
Euden: You really are a smooth operator, Vixel.
Vixel: This again? I told you, I have a long way yet to go.
Euden: Maybe—but there's a lot of coolness lumped in with all of that.
Vixel: My thanks. I will do my best to continue being worthy of your high opinion. Today's finale will continue into the music I play tomorrow. I'll continue trying to surpass myself. The music inside me shall never end!