A Familiar Plight

Onslaught Event: Summertime Saviors

Episode 1

A Familiar Plight

Previous Quest

Vacation Basics

Next Quest

Gettin' Groovy

Summary

When Patia hears the imperials attacked the beach after being forced to work without rest, she feels great sympathy for their position. She and Mikoto then enact a plan to help the soldiers while also protecting the beach.

Dialogue

Ha! You never had a chance! Those who pursue violence without reason stand in opposition to the will of Heaven. My bow will remove your blight from this beach and make it pristine once more. Gwargh! Taste the justice of Heaven! Evil will fall, and this beach will ever remain free! The losses you've suffered have sapped your will to fight. If you take flight now, we will not pursue you. Th-this ain't over! We want our vacation, and we'll do whatever it takes to make it happen! A shame. Even the wildest of beasts know discretion is the better part of valor. Yeah, but WE'VE got the power of the human spirit, and we won't give up at the first sign of a setback! Why must you be so tenacious? Do you truly resent innocent vacationers so? How would you feel if your own leave was interrupted in such a fashion? Leave? Ha! Oh, that's rich. Hmm? When we joined the army, we thought our hard work would be rewarded in kind. Instead, our commanders just send us on one mission after another! And while the objectives pile up, the time we have to get 'em done only shrinks! Our task lists all blend into each other and the missions never end. Frankly, we're all miserable—and it's the same story up and down the Empire. You know how it is: Generals do the leading while us grunts do the bleeding. We deserve at least a LITTLE happiness! And why, exactly, are you telling us this? Because we want a vacation, we want it now, and we're not gonna be denied. Now stand aside and let us have this! Your pathetic whinging is no excuse for violating the natural order. Patia, it seems we need to— *sniff* I absolutely understand. Hmm? I know your pain! You're working so hard, your leave is in sight, but just before you pack your bags, another urgent mission rears its ugly head! I take it the same thing's happened to you? Being ready for any contingency is part of a soldier's job. Sometimes things happen and there is no choice but to set everything aside and act. But when you pull a miracle out of your hat and complete the mission, your commander only assumes that means he can pile ever more on your plate! That's it exactly! We work hard so we can buy ourselves a break, but our commander doesn't care because he's got the brass breathing down his own neck. Tyranny is what it is! We may be grunts, but we've still got feelings! Yeah, we've a right to enjoy a nice vacation same as anyone else! I understand that, and I sympathize. Yet that still does not make it permissible for you to ruin the vacations of others. Well, I mean... Yeah, but... When you send evil out into the world, it returns to you tenfold. Would you not agree with this, Mikoto? Such is the natural order. Yeah, but it's still not fair! Then instead of taking your frustrations out on innocent civilians, go back to your commanding officer and plead your case. I'll even go with you, if you like. You will?! Yes. But in exchange, you must agree to fully withdraw from this beach. Pray forgive me for ruining the mood, but this plan makes precious little sense. Shut it, ya weirdo! Us and the lady got an agreement going here! And yet, you have already shattered the tranquility of this beach. There can be no absolution without first addressing the sin. To say nothing of the fact that Patia serves the leader of the New Alberian Army. Do you not fear the consequences of conspiring with your sworn enemies? Er, I suppose I didn't consider that part of it, exactly... Indeed, were this a different situation, all of you would likely be meeting each other at the end of a sword. I THOUGHT I knew that face! You're from the White Sparrow Corps! The ones who up and deserted the Empire! Cor, you're right! She's the Vice Captain! The one with a spine of pure steel! Rrrrgh... Argh! Damn it all, Mikoto is right! I'm sorry, but I can't in good conscience collaborate with you on this. Now please just leave this beach! It appears we all understand each other. Away with you all, then. Damn it, this is not over! We WILL have our vacation!

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They're gone. Although based on their attitude, I expect we will see them back here on the morrow. Their resentment about being denied a vacation runs deep, and their passion regarding that snub is very real. Their hearts are an open book with a tale of single-minded obsession— not unlike my own heart with its eternal pursuit of Mineuchi. Their attack against this beach was an affront to the natural order. Therefore, we may conclude it Heaven's will that we ignore the thirst within their hearts. ...... However, if it is Heaven's will that I seek to fill the void within my own heart, then it may be so for them as well. This all boils down to one thing: Vacations are awesome. There must be some way to let them have their dream vacation without disrupting the happiness of everyone else. *sigh* I suppose I must report back to His Highness about what has transpired here today. I just wish there was something we could actually DO... The next morning...
That's IT! You certainly seem to be in higher spirits than you were yesterday. That's because I figured out a solution that will satisfy everyone! That's great, Patia. What is it? Er, I think it would be faster to show you than explain it—but I'm going to need Mikoto to come with me first. His athleticism is going to be required for this little endeavor. If you think your plan might avoid further bloodshed, I am for you. Leave the beach in our hands, Highness, and we will leave the rest in yours. Good luck, you guys! Er, with... whatever it is you're doing?